History of the Number 18
The number 18 holds a special significance to Jews all over the world, and its origin can be traced back to both the Torah and extra-biblical sources. In the Torah, 18 is the numerical value of the Hebrew word for life, which is related to the main theme of Judaism: the desire for life and other positive values. Other sources that explore the significance of the number 18 suggest that the number holds significance because it is the numerical value for חי (hay), which translates to ‘alive’ or ‘living’ in Hebrew. This ultimately implies that the number 18 carries the same value as life, and is connected to the spiritual essence of life itself.
In traditional Jewish belief, life is to be valued, and the number 18 embodies this sentiment. In the Kabalah, the number 18 is so sacred that any multiple of 18 is deemed even more sacred, as these numbers represent a connection to a higher plane of existence. Therefore, many Jewish traditions, such as the Jewish Bar Mitzvah and the Jewish wedding, involve observances and rituals related to the number 18. The everyday life of Jews also feature the usage of the number 18. For example, it is used in the popular phrases Barchu Et Hashem and Barchu Et Adonoi, which are recited 18 times each day. Jews also make a point to say Mi Shebeirach 18 times during the synagogue service.
The significance of the number 18 attained a higher plane in the teachings of Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, who wrote that the Torah tends to refer to good things in increments of 18 – praising God with 18 blessings, 18 interpretations of the dream shared by Joseph and Pharaoh, and so on and so forth. By occasionally citing the number 18, Gifter and other rabbis suggest that one should strive for more than simply being alive, but to achieve a transcendental level of spiritual enrichment and happiness – as only a life of truth and sincerity can provide.
Spiritual Significance of Number 18
The spiritual significance of the number 18 is the result of the mystical connection between the human form and the number 18. Jews believe that each of the body’s 613 limbs are associated with one Merkavah, which consists of 18 angels or eyes. Additionally, the Kabalah believes that the three spiritual attributes of mercy, truth, and justice each contain six elements, with six times three (18) being a mystical representation of the body’s composition. As a result, many Jews add 18 to the phrase Kaddish, as a prayer for the departed, as it is thought to be one of the most potent numbers in achieving spiritual release from the bonds of mortality.
The numerical value of 18 can also be found in numerous other significant moments in Biblical history. For instance, the numbers 11, 12 and 18 can be found in the parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father is awarded three gifts of mercy (11), truth (12) and justice (18) when his prodigal son returns home. These numbers are revealed further in the number of Judah’s four sons – each of whom are associated with the four directions of the compass and the number 18, which suggests that the connection between all four of his sons is something spiritually sublime.
The number 18 is also intimately connected to the Jewish prayer known as Shema Yisrael, which is composed of 18 words and is deemed the most important prayer in the Jewish faith and is said before bed every night. Shema Yisrael is the first prayer a Jewish child learns and it encompasses an entire range of religious sentiments. Given the importance of the Shema, many Jews believe that the number 18 symbolizes a prayer for eternity, which guides the individual through his or her life.
Modern Cultural Significance
In modern-day Judaism, the number 18 has taken on a new and important cultural significance. In many Jewish cultures, the number 18 is used to signify luck and good fortune. For instance, in some Jewish homes, the number 18 is considered an auspicious sign, often present in everything from the decor to the number of guests invited to a special event or gathering.
Additionally, the number 18 is often used as a code for Jews to signify solidarity with their faith. For instance, some Jews have taken to wearing a red 18 on their lapels as a sign of faith and commitment to the Jewish faith, and some Jewish activists have adopted the hashtag “#18” as a way of being more visible. The hashtag is commonly used in the Jewish community to support various causes, such as social causes and to commemorate special occasions.
In the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), units wear the patch 18 as a sign of their commitment to protecting Israel against imminent threats. In Israel, the number 18 is also imprinted on certain license plates to indicate a car is owned by an IDF soldier. Outside of Israel, some U.S. soldiers wear a patch that has the number 18 on it to signify solidarity with their Israeli counterparts.
Cultural Uses of Number 18
The cultural implications of the number 18 extend beyond Jewish culture, and are seen all across the world. In Western culture, the number 18 often carries a certain resonance that implies power and prestige. For instance, most high-level golf courses can carry a fee of $18 or more, and US aircraft carriers have 18 decks.
In Japan, 18 is considered a lucky number because its pronunciation resembles the word for fortune – “ya-kette”. As a result, Japanese golfers often take extra care to avoid being within 18 meters of another golfer on the course. In the United Kingdom, the number 18 is commonly used to denote ruling by the majority, as it can often be found in the Members of Parliament who have 18 votes.
The importance of the number 18 to Jews cannot be understated, and its history, cultural implications, and modern-day interpretations speak to the deep and diverse history of the number and its significance to the Jewish faith.
Symbolic Representation in Judaism
The number 18 has a long and deep-rooted history in Judaism, and it is often featured in certain rituals and practices that are connected to life and death. For example, Jews believe that the soul of a deceased person longer exists after 18 months, and many graves have stones marked with the number 18 to signify that the soul has been released.
The number 18 is also a part of the Jewish marriage ritual. The number 18 is said during the blessings of the seven-day marriage feast, and it is also featured in the Sheva Brachot, which is the traditional blessing of the marriage ceremony. This once again highlights the importance of life in the Jewish faith, and its connection to the notion of eternity.
In addition to its cultural uses, the number 18 is often used as a symbolic representation of Jewish identity. For instance, many Jewish institutions feature the number 18 prominently in their signage or artwork. Additionally, the number 18 can be found on some man-made artifacts, such as coins and jewelry, and some spiritual texts even feature the numerical value of the number 18 on their covers.
The number 18 holds a special meaning and power within the Jewish faith, and it is a powerful representation of the values and beliefs of Judaism. Its historical, symbolic and cultural connotations help to make it one of the most potent and important numbers in the Jewish faith.
Connection to Jewish Rituals
In addition to its spiritual and symbolic connotations, the number 18 is also deeply intertwined with Jewish religious ritual. For instance, 18 is the minimum number of adult males required to constitute a synagogue service, and the Jewish prayer book known as the Siddur and Chumash contain 18 prayers and divisions, respectively. In the old city of Jerusalem, the Western wall is divided into two sections, with 18 posts on each side, symbolizing the unity of the Jewish faith and its adherence to the 18 divine attributes associated with Hashem.
The number 18 is also connected to some of the most important Jewish holidays and observances. On Purim, four 18ers are read aloud in memory of the Jewish people’s deliverance from the wicked Haman in Persia, and the 1st of the Jewish month of Nisan is celebrated as the Korban Pesach, which typically includes a ceremony of 18 Elleh Sheyavarim (18 half-measures), alluding to the broader theme of life that the number 18 conveys.
The number 18 is also used in other Jewish rituals, such as the celebration of one’s Bar Mitzvah, where 18 Elleh Sheyavarim are recited during the service. This once again highlights the importance of life to the Jewish people and its association with the number 18.
The number 18 holds a significant place in the observances and rituals of the Jewish faith, and its inclusion in both religious and secular life is indicative of its power and importance.
Symbol of Transformation and Renewal
The number 18 also represents transformation and renewal. In Jewish literature, the number 18 is often associated with the concept of tikkun olam, or the healing and transformation of the world. For example, in the popular fable of Rabbi Yud Leibel and the Knot of Transformation, the Rabbi is instructed to untie the Knot of Transformation, which consists of 18 intertwined knots, in order to bring about transformation and renewal on the world. These knots represent the 18 measures of redemption promised by G-d to redeem humanity; thus, the number 18 is a symbol of the hope for a better tomorrow.
The number 18 is also connected to the idea of rebirth and renewal. For example, the Jewish custom of throwing stones at the Western wall of Jerusalem’s old city is performed 18 times to symbolize the fact that G-d’s providence can renew and revive the soul.
The number 18 is an integral part of Jewish life, and its symbolic and spiritual implications point to the values, beliefs and practices of the Jewish faith.
Conclusion
The number 18 holds a special significance for Jews all over the world and is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural aspects of Judaism. In the Torah, the number 18 is the numerical value for the Hebrew word for life and is connected to the spiritual essence of life. In modern-day Judaism, the number 18 is often used to signify luck, prestige and solidarity. Outside of the Jewish faith, the number 18 is associated with power and even luck in some cultures. The number 18 also has significant historical and symbolic connotations in Jewish life, used in rituals and marches. Ultimately, the number 18 conveys life and renewal, and is a powerful symbol of the values and beliefs of the Jewish faith.
