What Does Mazal Mean? A Traditional Jewish Phrase Explained

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Plus, learn why Jews say mazal to close business deals
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"Mazal" is a Hebrew word used most often in the phrase "Mazal tov!" which means "Congratulations!" or "Good luck!" But mazal is also spoken at the close of a business deal. What, then, is the true meaning of this word, and when should you use it? We'll answer both those questions in this helpful guide, plus we'll also explain the differences and similarities between "mazal" and "mazel."

Mazal Meaning in English

Hebrew teacher Roi Bracha says mazal ( mah-zahl ) is a Hebrew word meaning "luck" or "fortune." It's often paired with "tov," meaning "good," to wish someone luck [1] or to say, "Congratulations." It's also part of the phrase "Mazal and bracha," meaning "fortune and blessings," which is said when closing a business deal.

Section 1 of 4:

What does mazal mean?

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  1. The modern definition of the Hebrew word mazal is "luck" [2] or "fortune." This interpretation is derived from the word's ancient meaning, which is "planet" or "constellation." In an astrological context, mazal (pronounced mah-zahl ) refers to the Jewish principle that every person's fate is at least partially influenced by the constellations or planets they were born under. [3]
    • Simultaneously, though, some Jews also believe that every person possesses the ability to transform themselves and determine their own destiny, with God's help.
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Section 2 of 4:

Meaning in Business Deals

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  1. In the watch and jewelry industry, Jewish businesspeople commonly close their deals by saying, "Mazal" which in this context means "Done deal." Alternatively, they may say the phrase, "Mazal and brocha." Brocha (pronounced broh-kha ) means "blessings." Together, "mazal and brocha" mean "good fortune and blessings" and invoke God's blessing over the deal so it will lead to good fortune for everyone involved. [4]
    • "Mazal" can also mean, "This deal is binding and you can't back out now." Saying it is like making a promise on top of signing a contract that the parties involved will work together honestly and fairly.
  2. When someone says "Mazal" or "Mazal and brocha" to you in business, reply by repeating the phrase back to the other person. Then shake their hand. These two actions indicate that you agree with (or to) the deal you just made and that the matter is now closed.
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Section 3 of 4:

Mazal vs Mazel

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  1. The Yiddish language was invented by European Jews and spoken for centuries (some people still speak it today). It's a combination of not just Hebrew words, but also words from German and other languages. [5] Many Hebrew words spoken in Yiddish have different inflections, pronunciations, and spellings from their original versions. Though mazel (pronounced "mah-zel") is spelled and pronounced slightly differently than mazal, the simple meaning of the word is the same. [6]
    • If you want to refer specifically to the stars' astrological influence on fate, however, say "mazal" as that's its more precise meaning.
  2. "Tov" is the Hebrew word for "good." [7] The two phrases are used interchangeably to congratulate someone at a special event like a bar or bat mitzvah (a coming-of-age ritual for 13-year-old Jewish children), a wedding, or the birth of a baby. [8] This can be a meaningful way to express your heartfelt joy for someone else's good news or accomplishments and your hope that everything will turn out well for them.
    • When someone congratulates of wishes you luck with this phrase, say, "Thank you!" in English or "Toda!" (toe-dah) in Hebrew.
  3. For example, if someone tells you they're having a baby, you can say, "Mazal tov" to mean "good constellation," as in, "I hope the baby is born under a lucky constellation." [9]
    • Below are examples of how to say "mazel tov" or "mazal tov" as an expression of congratulations" or to wish someone good fortune in the future.
      • "Mazel tov on graduating from high school and starting an exciting new chapter!"
      • "You passed the test? Mazel tov!"
      • "Mazel tov on completing your bar mitzvah!
      • "Mazal tov for your baby that's soon to be born!"
      • "Mazal tov, I hope your new job starts soon!"
      • "Mazal tov on your upcoming marriage and the many years of happiness ahead of you!"
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Section 4 of 4:

Other Common Jewish Sayings

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  1. L'chaim (pronounced leh-khah-eem ) is a traditional Jewish toast that means, "To life." Jews commonly speak it at parties and special occasions, but you can also say it when you're having drinks with friends and want to bless them and wish them well. According to other Jewish traditions, saying "L'chaim" before drinking alcohol blesses the alcohol, that it might bring peace and blessings to the drinker instead of leading to negative consequences (i.e., drunk driving and other bad behaviors). [10]
  2. "Shalom aleichem" (pronounced shah-lohm ah-ley-khem ) is a greeting that Jews say to one another to wish each other peace and blessings. They can say it anytime they meet whether at work, at school, in the synagogue, or on the street. [11]
  3. Yasher koach (pronounced yah-shehr ko-akh ) literally means, "straight strength," but its conversational definition is, "More power to you!" Jews say this to someone who has done a good deed (i.e., reading the Torah in front of the congregation at a Sabbath service) to bless them for their work and encourage them to keep going. [12]
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      References

      1. ↑ Avrohom Rapoport. Rabbi and Judaism Expert. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Avrohom Rapoport. Rabbi and Judaism Expert. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/160965/jewish/What-Does-Mazel-Tov-Mean.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/297790/jewish/Promises-Promises.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yiddish-language
      6. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/160965/jewish/What-Does-Mazel-Tov-Mean.htm
      7. ↑ Avrohom Rapoport. Rabbi and Judaism Expert. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/160965/jewish/What-Does-Mazel-Tov-Mean.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/160965/jewish/What-Does-Mazel-Tov-Mean.htm
      1. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2987145/jewish/Why-Do-Jews-Toast-LChaimTo-Life.htm
      2. ↑ https://aish.com/shalom-aleichem/
      3. ↑ https://www.accidentaltalmudist.org/torah/2016/12/08/what-does-yasher-koach-mean/

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