“Mazal Tov” When a Dish Breaks, or Our Grandmothers’ Jewish Prohibitions

“Mazal Tov” When a Dish Breaks, or Our Grandmothers’ Jewish Prohibitions

When dishes broke in a Jewish home, our grandmothers forbade us to become upset, saying that everything was for the best, for the good, and a sign of good fortune. As it turns out, this is a thoroughly Jewish omen—and in such cases, it is even customary to say: “Mazal Tov”. Rebbe Nota of Chelm had a very wealthy Hasid who once came to him in a state of anxiety: “Rebbe, you know that I am very wealthy and have always enjoyed prosperity. But recently, a faint voice has begun sounding within me more and more often, constantly telling me that not everything is well. It is as though I have a premonition that my fortunes may change completely. It is one thing when a person is born into a poor family and accepts poverty as a way of life. That is not the case with me. If I suffer a major setback and lose my good fortune, the consequences will be catastrophic, and I doubt that I will be able to adapt to them.” “What changes have taken place in your home recently?” Rebbe Nota asked him. Assuming that the Rebbe was asking about his observance of Torah, the Hasid said: “Rebbe, everything is as usual—I observe Shabbat and study Torah every day.” “That is not what I mean,” said the Rebbe. “What physical changes have taken place in your home?” The Hasid thought for a moment and then said: “Yes, there was something—but it hardly seems significant. I had a set of expensive crystal dishes, but I was upset when a crystal goblet fell and shattered. So I put the set away and bought silver goblets that do not break.” “There is your answer,” replied Rebbe Nota. “Every person is destined to experience a certain amount of hardship. You received your allotted share of trouble when the crystal goblet was damaged. But when you removed that source of trouble, you invited misfortune from other sources. Put away those silver goblets and use the crystal ones again. Then the troubles associated with the broken crystal will run their course, and no new ones will be needed. And this explains the custom in Jewish homes: when a glass or dish breaks, we exclaim, ‘Mazal Tov!’ For if we were destined to suffer some kind of loss, we would be glad that it took the form of losing a glass or a plate—and that we could now be at ease.” (Rabbi Avraham Twerski, “Shirat Dvora” website)