לְחַיִּים
L'Chaim
“To life! / Cheers!”
L'Chaim (לְחַיִּים) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “to life! / cheers!,” pronounced “le-kha-YIM.” The literal translation is “to life.” A toast said before drinking, celebrating the sanctity and joy of being alive. Made internationally famous by 'Fiddler on the Roof.'
| Hebrew | לְחַיִּים |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | L'Chaim |
| English Meaning | To life! / Cheers! |
| Literal Translation | To life |
| Pronunciation | le-kha-YIM |
| Category | Celebrations & Holidays |
| Origin | Talmudic/Rabbinic Hebrew. The Talmud (Shabbat 67b) mentions drinking 'l'chaim' as a practice. The word chayyim (life) is one of the most important concepts in Hebrew thought — God is called 'the Living God' (El Chai), and the Torah is called 'the Tree of Life' (Etz Chaim). |
There may be no toast in any language more life-affirming than L'Chaim. While the English 'Cheers' is vague and the French 'Santé' (health) is practical, the Hebrew toast is a full-throated celebration of existence itself: To Life! L'Chaim is a philosophical statement disguised as a drinking toast — a defiant insistence that life, despite its hardships, is worth celebrating. For a people who have survived persecution, exile, and attempted annihilation, raising a glass 'to life' is not trivial. It's an act of resistance, a refusal to surrender joy to suffering. Fiddler on the Roof immortalized it for the world, but L'Chaim has been ringing out at Jewish tables for centuries.
Where Does “L'Chaim” Come From?
Talmudic/Rabbinic Hebrew. The Talmud (Shabbat 67b) mentions drinking 'l'chaim' as a practice. The word chayyim (life) is one of the most important concepts in Hebrew thought — God is called 'the Living God' (El Chai), and the Torah is called 'the Tree of Life' (Etz Chaim).
When and How to Say “L'Chaim”
Said when raising a glass at any celebration — weddings, holidays, Shabbat dinner, or any social gathering with drinks. The response is 'L'Chaim!' back. It can also be used figuratively to affirm life and joy in any context.
Cultural Context of L'Chaim
L'Chaim became globally famous through the song 'To Life' in Fiddler on the Roof (1964). In Israel, L'Chaim is the standard toast at all gatherings. At Kiddush (the wine blessing on Shabbat), the first sip is preceded by L'Chaim. It reflects the Jewish emphasis on celebrating life in the present moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “To life! / Cheers!” in Hebrew?
“To life! / Cheers!” in Hebrew is L'Chaim (לְחַיִּים), pronounced “le-kha-YIM.” The literal translation is “To life.” A toast said before drinking, celebrating the sanctity and joy of being alive. Made internationally famous by 'Fiddler on the Roof.'
How do you pronounce L'Chaim?
L'Chaim is pronounced “le-kha-YIM.” The literal meaning is “To life.”
What does L'Chaim mean literally?
L'Chaim literally means 'To Life.' The 'L' (le-) is a preposition meaning 'to' or 'for,' and 'Chaim' means 'life' (always in the plural form in Hebrew, suggesting life's fullness and complexity). It's used as a toast before drinking, celebrating the gift of being alive.
When do you say L'Chaim?
L'Chaim is said whenever you raise a glass — at weddings, Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and casual social gatherings. It's the Hebrew equivalent of 'Cheers!' but with deeper meaning. The response is simply 'L'Chaim!' echoed back by everyone present.
Is L'Chaim from Fiddler on the Roof?
The song 'To Life (L'Chaim!)' in Fiddler on the Roof (1964) made the phrase famous worldwide, but the toast itself is centuries older. It's rooted in Talmudic practice and has been a standard Jewish toast for generations. The musical simply introduced it to a global audience.
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