A Message from the Rabbi By Rabbi Raphael Katz Exaltedness of Renewal
On seeing the wonders and beauty of the natural world, the Halacha requires one to recite blessings. For “small scaled wonders” such as beautiful trees or animals, in contrast to magnificent mountains and oceans, one recites the blessing: “Blessed are You Hashem our G-d, King of the Universe, who has [created] such things in His world.” [Shulchan Aruch 225.] When experiencing a sight which is so appealing aesthetically, we are inspired to give praise to Hashem who created such a beautiful and perfect natural world. Such is the Halacha throughout the year. YET, on Rosh Chodesh Nissan we recite somewhat of a different blessing when going out and seeing the blossoming and flowering of the trees. “Blessed are You Hashem... who has withheld nothing from His world, but has created in it beautiful creatures and trees for human beings to enjoy.” [Shulchan Aruch 226.] During the year when looking at a beautiful scene, we recite a blessing on the aesthetic inspiring sight per se, but on Rosh Chodesh Nissan we emphasize
the fact that these beautiful things were given to man as a source of pleasure. Why the difference? The explanation is as follows: The blossoming of the trees in Spring [the month of Nissan], parallels the renewal of the Jewish people during this season. To use an expression of Rav Kook: “Israel’s going out of Egypt will remain forever the Spring time of the entire world”. The beauty and renewal of nature works in unison with the beauty and renewal of Jewish History. Chag sameach. o
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