Chapter 60 – Benedictions over Sights in Nature

60.1) When you see fruit trees in blossom, say, “Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who hath made the world wanting in nought, but hath produced therein goodly creatures and goodly trees wherewith to give delight to the children of men.” Say this benediction once a year.

60.2) When you see a shooting star, a comet, a meteor, comet, earthquake, hurricane, or lightning, say, “Blessed are Thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who hath made the work of creation.” Say this benediction only once during a night.

60.3) One benediction is sufficient for lightning and thunder, so long as clouds do not scatter between) episodes.

60.4) When you see a rainbow, say, “Blessed art Thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who remembereth His covenant is faithful to His covenant, and keepeth His promise. Do not look too long at the rainbow.

60.5) When you see seas and high mountains say, “Who hath made the work of creation.”

60.6) When the vernal equinox of the month of Nisan (first month of the Jewish year) begins, at nightfall on the eve of the fourth day, say at sunrise, “Who hath made the work of creation.”

60.7 ) Say the sunrise benediction in 60.6, immediately after sunrise if possible.

60.8) At a place where a miracle has occurred, say, “Blessed art Thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who hath wrought a miracle for me in this place.

60.9) When you see a distinguished Jewish scholar, say, “Blessed art thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who hath imparted of His wisdom to them that fear Him.”  A secular scholar has a different benediction. (See source for details, or consult a rabbi.)

60.10) When you see a king, say, “Blessed art thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who hath given of his glory to flesh and blood.”

60.11) When you see the graves of Israelites, say, “Blessed art thou, O Lord our    G-d, King of the universe, who hath formed you in judgment.” For heathens, say Jeremiah 50:12.

60.12) Do not repeat the benediction of 60.11 within thirty-days of the day you saw the grave the first time.

60.13) When you see an unusual creature or man for the first time, say, “Blessed art Thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who varies the forms of His creatures.”

60.14 ) When you see a lame or afflicted person for the first time, say, “Blessed art thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who varies the forms of His creatures.

60.15) When you see good trees or beautiful creatures (human and animals), say, “Blessed art Thou, O Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who hath such as this in His world.”