1)The Bracha on seeing blossoming trees is only recited on fruit trees, and only when the buds/flowers are seen in the early stages of blooming, and not on trees where only leaves are seen and not on trees where the fruit has already completely developed. (See Mishna Berura Siman 226:2 and 4. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 6 Siman 53:4)
If one saw such a tree and did not recite the Bracha, it may be recited at the next opportunity. ( Mishna Berura Siman 226:5 and Sha'ar HaTziyun S"K 3. Some Poskim, including the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 60:1 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 226:9 and 10 rule that if it wasn't recited upon seeing it the first time, it is no longer recited at all. See also Shu"t Shevet Haleivi ibid.)
2) According to the Sifrei Kabala, reciting this Bracha, is a big Tikkun (spiritual repair) for the Neshamos that are hovering between the two worlds as Gilgulim (reincarnated souls) in the barks of trees, and it's important when saying this Bracha to have in mind to bring heavenly mercy onto these hovering souls and allow them to be freed from their pain and allow them to return to their place in Olam Haba (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 1 end of Siman 191 and Kaf HaChaim 226:8. The Kaf HaChaim 226:4 goes so far as to give another reason for this Bracha not being said on Shabbos, as doing so will be "Borer", separating the "sparks of Kedusha" of the Neshamos from the trees!)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
I once heard that there is a mitzvah to own your own wine for kiddush and the Daled Kosos (4 Cups of wine by the Pesach Seder). My father in law wants to buy me wine, and I want to pay him back... but he will only accept it if I show him the source for this. Do you know the source for this? I remember the Gemara in Pesachim about a person will rather use his own money to do a mitzva and there is an iyan of "Lachem" by Lulav... but what about Daled Kosos?
Answer:
There is a chumrah by Matzah to make it "Lachem", but I do not believe this Chumrah exists by wine for the 4 Kosos. Also, even if it would require "Lachem", getting it as a gift suffices. (See Halichos Shlomo, Pesach, page 206)
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel, we will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
"True Joy is found in controlling one's Yetzer Hara"
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