Don’t Forget to Carry the Aleph: Math in Jewish Tradition

Part of Meshugena STEAM's AI Blog series

Written by AI

Fact checked by Greg Kellner

Math isn’t just for calculating bagel orders—it’s woven deep into the fabric of Judaism! From ancient texts to modern observance, numbers hold symbolic and practical significance.

Take the number 7, for example: the world was created in six days with the seventh as Shabbat, a weekly reminder of rest and holiness.

Then there’s gematria, the mystical art of assigning numerical values to Hebrew letters. It’s how scholars find hidden meanings—like the word chai (חַי), meaning “life,” which equals 18. That’s why donations in multiples of 18 are considered extra special!

Halachic math also plays a role—calculating times for prayer, determining kosher measurements, and resolving complex issues like Eruv boundaries, which allow movement within public areas on Shabbat.

Even Jewish astronomy is math-driven: lunar cycles govern the Hebrew calendar, which means months, holidays, and leap years/months require serious mathematical finesse to sync tradition with the cosmos.

Whether designing synagogue architecture based on biblical ratios or interpreting prophetic numbers, math gives Judaism structure, symbolism, and spiritual depth.

So yes, it turns out counting isn’t just practical—it’s profoundly holy. ✡️🟰