Saying Shehecheyanu During the Three Weeks

May one say the Bracha of Shehecheyanu (Hashem has given us life) during the Three Weeks?

One should refrain from saying Shehecheyanu during the Three Weeks (Mechaber 551:17) since it is a period of calamity for Klal Yisroel (Mishna Berura ibid s.k. 98). Many poskim permit the saying of Shehecheyanu on Shabbos during the Three Weeks (Mishna Berura ibid s.k. 44 and 98 and Shaar HaTzion ibid s.k. 99).

A garment requiring a Shehecheyanu should not be worn during the Three Weeks (MB ibid s.k. 99), except for Shabbos, when a Shehecheyanu may be recited (MB ibid s.k. 45). This permit is only until Rosh Chodesh Av, since during the Nine Days new clothing may not be bought or worn, even where Shehecheyanu is not required (Rama ibid s’if 6, 7 and MB ibid). If the Shehecheyanu was already recited at the time of purchase, then the garment may be worn for the first time during the Three Weeks until Rosh Chodesh Av (MB ibid).

A new fruit requiring a Shehecheyanu, which will not be available after Tisha B’Av, may be purchased and eaten during the Three Weeks after saying the Shehecheyanu. If the fruit will not spoil, it should be purchased and kept until Shabbos, with the Shehecheyanu being recited on Shabbos (MB ibid s.k. 101).

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt”l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.