The letter CHET is equal to the number eight and is referred to as the letter of Life.

The number eight signifies the eight days of the festival of Chanukah (Festival of Lights).

The number eight also alludes to the eighth day of a Jewish baby boy’s life, when the ritual of circumcision (Brit Milah) takes place.

The word CHET means ‘sin’ as well as ‘life’.

The significance of the CHET is affirmed in the expression chayeh chaim (Life of Life), meaning God. This refers to the highest of the three levels of loving God, where the Divine Presence is fully revealed. This occurs once one is fully aware that every form of life and lifelessness depends upon the Life of Life.