The Jewish Chronicle

Blessing friends

When seeing a family member or beloved friend after at least a month's separation, we say the blessing Shehechiyanu.

November 27, 2014 12:27

ByRabbi Julian Sinclair, Rabbi Julian Sinclair

1 min read

When seeing a family member or beloved friend after at least a month's separation, we say the blessing Shehechiyanu. Even if you have been in touch by phone or otherwise, a face-to-face meeting still merits thanking God, "who has enabled us to reach this moment." A reunion after a year of absolutely no contact requires the blessing "who revives the dead". These days, it is hard to imagine a situation that would warrant it.

The late Rav Ovadia Yosef quotes a rabbi who recommends dispensing with Shehechiyanu for friends because "these days the habit of fawning over others is all too strong and people pretend to love others while in their hearts, they can't bear them."

In the past, poor transportation made seeing distant friends and family a rare treat and worthy of thanking God. These days opting for a real-world meeting (as opposed to virtual) is also worth thanksgiving.