Blessing for the Birth of a Son or Daughter

Greetings,

1. The custom of Ashkenazim is for the husband and wife to each recite the blessing of הטוב והמטיב (Hatov Vehametiv) separately at the moment they learn about the birth of a son (according to Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 221:1, and Mishnah Berurah 221:1). However, the custom of Sephardim is not to recite the blessing of הטוב והמטיב (Hatov Vehametiv) upon the birth of a son, but rather they fulfill their obligation with the blessing of שהחיינו (Shehechiyanu) at the circumcision. It is appropriate for the husband to have in mind to include his wife when he recites שהחיינו (Shehechiyanu) at the circumcision, and she should also have in mind to fulfill her obligation (Chazon Ovadia, Berachot, p. 258).

2. One does not recite שהחיינו (Shehechiyanu) upon the birth of a grandchild (Responsa Chatam Sofer, Yoreh De'ah, end of section 312, and Biur Halacha 221:1, s.v. Yalda). Nevertheless, it is good to recite שהחיינו (Shehechiyanu) on a new fruit or a new garment, and to have in mind also for the birth of the grandchild (Kaf Hachaim, ibid, end of section 6).

3. There is a dispute among the poskim regarding whether one recites שהחיינו (Shehechiyanu) upon the birth of a daughter, and therefore it is advisable to practice to recite on a new garment or a new fruit לקיים (Lakayem) and exempt the birth of the daughter (Chazon Ovadia, ibid., pp. 370-372. See also the book Orachot Rabbeinu, vol. 1, p. 282, and the book Ashrei Ha-Ish, vol. 1, chapter 39, section 30 in the name of Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt'l, and in Responsa Shevet Halevi, part 8, section 37, note 1, and in Responsa Teshuvot V'Hanhagot, part 2, section 132, and in the book Lefar U'Levarech, p. 306 in the name of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, shlit'a, and p. 326 in the name of Rabbi Natan Karelitz, shlit'a).

Best wishes,

Hillel Meirs