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Should one recite the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon putting on Tefillin for the first time?[1]

Some Poskim[2] rule the blessing of Shehechiyanu is to be recited upon performing a Mitzvah for its first time, and hence a Bar Mitzvah boy is to say the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon wearing the Tefillin for the first time on the day of his Bar Mitzvah. However, other Poskim[3] argue that one never says the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon performing a new Mitzvah and therefore no blessing is to be said upon putting on Tefillin for the first time.[4] Practically, those who begin putting on Tefillin 2-3 months prior to the Bar Mitzvah are not to recite the blessing of Shehechiyanu, neither upon putting it on for the first time before the Bar Mitzvah, nor on the day of the Bar Mitzvah.[5] However, those who are accustomed to put it on for the first time only on the day of the Bar Mitzvah, are to say Shehechiyanu on a new fruit or new clothing, and have in mind to include the Tefillin.[6] [The same applies when putting on Tefillin on a non-observant Jew for the first time, that it is proper for him to say a blessing of Shehechiyanu on a new fruit or clothing, if available.]

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[1] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 22:2; Likkutei Sichos 11:289; Hisvadyus 5742 2:1112; 5748 2:403; Shevach Yakar p. 100

[2] Taz 22:3; Olas Tamid 22:1; Chasam Sofer 55; Rama Y.D. 28:2 regarding Kisuiy Hadam; Tevuos Shur 28, brought in P”M Y.D. 28 S.D. 5; Rambam Brachos 11; Rokeiach 371 in name of Rivak Mishepira; Opinion in M”B 22:1 regarding Tzitzis; Biur Halacha 22:1 “Kanah” in name of Gr”a

[3] Shach Y.D. 28:5; Tosafus Sukkos 46a; Ran Chulin 88; Rashba 126; Peri Chadash 28; Tzevi Latzadik 28; M”A 22:1; Mamar Mordechai 22:1; Machazik Bracha 22:2 that so is opinion of Michaber 22:1 and that so is the custom not to recite Shehechiyanu on Tefillin; Chayeh Adam 62:10; M”B 22:2; Kaf Hachaim 21:2 in name of many Poskim; Maharik Shoresh 128 regarding wedding; So rule regarding Tzitzis: Michaber 22:1; Admur 22:1; Baal Haittur; Mahariy Abuhav, brought in Biur Halacha ibid

[4] The reason: As the sages only instituted to recite the blessing of Shehechiyanu by a Mitzvah that contains joy. [Shach ibid in name of Tosafus ibid] Alternatively, the reason is because it does not come from time to time. [Shach ibid in name of Ran ibid] Alternatively, by Tefillin the reason is because one is meant to put it on already as a child, when one cannot yet say Shehechiyanu due to the lack of obligation, and therefore the sages never instituted this blessing to be said by Tefillin, even when worn for the first time by an adult. [Tzevi Latzadik ibid] Alternatively, the reason is because the Simcha by a Bar Mitzvah only comes from the future knowledge of the successful indoctrination of the child to become a servant of G-d, and is not readily apparent. [Rebbe ibid in Hisvadyus 5748]

[5] Tevuas Shur Y.D. 28:4; Ashel Avraham Butchach 37; Tzevi Letzadik ibid; Likkutei Sichos 11:289; Hisvadyus 5742 2:1112; Shevach Yakar p. 100; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid footnote 10

[6] Biur Halacha 22:1 “Kanah”; Sefer Hachaim; Beis Shearim 30; Beis Hayotzer 4; Sdei Chemed Mareches Brachos 20; Kaf Hachaim 22:2; Likkutei Teshuvos Minchas Yitzchak 18; Minchas Shlomo 2:4; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid and the many Poskim listed in footnote 7; See Darkei Teshuvah 28; Teshuvah Meahavah 5; Lehoros Nasan 2:3; Imrei Yosher 5; Tzitz Eliezer 13:24; Yechaveh Daas 2:31; Mishneh Halachos 6:6