(Translated by Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow – Email [email protected] for sources)

Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l was renowned for his concise, often one-word answers to halachic questions. Over the years, various individuals compiled and published collections of the questions they asked him—and the succinct responses they received in return. Below is a translation of several questions related to Birchas Ilanos (the blessing recited upon seeing blossoming fruit trees in the spring).

Please note: while these insights are fascinating and can spark meaningful discussion, all those who published these collections emphasized that the responses should not be relied upon halacha l’maaseh (for practical halachic rulings). For sources or further inquiries, feel free to reach out via the email address provided at the top of this article.

Are women obligated to recite Birchas Ilanos? They are obligated if they see a blossoming fruit tree.

Should one train his children to recite Birchas Ilanos? Yes.

If a boy is turning 13 in Nissan, should he wait until he is Bar Mitzvah to recite this bracha? He does not need to wait.

Why is that different than Kiddush Levana? Kiddush Levana is an obligatory blessing, so an argument can be made that a boy should wait until he is Bar Mitzvah. There is no obligation at all to see a blossoming tree and recite Birchas Ilanos. If one sees a blossoming fruit tree, he must recite a bracha. Therefore, if a boy sees a blossoming fruit tree, he should recite the bracha then and not wait until he is bar mitzvah.

May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a potted fruit tree with holes on the bottom? Yes.

May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a fruit tree still in the Orlah years? There is a discussion about this. Some are lenient.

(Rebbe Akiva Eiger says one can recite Birchas Ilanos on Safek Orlah outside of Israel.)

Rav Chaim Kanievsky is recorded as giving contradictory answers whether one may recite Birchas Ilanos on a potted fruit tree that does not have holes on the bottom. (Atzitz She’aino Nakuv)

Can one recite Birchas Ilanos on a blossoming fruit tree that only produces a spice used to flavor other dishes? No.

If someone mistakenly recited Birchas Ilanos on a non-fruit-bearing tree, should he recite the bracha again on a fruit-bearing tree? Yes.

May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a detached branch of a blossoming fruit-bearing tree? No.

Is it permissible to recite Birchas Ilanos on a tree if the flowers have already fallen off, but the emerging fruit is still unripe? No.

May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a tree growing by someone who does not keep Shabbos R”L;Perhaps he may have planted it on Shabbos.

One does not need to be concerned for that possibility.

Is it forbidden to recite Birchas Ilanos on a tree that was guarded and worked on during Shmitta? Those that forbid reciting Birchas Ilanos on a grafted fruit tree would also prohibit this.

May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a fruit tree planted without permission? Without Shem U’Malchus.

May one recite Birchas Ilanos on a tree whose fruit is infested with bugs? Yes.

May one recite Birchas Ilanos in Adar? The custom is not to. But if one recited it in Adar, he fulfilled his obligation.

(The Rivivos Ephraim reports that he personally witnessed Rav Moshe Feinstein Zt”l reciting Birchas Ilanos in Iyar. )

Is it possible to recite Birchas Ilanos on Shabbos? It’s possible, and it seems our custom is to do so.

Should one be stringent like the Kabbalists and only recite Birchas Ilanos outside the city in a field? One is not obligated to do so.

May one recite Birchas Ilanos on one tree, or are two or more blossoming fruit trees required? The custom is to recite over two, but according to the letter of the law, one suffices.

May one be motzi someone else if he already recited Birchas Ilanos himself? No.

(Nitei Gavriel says that countries south of the Equator recite the beracha during their spring season.)

If someone recited Birchas Ilanos in Nissan and then went to Australia, may he recite Birchas Ilanos again in Tishrei? No.

I heard that the Chazon Ish didn’t recite Birchas Ilanos. Is that true?

No. The Chazon Ish and I were once walking, and I saw a blossoming fruit tree from afar. I asked the Chazon Ish if I should recite a beracha, and he said that I should. He didn’t recite the beracha because he couldn’t see the tree.

May one enter his friend’s yard without permission to recite Birchas Ilanos? No. This is not the type of mitzvah for which we assume the owner permits without asking.

Do you need the tree owner’s permission to recite Birchas Ilanos on his tree? No.

Does one need to recite Birchas Ilanos with a minyan, or does one not need to be makpid on this? One does not need to be makpid.