There’s a secret tucked away in the Tikkunei Zohar, a particularly mystical section of the Zohar, that might just change the way you approach your daily devotions.
It all boils down to the number 18.
Now, 18 might seem like a random number, but in Judaism, it's anything but. Eighteen corresponds to the Hebrew word ḥaiy (חי), which means "life." It’s why giving gifts in multiples of 18 is considered especially auspicious – you're literally giving the gift of life! So, what does this have to do with prayer?
The Tikkunei Zohar 108 makes a powerful connection. It suggests that those who pray with the "18 blessings of prayer" every day are tapping into this potent life force. But wait, what are these "18 blessings"? The text itself isn’t explicit.
Here's where it gets interesting, and we need to do a little bit of Kabbalistic number play. The text tells us that the numeric value of these blessings breaks down into "two, two, and seven, seven equaling 18." What does this enigmatic phrase mean? Well, Kabbalah often uses numerical values of Hebrew letters to unlock deeper meanings. In this case, it seems we are dealing with a formula.
Some scholars suggest that the “two, two” refers to the first two blessings of the Amidah, the central prayer in Jewish worship, which focus on praising God. And then “seven, seven” might allude to the seven blessings of petition that follow. Cumulatively, those sections add up to 18.
Ultimately, this passage in Tikkunei Zohar invites us to contemplate the vital connection between prayer and life itself. It's not just about reciting words; it's about infusing our prayers with intention, connecting with the divine, and ultimately, drawing life-force into ourselves and the world around us.
So, the next time you pray, remember the number 18. Remember ḥaiy, life. And remember that your prayers, offered with intention and devotion, have the power to bring life into being.