I have always been confused about l'chaims (toasts). At what point does one make the blessing on the drink? Which part--the "l'chaim" or the blessing--immediately precedes taking a sip?
Usually when I see l'chaims, I don't hear people making a separate blessing on the drink at all, but I assume this is not normative. What should one do?
Answer
The Hamodia newspaper had an article related to the Gemoro Nedorim 32.
Pri Megadim records two opinions concerning the proper time to recite “l’chaim.” According to one opinion, one should make the brachah, drink some wine and then say “l’chaim,” whereas other opinions maintain that one should recite “l’chaim” before even reciting the brachah because giving honor to one’s fellow man is a priority. Knesses Hagedolah also mentions that he saw others who would make the brachah and drink before blessing the other people at the table and explained that he followed that order because it is appropriate to give honor to Hashem before giving honor to others. Proof to this position is found in our Gemara where we are taught that Shem was punished for blessing Avraham Avinu before blessing Hashem. Knesses Hagedolah disagrees with that perspective since we find many examples when sensitivity to the honor of others takes priority. Notwithstanding his challenge to the alternative approach he concludes that when he remembers he follows the other practice to make the brachah and drink before blessing others.
So there are the two possibilities you mention and arguments to support both. The Pri Megadim favours the order: brachah, drink, say L'chaim.
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