Last Days to Bless Blossoming Fruit Trees

Several blossoming fruit trees are located in the Crown Heights neighborhood, giving the opportunity to recite the blessing said during the month of Nissan.

An apple tree and a cherry tree are blooming at 512 Montgomery Street between Brooklyn and New York Avenues.

Two trees are also located at 382 Crown Street between Brooklyn and New York Avenues.

Halachos of blessing Blossoming Fruit Trees by Chabad.org

When one sees blossoming fruit trees for the first time during the month of Nissan, one should say this blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁלֹּא חִסַּר בְּעוֹלָמוֹ כְּלוּם וּבָרָא בוֹ בְּרִיּוֹת טוֹבוֹת וְאִילָנוֹת טוֹבוֹת לֵהָנוֹת בָּהֶם בְּנֵי אָדָם.

Transliteration: Baw-rooch ah-taw Ah-doh-noi Eh-loh-hei-noo meh-lech haw-oh-lawm sheh-loh chee-sar beh-oh-law-moh keh-loom oo-vaw-raw voh beh-ree-yohs toh-vohs veh-ee-law-nohs toh-vohs lei-haw-nohs baw-hem be-nei aw-dawm.

Translation: Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has made nothing lacking in His world, and created in it goodly creatures and goodly trees to give mankind pleasure.

This blessing is said just once a year—the first time that he sees it.1

Although the ideal situation is for the blessing to be said during the month of Nissan, it would seem that post facto (bedi’eved), if one did not see the trees blossoming until the month of Iyar, it would be permitted to say the blessing.2

One is permitted to say this blessing even on the Shabbat and on holidays.3

Ideally, Bircat HaIlanot should be made outside of the city limits, and on at least two trees, and the more the better (as in an orchard). There are those who hold that these trees should be of at least two different species. Also, it is desirable that it be recited with a minyan of 10 males if possible, so that it can be followed by Kaddish.

According to Kabbala, this blessing has special significance. When Jews make this blessing they are able to redeem souls who have been re-incarnated in the vegetal realm, making it possible for them to continue or complete their soul rectification. It should therefore, be said with intense concentration.

In addition, it is desirable to follow the blessing with a donation of 3 coins to tzedakah (charity), corresponding to the three soul levels of nefesh-ruach-neshama. Also, the Ben Ish Hai recommends giving 4 coins for the elevation of the soul of one’s departed parents, based on the four letters of the Name.

“See [said Isaac of Jacob], the fragrance of my son is like the fragrance of a field that G‑d has blessed.” (Gen. 27:27) It is interpreted that this verse applies to anyone who recites Bircat HaIlanot with the proper intention.