Halocho #1108 - What Bracha does one make on Good News?

This Shabbat is the 23rd day of the month of Sivan. 

Over 2,360 years ago on the 23rd of Sivan, Esther and Mordechai sent out the second royal decree informing the Jews that they may defend themselves against Haman's original decree of total annihilation. 

When finding out joyous tidings or upon hearing good news from a reliable source, one says a Bracha. If it only affects oneself, then one says Shehechiyanu; 

"Blessed... who has kept us alive, sustained us and permitted us to reach this occasion."

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם

 שֶׁהֶחֱיָינוּ וקִיְּמָנוּ והִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה

If it affects a group of people then one says Hatov Vehametiv; "..Who is Good, and bestows good."

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱ-לֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם

הַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּטִיב

If one cannot say the Bracha right away - due to an unclean location or unwashed hands - then one can say it later, as long as one still feels the joy. 

Even if the joyful event will probably cause one trouble at a later date, one still says the Bracha. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 59:1,3

- Danny
Wednesday, 20 Sivan 5773

Please daven for the complete recovery of a little boy diagnosed with lymphoma:

יוֹנָתָן-שִׂמְחָה בֶּן לֵאָה-רִבְקָה