Editing Gematria (section)

== Gematria "With the Kolel" ==
Sometimes for the purpose of calculation, the word itself is added as a single number to the gematria value, and this form of calculation is called "with the kolel" or "missing gematria." An example of such a calculation: dimah (tear = 119) with the kolel (120) in gematria equals moed.

The Rebbe brings a hint to this method also in halacha (in addition to its use in midrashim) regarding the number of lashes which is forty minus one, and this is learned from the juxtaposition of verses "in the number forty," "a count that is close to forty," that is: a calculation that completes a sum of forty. And the Rebbe explains that when there is a number that together with the completion adds up to forty, it is considered the number forty and through it one fulfills the commandment "forty shall he strike him," even though only 39 lashes are given, since it completes to forty.

The nature of this calculation seems puzzling, and the Rebbe explains it based on the words of Rabbi Yosef Irgas: "At first glance, this seems contradictory, for the reason that one needs to add the kolel is because the calculation does not match, and if so, this is not a 'gematria'? Also: what is the reason that sometimes the calculation is with the kolel (or two kolels), and sometimes without the kolel? – This is not like the opinion of those who err that it is due to pressure, etc., since the calculation does not match, so they also add the kolel. Rather, everything is precise; sometimes the connection is only from the aspect of individual matters, and then we do not calculate the kolel, and sometimes the connection is not only from the aspect of individual matters, but also from the aspect of the general, and then we need to calculate the kolel, and without this it is impossible to accomplish the matter, and consequently something is missing in the gematria."