When someone sneezes, it’s common in many cultures to say “bless you” or something similar in response. But do Jews have this practice? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
The Origin of “Bless You”
The practice of saying “bless you” or “God bless you” after a sneeze dates back to the bubonic plague outbreaks in Europe during the Middle Ages. When someone sneezed, it was thought they might have the disease. Saying “bless you” was a way of hoping the person would be spared from the plague.
Over time, the practice became ingrained as a social custom, even though its original purpose was no longer relevant. Nowadays, “bless you” is said more out of habit and social reflex than as a serious hope that someone’s health will be protected.
Jewish Views on Saying “Bless You”
There is no definitive Jewish teaching on whether one should say “bless you” after a sneeze. Responses vary among different Jewish groups and individuals. Here are some perspectives:
No Jewish Requirement
Many Jews point out there is no mandate in Jewish law or tradition to say “bless you” when someone sneezes. Judaism does not share the superstitious beliefs that existed in medieval times about sneezes signaling ill health.
Therefore, from this viewpoint, there is no inherent Jewish reason to observe the “bless you” custom. It is seen as a matter of social convention rather than religious obligation.
Ashkenazic Practice
Among Ashkenazic (Eastern European origin) Jews, the social practice of saying “bless you” became common and widespread. When a person sneezed, it was customary to say the Yiddish phrase “zay gezunt” meaning “be well.”
This practice took hold even though it was not an original Jewish tradition. Saying “bless you” after sneezes was so socially ingrained that it was likely adopted by Ashkenazic Jews as a matter of courtesy and reflex.
Kabbalistic Reasoning
The Kabbalah, a tradition of Jewish mysticism, attributes spiritual significance to sneezes and the “bless you” response. Kabbalists teach that a sneeze momentarily allows your soul to leave your body before it returns. Saying “bless you” acknowledges the sneeze as a sacred event when the soul departs and comes back.
From this mystical viewpoint, there is spiritual meaning to responding “bless you” to a sneeze. The practice recognizes the deep power of the moment when the soul leaves and re-enters the body.
Sephardic Practice
Among Sephardic Jews (Spanish/Middle Eastern origin), the “bless you” custom after sneezes did not become as widespread. Sephardic communities tended to view it as a Gentile practice that was not part of Jewish tradition.
Therefore, many Sephardic Jews do not have the reflex to say “bless you” after sneezes. Their religious tradition did not originally include this practice.
Variations on “Bless You”
For Jews who do observe the “bless you” custom after sneezes, there are different versions of what to say. Some examples include:
- “Bless you” or “God bless you” in English
- “Labriut” – To your health in Hebrew
- “Gezuntheit” – To your health in Yiddish
- “Tizku l’shanim rabbot” – May you merit many years in Hebrew
Hebrew options relate more directly to Jewish sensibilities, though “bless you” remains common as well among Jews who follow this custom.
What If the Sneezer Is Jewish?
There is debate around whether the “bless you” response should be used if the person sneezing is known to be Jewish. Some argue that for Jews, it does not make sense to observe a custom that originated in non-Jewish culture.
However, others counter that the practice is now so socially ingrained that its origins are less relevant. Saying “bless you” is almost an automatic reaction for many when someone sneezes, including by Jews.
Varying Opinions
There are differing views among Jews on how to respond when a Jewish person sneezes:
- Some say “bless you” to anyone who sneezes, Jew or Gentile
- Some only say it to Gentiles but not fellow Jews
- Some do not say it at all, because it is not a Jewish custom
If unsure, it can be polite to simply say “bless you” to avoid potential awkwardness. Or one could use a Hebrew blessing to give the response a more Jewish character.
Concluding Perspectives
In the end, there is no definitive Jewish teaching requiring or prohibiting saying “bless you” when someone sneezes. The spectrum of opinion includes:
- It’s a polite social convention that Jews can observe like anyone else
- It was assimilated into Jewish culture but need not be retained
- It has mystical meaning when the soul leaves and re-enters
- It’s not a Jewish tradition and should be avoided
So do Jews say “bless you”? While some do, others abstain. Ultimately it’s a matter of personal choice and community custom, not Jewish law. But regardless of their response, Jews can appreciate the thoughtfulness behind wishing someone wellness after they sneeze.