The very first question I was asked about gematriyah (the numerology of Kabbalah) was the significance of the number 11?
In class we teach about your “awake number”—a number that signifies and signals to you that your are following your destiny—connecting with the fragments of your puzzle.
We find the number 11 in the spices used for the incense (Ketoret) burned in the Temple—according to tradition ten of the spices were sweet smelling—the 11th (Galbunum) was foul smelling. The Rabbis explain that when mixed—the foul smelling spice created a stronger sweet smell—in a sense the incense needs a bit of its opposite to achieve its full potential. The Talmud offers a novel interpretation of this mixture of the incense—drawing a parallel to the importance of including sinners (the 11th element) into the holy congregation. The phrase in the Talmud is: A communal fast that does not include the sinners is not a fast. At the outset of Yom Kippur service, prior to chanting the Kol Nidrei service the prayers include recognition of praying with the sinners. Are we not all sinners? What is the meaning of the Talmudic statement or our tradition on Yom Kippur eve?
Sinners in this context may mean instead those who dissent—they are not accepting the norm of the community—they may be in synagogue (and even fasting) for their own motivations and not in line with the community’s way of understanding.
The number 11 then helps us to focus on the opposite of any idea that we may hold true and dear and be totally convinced of. If we are to end up with anything that will be pleasing to the Divine, a fragrance that reflects the deepest essence, it must include the dissenting opinion—whether in others or in ourselves.
As Rita and I celebrate our 4th anniversary of marriage on 11/11/11 we will burn some incense—assuredly there has been 10 measures of sweetness and a measure of Galbunum. The challenging moments are there to help us grow—the dissenting opinion to help us clarify our own thinking—the anger or sadness that leads to greater awareness. Love too requires the 11th spice—it matures and deepens through the bitterness of disappointments as long as the basis of the mixture is sweetness.
7 Comments
frances (free) · February 5, 2014 at 12:30 pm
This is so helpful, im bipolar, thank God, im the low degree of it. It can be a challenge to do right, especially in small tasks when im in the lower bipolar cycle, it can be challenging, an I often curse, its not going away but like Karen Berg says; consciousness is everything, but its a bit like territs,an I cant help it, I just pray that I will never hurt anyone, I pray I can use it to make others laugh. God is for me, so I forge onward to the higher calling of Christ, to love an help others.
Millie · May 19, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Time gives perspective to we who are nesi-arghted. The far-sighted see much sooner and get out with lives and self-esteem intact. Glad you were far-sighted, and yes, the flaw is his and he chooses not to do anything about it. Ever.
Six Six · March 12, 2018 at 12:39 pm
I was born 1 28 1980 thats 4 11’s
Six Six · March 12, 2018 at 12:50 pm
I was born 1-28-1980 thats 4 elevens 1-28=11 1-28-1980 is 29 =11 then 119 is 1 then 2 plus 8 then 1980 =11 an AQUARIUS is the 11th zodiac sign the the fifth 11 is I got my dna test bact and I have exactly 11 dna’s 5 =grace. I think thats cool im at Man128miami305@gmail.com if you want more information or proof ……………………………..
elena · January 8, 2021 at 9:09 am
dear six six…embrace your darkness for it is only by accepting and loving that part of yourself that you will come fully with the light..do not fear your shadows.. this is the message i was compelled to leave upon reading your comment.. forgive my intrusion . blessings and love friend:)
Amandaelsoler · May 28, 2021 at 10:22 pm
Love this i am going now unusual circumstance and suddenly 1111 appears i found this site amazing i am jewish thx for comments shalom Shabbat
RDV11 · July 7, 2021 at 12:21 am
My first same in the pythagorean numerology sums up to 11!
My birthday is on the 11/11/1987= 11(2)+11(2)+1+9+8+7=4+7=11
I am not jewish, but I tend to wonder if in another life, my soul was ever…and I was told to be careful from within a dream which gave my name…
I really wonder where it all leads to as I never felt like other people❗