Tzar Baalei Chayim and Fur

Q. Does one recite the beracha of Shehechiyanu when purchasing a fur coat or a hat?

A. Shulchan Aruch (OC 223:3) writes that the beracha of Shehechiyanu is recited when one purchases an expensive article of clothing. Does this Halacha also apply to one who purchased an expensive fur coat or hat? Perhaps it is inappropriate to recite Shehechiyanu “that he has kept us alive”, since the making of the coat involved the killing of animals. Indeed, the Rema (OC 223:6) writes that although it is customary to wish one who buys a new suit “tivleh v’tischadeish” (you should wear it out and replace it), this blessing should not be said to one who purchased leather shoes or clothing made from hides, since this would require slaughtering more animals, and the verse in Tehilim (145:9) states “V’rachamav al kol ma’asav” (His kindness is on all his creations). The Rema concludes that although this line of reasoning is very weak and does not appear to be correct, still many are careful about this.

The Rema does not address the berachah of shehechiyanu, and this would seem to indicate that it is recited. Indeed, the Pri Migadim (Mishbitzos Zahav OC 22:1) states that one recites Shehechiyanu on a fur coat. He explains that Shehechiyanu is recited, since at the time when one purchases the coat, the animals were already killed, but it is inappropriate to bless someone with “tivleh v’tischadeish”, since that is a wish for the future killing of animals.

There is a dissenting opinion. Sefer Mor V’ahalos (Ohel Brachos siman 24) disagrees with the Pri Migadim and writes that shehechiyanu should not be recited on a fur coat, just as one does not say “tivleh v’tischadeish”. However, later poskim such as the Sdei Chemed (5:Berachos 28:6) side with the Pri Migadim. Others point out that even the Rema wrote that the reasons to not say “tivleh v’tischadeish” do not appear to be correct. Certainly, one should not rely on logic when there is a requirement to say a beracha.

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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.