It’s the month of Nissan and we have a special mitzvah to make a bracha over fruit-bearing trees in bloom.
Usually that means that we head out in the neighborhood on a delightful blossom hunt in nearby parks and gardens. This year it’s not so easy but our bewildered, news-saturated souls need this inspiring once-a-year bracha now more than ever!
ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוקינו מלך העולם שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות ליהנות בהם בני אדם
“Blessed are You, Hashem, our Lord, 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.”
The good news is: you can say it from your porch or window if you can see blossoming trees, and certainly in your yard if you’re blessed to own a fruit tree.
Right now all citrus are blooming and many people in Israel grow lemons, oranges, clementines and pomelos. Stone fruits, such as peaches and apricots, are at the end of the their flowering period but most still have a few blooms for you to bless.
Ideally, it’s best to say it over two blooming fruit tress, but one is also sufficient. For more on the halachic aspects, see here
Ask your neighbors if they know of any such trees in the immediate surrounds. Most likely there is one within 100 meters or even out your window.
May we be blessed to realize that we lack nothing and that all Creation is good and for our enjoyment!