The Time For Birchas HaIlanos - What About Australia & Women?
The gemara says that when you go out and see the trees start to blossom in the month of Nisan you say Birchas HaIlanos. There is a machlokes HaPoskim if the bracha is made only in Nisan or any month that you see the trees blossom for the first time. Many poskim say the bracha is not specifically for Nisan. The reason why the gemara says Nisan is because that is when the trees typically blossom. Others say you can only make the bracha in the month of Nisan, not before and not after.
The Minchas Yitzchok (10:16) says that even poskim who hold the bracha is only in Nisan agree that if you live in a place where the seasons are reversed like in Australia then you make the Bracha at the time that the trees blossom in your country.
Rav Moshe Shternbuch (1:190) says that even if you consider Birchas Ilanos a Mitzva SheHazman Grama, women also would make the bracha since this is a bracha on Hashem’s creations that are enjoyed by women as well.
Important Note: We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. Please also understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.
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