"Mazel tov" (Yiddish: מזל טוב, romanized: mázl tov) or "mazal tov" (Hebrew: מזל טוב, romanized: mazál tov; lit. "good fortune") is a Jewish phrase used to express congratulations for a happy and significant occasion or event.

The Hebrew phrase mazel tov (also spelled mazal tov, or mazel tof) literally translated means “good luck.” In practice, mazel tov is usually said to mean “Congratulations!” In modern Israeli pronunciation, it is said with the accent on the second syllable: ma-ZAL tove.

Mazal tov literally means “good luck,” but Jews use it pretty much the same way that English-speakers use the word “congratulations.” So this is the appropriate wish for an engagement, wedding, birth, circumcision, bat mitzvah , bar mitzvah , closing on a new house, a new job, or even the completion of a tractate (known as a siyum ) or ...

May 31, 2023 · “Mazal Tov” is a Hebrew phrase that translates to “good luck” or “good fortune.” However, its true essence goes beyond luck as a random occurrence. The word “mazal” has its roots in astrology and the ancient belief that each person’s destiny is influenced by the alignment of the stars and constellations at the time of their birth.

Mazal tov (“good luck”) is the colloquial Jewish expression of congratulations, the traditional felicitation given at a wedding, bat mitzvah, or brit. It is also the standard response to hearing good news from or about another person.

Aug 23, 2023 · In Hebrew, mazel tov means “good luck” but it is used as a way to say “congratulations!” Some people – usually Ashkenazi Jews – will say MA-zel tov, while Israeli or Sephardic Jews will say ma-ZAL tov, emphasizing the last few letters when pronouncing it.

“Mazel tov” is one of the more familiar Jewish phrases that has been adopted in America. But unless you attended Hebrew School, do you have any idea what it means? Often confused for a toast, “mazel tov” is an upbeat way to wish someone congratulations or good luck.

Mazal Tov: (lit. "a good mazal") Traditional congratulatory wish for happy lifecycle events such as births, weddings, circumcisions, and bar or bat mitzvahs.

So, what do we mean when we say “Mazel Tov”? We are saying a brief prayer at this time which is strongly influenced by the Mazalot, that God will ensure that the “energy” that is sent will be only for good.

I always thought Mazel Tov meant “congratulations.” I recently heard that it actually means “good luck.” But I thought Jews don’t believe in luck . . . ? Answer: Your confusion is understandable. The Talmud—the ancient encyclopedia of Jewish wisdom—seems to contradict itself on the issue.