Birchas Hailonos

This special blessing is recited only once a year. In it we praise G-d's ongoing renewal of creation. The blessing is as follows:

Boruch Ata Ad-o-nay, E-l-hainu, Melech Ha'olam,
sh'lo hasair b'olamo kloom,
ubara bo briyot tovot v'eilanot tovot,
leihanot bahem benai adam.

"Blessed be You, G-d, our G-d, King of the Universe, 
that His world is not lacking anything, 
and He created in it good creations and good trees 
for the pleasure of mankind."

(Readings for before and after the blessing are found in some prayer books.)

It is desirable to seek the opportunity to recite Birchat Ha'Ilanot as soon as possible in the month of Nissan (unless Rosh Chodesh Nissan falls on Shabbat). It is said only upon seeing a tree in bloom for the first time. The growth of leaves alone is not sufficient to allow one to say the blessing; there must be flowers (or buds, according to some authorities).

One who saw fruit trees in bloom during Nissan, but forgot or neglected to recite the blessing, may then recite it only until the time that the fruit of the tree has (begun to have) grown.

Ideally, Birchat Ha'Ilanot should be made outside of the city limits, and only 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.

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According to Kabbalah, 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 th