My grandson loves math. He especially loves when we, the grownups play math games with him and ask him “how much is x plus y?” And then he gets to say the answer, so proudly. No, it’s not algebra yet — -I just used x and y as examples of numbers.

But seriously, I started kvelling the other day when he actually seemed to grasp the concept of zero times zero (zero! – he shouted), or Zero plus 1 million (1 million! he shouted!)

Kids love Zero. Zero is a cute number. It means nothing. It makes them laugh. Hey, a number that is nothing? That’s funny to them. Nothing plus nothing? nothing! Nothing plus one? one!

And then I started to think about it (here we go again, the thinking Bubby!…..). If we can start with nothing, and build up one by one by one…then who knows how far we can go? Step by step. That’s all it takes.

I’m sure there are lots of metaphors to this “zero plus one = one” concept. But right now, that is the one I will sit with.

Zero plus one = One. Then – One plus one more…..hmmmm..and more…

With Hashem’s help, may we go from strength to strength – in good health and happiness — in the coming year…Amein!