Mishneh Torah, Blessings 10-11

Shalom, busy parents! Let's find a sliver of peace in the beautiful chaos of raising our children. Today, we're diving into the joy of "firsts" and newness, finding gratitude in unexpected places.

Insight

Cultivating Joy in the New

Our tradition gives us a powerful lens to see the world: the Shehecheyanu blessing. It's not just for big holidays; it’s a moment to pause and acknowledge God's role in bringing us to this very moment of experiencing something new, unique, or a "first" in our lives. As parents, embracing this mindset helps us model gratitude and wonder, turning everyday occurrences into sacred opportunities for connection and appreciation. It’s about noticing the small joys amidst the big responsibilities.

Text Snapshot

Mishneh Torah, Blessings 10:1 & 10:3: "A person who builds a new house or buys new articles... should recite the blessing: 'Blessed are You, God, our Lord, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.'" "A person who sees a fruit that grows only in a specific season each year should recite the blessing shehecheyanu when he sees it for the first time." (Steinsaltz commentary on 10:1:4 notes that this is about the joy in new items, even if one already has similar ones.)

Activity

"My First!" Moment

Take 5-10 minutes with your child. Look around your home or backyard. Can you find something "new"? It could be a new drawing they made, a new leaf on a plant, the first time you've noticed a specific bird, or even a new book you’re opening. Point it out and say, "Wow, look at this! This is a 'first' for us today! How special!" You can even give a simple "Thank you, God, for new things!" No formal blessing needed, just the acknowledgment.

Script

Answering "Why do we say Shehecheyanu?"

When your child asks about a "first" or you mention it: "That's a wonderful question! In Jewish tradition, when we experience something new and special for the first time, like the first berry of summer or a new toy, we say 'Shehecheyanu.' It means 'Thank you, God, for keeping us alive and letting us enjoy this wonderful new moment.' It helps us remember to be grateful for all the amazing new things in our lives!"

Habit

Notice One New Thing

This week, simply make it a micro-habit to notice one "new" or "first" thing each day. It doesn't require a blessing or a big declaration, just an internal (or external) acknowledgment: "Ah, this is new/a first." Give yourself a pat on the back for simply noticing!

Takeaway

Bless the chaos, find the newness. Every "first" is a gift.