- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Month of Nissan
What Is Birkat Ha-ilanot, the Blessing on Trees?
Rosh Chodesh Nisan marks the start of the season for saying Birkat Ha-Ilanot, the bracha said upon seeing fruit trees in bloom (as stated in Brachot 43b). This is one of only 4 brachot said by all Jews just once each year! The Bracha: B.A.A.E.M.H. shelo chaser b'olamo klum, u'bara vo briyut tovot v'ilanot tovim, layhanot bahem bnei adam (Blessed is G-d; nothing is missing from His world; He created good things such as trees, so that Man might benefit from them). Ideally, we say this bracha when first seeing fruit-bearing trees flowering in Nisan; but the bracha may still be said for as long as the fruit has not yet ripened. A "hidur (enhanced) Mitzva" is to say the bracha on 2 or more trees together, with a minyan. But a single person may also say it, on a single tree. Women should also recite this bracha, which can be said either day or night, weekday or Shabbat/Chag. Many have the Minhag to say the bracha on the 1st day of Chol HaMoed Pesach.

The Bracha on Blossoming Trees
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Adar II 27 5782
Hospital Treetment
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Nissan 4 5780
Spring
Rabbi Berel Wein | Nissan 1 5781

See and Sanctify
Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli zt"l | Nisan 12 5778

Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.

Who was the mysterious “wood gatherer” & what was his sin?
Sivan 5783

In My Life, I’ve Loved Them All
20 Elul 5783

Parasha Summary - Shelach Lecha
An Overview of the Torah Portion

Eliminating Amalek
Elul 12 5782

Chanuka Candles and Havdala – Which Comes First?
Rabbi Daniel Mann | 5775

Chanuka Candles and Havdala – Which Comes First?
Rabbi Daniel Mann | 5775

Abraham’s 10 tests and consequences
Rabbi Avraham (Abe) Abrahami

Lighting the candles on Friday night
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 5772

Orot HaMilchama part IV- Wars & Selflessness- Part of the Process of Geula
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 7 5784

Eradicating Hatred in Our Generation
Rabbi Moshe Tzuriel | 25 Kislev 5784
