The Hebrew Alphabet: A Mystical Journey

by Edward Hoffman

Book Overview

Judaism has always regarded Hebrew as a sacred language, the medium of divine communication. And its letters are no ordinary forms. The very word for letter, ot, means sign or wonder. The Hebrew... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811818837
• ISBN13: 9780811818834
• Release Date: July 1998
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.0" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful meditations on the mysticism of the Hebrew alphabet

This book takes you on a lovely yet simple journey through the history and beauty of the Hebrew alphabet. Marvel at the gorgeous illustrations while learning what each letter represents and how you can use it in your life. Especially enjoyed the included exercises for meditation at the end.

Hoffman Rings the Bell for teaching Hebrew Students

After perusing several books on Kabbalah mysticism, not letting them sink-in I went from Rabbi Kushner's Book of Letters and his Book of Words to this little jewel of Hoffman's mystical entry to 22 Hebrew letters. In his ten-page Part 1, he moves through the developing Hebrew alphabet from the North Semitic tribes more than 3500 years ago, to Ezra the Jewish Scribe of the 5th Century, to the Midrash, to the Talmudic Commentary on Exodus, to the 13th Century Zophar (Book of Splendor)! When Hoffman arrives at the Zophar he reflects on the statement that, "God looked into [the Letters] of the TORAH and created the universe." From one of the early Jewish mystics, Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia he quotes the Hebrew letters as a means to arouse tremendous intuitive capabilities: "Look at these holy letters with truth and belief...[it] will awaken the heart to thoughts of godly and prophetic images." In Abulafia's approach he suggests that, "one begin to combine letters, a few or many, reversing and rolling them around rapidly, until [one's] heart feels warm." While teaching dysfunctional children in their teens I began making good use of the Hebrew letters such as Yud, Reish and Shin... Yud for the words 'yom' or day; names as Yoel [Joel] Yoneh [Jonah] and impulse for good and evil: yetzer hatov and yetzer hara! Also Reish as Holy Spirit, [Ruach Ha-Kadosh]; healing [refooah] and healer [rofeh]; Shin for words as Shabbat, Shalom and simcha [joy] and shana [year]. These last ones fit beautifully with the name of one of the girls-Kashanah! Not only is Hoffman's Jewel great for metaphorical teaching, it is an avenue to reach those inquiring, inquisitive, uniquely thoughtful Minds! For them to see the beautiful pictures created by Karen Silver is a Plus! I strongly recommend for teachers of Special Education... Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

A Must Have

If you are really serious about learning,this is a must have. Easy to read and above all, easy to understand.A big plus, it is enjoyable.

Excellent little book`

I have personally found this book to be spiritually enlightening. The author is obviously well versed in Kaballistic writings and philosophy. I find Mary Barker's review to be offensive and written from an uneducated point of view. If you are looking at a fresh perspective on the Hebrew aleph-bet give this book a chance.

Hoffman Rings the Bell for Hebrew Students!

After perusing several books on Kabbalah mysticism, not letting them 'sink-in', I went from Rabbi Kushner's Book of Letters and his Book of Words to this little jewel of Hoffman's mysical use of the 22 Hebrew letters. In his ten-age Part I he moves through developing Hebrew alphabet from the North Semitic tribes more than 3500 years ago, to Ezra the Scribe of the 5th Century, to the Midrash, to the Talmudic commentary on Exodus, to the 13th Century, Zohar (Book of Splendor)!When Hoffman arrives at the Zohar he reflects on the statement that, "God looked into [the letters] of the Torah and created the universe." From one of the early Jewish mystics, Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia he quotes the Hebrew letters as a means to arouse tremendous intuitive capabilities: "Look at these holy letters with truth and belief...[it] will awaken the heart to thoughts of godly and prophetic images." In Abulafia's approach he suggests that one "begin to combine letters, a few or many, reversing and rolling them around rapidly, until [one's] heart feels warm."In teaching dysfunctional children in their teens, I am making good use of Hebrew letters such as: Yud, Reish and Shin...Yud for the words 'yom' or day; names as Yoel [Joel] Yoneh [Jonah] and impulse for good and evil: yetzer hatov and yetzer hara.Also, Reish as Holy Spirit [Ruach Ha-Kadosh]; healing [rafooah] and healer [rofeh]; Shin for words as Shabbat, Shalom and simcha [joy]and shanah [year]. These last ones fit beautifully with the name of one of the girls - Kashanah! Not only is Mr Hoffman's little Jewel great for metaphorical teaching it is an avenue to reach those inquiring, inquisitive, uniquely thoughtful minds.For them to see the beautiful pictures of Karen Silver is a Plus.I strongly recommend this to teachers of Special Education!Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Mystical exploration of the many meanings of Hebrew letters

This richly printed and illustrated little book is a meditation on ideas, mystical experiences and ancient rabbinical stories sparked by each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a transliteration of the Aleph Bet in the original language. I recommend it to those interested in Jewish studies, in meditation, and in mysticism. It is short but it contains much wisdom. It is also a beautifully designed little book and a fitting travel companion.