Reciting Birkas Ilonot During the First Three Years of a Tree
As we say in the text of the brocha, we refer to the fact that Hashem created fruit trees for us to enjoy. Rav Akiva Eiger discusses whether or not one can recite the brocha on an orlah tree, the first three years of a fruit tree, when one may not derive any benefit from the fruits. He adds that this is only an issue if one knows that it is certainly an orlah tree. However, if it is only a safeik orlah, a tree that one is uncertain if it is still within the first three years, the halacha is that in chutz la’aretz (the Diaspora), one may partake from the fruits, and one can certainly recite the brocha.
The Tchebeiner Rav, in his sefer Doveiv Meisharim, elaborates on this question and explains that, on the one hand, these particular fruits cannot be used. But, on the other hand, since in general, these fruit trees are made to enjoy and, in addition, one will eventually be allowed to enjoy this tree in the future, perhaps a brocha can be recited on the rejuvenation of the trees.
He adds that there is a possible proof that the brocha can be recited even on an orlah tree. The Mishnah (Maaser Sheini 5:1) writes that if one has an orlah tree, he should put up a sign telling people that it is forbidden to take. The Mishnah continues that this is only necessary during the year of Shmitta, when the fruits are ownerless, and anyone would be allowed to take them. However, in other years, where someone taking fruits is a thief, it is not necessary to tell them, since they have no right to take them, anyway.
But why don’t you have to put a sign for people to know that the tree is orlah, and they don’t recite the Birkas Ilonos when seeing the blossoming of the tree? It must be that the brocha can in fact be recited, even if it is orlah.
The Chelkas Yaakov also maintains that one can recite the brocha even on an orlah tree, although under normal circumstances, one cannot derive any benefit from an orlah tree. However, there are certain situations that the trees can be providing some benefits, thus making the brocha still appropriate. For example, the issur of orlah is only for Jewish people, and non-Jews can enjoy the fruits. Similarly, if needed, a sick person can benefit from an orlah tree, making it worthy of reciting the brocha.
However, the Shevet Halevi asserts that the brocha should only be recited for standard benefits that all can enjoy, and the brocha should not be recited for irregular benefits.
Murkav – A Grafted Tree
Can one recite the brocha on a tree that was grafted? We find, in regard to the reciting of Shecheyanu that is recited on a new fruit, that we do not recite the brocha on the fruit of a grafted tree. This is because one is not allowed to mix different species of trees together, and we don’t want to show joy on the “fruits” of improper behavior, in which an aveira was done. However, this is only true if a Jew was the one who grafted the tree, which is not allowed. But if it was done by a non-Jew, grafting is not an issue. The same rules and regulations should apply to this brocha as well.
In Conclusion
As we finish the series on Birkas Ilonos, here is a summary of the halachos that were discussed:
- The full text of the brocha is recited.
- The brocha should be recited on a fruit tree.
- According to most poskim, one fruit tree is enough to recite the brocha.
- One can still recite the brocha even after the month of Nissan is over.
- One can still recite the brocha even if it is not the first time they see the tree.
- The brocha is only recited once a year.
- One can recite the brocha even on Shabbos.
- It is questionable if one can recite the brocha on an orlah tree.
- One should not recite the brocha on a tree that was grafted by a Jew.
