These halachos of Birkat HaIlanot are based on the rulings of the Mishna Berura, reflecting Ashekanzi practice.
- In the month of Nissan, one who sees trees in blossom makes the Bracha known as ‘Birkas HaIlanos’ ברוך… שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות ליהנות בהם בני אדם. This bracha is only said once per year (SA 226:1).
- Stage: the bracha is said when the blossom is visible – if the tree has merely grown leaves, or if the fruit has already fully developed one may not say the bracha.
- If the fruit is already visibly growing (but not yet fully developed) and the blossom has fallen, one may only make the bracha if one had no previous opportunity to say the bracha on a blossoming tree (SA 226:1, MB 4, PT 4, fn38)
- Type of tree: the bracha should be said specifically on a fruit tree, such that its blossom is a precursor of a potential fruit (MB 226:2).
- Number of trees: the bracha should preferably be recited in a place where one can see two fruit trees blossoming; however, strictly speaking one may say the bracha even if one can only see one such tree (PT 226:1, fn9)
- Timing: The Bracha is primarily spoken about in relation to the month of Nissan, given this is the month when trees typically start to blossom in Israel and the middle east. However, one may make this bracha in another month if this is when one encounters trees in bloom, for example in places further north where spring arrives later, or in the southern hemisphere when spring occurs around Tishrei time. (MB 226:1, PT 2).
- Nonetheless, in places where it is possible, one should try and make the bracha specifically in Nissan (PT 2).
- If one already saw: if one initially saw a tree in blossom and didn’t make the bracha, one may make the bracha another time that one sees such a tree (unlike by some other brachos where if one didn’t say the bracha at the first opportunity, one is unable to say it later). (MB 226:5)
