From Lisa Katz,
Your Guide to Judaism.
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Definition: Judaism's Shehechiyanu blessing thanks God for sustaining our lives so we could experience this moment of joy.

The Shehechiyanu blessing reminds us that life is a gift from God. It reminds us to experience the joy in this moment. And it reminds us to cherish our blessings.

Translation

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and sustained us, and enabled us to reach this moment.

Transliteration

Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olom
She-heh-che-yah-nu Ve-ki-yi-ma-nu Ve-he-gi-a-nu Laz-man Ha-zeh.

Reciting Shehechiyanu

While Jewish law prescribes specific times to recite the Shehechiyanu blessing, there are additional opportunities to express appreciation for new or special experiences in our lives.

The Shehechiyanu blessing is often recited on Jewish holidays such before eating a new fruit on the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah, sitting in the Sukkah on Succoth, lighting the Hanukkah menorah, reading the Purim Megillah and celebrating the Passover Seder. In addition, the Shehechiyanu blessing is often recited at Jewish lifecycle celebrations such as a bris, baby naming, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah or wedding. Some people will recite the blessing for other positive and unique experiences, such as eating a few fruit of the season, receiving a gift that brings joy, or moving into a new home.