If one launches a new website, can he recite Shehecheyanu? Or perhaps Hatov Ve-Hametiv, if others derive benefit from it?
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6Questions like this always remind me of Fiddler on the Roof's blessing on Mottel's new sewing machine.– TzviMay 9, 2011 at 16:23
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2A sewing machine, at least, has tangible existence in the real world.– DaveMay 9, 2011 at 16:38
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YAY we got full commitment– yydlMay 9, 2011 at 18:10
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1@HRH"G R'msh210, not everything physical is tangible. When was the last time you touched a byte?– DaveMay 9, 2011 at 20:48
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1BTW, this is a SERIOUS question! :)– DaveMay 9, 2011 at 20:50
4 Answers
How about simply, Besha'ah Tovah!
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Following the lead of the new fruit for the second day of Rosh Hashana (because we're not sure if we should say that bracha for that day), shouldn't you find some other reason to say Shehecheyanu in close proximity to the questionable event?
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That makes sense as a practical answer if the halacha is unclear about whether to say the b'racha. But (a) this Web site is not good for practical halacha (one should contact an authority instead) and (b) maybe (and answers may help clarify this) halacha is clear about whether to say the b'racha.– msh210 ♦May 11, 2011 at 3:09
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1I just saw this answer again and wondered if, ironically, it had been my first answer here. Alas no; it was my second. Jun 2, 2013 at 22:36
I think the question about the website being a physical entity that one finishes or acquires is an interesting one - can it get a brocha? Like a new shirt of a new tallis?
I think yes. Any website still has existence on a server somewhere - even if its data is stored energy on a laser disk - it still exists as a physical recording on the physical plane.
Now I think the more interesting question - is that do we need to stand next to the designated server in order to make the brocha - or is looking at the computer screen enough? And by extension can I make a brocha on a picture of a new tallis that someone bought for me and took a photo of?
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hatov vehametiv I'm certain that you don't, the only case is when someone brings a second bottle of wine during a meal you have with other people.
as for sheehianu, it would make sense if you are happy, I guess comparable to printing a book. but the website is not done, it is a work in progress and also there's no takana of beracha on this case.
it doesn't mean that you shouldn't thank hashem for it, praying or making a seuda.
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Not really correct about "hatov vehameitiv." Any benefit that would deserve a "shehecheyanu" gets "hatov vehameitiv" if it benefits others as well (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 222:1; see also 223:1).– AlexMay 11, 2011 at 16:40