L'Chaim! לחיים!

A few people have asked me the meaning of לחיים! -- L'Chaim! I promised Pat from Arizona an answer today.

L'Chiam is Hebrew and it translates in English to "to life".

The phrase was popularized in the film and Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof.

To me, L'Chaim represents this journey that I have taken on. Each step has been to further life. It has very deep and personal meaning.

Every step of this journey has added to my life through better health. I realize that my life impacts so many others -- my two wonderful boys, my amazing wife, my parents, brother, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, in-laws, cousins, friends, co-workers, and so on. I realized that I need do whatever I can to make sure that I am on this earth every day possible. I need them and they need me.

In the short couple of weeks that I have been blogging, I have been overwhelmed by the people that have written me and commented that these writings were inspiring them. If I can share L'Chaim with them or with you reading now and if this helps anyone reach their goals, whatever they are, it is a mitzvah.

Now, no doubt, you're curious about mitzvah. מצווה or mitzvah is also a Hebrew word for good deed. It represents any act of human kindness, such as donating to charity, caring for a sick friend, giving food to the poor, or even helping others be more healthy.

L'Chaim!