Eighteen is the numerical value of the Hebrew word "chai" which means "life." It is a Jewish custom to give monetary gifts in increments of 18, thus symbolically blessing the recipient of the gift with a good long life.
When giving charity, the number 18 has another significance. It expresses our prayer that the merit of the charity given stand in our good stead, that we be blessed with life and prosperity.
Chani Benjaminson
Chabad.org
Unfortunately, this life of mine has meant occasional (and extraordinarily stressful) proximity to some very great scoundrels—for whom fooling the public, and in particular aJewish audience, has meant donating prominently following those well-worn multiples of 18.
Many who publish their names on “a list” of donors are what one might call A-List Jews ... better to have your name on “a list”, according to that thinking, if it’s not inscribed on the only list that matters?
If a $180,000 donation to a Jewish charity from you and your wife can—if not secure your appointment to run that charity, collecting about $180,000/year—then at least immunize you against criticism that you lacked the experience to get the job in the first place, or perhaps misused your appointment.
Are we sure 18 is about chai? Could it refer to tzadi, the 18th letter of the alphabet, and those poor Shehaaretzadikkim the world over who must sing a new whalesong every night, for fear they will be hooked and eaten.
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I am a teacher and one of my students me and two other of his teachers to his Bar Mitzvah. I have never been to one before, but a Jewish friend of mine told me that I should be honored and definitely go. I was unsure what the mother thought about me going, so I called her. After speaking with the boys mother, I felt it is appropriate to not only go, but also bring my wife and two little ones along for the experience. She was super grateful that we are coming (along with one of the other teachers). The only problem is that I am feeling really uneasy about the money situation. My wife just stopped working, so we are down to one income. The two other teachers agreed to combine with me, so I am thinking we can split $54, $72, or $90 three ways. Would that be enough? I don't feel comfortable giving money to a student in the first place, but now with my wife not working, I don't have much of a choice anyways. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Reply
better late than never...even a gift of $18 is acceptable. The gift is not the reason you were invited. Reply
A notebook is what I went for when I had little money. Included a passage at the back, as it was intended to be used to take note of his further studies. Which if you look into the meaning behind a bar mitzvah, you'll know it is the taking on responsibility for your own religious education. Have a great time! Reply
To Anonymous It's up to you! Reply
Graduation Gift Id there an appropriate amount for high school graduation? AN $18 increment or any amount? Reply
No, the gift, whether it's money or any other type of gift should be given before or after Shabbat. It can be mailed or dropped off at the boy's home. Reply
Give money on shabbat for bar mitzvah The bar mitzvah is on shabbot do i still give money Reply
monatery gift When did the monetary gift start and why? Reply
Gift for baby Yes, you can give monetary gifts in multiples of eighteen but it's not a must, you can give clothes, Jewish themed toys etc as well.. Reply
Gift when a baby is born What is the appropriate gift to give when a baby is born? Do you give a money gift in multiples of eighteen? Reply
amount for memorial Interestingly, multiples of 18 are appropriate even in this case, it is a core Jewish belief that the earthly end of a life does not represent the end, the soul continues to live on. When friends and family of the deceased perform good deeds in a deceased person's merit they help the soul on its journey on High and help perpetuate his/her life on earth. Hence, donating in multiples of 18 is still very much appropriate, although of course one can donate any amount one wishes. Reply
money gifts What is the approriate amount to give to a memorial fund in the name of one who has departed this world? In other words, if 18 means "life" then would it not be considered odd to send this amount? Reply
Thank you Thank you for posting that question & subsequent answer. We are attending a jewish wedding tomorrow evening and I vaguely remember someone telling me that, however I couldn't remember the number to use. Thanks again Reply
Thank you Bert. You are well versed in the art of the Chai of Giving money as a gift. Felt Reply
I have heard that it is now “a thing” to give $101. I can only think that the Gamatria is קא, which many for use instead of Hashem’s name in songs, like Ka Ribbon, or the idea of studying 101 times is better than average, but this doesn’t seem to be the answer. Any ideas?