Two Hebrew letters, ח and י, and together they spell one of the most worn words in Jewish life: chai. It sits on necklaces, in toasts, in the amounts written into birthday cards. Here is what it means, why the number 18 matters, and how to wear it every day.
What Does Chai Mean?
Chai (חי) means "living" or "alive", and it is understood everywhere as life itself. It is spelled with two letters, chet (ח) and yod (י), and pronounced with the throaty "ch" of the Scottish "loch", not like the tea. It is the root of the toast l'chaim, "to life", raised at weddings, births and every celebration in between.
Why Is Chai Connected to the Number 18?
In Hebrew, every letter also carries a number, a system called gematria. Chet is 8 and yod is 10, so chai adds up to 18. That is why 18 is considered a lucky number in Jewish tradition, and why gifts of money are so often given in multiples of 18, at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a wedding or a birth, as a wish for a long life.
A Chai Necklace, Written in Hebrew
Most chai pendants you'll find are a stylized symbol, the two letters fused into a decorative emblem, often framed by a Star of David. Ours is different. It is the word itself, written in Hebrew letters the same way we write a name, crafted as one seamless piece and set on a fine chain. It reads as chai to anyone who reads Hebrew, and as something quietly beautiful to anyone who doesn't.
If the classic symbol is what you're after, a Judaica shop is the right place. If you want the word, written properly, this is.
Who Wears a Chai Necklace?
Anyone who wants life itself close to them. It is a classic gift for a Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah, a new baby, a milestone birthday, and for Hanukkah, which begins on December 4 this year. We gathered more ideas in our Hanukkah gift guide.
Plenty of people wear it for themselves too, after a hard year, a recovery, or simply because it says the right thing without saying too much.
Chai, or a Name?
Some prefer a name, their own or someone they love, written in Hebrew. Some wear chai on one piece and a name on another, a necklace and a bracelet, say. Both are made the same way, and the live preview shows either one in Hebrew before you order. Curious how a name looks in Hebrew? Here is the guide.
Make It Yours
Paste חי into the live preview on a Hebrew name necklace, bracelet or ring to see it exactly as it will be made. Choose 18K gold plating, Rhodium Silver or 18K rose gold plating, made on a stainless steel base, not brass, so it is waterproof, durable and hypoallergenic, and backed by a 10 year warranty.
Every piece is made to order and finished by hand in 7 to 10 days, then delivered free within 1 to 2 weeks, anywhere in the world, in our burgundy gift box. See the full Hebrew jewelry collection.
For something more precious, it also comes in 18K Gold Vermeil, real 18K gold over solid 925 sterling silver. Vermeil rings are made to size, US 4 to 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chai mean in Hebrew?
Chai (חי) means "living" or "alive" and is understood as life itself. It is the root of the toast l'chaim, "to life".
Why is chai the number 18?
In Hebrew gematria, every letter has a number value. Chet (ח) is 8 and yod (י) is 10, so chai adds up to 18, which is why 18 is considered lucky in Jewish tradition.
How do you pronounce chai?
With a throaty "ch" like the Scottish "loch", followed by "eye". It does not sound like chai tea.
Is a chai necklace a good Bat Mitzvah gift?
Yes, it is one of the classic choices. Chai is a wish for a long life, and a necklace carrying it can be worn every day long after the ceremony.
Is the chai necklace waterproof?
The 18K gold plated, Rhodium Silver and 18K rose gold plated finishes are fully waterproof. 18K Gold Vermeil is the more delicate choice and should come off before water.
How long does it take to arrive?
Every piece is made to order in 7 to 10 days, then delivered free within 1 to 2 weeks, anywhere in the world.