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A fine purchase (or gift) warrants one of two different blessings, depending on how many people benefit from it. When people buy (or receive as a gift), an item which makes them happy, such as new clothing or furniture, they say She-heĥeyanu. When the benefit is shared by two or more people, such as when a married couple buy (or are given) new kitchenware, they recite Ha-tov Ve-hametiv. (See 13:4 and 13:7 for other cases in which She-heĥeyanu is recited, and sections 12 and 17 above for other cases in which Ha-tov Ve-hametiv is recited.) The phrase “ha-tov ve-hametiv” means God is good to me and is good to other people as well. So when one receives a monetary gift, wins a lottery, or receives an inheritance, one recites She-heĥeyanu, while two or more people in the same situations recite Ha-tov Ve-hametiv.
These blessings are recited on hearing good news as well. For example, if one wins a court case or hears one has won (or earned) a significant amount of money, one should say She-heĥeyanu. If one hears that one's parent or child made a significant amount of money and this makes one happy, one should say She-heĥeyanu. Someone who finds out he or she is receiving a raise or an unexpected promotion should say She-heĥeyanu. Someone told he or she passed his or her driving test or got a high grade on an important test, may say She-heĥeyanu if this piece of news makes them very happy. In these situations, a married couple recite Ha-tov Ve-hametiv, as do business partners.
Usually, the blessing on the good news is recited right away when hearing the news. However, a person who plans to have a party to celebrate, can delay the blessing until the party. Alternatively, if the news is about receiving money and one is uncertain if it is true, one should delay the blessing until the money is actually received.
When a son is born, the parents recite Ha-tov Ve-hametiv. When a daughter is born, they recite She-heĥeyanu. If grandparents are overjoyed upon seeing a grandchild for the first time, they too may recite She-heĥeyanu.
There is also a blessing on hearing bad news: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, the true judge (Dayan Ha-emet).” For example, upon hearing of the death of someone very dear to them Dayan Ha-emet should be recited. This blessing is also recited by people who hear they lost a tremendous amount of money, or were indicted, convicted, or sentenced. Those who hear that their parent or child lost a significant amount of money and this makes them sad, should recite Dayan Ha-emet. (See 14:1 above for another case in which Dayan Ha-emet is recited.)
By reciting these blessings, people are reminded that God is in charge of everything, and this deepens their joy or sorrow. Acknowledging God is behind good news can help a person make sure to properly use the abundance God has provided. Acknowledging God is behind bad news reminds a person there is a reason for the tragedy, even if we do not currently understand what it might be. (Conversely, those who lack faith suffer terribly, because they have nothing to assuage their pain or give it meaning.) Having faith that “All that God does is for the best” allows people to rise above their trouble and rebuild their lives.
