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In my mother-tongue of Hebrew, letters have a numerical equivalent. The letter “chet” (ח) corresponds to 8. And the letter “yud” (י) corresponds to 10. Add them together and you get 18. Coincidentally, chet and yud also come together to form the word “Chai” (חי), which is pronounced like “high,” and is the Hebrew word for “life.” This is where the well-known Jewish saying, “L’chaim,” comes from. If you’ve seen Fiddler on the Roof, you already know L’chaim means “to life!”
There are many traditions derived from the symbolic connection 18 has with life. One example is the practice of honoring the life of our past and present loved ones by making charitable donations in increments of $18. And I could go on and on about the strong thematic presence of 18 throughout Jewish religious texts. But I think I’d rather use this email to talk about what their symbolic use of 18 says about the Jewish people.
The Deeper Meaning of 18 in Jewish Culture
As you likely know, the Jewish people have faced centuries of persecution. Ancient Jews suffered under Babylon, then under Rome. Later, the Crusaders came after us. We were accused of starting the plagues of the 14th century, targeted by the Spanish inquisition, tormented by the pogroms of the 19th and 20th centuries. And most recently, endured the hatred of the Holocaust.
If there’s one thing I can say about my ancestors, they were stubborn in the best way possible. They used every tool they had to defy their oppressors. Sometimes, all they had was their attitude. You want to take our life? We’re going to celebrate life every chance we get. You want to crush our spirit? We’re going to build a culture full of traditions and customs that lift our spirits.
I think this is what the number 18 means for you and me. Life is tough. Working in property management can be especially tough. But no number of angry tenants, stubborn owners, or unreliable vendors can depress your attitude if you so choose. You have total control over it.
There is always good to be found if you look for it. And if you make it an intentional practice to “hunt the good stuff” and weave gratitude into your character and daily life, you will inspire those around you the way my ancestors inspire me.
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