Reciting Shehecheyanu at Circumcision of a Possibly Non-Viable Infant

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Hersh of Aglid

Description

The Chasam Sofer defends the Rokeach's position that Shehecheyanu should not be recited at circumcision due to concern the child may be a nefel, distinguishing between obligatory blessings (where we rely on the majority) and optional blessings like Shehecheyanu (where we do not, given the common minority of doubtful nefalim). He further argues that a safek ben shmoneh should not be circumcised on Shabbos at all, as it would create an irresolvable conflict between endangering the child and desecrating Shabbos for pikuach nefesh.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §247

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