On Friday the 13th, we brace ourselves for ominous mishaps—elevators plummeting, relationships unraveling, or catastrophes that seem plucked from disaster movies. Americans are so wary of the number 13 that many buildings skip the 13th floor entirely. But if we lived in Israel, today might feel more like a celebration than a superstition. That’s because, in Israel—and in Judaism—13 isn’t unlucky at all. In fact, it’s seen as a symbol of good fortune.

But first, let’s talk about the possible (but unproven) origins of triskaidekaphobia. Some believe the superstition stems from Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest at the Last Supper, or the Mayan calendar’s 13th baktun cycle, which was rumored to herald the apocalypse. Whatever the reason, the fear of 13 has deep roots in Western culture.

Judaism, however, tells a different story. Thirteen is the age of a bar mitzvah, marking a boy’s transition to adulthood and religious responsibility. The Hebrew lunar calendar includes 13 months in leap years, reflecting the natural rhythm of time.

The Torah highlights 13 attributes of God, revealed in Exodus, which symbolize mercy and forgiveness—most famously following the golden calf incident. These attributes remind Jews of hope and redemption. Jewish philosophy also honors 13 through Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith, which form the bedrock of Jewish theology.

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Even modern history embraces the number’s positive connotations. When Israel declared independence in 1948, its first provisional government intentionally included 13 members—for good luck.

So while much of the world might treat Friday the 13th as a day to be feared, Judaism offers a counter-narrative. For Jews, it’s a number tied to blessings, milestones, and the enduring values of faith and community.