On Wednesday, May 10, 2006 I was asked the following question:

John of Gloucester, Massachusetts asks, "What is the significance of L'Chaim?"

This was my response:

Dear John,

L'Chaim literally means TO LIFE and is used as a way of wishing someone good fortune and a long life.  It is also said when having a drink of wine or liquor as a well-meaning expression that in drinking the brew one should live to a ripe old age.

Rabbi Dan

If you have questions about a personal matter, or jewish practices and customs, you can submit them to me by e-mail. I answer all queries directly, or through this column, when the question is informative to our community.

Thank you for your kind attention and this opportunity to share with you,
Rabbi Dan S. Wiko
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