28 Elul 5770 |
September 7 2010 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
.jpg)
On Birkat Ilanot
One of the lesser-known mitzvot of the spring season is the recitation of a short, simple blessing upon trees in blossom. The basis for this precept is to be found in the Talmud,[1] which declares that “a person who goes out during the days of Nissan and sees trees in bloom recites the following blessing: Blessed are you Lord our God, king of the universe, who did not leave anything lacking in His universe, and created in it good creatures and good trees, to give pleasure to humankind with them.” Reciting this blessing is so precious, that if the deadline for its recitation is nearing, one may take to the fields even on Shabbat to ensure that one does not miss this opportunity.[2]
Although the wording of the Talmud seems to imply that one may only recite this blessing during the month of Nissan, the consensus of halachic authorities is that the blessing may actually be recited anytime during the blooming season, say, from March to May.[3] Further substantiation that the “days of Nissan” is more of a figure of speech than a specific directive is that if you live in the southern hemisphere, it would be virtually impossible to ever recite this blessing! You would likely be reciting this blessing in November or thereabouts, when trees blossom in those places. Perhaps one can suggest from the wording of the Talmud that it was assumed by our sages that all Jews would be forever living in the Middle East. The real kabbalists, though, seem to insist that the blessing be recited specifically in the month of Nissan for mystical reasons.[4]
Another point of contention stemming from the wording of this precept is the Talmud’s use of the word “trees” in plural. Indeed, some authorities insist that the blessing should only be recited upon gazing at two or more trees in blossom. Most other authorities, however, rule that that Talmud’s wording is, again, only a figure of speech, and that the blessing may be recited on even a single tree. Some authorities suggest that the blessing be recited on sweet-smelling trees, or trees that produce appetizing fruits, but that reason alone should not delay the performance of this mitzva. One who is blind should go along with a partner to "view" the blossoming trees and have the partner recite the blessing. In this way, the blind individual participates in the mitzva by answering “amen” at the conclusion of the blessing. It is interesting to note that God originally intended that both trees as well as their fruit were to be edible by mankind. Unfortunately, the trees did not heed God’s will, and provided only edible fruit, rather than completely edible trees.[5]
So beloved is this easy mitzva that many schools in Israel spend a day studying the many details and interpretations behind it, often culminating in a school trip to an orchard, so that everyone can say the blessing together. In fact, it is ideal to endeavor to recite this blessing with a minyan. Women should make an effort to perform this mitzva as well.[6]
Regardless of how many trees you'll be reciting the blessing over, or whether you'll be reciting this blessing on Shabbat or a weekday, the message is unmistakable: the renewal of nature and our interaction with it is nothing short of an encounter with the Creator. We are told that those who are careful to fulfill this mitzva every year will merit many blessings. Let us bear in mind the biblical teaching that “man is like a tree of the field.”[7] May we merit seeing the true blossoming and flowering of all mankind.
This site is powered by PBCSTechnology.