The Alef-Beit: Jewish Thought Revealed through the Hebrew Letters [Paperback]

Yitzchak Ginsburg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 1977

This intriguing volume takes readers on a fascinating journey through the Hebrew alphabet. Along the way, Rabbi Ginsburgh reveals each letter's secrets and demonstrates that they are a key to Jewish spirituality.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Hebrew --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburg is a renowned Kabbalist, author and composer. He is the founder of Gal Einai Institute in Israel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 518 pages
• Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc. (July 7, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568214138
• ISBN-13: 978-1568214139
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,156,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Alef-Beit by Yitzchak Ginsburgh, March 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Alef-Beit: Jewish Thought Revealed through the Hebrew Letters (Paperback)

Rabbi Ginsburgh takes readers on a fascinating journey through the Hebrew alphabet. Along the way, he reveals each letter's secrets and demonstrates their significance in Jewish spirituality. Rabbi Israel Ba'al Shem Tov, founder of Chasidism, taught that in every letter there are Worlds, Souls, and Divinity. "Worlds" refers to the physical, material, human, moral, and personal; "Souls" means the Jewish religious/spiritual dimension; and "Divinity" signifies the Godly. Each of these dimensions is further reflected in a letter's shape, name, and numerical value, thereby creating nine separate categories of meaning for each letter. In The Alef-Beit: Jewish Thought Revealed through the Hebrew Letters, Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh explores each character in the Hebrew alphabet, summarizing and discussing its essence in relation to these nine dimensions. Rabbi Ginsburgh's close examination of the letters also provides springboards into informative discussions about Jewish life-cycle events, holiday observances, and a wealth of ideas in Jewish thought and belief. His unique observations, combined with wisdom gleaned from talmudic, midrashic, and kabbalistic sources, offer profound insights into many significant ideas in Judaism. This intriguing volume takes readers on a fascinating journey through the Hebrew alphabet. Along the way, Rabbi Ginsburgh reveals each letter's secrets and demonstrates that they are a key to Jewish spirituality.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Greatest book I ever read!!!, July 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Alef-Beit: Jewish Thought Revealed through the Hebrew Letters (Paperback)

After reading this book you will discover that it is much more than just a book on the Hebrew Letters. But rather a complete encyclopedia of Kabbalah, Hassidut, mysticism, spirituality and much much more! The book has changed my life. A must for everyone searching for a true way to serve G-d.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The wondrous meaning of the Hebrew alphabet, December 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Alef-Beit: Jewish Thought Revealed through the Hebrew Letters (Paperback)

This fascinating book reveals the spiritual depth and meaning of the Hebrew letters. It is a must for all those interested in truly learning and understanding Hebrew.