When Jews Donate $18 it’s not because we’re too cheap to give $20 – in Judaism 18 it is the numerical value of life

So, long story short – a donation was given to a fundraiser I was participating in and somebody expressed shock that a donation of $18 was given. I said it was a Jewish thing and they replied that they were glad that I said that with a big smirk (me being Jewish and all, implying that it was a cheap thing.) Damn it!! Reminds me of when I was in college and somebody’s shirt ripped and they replied “Ah the fucking Jews.” Just as Jews don’t run all textile industries, nor are we part of the Pentaverate – we are also not being cheap when we donate $18 instead of $20. In fact:

“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.”

OK – back to ice cream news.