1

The Rosh and the Rambam argue about whether Kiddushin is a mitzvah in its own right or if it's a preparation for the various mitzvos that can only be done when married, such as having children. The Rosh (Kesubos 1:12) holds of the latter view; the Rambam (Ishus 1:1-2) holds of the former view.

Generally speaking, Ashkenazim follow the Rosh, who himself was Ashkenazi, while the Sefardim follow the Rambam, who was also Sefardi. (This is a bit of an oversimplification, but that's the general idea: Ashkenazim follow Ashkenazi poskim, and likewise for Sefardim.) Thus, it's understandable why Ashkenazim don't make a Shehechiyanu under the chuppah, as we hold that it's not a mitzvah in its own right. But why do Sefardim only make a brachah because of the Tallis (see this article, at the end of the "Chuppah" section)? If they hold like the Rambam, they should be able to make a Shehechiyanu without having a Tallis!

DonielF
  • 34,262
  • 4
  • 40
  • 143
  • Why should they make a Shehechiyanu just because it's a Mitzva? – Double AA Oct 14 '16 at 02:45
  • 1
    @DoubleAA Isn't that what a Shehechiyanu is - the first time one is performing a mitzvah or doing something new? A hechsher I can understand; it's not an action in and of itself and therefore doesn't warrant a Shehechiyanu. But the actual act of a mitzvah should deserve one, the same way one makes a Shehechiyanu on shofar, lulav, Sukkah, and Yom Tov on the first day it's done. – DonielF Oct 14 '16 at 02:50
  • @DonielF Well Rambam is also particularly strict with berakha l'vatalah, and safek berakhot l'hakel... – mevaqesh Oct 14 '16 at 03:14
  • of interest: http://judaism.stackexchange.com/a/29573/603 – Menachem Oct 14 '16 at 04:01
  • See here a a lot of sources – kouty Oct 14 '16 at 06:16
  • @DonielF This year wasn't the first time I heard shofar but we said shehchiyanu. You seem quite unsure of the parameters involved. – Double AA Oct 14 '16 at 14:00
  • @DoubleAA And likewise for first fruits - we often have the same fruits we had last RH, but since we haven't had them in the past year we make a Shehechiyanu. Why should shofar or yom tov or any of the other examples I gave be any different? By extension, were Kiddushin to be on the list it, too, would necessitate a Shehechiyanu each time, were one not to get divorced and remarried within the year. – DonielF Oct 14 '16 at 14:28
  • @DonielF The length of a "year" has nothing to do with anything. You seem quite unsure of the parameters involved. If I happen to not Shecht a cow for a year, then I say Shehechiyanu on doing so? No. Put up a Mezuza for the first time in a year? No. Eat a carrot for the first time in a year? No. Separate Terumah? No. – Double AA Oct 14 '16 at 14:33
  • A lot here https://www.jewishideas.org/article/sheheheyanu-blessing , also maybe one can say it not for the Mitzvah just for the happiness in aquiering a (this) wife (that some grooms may have) – hazoriz Jan 17 '20 at 12:14

0 Answers0