Chapter 1. The Blessing over Trees
A. One recites the blessing over a flower that is destined to produce fruit; however, over a flower that is not destined to produce fruit, one does not recite the blessing [1] .
The Number of Trees
B.
Some maintain that two trees are required
[2]
, and some have the practice that they must be of two different species; however, the primary halachic ruling is that it is sufficient to recite the blessing over one tree
[3]
.
A Tree in a Courtyard
C.
Although there are those who are meticulous to recite the blessing over trees in fields or orchards
[4]
— the primary halachic ruling is that one may recite the blessing even over a tree in a courtyard.
A Perforated Pot
D.
One may also be lenient and recite the blessing over a tree planted in a perforated pot. If the fruit has begun to grow E. If the flower fell off and the fruit began to grow, as long as the fruit is unripe and not fit for eating, one may recite the blessing over it lechatchilah.
One Who Saw and Did Not Recite the Blessing
F.
If one saw and did not recite the blessing the first time he saw it, he may recite the blessing the second time he sees it only if there are still flowers on the tree; but if there are no longer flowers and the fruit has begun to grow, he may not recite the blessing upon the second sighting.
At Night
G.
One may recite the blessing both by day and by night, provided that he can see the trees clearly.
[1]
Shulchan Aruch (siman 226, se’if 1) and Mishnah Berurah (se’if katan 2).
[2]
Mo’ed Lechol Chai (siman 1, law 9), Kaf HaChaim (siman 226, se’if katan 2).
[3]
In accordance with the version of the Ra’ah in the Gemara in Berachot (43b), “d’chazi ilana” — “when one sees a tree”; and so it is in Responsa Maharil (siman 143).
[4]
Kaf HaChaim (ibid.).
