A Moment in Time: What is so Significant about 36?

Dear all,

Many are familiar with the symbolic number of 18 in Judaism. Why 18? In Hebrew, each letter of the alphabet has a numeric value. The 8th letter of the alphabet is “Chet” and the 10th letter is “Yud.” Together, the letters spell the word “Chai,” meaning “life.” As life is the cornerstone of Judaism, the number 18 has become synonymous with our culture.

All the more so with “Double Chai.” Indeed, 36 is twice as powerful. The Hebrew equivalent of 36 is “Lamed Vav.” In and of itself, Lamed Vav doesn’t spell a Hebrew word. But we use the term “Lamed Vavnik” to describe the 36 people in every generation who are completely righteous. These 36 are the ones who make the world livable.

In honor of those 36, I am riding 36 miles once again in the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ Tour de Summer Camps, raising funds to send kids to Jewish Summer Camps. Temple Akiba’s own resident camp is a direct beneficiary! I want these kids to have the chance to become lamed vavniks, incredible souls who make the word better and kinder. My goal is to raise $3,600.

Please consider sponsoring me with a donation in a variation of “Chai” ($18, $180, etc.). Even better, a “Lamed Vav” donation ($36, $360, etc.) would be awesome! Whatever you can do will made a difference.

Following this link will take a moment in time. But the results of your action will make a difference for generations.

Thank you in advance!

With love and shalom,

Rabbi Zach Shapiro