What's the meaning of "well over the fast" in the following passage?

Question

In Harold Pinter's *The Birthday Party* (1957), Goldberg (a Jewish character) wishes Stanley a happy birthday and says "well over the fast." What does he mean by it? I know that this expression is usually used by the Jewish people as a kind of holiday greetings! But how come Goldberg uses the expression at a birthday party?!!> GOLDBERG. Lift your glasses. Stanley—happy birthday.> MCCANN. Happy birthday. > LULU. Happy birthday. > MEG. Many happy returns of the day, Stan. > GOLDBERG. And well over the fast.

Answer 1

Hi there. The word "fast" refers to the fasts in Judaism, specifically the Fast of Gedaliah. It is associated with the fall of Jerusalem, although after all the fasts are complete, there is a return to happiness. The expression "Well over the fast" is wishing a future of happiness, which is a good thing to wish at a birthday party.

-Cory