Spring is (almost) in the Air

We bless the new month of Nissan that begins next Shabbat, this weekend.

The month of Nissan is the Month of Redemption.

There is a beautiful practice that during the month of Nissan we recite a blessing when we see the budding fruit trees that start to bloom (Birkat Ha’Ilanot).

Life has many beautiful and precious moments. Often we miss them by focusing on the drudgery and busyness that is part of living. We are confined and feel powerless by circumstance and a negative attitude.

We reach a mindset of “redemption & freedom” when we make the choice to see the beauty in life.

-Rabbi Shmulik Yeshayahu

We reach a mindset of “redemption & freedom” when we make the choice to see the beauty in life.

The idea in Judaism of making a blessing compels us to take a moment and be grateful for all that is wonderful and good (even when it may be tough).

An attitude of redemption is an awareness of the blessings. Even in the darkness and harshness of winter, the trees are getting ready to blossom. In Nissan, on the heels of the clouds and rain, we start to see the trees and flowers begin to bloom.

We notice and appreciate beauty, even when there is also darkness. Take a moment and make a conscious effort to see and cultivate the good.

We are free because we have the choice of how to perceive our circumstances, choose what to internalize, and when we focus on beauty, we flourish and break free. 

“Blessed are You, G‑d, 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.”

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁלֹּא חִסֵּר בְּעוֹלָמוֹ כְּלוּם וּבָרָא בּוֹ בְּרִיּוֹת טוֹבוֹת וְאִילָנוֹת טוֹבוֹת לְהִתְנָאוֹת בָּהֶן בְּנֵי אָדָם