The Algebra of Judaism

There’s only one equation you need to know: X + Y = Judaism.

Please note: This essay is for our premium subscribers. To get access to our growing library of 80+ essays and videos, become a premium subscriber!

---

I learned algebra when I was 13 years old. It’s been a long time and I’ve completed more complicated math classes since, but I’ll never forget the simplicity of algebra.

Now, don’t panic if the sound of math seems intimidating. There’s only one equation you need to know:

X + Y = Judaism

X and Y are called variables and represent unknown numbers that add up to another number. In a normal math equation, for example, we would see something like X + Y = 9. We don’t know what X and Y are, but they must add up to 9. The value of one depends on the value of the other. If X = 4, for example, then Y must equal 5, so they add up to be 9.

Judaism follows a similar pattern in terms of discovering what values we must combine. The trick is knowing that some variables change depending on others. And that is what this essay will teach you.