What’s the Brocha? Shehechyanu on Fruits

Rosh Hashanah is a two-day Yom Tov and, just like every Yom Tov, we say the brocha of shehechyanu on both days. However, unlike other Yomim Tovim, Rosh Hashanah is considered one long day of Yom Tov and the shehechyanu recited on the first night of Yom Tov might exempt one from saying it again the second night. Therefore, it is customary to include a new fruit when making the brocha on the second night.

The brocha of shehechyanu is recited when one derives pleasure from the world; however, shehechyanu is not limited to eating and drinking. It also includes happy occasions, like wearing new clothing and celebrating a simcha. When applied to fruit or vegetables, the custom is to recite the brocha of shehechyanu first, followed by the appropriate brocha for the fruit or vegetable¹, before eating a fully ripened seasonal fruit². Some have the custom to recite the brocha on the fruit or vegetable first, followed by the brocha of shehechyanu. This can be done once every season.

One can only say shehechyanu if it is clear that the fruit in question is not from the previous season. For example, if one can discern that a fruit or vegetable is from the current season due to better, fresher taste, or if the chance of it being from the previous season is minute.³ Additionally, the fruit must not be available fresh in the common stores⁴ throughout the year (for example – shipped often from a location where the fruit is in season).

If the fruits tastes the same but are of a different variety, one has to say shehechyanu again.

If one forgot to say shehechyanu, the next time one eats the fruit one should say shehechyanu, omitting “Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam”.⁵

סב”ה פ’ י”א הל’ יב 1
שם 2
שם הל’ טו 3
שם 4
שם הל’ יג 5