By Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin
Art by Sefira Lightstone
Unpacking the Gematria of 18
Many Jews typically give charity (and gifts) in multiples of 18 (e.g. 18, 36, 54, 72 etc.). On a simple level, this is because the numeric value of the Hebrew word חי (chai), which means “life,” is 18. We are thus symbolically blessing both the recipient and the giver with good, long lives.
Who Started It?
It isn’t clear when or where this custom originated, but one classic example dates back to the 1700s when, on multiple occasions, the Baal Shem Tov instructed people to donate in multiples of 18, using the term chai.
The Price of a Sheep
An earlier source for donating 18 coins is found in the Code of Jewish Law (and quoted in Tanya): one who transgresses a sin which would have required an animal offering during the Holy Temple era, should donate 18 peshitim (coins) to charity.
In this case, there is no significance to the number 18 beyond the fact that 18 peshitim was how much a run-of-the-mill sheep would have cost back then.
Nonetheless, some look to it as precedent for giving in multiples of 18, since nothing in our lives is truly happenstance.
The Significance of 18
The Talmud and Midrash list many things that are specifically in the amount of 18 or chai:
- Our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are mentioned together in the Torah 18 times.
- There are 18 passages in which G-d communicates with Moses and Aaron as equals.
- G-d’s name appears 18 times in the Shema.
- There are 18 “commands” in the Torah regarding the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
- G-d’s name appears 18 times in Psalm 29.
- There are 18 vertebrae in a person’s spine.
In fact, these are the reason the Sages instituted that the daily Amidah should consist of 18 blessings.
Rabbi Yehuda Lowe, the Maharal of Prague, further explains that this number is associated with the Divine attribute of mercy. The additional (19th) blessing, in which we ask G-d to judge our enemies, is not included in the 18, which are all about mercy, blessing and life.
Additional Significance
The mystics point out that 18 is also the numeric value of chessed (kindness), osher (wealth) and kofer (atonement), when one uses the system of mispar katan, in which all zeroes are removed.
- Osher עושר Wealth 7+6+3+2=18
- Kofer כופר Atonement 2+6+8+2=18
- Chesed חסד Kindness 8+6+4=18
This reflects the three primary motivations for giving charity: to merit Divine kindness, achieve atonement for a misdeed, or as the Talmud tells us, to merit an abundance of livelihood.
Just Give!
At times, the Rebbe would advise giving in various other increments, depending on the circumstances. Overall, the main thing is to give as much as you can, providing as much assistance to others as you are able. For charity, no matter the amount, has the ability to save us from danger, and in its merit we will usher in the Ultimate Redemption, may it happen imminently.
FOOTNOTES
- For example, Keter Shem Tov, Hosofot 388: If you find yourself in danger and needs a miracle, donate 18 large coins for candles to be lit in honor of the soul of Rabbi Meir Baal Haness and loudly proclaim three times: “I donate these 18 large coins for candles in honor of R. Meir Ba’al Haness. G-d of Meir, answer me (see Talmud Avoda Zarah 18b)!” Then say: “May it be Your will, Hashem, our G-d and the G-d of our fathers, that just as You heard the prayers of Your servant Meir and wrought miracles and great wonders on his behalf, so may You do for me and for all those who are in need of miracles, be they hidden or open. Amen, may it be Your will.”
- Rama, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 334:26.
- Iggeret Hateshuva ch. 3.
- See Magen Avraham and Mishna Berurah ad loc.
- See Shut, Divrei Yoel 30.
- See for example, Talmud Berachot 28b, Jerusalem Talmud Berachot 2:4, 4:3.
- Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 1:8, Bamidbar Rabbah 2:1.
- Maharal, Nesivos Olam, Nesiv Avoda, 9.
- Maharal, Nesivos Olam, Nesiv Avodah 17.
- See Talmud Shabbat 119a.
Reprinted from the Parshat Ki Seitzei 5783 website of Chabad.org Magazine.
