She-Heḥeyanu

("Who has kept us alive"). Name given to a benediction recited over something new. According to the Mishnah (Ber. 9:3), a person acquiring a new house or new utensils should pronounce a blessing, the full text of which reads: "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive [she-heḥeyanu], sustained us, and brought us to this season." It is accordingly recited on moving into a new house or apartment, wearing a new suit or dress, or tasting a new season's fruit. This benediction is also to be said on the first evening of festivals; before the Shofar (ram's horn) is sounded on Rosh Ha-Shanah; prior to the recitation of Barekhu on the eve of the Day of Atonement; on taking the Four Species before Hallel on Sukkot; on lighting the first Hanukkah candle; before the Scroll of Esther is read in the synagogue on Purim; and at the Redemption of the Firstborn ceremony. In Israel (but not in the Diaspora), a father also recites She-heḥeyanu at the Circumcision of his son.

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