Eating a new fruit (פרי חדש)
Outside of Israel we are used to celebrating each Yom Tov for two days, whilst Israelis only celebrate one day. Rosh Hashana however, is celebrated for two days both inside and outside of Israel. The Talmud considers this two-day unit to be one long day (yoma arichta) rather than two separate days. Therefore we must ask,
Does the Second day of Rosh Hashana require a Shehecheyanu?
Opinions differ, some Rabbis of the Talmud argued that one must say Shehecheyanu on both days, others argued that since one should not say Shehecheyanu twice on this yoma arichta. Because of this safek (doubt) as to whether we count Rosh Hashana as one or two days, we eat a new fruit, or wear new clothing, on the Second day to make sure we have something to say Shehecheyanu on. Some also say that even if you don't have new fruit/clothing, you should still say Shehecheyanu.
The problem with the new fruit is that we are often taught that it must be a fruit that we haven’t eaten all year, i.e. that is new to us since last Rosh Hashana. This is a common misconception. The Mishna Brura rules that a new fruit is one that is new for that season, i.e. new for the general public, not new for you personally. Since nowadays all fruits seem to be available all year round, it can be very difficult to find a fruit that is new in season! Since the halacha says that you can say Shehecheyanu even without a new fruit, it seems as though it’s not so crucial after all whether the fruit is actually a pri chadash or not. Seems all very strange to me...
Does the Second day of Rosh Hashana require a Shehecheyanu?
Opinions differ, some Rabbis of the Talmud argued that one must say Shehecheyanu on both days, others argued that since one should not say Shehecheyanu twice on this yoma arichta. Because of this safek (doubt) as to whether we count Rosh Hashana as one or two days, we eat a new fruit, or wear new clothing, on the Second day to make sure we have something to say Shehecheyanu on. Some also say that even if you don't have new fruit/clothing, you should still say Shehecheyanu.
The problem with the new fruit is that we are often taught that it must be a fruit that we haven’t eaten all year, i.e. that is new to us since last Rosh Hashana. This is a common misconception. The Mishna Brura rules that a new fruit is one that is new for that season, i.e. new for the general public, not new for you personally. Since nowadays all fruits seem to be available all year round, it can be very difficult to find a fruit that is new in season! Since the halacha says that you can say Shehecheyanu even without a new fruit, it seems as though it’s not so crucial after all whether the fruit is actually a pri chadash or not. Seems all very strange to me...
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