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Mazel Tov means “Good Luck” (that
a person has ALREADY received)
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Expressions and Greetings
Shalom = “Peace”. A way of
saying “hello” or “goodbye”.
Shalom Aleikhem = “Peace upon you”.
Shabbat
Shalom
= “Sabbath Peace” or “peaceful Sabbath”. This is an appropriate greeting at any
time on Shabbat, although it is most commonly used at the end of a Shabbat
service.
Shavua Tov = “Good Week”. This greeting is
used after Havdalah (the ceremony marking the conclusion of Shabbat), to wish
someone a good forthcoming week.
Mazel Tov = “Good Luck”. This is the
traditional way of expressing congratulations. “Mazel tov!” is the correct and
traditional response upon hearing that a person has gotten engaged or married,
has had a child, or has become a Bar Mitzvah. It can be used to congratulate
someone for getting a new job, graduating from college, or any other happy
event. Note that this term is not used in the way that the
expression “good luck” is used in English; that is, it should not
be used to wish someone luck in the future. Rather, it is an expression of
pleasure at the good luck someone has already had.
L'Shanah Tovah = “For a Good Year”. A common
greeting during Rosh Hashanah and Days of Awe (ten days from Rosh Hashanah to
Yom Kippur, a time for introspection and considering the sins of the previous
year). This greeting is an abbreviation of L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem
(May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year).
Gesundheit = “Health”. This is the normal
response when somebody sneezes.
Boker Tov = “Good
Morning”.
Erev Tov =
“Good Evening”.
Todah Rabah = “Thank
You Very Much”.
Ani Ohev
Otach
(Masc.) Ani Ohevet Otcha (Fem.) = “I
Love You”.
Ani
Mitzta'er
(Masc.) Ani Mitzta'eret (Fem.) = “I’m
sorry”.
Baruch
Hashem
= “Thank God”.
Yom Huledet
Same'ach!
= “Happy Birthday!”
