Question

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, or for Shofar of the second day, may one recite Shehechiyanu over a new item of clothing that is not considered “important” during the rest of the year (e.g., a shirt, yarmulke, scarf)?

Answer

Yes. Although during the year Shehechiyanu is only recited over significant garments (such as a kapota, tallis gadol, or suit), many Poskim rule that on the second night of Rosh Hashanah one may be lenient and use even a non-important garment—such as a shirt, yarmulke, scarf, or handkerchief—as the “new item” for Shehechiyanu. This is based on the logic applied to new grape juice: even though during the year we do not recite Shehechiyanu on it if we have already eaten grapes, on the second night of Rosh Hashanah we may still do so.

Explanation

• General rule during the year:
• Shehechiyanu is only said over clothing of real importance that brings joy upon purchase. Everyday items like shirts, pants, shoes, or undergarments do not qualify, even for someone poor who might rejoice over them.
• Special case on the 2nd night of Rosh Hashanah:
  • Most Poskim hold that Shehechiyanu must be recited on the second night regardless.
  • To avoid any halachic doubt, the custom is to have a new fruit or new garment present when reciting it.
  • By analogy to the case of new grape juice—where leniency is allowed even if grapes were already eaten that year—some authorities permit using a non-important garment for this purpose on Rosh Hashanah.
  • This leniency is especially relevant if no “important” garment is available.
  • Some Poskim still prefer using a garment that would warrant Shehechiyanu during the year, if possible.
  • • Chabad custom:
      • The Rebbe Rashab and the Lubavitcher Rebbe were observed using a new scarf or handkerchief for this purpose.

Sources

1. Mateh Efraim 600:9, 600:11 – Rules regarding new fruit and garments for Shehechiyanu on the second night of Rosh Hashanah.
2. Shvus Yaakov Vol. 3 (brought in Shaarei Teshuvah 600:1) – Leniency for new grape juice even if grapes were already eaten.
3. Kaf HaChaim 600:5; Alef HaMagen 600:8 – Support for the leniency.
4. Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 245 – Custom of the Rebbe Rashab.
5. Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 247 – Custom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to use a new scarf or handkerchief.