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| Bourbon on the rocks - image credit: Shore Leave Media |
It struck me, with the New Year's festivities just past us, and future opportunities to drink ourselves silly await, it might be a good time to share a bit of learning I got from a Rabbi of mine.
Why do we say L'chaim before we toast? Like most cultural practices, its origins are perhaps a bit obscured - and I never expected the literal answer from a Rabbi. But there is a very important spiritual lesson - perhaps spiritual-stition - wrapped up in the practice.
L'chaim means 'To Life.' We want to reaffirm our commitment to life - especially when we drink alcohol - because it's a substance and a situation that could go one of two ways. Anyone who knows someone who has suffered from alcoholism (or who knows a family member of someone suffering from alcoholism), knows that there is always the potential for alcohol to enslave us. Alcohol can take us away from our lives - both figuratively and (left unchecked) literally.
But alcohol also leads to conviviality, honest talk, joyous celebration, and even sanctification of a moment, an act, or occasion. We say L'chaim together before we drink to affirm our hope that this drink, and all that follow, are there to support us in our lives. That this drink be only for the good, and brings us closer to Gd and our fellows.
May your steps and stumbles lead you to a closer relationship with your life. May you live it fully as Gd intended. L'chaim!
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