Chai (symbol)
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Chai (Hebrew pronunciation: [xai], occasionally [ħai) is a symbol and word that figures prominently in Jewish culture and consists of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet Chet (ח) and Yod (י).
In the Hebrew language, the word chai (חַי) spelled by these two letters means "living," is related to the term for "life," chaim, and also appears in the slogan "`am yisrael chai!" (עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי, "The people of Israel live!",).
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[edit] Numerological associations
There have been various mystical numerological speculations about the fact that, according to the system of gematria, the letters of chai add up to 18 (see "Lamedvavniks" etc.). For this reason, 18 is a spiritual number in Judaism, and many Jews give gifts of money in multiples of 18 as a result.
[edit] References in culture
The Chai symbol is often worn by Jews as a medallion around the neck (along with the Star of David (Magen David) and the Hamsa).
In Hebrew, the related word chaya means living thing or animal, derived from the Hebrew word chai (חי), meaning "life".
Chai is a popular root word in Hebrew names. Chaya, derived from chai is a popular female name in Hebrew, and Chaim is the very popular male version. Among all Jews, both religious and secular, the toast "l´chaim", which means "to life", is frequently used when celebrating something, such as one of the high holidays, birthdays, weddings etc. See also the article about "Etz Chaim", meaning "tree of life" for more related information.
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Jewish poker pro Mike Matusow can usually be seen wearing a gold Chai necklace.[citation needed] Some non-Jews have also adopted the symbol. Former Baseball star Wade Boggs drew a Chai in the dirt before each at-bat.[citation needed] Elvis Presley wore a Chai necklace while performing toward the end of his life.[1]
[edit] Spelling and pronunciation
The most common spelling is "Chai", but the word is occasionally also spelled "Hai." The usual modern pronunciation of this word is [xai], while a transcription of the Biblical and Mishnaic pronunciation would have likely been [ħai] (with a pharyngeal consonant).
[edit] External links
- Aish: Am Yisrael Chai -- The Eternal Nation: (MP3 file) - A vocal recording by Jewish singer, Sam Glaser of the traditional Jewish song.
- MP3 file BBC recording from April 20, 1945 of Jewish survivors of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp five days after their liberation. This was the first Sabbath ceremony openly conducted on German soil since the beginning of the war, with people still dying around them, singing what would become the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah. At the end of Hatikvah, a man shouts out, "Am Yisrael Chai, The children of Israel still living!." [2]
[edit] References
- ^ "Elvis' Jewish Heritage," Elvis Presley News, 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2008. Note photograph of Elvis performing with Chai necklace toward the bottom of the page.
- ^ Nana.co.il, Original Site with Newspaper Article (Hebrew)
