Jews on Bump Island

As of September of 2021, there are 30 residents of Bump Island who identify as having a Jewish ethnicity or practicing Jewish faith. Jews on Bump Island have developed cultural practices that are unique from Jews in the continental United States or in other places of the world.

Emphasis on numerology
Jews on Bump Island place a notable emphasis on numerology. While numerology is of interest to many rabbinical scholars, the symbolic power of numbers is incorporated into many aspects of Jewish life and religious thought.

Chai
An example of Bump Island Jewish Numerology is the importance of the number 18, which correlates to the Hebrew word "חי" (chai). "חי" can be read as "18" or as "life", and while Jews in other parts of the world incorporate the number into their lives in small ways, like giving donations in multiples of chai, Jews on Bump Island will have 18 bowls, 18 plates, 18 forks, etc. in their homes.

Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
Jews on Bump Island celebrate their Bar or Bat Mitzvah at age 18 instead of age 13.

Bagels
Although not precisely numerology, a mathematical concept which has appeared in Bump Island Jewish tradition is to cut a bagel into a Möbius strip on Yom Kippur. This is to signify that the process of reflection and repentance is never-ending.

Possible explanations for cultural differences
Many have speculated on what may have lead to the development of unique features of Bump Island Jewish culture. One possibility is that it is related to the Christianity in the design of the island's built environment. Another explanation is that numerology is a form of- or related to- superstition, which is widespread on the island.

List of notable Jews on Bump Island
Mordecai Silverman

Justin Sagalow (prominent anthropologist of Bump Island and Basque Country)