Before beginning services tonight with Marty leading us in reciting the Shehekhiyanu ("Who has kept us alive"), please allow me to comment on the prayer.
"Traditionally," the Shehekhiyanu benediction is recited over something new. It could be something as simple as the first piece of fruit of the season, wearing a new dress or suit for the first time or upon moving into a new house or apartment and on many other happy occasions.
The Shehekhiyanu is recited on the first evening of festivals; before the Shofar is sounded on Rosh Hashanah; before the Barekhu on Erev Yom Kippur; on taking the four species of plants, (the lulav or palm branch, myrtle and willow twigs and the etrog or citron), before Hallel on Sukkot; on lighting the first light of Hanukkah; prior to the reading of the scroll of Esther on Purim, and at the "Redemption of the First Born" pidyon ha-ben ceremony. It should also be noted that in Israel, but not in the Diaspora, it is recited by the father upon the circumcision of his son; As I understand it the Shehekhiyanu is omitted due to the pain endured by the infant during the circumcision.
We have not "reconstructed" the Shehekhiyanu but feel it entirely appropriate to praise God and give thanks for allowing us to come together at our Worship services.
"Traditions" were "innovations" when they began so perhaps we have created a new "Tradition" here at Bet Havarim.
AMEN