Jewish Toasts

The prime Jewish toast is the Hebrew L'chayim, which means "to life," or "to your health." Mazel tov is also used as a toast. Leo Rosten explains which to use when in his Joys of Yiddish: "Some innocents confuse L'chayim with mazel tov, using one when the other would be appropriate. There is no reason to err. L'chayim is used whenever one would say 'Your health,' 'Cheers!' or (I shudder to say) 'Here's mud in your eye.' Mazel tov! is used as 'Congratulations.' "