Chai is a Hebrew word (translated as ”living” or ”life” due to the fact that in Hebrew, the word ”chaya” means ”living things” or ”animal”) which is part of the more modern Jewish culture. The spelling includes the Hebrew letters Het (ח) and Yud (י), resulting in the word “chai” written as follows: Chai (חי) and pronounced as if saying ”hi” in English.

Also, it must be noted that by its meaning, “chai” encapsulates an important lesson of Judaism. In gematria ( a type of mysticism which is responsible with assigning a numerological value to each Hebrew letter, the two letters mentioned above that comprise the word “chai” constitute number 18- Het having the value of 8 and Yud having the value of 10. Thus, 18, apart from being a symbolism of life, also means “good luck”. That is why, on various traditional Jewish celebrations – weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc., apart from the many gifts offered, it is common to offer also money in multiples of 18, wishing thus the recipient “good luck” and a “good life”.

This symbol is an expression of the whole Judaism, which highlights the importance of life and encourages people to be good, always respect ethics and enjoy their time in this world. That is why the word can be found in a common Jewish toast – “l’chaim!”, translated as “[here’s] to life. Usually, by using this toast, people invoke thus all the good things that lie ahead.

The symbol dates back only to the 18^th century and manifested very much in Eastern Europe. From then onwards, its usage grew to the effect that it would become a symbol usually worn on pendants and amulets, or be referred to in acts of charity.

The latter is connected to the Jewish custom of giving money, usually in multiples of 18, which in Hebrew is called ”giving chai”. As it can be easily noticed in the charitable work conducted by Jewish foundations, whenever they invite people for donations they refer to these donations in ”multiples of chai” (18, 36, 54, etc.).

It is within this culture that the word appears more likely as a visual element. Also, the word can be found in a slogan:” ʿam yisraʾel ḥay!” (meaning that the People of Israel lives). This significance of the word has been used many times throughout history in particular moments. For instance, a BBC recording of April 20^th, 1945 of the Jewish survivors of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp depicts the first Sabbath service conducted after the liberation of the camp. Although the war was still not over, the Jews sang their national anthem, Hatikvah and afterwards, it is said that British Army Chaplain Leslie Hardman shouted ”Am Yisrael Chai, The children of Israel still liveth!”.

The same phrase ”Am Yisra’el chai” was featured inIsrael’s song in the Eurovision Song Contest of 1983, held in Germany. The song of the Israeli delegation was entitled “Chai”.

Taking everything into consideration it can be seen that there are multiple meanings of the word “Chai” in Hebrew and all of them indicate towards being beneficial to life.