When do we say Shehecheyanu?

Shehecheyanu ('Who has granted us life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment') is a blessing of gratitude for special, joyful occasions. It is recited on holidays (at candle lighting or Kiddush), when performing seasonal mitzvot (like shofar on Rosh Hashanah or lulav on Sukkot), when eating a new seasonal fruit for the first time that year, when buying significant new clothing or items, when seeing a close friend after 30 days, and upon hearing exceptionally good news. The blessing captures the Jewish value of celebrating and acknowledging life's special moments.