Klarinet Archive - Posting 000498.txt from 1999/02

From: "Steven J Goldman, MD" <gpsc@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Re: Musical/mathematical interview
Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 19:04:26 -0500

According to Encyclopedia Britannica:

Gematria,

the substitution of numbers for letters of the Hebrew alphabet, a favorite
method of exegesis used by medieval Kabbalists to derive mystical insights
into sacred writings or obtain new interpretations of the texts. Some
condemned its use as mere toying with numbers, but others considered it a
useful tool, especially when difficult or ambiguous texts otherwise failed
to yield satisfactory analysis. Genesis 28:12, for example, relates that in
a dream Jacob saw a ladder (Hebrew sullam) stretching from earth to heaven.
Since the numerical value of the word sullam is 130 (60 + 30 + 40)--the same
numerical value of Sinai (60 + 10 + 50 + 10)--exegetes concluded that the
Law revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai is man's means of reaching heaven. Of
the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, the first ten are given number values
consecutively from one to ten, the next eight from 20 to 90 in intervals of
ten, while the final four letters equal 100, 200, 300, and 400,
respectively. More complicated methods have been used, such as employing the
squares of numbers or making a letter equivalent to its basic value plus all
numbers preceding it. (see also Index: Hebrew language, Kabbala)

"gematria" Britannica Online.
<http://www.eb.com:180/cgi-bin/g?DocF@-----.html>

Numerology,

use of numbers to interpret a person's character or to divine the future.
The theory behind numerology is based on the Pythagorean idea that all
things can be expressed in numerical terms because they are ultimately
reducible to numbers. Using a method analogous to that of the Greek and
Hebrew alphabets (in which each letter also represented a number), modern
numerology attaches a series of digits to an inquirer's name and date of
birth and from these purports to divine the person's true nature and
prospects. (see also Index: Pythagoreanism)

"numerology" Britannica Online.
<http://www.eb.com:180/cgi-bin/g?DocF@-----.html>

Thus, the former is used to elucidate the meaning of texts, while the latter
is a form of divination.

Steve Goldman
Glenview, IL

sjgoldman@-----.com

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