18 Pennies

There are so many traditions in any religion.  Our friend came to our house for the first time on Saturday.  He brought a bottle of wine and 18 pennies.  The word for life in Israel is chai which is equal to 8 and 10 that makes up 18.  That is why in the Jewish religion, people give gifts in multiples of 18.  It is a way of celebrating a good thing.

I really liked the simplicity and meaning of the gift.  Made me feel guilty about not hanging the mezuzahs yet. I plan on doing it when we get home.  In need of a few nails.