Question:
Is it better to travel out of town for Birkat Hailanot? I think i read this in Yalkut Yosef. Why would it be better to specifically leave town for this beracha?
Answer:
There is no obligation [or benefit] to travel out of town for birkat hailanot. One may not just wait and see if he chances upon a tree. Rather one should seek out a tree to assure making this beracha. However this can be done anywhere, even close to home.
L’chatchilah the blessing should be said on trees in an orchard that is planted outside the city limits. Look in Teshuvos Lev Chayim 45 quoted in Kaf ha-Chayim 226:3 and in Chazon Ovadyah, pg. 8.
This is a singular opinion who himself testifies to the fact that the custom was always to make this beracha even within the city limits. He himself provides no rationale for this practice other than a very slight [if that] indication from the wording of the Talmud, which simply read has no such indication.
As this stipulation was not brought by early or later authorities, and even he agrees one fulfills his obligation in the city, it would seem as stated that one may even ideally rely on the widespread custom and need not change their practice because of one obscure source. As far as I understand this has been the custom of Poskim and Talmidei Chachamim, and is until this day.
Leave a comment