Jewish greetings – Shabbat Shalom, Mazel Tov, Chag Sameach
Hebrew and Yiddish phrases are part of everyday Jewish speech. Here is what they mean, when they are used and what to answer.
- Shabbat Shalom שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם
Shabbat Shalom means “a peaceful Sabbath”. When to say it, how to answer, Gut Shabbos and Shavua Tov, and the Torah source for greeting the Shabbat.
- Mazel Tov מַזָּל טוֹב
Mazel Tov means “congratulations”, not “good luck”. What the word mazal means, when to say it, how to reply, and the song Siman Tov u-Mazal Tov.
- Chag Sameach חַג שָׂמֵחַ
Chag Sameach means “happy holiday”. The right greeting for each Jewish holiday: Shana Tova, Gmar Chatima Tova, Chag Kasher veSameach, Moadim leSimcha.
- Baruch Hashem & B”H בָּרוּךְ הַשֵּׁם
Baruch Hashem means “blessed be God”. How it is used in conversation, what B”H and BS”D at the top of a page mean, and why Jews say Hashem and write G-d.
For learning and general information only. Customs differ between communities; for practical halachic questions ask your rabbi.