Halacha Q&AWhat do you do if you forgot to say “Shehecheyanu” on the first night?
Question: A person lit on the first night and forgot to say “Shehecheyanu.” Has he lost the blessing?
Answer:
No.
According to the Ben Ish Chai, if he forgot to say “Shehecheyanu” on the first night, he says it on the second night.
What about a mourner?
A person in the year of mourning may also say “Shehecheyanu” when lighting the Hanukkah candles.
What about an onen?
An onen, meaning a person whose relative has died and has not yet been buried and who is responsible for the burial, lights without a blessing.
The Ben Ish Chai adds that, if possible, it is better for him to appoint an agent to light for him.