Ira Riklis and his family donate money to many worthy organizations. Some receive large amounts, others more modest sums. And some receive a check for just $18.00. Why such an odd number? It comes from Hebrew concept of gematria, an exercise of calculating the numerical equivalence of letters, words or phrases. Such calculations provide insight into interrelationships between numbers and between words and ideas.
One of the best-known examples of these equivalences is Chai, the Hebrew word for life, which is composed of two letters which add up to 18. This has made 18 a “lucky number” among Jews. So while Ira Riklis leaves the calculations to those more mathematically adept, he usually makes donations in multiples of 18. For him, it’s a not only a way to participate in helping charitable organizations realize their goals but also a reminder to himself and others to celebrate at all times the gift of Life.