Chai – the Hebrew symbol of life חַי
Chai (חַי) is the Hebrew word for “alive”, written with the letters chet and yod. Worn as a pendant or used in art, it expresses the value Judaism places on life. Because the letters add up to 18, the number 18 has become a popular Jewish number.
Why 18?
Hebrew letters also serve as numbers: chet (ח) is 8 and yod (י) is 10, so חי = 18. Giving gifts and charity in multiples of 18 – 18, 36, 180 – is therefore a common custom, as a wish for life. It is a custom, not a law.
Life in the Torah
The Torah calls on us to “choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19) and says of its laws “which a person shall do and live by them” (Leviticus 18:5). The Talmud learns from this verse that almost every commandment is set aside to save a life (Yoma 85b): pikuach nefesh, saving a life, overrides Shabbat and nearly all other laws.
L’chaim
The toast “L’chaim!” – “to life!” – is said over wine or another drink at celebrations. The usual reply is “L’chaim!” or “L’chaim tovim uleshalom” (to a good life and to peace).
Sources
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־חֻקֹּתַי וְאֶת־מִשְׁפָּטַי אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה אֹתָם הָאָדָם וָחַי בָּהֶם אֲנִי יְהוָה
Talmud and halachic sources
- Talmud, Yoma 85b – “live by them”, the priority of saving life
Frequently asked questions
- What does chai mean?
- “Alive” or “living”. As a symbol it stands for life and the hope for long life.
- Why do Jews give money in multiples of 18?
- Because the letters of chai add up to 18. It is a popular custom expressing a blessing for life, not a requirement.
- Is the chai symbol religious?
- It is a cultural symbol based on a Hebrew word. It has no ritual role and no sanctity of its own.
- How do you answer “L’chaim”?
- With “L’chaim!” in return, or “L’chaim tovim uleshalom”.