Judaism has a wealth of ancient traditions and teachings, but one of its most mysterious is the relevance of the number 18. Many Jews of all denominations, as well as Christian and Muslim theologians, have spent centuries trying to understand why this seemingly random number is of such importance to the religion.
One popular theory suggests that it is the numerical value of the Hebrew word “chai,” which means “life.” This interpretation dates back to the time of the Second Temple, when Jewish coins carried the inscription “Chai” to signify God’s mercy and eternal life. However, the exact origin of it is unclear, and certain scholars believe it may have originated with pagan cults.
Another commonly accepted view is that the number 18 is associated with the words found in Deuteronomy 11:21: “You shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul.” The Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbalah teaches that “These words” refer to the 18 Benedictions, a set of prayers applicable to daily worship.
Regardless of any historic or spiritual explanation, 18 has a special significance for Jews around the world. Many observe an old custom known as “Cheshbon Chai,” which involves counting every human, animal and object in one’s home to reach the number 18. Celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is also a special Jewish tradition, where a Jewish male typically turns 13 or a Jewish female turns 12.
Other Jewish customs with ties to 18 are fewer in number but still readily found. For example, the ancient palindromic blessing of Yevurechecha, or “May God bless you,” recalls the numerical value of the Hebrew letters “ches” and “shin,” which together equal 18. The kippah, the sacred skullcap worn by many Jews, is also traditionally made with 18 folds.
In sum, the origins of the number 18’s reference in Judaism remains somewhat mysterious and debated among scholars, but it is apparent that within Judaism there is a strong bond between the number and the people, symbols, and rituals associated with it. The importance of the 18 can be felt both practically and spiritually, no matter how old the tradition is.
The Relevance of 18 in Judaism Today
Today, 18 remains an important reference number for much of the Jewish population, in both religious and non-religious contexts. It forms a part of popular culture and is seen in numerous areas of Jewish life, including prayer, charity and celebration.
Prayer is an important part of the Jewish faith, and prayer beads and recitals made up of 18 words or phrases based on the number 18 are commonplace in many Orthodox and Reform synagogues. A well-known example includes the use of ‘V’chai bahem,’ meaning ‘And Live With Them,’ in daily readings. This incorporates 18 different letters in a recitation to emphasize the importance of living with a shared sense of unity.
In addition to its strong ties to religious life, the tradition of 18 is also linked to Jewish charity. For centuries, the number 18 has been associated with the practice of giving money to the poor. It is customary in some communities to divide one’s donations among 18 needy people, which is known as the “Mitzvah of Maaser Ani.” There are even organisations which specifically accept donations of $18 in many Jewish communities.
Finally, the number 18 is also used in formal celebration. In 2015, the Mayor of Jerusalem decreed that the entire city observe a special New Year celebration known as Yom Ha’azmaut, which utilises the number 18 as a symbol of joy. On this day, the Mayor proclaims “18 Flags of Joy.” A festival service is then held in a synagogue, in which 18 members of the congregation are chosen for special honour.
Symbolic Interpretations of 18
The number 18 has a varied, often eclectic, set of symbolic interpretations that range from the metaphysical to the mundane. In Kabbalah, the number 18 signifies felicity, or good fortune, along with kindness and charity. Meanwhile, based on a passage from the Talmud which states that 18 minutes of reflection can save a person from sin, 18 is now seen as a reminder to take time to reflect and make wise decisions.
More traditionally, 18 has been associated with the number of words in the Shema prayer. The Shema is a key recitation of religious significance: it is used at the end of every day’s Hebrew prayer and is traditionally the first dream a Jewish child hears as they pass away. Jewish people have placed a strong emphasis on the importance of pronouncing the 18 words properly, and many devote time to reading and reciting the prayer in an effort to strengthen their relationship with God.
In addition to theological meanings, 18 is also used to express a number of mundane values. The number 18 is sometimes used to symbolize wealth or affluence, and appears frequently in Jewish culture as a way of expressing wishes for “plenty” or “richness.” It is also used as a way of extending blessings for congratulations in special occasions, such as family celebrations and special gatherings.
Reactions to Significant Events Involving 18
In recent years, the number 18 has been mentioned in several significant, news-worthy events. One such incident was the 2015 terrorist attack at Uman, a city with a large Jewish community in Ukraine. On the day of the attack, all 18 Jewish worshipers in the synagogue were rescued by Ukrainian police, and many credited the numerical value of 18 with saving them from harm.
Similarly, following a major fire at Jerusalem’s ancient Hurva Synagogue in 2010, a special “Hope of 18” campaign was launched to help fund the synagogue’s reconstruction. The campaign, which was based on the numerical value of chai and the spirit of unity it represented, attracted donations from individuals and organizations around the world.
It is clear that the number 18 has a special place in the heart of the Jewish people, even when its exact origins remain a mystery. Its presence in everyday life, through religious symbols and practices, charity, and popular culture, make it an important part of the faith and its many traditions.
Numerical Legends
The significance of the number 18 has been further highlighted by legends and folktales, which are still told to this day. According to one story, 18 musical notes must be read from the Bible every day in order to ascend to heaven. Another legend states that Abraham made a secret covenant with God which consists of 18 afflictions and 18 special rewards, both of which must be in balance in order for true happiness to follow.
Fables such as these highlight the importance of 18 in the cultural context of Judaism. They may also offer a way to understand the concept on a deeper level, by connecting it to important themes such as faith and fellowship. Without these stories, it is likely that the number would remain a mystery, providing a way to bridge the gap between the religious and the secular.
Mitzvot Based on the Number 18
Besides its religious and literary connotations, the number 18 is also linked to specific secular practices in Judaism. A number of mitzvot, or religious commandments, involve activities that incorporate the number 18, such as giving charity and reciting blessings. Many traditional Mizvot involve saying a special blessing before performing a specific action. As part of this tradition, the initial blessing for each activity is usually recited three times, each time followed by the word ‘amen’, that adds up to eighteen.
In addition to the traditions which specifically connect 18 with mitzvot, there are a number of local observances which involve 18 in some way. One of the most popular is the shofar ceremony, which involves blowing a ram’s horn eighteen times as a symbol of new beginnings and atonement. This ceremony is often performed on Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, to signal the start of a new year of spiritual preparation.
Other customs associated with 18 include the wearing of tallit katan, a four-cornered garment with knotted fringes at each corner. It is traditionally made with 18 fringes and is worn in both daily and special life-cycle events. Additionally, the manual reading of the Torah requires the reader to pause regularly to count the number of words and syllables in a given section; this traditional practice is known as “g’matria” and often involves using the number 18.
Conclusion
There can be no doubt that, in spite of its enigmatic origins, 18 has a rich and varied significance within the Jewish tradition. Though its origins remain shrouded in mystery, its symbolism can be seen in everyday life through religious practices, charitable acts and traditional ceremonies. From its use in prayer to its connections with mitzvot, the number 18 will no doubt remain an integral part of Jewish culture for generations to come.
