1) Some people have the custom after reciting the Bracha on seeing blossoming trees to add additional Mizmorim of Tehillim and other texts praising Hashem for the trees.
Some people try to say this Bracha with other people, as a group and some even have the custom to give Tzedakah before reciting this Bracha.
Each person should do as their customs dictate. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 226:7 and 8. See also Shu"t Minchas Yitzchak Vol. 10 Siman 16)
2) This Bracha may only be recited once a year, and according to some Poskim only during the daytime (See Mishna Berura Siman 226:3. See also Shu"t Har Tzvi Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 118 and Shu"t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 12 Siman 20:6)
The Bracha on seeing a blossoming tree should ideally not be recited on Shabbos, as we are worried that one will touch the tree and/or pluck a branch from it, as well as for Kabalistic reasons (which we will discuss shortly).
However, according to many Poskim, if it is seen on Shabbos and it will be the last opportunity to recite the Bracha, it may indeed be recited. (See Kaf HaChaim 226:4 and Shu"t B'Tzel HaChachma Vol. 6 Siman 37. See also Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchaso Perek 26 footnote 72 and Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 1 Siman 2)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
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. (See 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 those 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 by enabling 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.
These Q&A are 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@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Does the spice paprika need a hechsher?
Answer:
Spice blends, spices produced in Israel (due to Ma'asros etc.), and spices on Pesach surely need a Hechsher.
Non Israeli, Single Ingredient, pure spices, according to many Poskim do not need a Hechsher.
However, it is best to be stringent, especially nowadays when spices with reliable hechsherim are readily available.
CHIZUK CORNER
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Important Numbers
