(c) 2000 Dr Hendel; 1st appeared in Torah Forum (c) Project Genesis

Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 21:31:16 -0400 (EDT)
From: Russell Hendel <  rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Re: Lucky 13?

QUESTION: Is the following comment allowed under Jewish law
<  <  13 is a lucky number for Jews because it is the gematria (numerical
equivalent) of 'echad' ('one) in Hebrew...Echad is the essence of Hashem.>  >

ANSWER:
Technically speaking Jews do not use concepts like "luck" as we see
everything as coming from G-d. Our religion prohibits us from seeing
astrological or natural events as "bearing luck" as this is the way of
idolaters.

Nevertheless, it is permissible and perhaps encouraged to see the Divine in
every event. So we see many numbers as symbolic of good-- 13 is the
gematria for G-d's oneness (As Dede explained) and 18 is the gematria for
life and 7 is the gematria for the Shabbath etc

I think with this perspective (of seeing the Divine in everything) the above
comments can be accepted.

Russell Jay Hendel