Customer Reviews

The Book of Letters

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I borrowed this book and read it for the first time about 15 years ago. How could such a slim volume have so much wisdom and power and poetry in it? Both my wife and I found it deeply moving and enlightening as we explored what it meant to be Jews in a modern world, while part of a faith and tradition that had deep and ancient roots. When I tried to buy a copy, I learned that it was out of print and had been for a while. We decided that this was an unacceptable situation. We heard about so many people who loved this book and wanted to share it with others. So, we started Jewish Lights Publishing to bring it back into print. Read it and you'll understand why, whether you are Jewish or Christian or just seeking. And, the whole thing is in calligraphy from Larry Kushner's own hand -- just the icing on this mystical treat.

Though I have returned to this book again and again, it always seems fresh. Pure gestalt! Kushner's design and words are elegant in their unassuming simplicity, often inducing the mental equivalent of a double-take. This book is full of wonderful inspiration for use in a meditative practice.

This is a beautiful book. I look at it from time to time and remember the beauty of the hebrew alphabet and words that can be formed. We all need to be reminded of the beautiful creation of the world from time to time.

It is believed that G-d spoke the universe into existance using the letters of the Hebrew Alefbet. Each letter, therefore, carries within it one 22nd of the energy of the universe. Kushner captures this so beautifully in The Book of Letters. Each page is a collage. Each letter beautifully drawn. Each description a love letter to G-d.

This is truly a holy book.

The first words from the Book Cover, speak literal truth: When opening this Prayerbook-feeling of like pages as "The Book of Letters" you enter a special world of sacred, traditional and religious feeling. More than just symbols, all 22 letters of the Hebrew Alef-Bait become like personalities all their own.

The SEFER OTiYOT exist independently of ink and paper or even words. The good Rabbi again spins out his volumes of meaning, much the same as in the Introduction to The BOOK Of WORDS. "The SEFER OTiYOY (written in Hebrew letters) have been a mystical Alef-Bait and fantasy for the Jewish people all through their history...One mythical hope with this book is to keep that tradition alive for so many who have even forgotten some of the letters!"

Each beautifully ornamented Hebrew Letter from ALEF...to SHIN... to TAV...is carefully introduced almost in Rabbinical language! I can only quote from SHIN: "Shin is the letter just before the end. It is the fitting together of all the parts. The restoration of all the scattered shards parts. This is Shin: Peace (Hebrew) SHALOM. Completion. Wholeness.

Rabbi Kushner likely spent many hours, many days, maybe even many years, creatively putting together these mystical letters and words of the Hebrew Alef-Bait. What a treasure of spiritual depth, learning and wisdom in few pages. Reverently from Retired Chap Fred W Hood

The opening words from the Book Cover, speak literal truth: When you open the old prayerbook-like pages of "The Book of Letters" you enter a special world of sacred tradition and religious feeling. More than just symbols, all 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet overflow with meanings and personalities all their own.

"The SEFER OTiYOT exist independently of ink and paper or even words..." The good Rabbi once again spins out his volumes of meaning, much the same as he does in his Introduction to BOOK of WORDS! "The SEFER OTiYIOT (written in Hebrew letters) have been sources of wisdom, meditation, and fantasy for the Jewish peole all through their history... One mystical alphabet after another. I hope with this book to keep that tradition alive for so many who have forgotten even some of the letters."

Each beautifully ornamented Hebrew letter from ALEF...To SHIN... to TAV, is carefully introduced almost in Rabbinical language! I only quote from SHIN: "Shin is the letter just before the end. It is the fitting together of all the parts. The restoration of all the scattered shards. This is Shin: Peace (Hebrew) SHALOM. Completion. Wholeness.

Rabbi Kushner likely spent many hours, in many days, maybe even in many years, beautifully, creatively putting together these mystical letters and words of the Hebrew Aleph-Bait. What a real treasure of spiritual depth, learning, and wisdom in few pages. Sing-cerely, Retired Chaplain Fred W. Hood

Like all of us, Harold Kushner is growing.........his "Book of Letters" is concise, mature and most of all, uplifting in a time when discouragement seems to be all too present.

Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, one of the most illuminating Jewish mystics in our generation, gives his purest voice to "The Book of Letters," his slender illumination of the Hebrew alphabet.

Kushner did not set out to write the definitive, authoritative book about the Hebrew letters, otiyot.

But he does give you a taste of the letters' mystical qualities.

He devotes a mini-chapter to each letter, reflecting on words that begin with that ot.

This might feel contrived to the uninitiated or to the hyper-rational mind. But it is authentically Jewish. If you doubt that, step outside and look at your mezuzah. You might notice that there is a single Hebrew letter, shin, on the mezuzah's cover. That single shin is imbued with all the meaning of sim shalom (make peace) and of a mysterious name of G-d, which you'll learn about in the book.

The pages of "The Book of Letters" are adorned with beautiful Hebrew calligraphy, drawn by Kushner himself. But it is the tone of Kushner's writing that makes this a truly worthwhile read. His voice evokes the holiness of the Hebrew language in a way I've never experienced before.

Rabbi Kushner (no relation) created a small masterpiece many years ago with this beautiful, completely hand-lettered book. Such a wonderful introduction to the Hebrew letters and many fundamental Hebrew words. People who don't know any Hebrew at all can read this book and get a lot out of it. But it also contains much of interest to people who already know the Alef-Bet. I go back to this book time after time -- and smile!

It is due to my first reading this book long ago, that I began to be amazed by just how utterly incredible and beautiful the Hebrew language is! Ever since then, I have delved even deeper into its mysteries and meanings. Learning the Beauty and Truth of the Hebrew letters and language has been a life changing journey! It has deepened my appreciation for the Hebrew language one can only understand once one's eyes are opened to the layers of meaning, and spiritual fullness of this truly incredible language. Words so inadequately describe its beauty. Kushner notes in the book that the experience of writing and researching for the book, was life changing for him too.

This book is one which you can't nor should you read only once! The book's presentation alone is beautiful, and in this day and age, rather unique! By unique, I am referring to the handwritten calligraphy versus typing with interesting fonts. The artful presentation immediately brings one into the spiritual state of mind, the information it contains enriches the careful, loving efforts of the art both compliments then enhances this feeling while taking one to even greater spiritual heights.

Whether you know the Hebrew language, or even how to read it, is not a necessary prerequisite for reading "The Book of Letters"! I say this from the experience of sharing this book with people who don't read, or speak Hebrew. Without overtly intending to, Kushner teaches through his writing why Hebrew is a Holy language. I can't say as I am not him, whether it was a subconscious intention of Kushner's either. It doesn't matter whether Kushner intended to teach us why Hebrew is a Holy language or not, the result is that he did! I believe I am accurate in stating that until recent history - without going into the interesting details - Hebrew was only spoken or read in Shul, (Temple) while praying, or when reading from or studying the Torah.

Personally, I am grateful Kushner wrote the book, and that my Rabbi recommended I read it many years ago!

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