Do you know that smell when something’s new? Or fresh? There’s a joy in those “new” smells, whether it’s that newborn baby smell, the smell of spring, or the smell of a new car or a new pair of shoes. Our sense of smell is powerful, and it pleases the senses to experience a fresh, clean, new smell.

While the new smell fades, new clothes in particular often hold a special significance the first few times we wear them. Can you remember the first time you wore a favorite item? Was it cozy? Shiny? Our Torah portion this week, Parshat Vayeshev, is centered around a new item of clothing.

This week we read about the coat of many colors that Jacob gives to his son, Joseph. This coat brings about anything but a blessing for Joseph (and Jacob). It is because of this coat and the favoritism that it represents that Joseph is sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt and why Jacob sits in mourning for his favored son. What do you think Joseph might have felt just before all this upheaval? What was the joy he felt receiving such a beautiful garment? 

We often try to extend this moment of newness by saying something like “Use it in good health.” It’s a little like a prayer or a blessing that the moment of gratitude will only continue.

To that end, we are reminded by our tradition to recite the Shehecheyanu prayer each time we wear a new garment. Specifically, it’s something of worth and value, not just new socks. 

.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה

How does taking a pause when you use something for the first time add intention or meaning to the moment? 

– Rabbi Eve Posen

Source: A Coat of Many Colors