18 Lives. Jewish Scholars at the University of Marburg

In Judaism, the number 18 represents life. The Hebrew word for “life” is Chai. This word consists of two letters: Chet (with a numerical value of 8) and Yud (with a numerical value of 10). Together, they add up to 18. These 18 lives stand as representatives for many other Jewish researchers, scholars, students, and university members. The number 18 is chosen because it celebrates Jewish life—and, 18 times over, the innovative spirit, creativity, and thirst for knowledge found among Jewish people. These are 18 lives, most of which were shaped by antisemitism, persecution, flight, and the struggle to go on living. They represent 18 instances of the light of science shining against the darkness of dogmatism, hatred, and contempt for humanity.