The Shehecheyanu blessing (Hebrew: שהחינו‎, “Who has given us life”) is a common Jewish prayer said to celebrate special occasions. It is said to express gratitude to HaShem for new and unusual ...

Alef: The “Shehecheyanu”: At one time or another most Jews have recited the Shehecheyanu blessing. Most often it is said on holidays, joyous and milestone occasions in one’s life, or when buying ...

Reform, Conservative and Orthodox spiritual leaders turned to different ideas from within Jewish texts and tradition. So we reached out to rabbis from different denominations to get their opinions.

Synopsis: Last week we discussed the concept of the requirement to recite blessings, starting with the Biblical commandment to give thanks for the food that we have eaten and the land G-d has bestowed ...

How can we begin Pesach this year with the happy Shehecheyanu blessing? (Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us ...

Shehecheyanu is said when meeting a friend one has not seen for 30 days and also for the happiness felt when hearing glad tidings Hatov Vehameitiv is said upon hearing good tidings that affect you and ...

(JTA) Jewish liturgy offers blessings for seemingly every occasion, from ritual moments (such as lighting Shabbat candles) to sublime experiences (seeing a rainbow) to mundane acts (going to the ...

As the COVID pandemic begins to fade and we recover from two years of devastation and isolation, we’re entering a transition phase, slowly coming out of hibernation, battered and numb, and still a ...

Pence’s speech noted that Israel will mark the 70th anniversary of its independence later this year. “As you prepare to commemorate this historic milestone, I say, along with the good people of Israel ...

Answer: Indeed, this unusual practice – or non-practice – demands an explanation. First, though, we must explore the topic of blessings in general. The Rambam states that, biblically, one must only ...