Saying the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon the birth of a daughter:[1]
The father and mother[2] of a newborn baby girl are required to say the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon seeing their newborn daughter and receiving pleasure and happiness from seeing her.[3] However, [prior to seeing the daughter] the blessing is not to be made, even if he has already received the news that a daughter was born to him.[4] [Thus, the blessing of Shehechiyanu is to be said the first time that one sees his or her newborn daughter. The father is not to say the blessing immediately upon hearing of the birth, but only after he enters the room and sees his daughter. The mother may delay saying the blessing until she is properly clothed and cleaned.] This applies for every birth of a newborn daughter, that each time a daughter is born, and one receives pleasure and joy from seeing her, that the blessing of Shehechiyanu needs to be recited.[5] Furthermore, if one did not see his/her daughter for 30 days, then he is to say the blessing of Shehechiyanu upon seeing her if he receives pleasure and happiness from seeing her.[6]
Leniencies of not reciting the blessing: Some Poskim[7] rule that the above blessing of Shehechiyanu is an optional blessing and not obligatory. Thus, many are accustomed to being lenient and not to say the blessing. Practically, one is not to be lenient in this matter.[8]
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Q&A If a father/mother did not say the blessing of Shehechiyanu right away upon seeing the child, until when may it be said?[9] If the blessing was not said upon seeing the daughter for the first time, it may be said in the coming days, so long as the extra feelings of joy still remain in the heart.[10] Some Poskim[11], however, limit this to within three days after birth. Furthermore, some Poskim[12], suggest that the blessing may only be said so long as one did not yet remove his mind from the news of the birth. However, as soon as his mind begins to entertain other matters, then he may no longer say the blessing. May a grandparent recite a blessing of Shehechiyanu upon hearing of the birth of a grandchild?[13] Some Poskim[14] rule that a blessing may be recited, just as is the law by a father or mother. Other Poskim[15], however, rule that a blessing is not to be said, and so is the final ruling. |
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[1] Admur in Seder Birchas Hanehnin 12:12 “Even on the birth of a girl..” [omitted by Luach]; M”B 223:2; Darkei Chaim Veshalom 256; Orchos Rabbeinu 1:92; Tzitz Eliezer 13:20; Shevet Halevi 8:34; Piskeiy Teshuvos 223:1
[2] See Seder ibid regarding the birth of a boy that the father is obligated to say the blessing, and that “she is also obligated to say this blessing,” and the same applies by the birth of a girl; Tzitz Eliezer ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid
[3] The source: Although this ruling is not explicitly recorded in previous Poskim, it is included in the Halacha recorded that one recites Shehechiyanu upon seeing a person that he has not seen in 30 days, and is excited to see him, which applies also to girls. Certainly, then, the blessing is to be said upon seeing a newborn daughter. [M”B ibid; See Admur Seder 12:11; Luach 11:22; Michaber 225:1; Brachos 58b; Elya Raba 225:3]
[4] The reason: As this is not a good tiding. [Admur ibid; See Admur 46:4; Kiddushin; Niddah 31b] This means that since it is common for fathers to anticipate the birth of a boy, and their anticipation has not been met, therefore a blessing cannot be recited over merely hearing about the birth, but one must rejoice from the actual sight.
[5] See Seder ibid regarding the birth of a boy that “the same applies for each and every son that is born to him,” and the same applies by the birth of a girl
[6] Admur Seder 12:12 regarding newborn, as explained in Seder 12:11 regarding even an adult daughter that if one did not see his daughter in 30 days the blessing is to be said; See Michaber 225:1; Brachos 58b; Elya Raba 225:3
[7] Luach 11:31 [omitted from Seder 12]; Rama 223:1
[8] Luach ibid; Seder ibid completely omits the opinion who rules that Shehechiyanu is optional, thus implying that he rules that it is obligatory.
[9] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 223:1
[10] M”B 223:3 in name of P”M 223; Piskeiy Teshuvos 223:1; See Ketzos Hashulchan 64 footnote 11
[11] Mur Uketzia 224
[12] Ketzos Hashulchan 64 footnote 11; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:230 that it may be said so long as he is involved in letting people know of the birth
[13] See Kaf Hachaim 223:3
[14] Sefer Chasisdim 843; Elya Raba 223:1
[15] Biur Halacha 223:1; Chida, brought in Kaf Hachaim ibid writes to say it without Shem Umalchus
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