Do We Recite "Shehecheyanu" for Tefillin?

B"H I have been fortunate to become more observant recently, and I recently purchased new high-quality tefillin, which makes me very happy. Should I and when should I recite the 'Shehecheyanu' blessing?

The Rambam (Chapter 11 of the Laws of Blessings) wrote that one should recite Shehecheyanu over a new tallit or new tefillin. However, the Tur (Orach Chaim, Section 22) cited the ruling from the Tosefta (Berachot, Chapter 6) regarding a new tallit requiring Shehecheyanu, but omitted this ruling regarding new tefillin. Maran the Beit Yosef wrote there, quoting our great teacher Rabbi Yitzchak Aboab, that his reasoning is that one only recites Shehecheyanu for commandments that occur periodically, contrary to the aforementioned Tosefta. Therefore, the Tur did not write in the laws of tefillin that one should recite Shehecheyanu over new tefillin, and only regarding a new tallit did he instruct to recite it—not because of the commandment, but because it is a garment that one wraps oneself in for personal benefit, similar to purchasing new vessels which require Shehecheyanu. He added that this is also the opinion of the Ba'al HaItur.

Maran ruled in the Shulchan Aruch (Section 22): "For a new tallit one recites Shehecheyanu since it is no worse than buying new vessels." It is clear that he disagrees with the Rambam's view that one should recite Shehecheyanu over the mitzvah of new tefillin. The Turei Zahav wrote that one should recite Shehecheyanu even for new tefillin. But Maran the Chida in Machzik Bracha (Section 22:2) wrote that the custom follows Maran's opinion not to recite Shehecheyanu when putting on new tefillin. So wrote the Ma'amar Mordechai in the name of later authorities. And this is also the conclusion in Responsa Yechaveh Da'at (Part 2, 31).

In Responsa Lehoros Natan (Part 2) by the Gaon Rabbi Natan Gestetner of blessed memory, he questioned Maran's ruling in the Shulchan Aruch: why doesn't one recite a blessing on new tefillin? After all, just as one blesses Shehecheyanu when purchasing a new vessel, the same should apply to tefillin which are considered new vessels. He answered based on the Magen Avraham (Section 223), who wrote that Shehecheyanu is only recited on utilitarian items, but not on new books because mitzvot were not given for personal enjoyment. From this we understand that a tallit—despite being a mitzvah item—can also be used for personal bodily needs, and is therefore considered like a new garment that requires Shehecheyanu. But tefillin, which are solely sacred items that cannot be used for secular purposes, are considered like books that do not require Shehecheyanu.

Summary: Even if you are very happy about purchasing new tefillin, you should not recite Shehecheyanu (but for a new tallit you should recite Shehecheyanu), especially since this is the opinion of Maran in the Shulchan Aruch. Additionally, there is a disagreement among the authorities on this matter, and in cases of doubt regarding blessings, we are lenient (the same applies to a bride who does not recite Shehecheyanu the first time she lights candles). May it be His will that you merit to ascend ever higher in Torah and pure fear of Heaven.

Rabbi Shai Amar is a rabbi in Hidabroot's Department of Halacha