Mazel tov facts for kids

"Mazel Tov!" written on a wine glass tag

In Israel, people often shout "Mazel Tov!" after the groom breaks the glass at a Jewish wedding.

A birthday cake iced with the words "מזל טוב" (mazal tov), often done in Israel. Here the phrase is written in Hebrew cursive.

Mazel Tov (sometimes spelled Mazal Tov) is a special phrase used by Jewish people. It comes from the Hebrew and Yiddish languages. When you say "Mazel Tov," you are congratulating someone on a happy and important event. It's like saying "Congratulations!" or "Good for you!"

What Does "Mazel Tov" Mean?

The words "Mazel Tov" literally mean "good fortune" or "good luck." But when people say it, they don't mean "I wish you good luck." Instead, they mean "Good luck has happened to you!" or "Your fortune has been good!" It's a way to show you are happy that something good has happened to someone.

If you want to wish someone good luck for the future, you would use a different Hebrew phrase, b'hatzlacha (בהצלחה‎), which means "with success."

Where Did "Mazel Tov" Come From?

The word mazel comes from an old Hebrew word, mazzāl. This word used to mean "constellation" or "astrological sign." Long ago, people believed that stars and constellations could affect a person's luck. So, "good mazel" meant a good sign from the stars.

Over time, the phrase "Mazel Tov" started to mean "good fortune" or "good luck" in general. It became a common way to congratulate people in Yiddish and Hebrew by the early 1800s.

The word mazel even made its way into other languages, like German (as Massel) and Dutch (as mazzel), where it also means "luck."

When Do People Say "Mazel Tov"?

"Mazel Tov!" is a very common expression in Jewish communities all around the world. People say it during many happy occasions, such as:

• At a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, which is a special ceremony when a Jewish boy or girl becomes an adult in their faith.
• At a Jewish wedding, especially after the groom breaks a glass as part of the ceremony. Everyone shouts "Mazel Tov!"
• In Israel, people use "Mazel Tov" for all sorts of happy moments. This could be getting a new driver's license, celebrating a birthday, or starting a new job.

It's a joyful way to share happiness and celebrate good news with friends and family.

See also

In Spanish: Mazal Tov para niños

• Jewish astrology
• Jewish greetings
• List of English words of Yiddish origin
• Siman tov