What is mazel mean

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Mia British. Karen Australian. Hayley Australian. Natasha Australian. Veena Indian. Priya Indian. Neerja Indian. As a very common phrase, it is even familiar to people outside the Jewish community. We use it as a congratulatory phrase of encouragement, but what does it really mean?

Looking for the ultimate Wedding Reception Venue in Melbourne? Look no further, Vines of the Yarra Valley is here. For further insights on the breaking of the glass, check out our blog on the traditions behind this ritual. Your confusion is understandable. The Talmud—the ancient encyclopedia of Jewish wisdom—seems to contradict itself on the issue. The signs of the zodiac are called mazalot.

Jewish tradition sees the constellations on high as directing the destiny of individuals and nations down below. Thus mazel is the influence dripping down from the stars. There is another meaning of the word mazel that is more relevant to the phrase Mazel Tov. Mazel is the term used in Jewish mysticism to describe the root of the soul.

The mystics say that only a ray of our soul actually inhabits our body. The main part of the soul, our mazel, remains above, shining down on us from a distance. Have you ever experienced a sense of spontaneous intuition, where out of the blue you suddenly feel at peace with yourself and the universe?

Or a sudden flash of inspiration that makes you see life in a new light? Occasionally we may receive an extra flux of energy from our soul above. It is especially at these times of joy that we are able to see beyond the mundane and the petty and to sense the deeper truths of life. We launched a poll on Instagram to ask our audience how they pronounce it, and the results turned out to be very interesting.

Mazel tov, mazel tof, mazal tov—however you pronounce this wonderful phrase, you know it well as an important part of our heritage. Besides being permanently associated with joyful memories and happy occasions, mazel tov is a genuinely kind and positive saying—even if we sometimes use it sarcastically! Whether you prefer a more Israeli-sounding ma-ZAL tov or a more Yiddishy MA-zel tov, these two congratulatory words are one of the most high-profile Hebrew phrases there is.

Jews and non-Jews alike know this is the thing to say when people tell you their good news or at a bar or bat mitzvah or a wedding. The mazalot to use the plural are the signs of the zodiac, and galgal hamazalot is the wheel of the zodiac or wheel of fortune, Vanna White not included. This often has a negative context in Judaism, but not always.

Despite the fact that the association with idol worship, one of the biggest Jewish no-nos, the idea of mazal has not been erased from Judaism. Zodiac signs have been found in the mosaics of ancient synagogues in the Galilee. In addition, the prevalent phrase meshane makom meshane mazal, meaning that changing your place of residence changes your fate, is an adaptation of a passage in the Talmud.

For renters, this means that changing your lease gives you a new lease on life. When you see someone you love at a sad occasion like a funeral, what do you say?

Happy holiday with a heavy guttural at the beginning of the first word and the end of the second. It can really be said for any holiday, however. You might also hear Gut Shabbes, which is Yiddish for good Sabbath. We say this to welcome one another or say goodbye on Shabbat. Mazel tov is an appropriate response to any good news, from an engagement to a graduation, a new job, a new house, or any other honor or milestone.

Some people avoid saying mazel tov to a pregnant woman out of superstition that something might happen to the baby. For lyrics in Hebrew, English and transliteration, click here :.