Definition of the Shehechiyanu Blessing

Definition:

The Shehechiyanu is a Jewish blessing that thanks God for sustaining our lives so that we could experience a moment of joy. It reminds us that life is a gift from God and helps us to appreciate when something good happens.

The Shehechiyanu is recited at the following times:

• The beginning of a holiday
• When a ritual is observed for the first time during a year, or for the first time in a person's life
• When something happens for the first time (for instance, when the first snow falls in a season)
• When food is enjoyed for the first time in a season (for instance, when fruit comes into season)

The Shehechiyanu is also said when a new garment is worn for the first time, but not if the article of clothing is made from the skin of an animal. The reason for this exception is that bible forbids cruelty towards animals.

In addition to these occasions for saying the Shehechiyanu, some people will recite it upon experiencing other good things the first time.

The Shehechiyanu

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: Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam Shehehchiyahnu vekiyamanu vehegianu lazman ha-zeh.

Pronunciation: sh-heh-hi-yah-nu