INTRODUCTION:

The fourth book of the Torah is Bamidbar in Hebrew, and ‘Numbers’ in English. In honor of this Shabbat, this program is a fun way to celebrate numbers while learning about gematria, a mystical Jewish numbers exploration.  

MATERIALS:

• Gematria PowerPoint or printed copies of PowerPoint 
• 2 loaves of challah, 2 Shabbat candles 
• Kugel, Fish, Nuts, Meat to serve (foods associated with numbers) 
• Printed copies of Gematria numerical values for table 
• Blank paper, pens to play with their names 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (2 hrs):

• [part one] Gematria learning (20 mins) 
• [part two] Shabbat blessings, eating (45 mins) 
• [part three] Gematria name play (5 mins) 

[part one] Gematria learning

• Using either the PowerPoint or printed out sheets spend time learning about the concept of Gematria in Judaism. Learn about foods associated with concepts that will be shared for Shabbat. Ask questions as you go through the learning. 

[part two] Shabbat blessings/eating

• 2 candles, 2 loaves of challah – numbers are in everything, including the Shabbat rituals. Lead blessings and then enjoy Shabbat meal together. 

[part three] Gematria name play

• Using printed values of the letters, ask participants to play with the numerical values of their names. Add up the values and rearrange letters to see if they can spell popular words. This Gematria calculator can be of help. 

*The Gematria PowerPoint was created by Cleveland Moishe Pod resident Zachary Tuchfeld in collaboration with Rabbi Shari Shamah. It is used with permission.