Customer Reviews

The Hebrew Alphabet: A Mystical Journey

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

I am not jewish, and I really enjoyed reading this book. I think it helps you understand the passages in the Bible better because you'll understand the jewish context. I wish this book went into even more detail about each letter, but this is a great sampling if you are curious about the powerful meaning of the hewbrew letters. The author, Edward Hoffman, writes beautifully and keeps your focus.

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

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.

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

This book is excellent for anyone wanting to learn about the Hebrew Aleph-Beit. As my knowledge increases, I expect to move up to more detailed books. There are so many interesting facts in this book that you will want to learn more also. Enjoy!

This book makes a lovely gift for any Jewish household. It also gives an in-depth perspective on each individual letter's identity. Gorgeous, high-end quality printing.

This is a gorgeous, spiritual book. Makes an amazing gift for anyone interested in learning more about the deep symbolism of the Hebrew alphabet. I've given it as a gift to a girl who was becoming a Bat Mitzvah. I don't know if she'll appreciate it right away, but I bet when she's a bit older, it will be as much a treasure to her as it is to me. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars just because I wish there was more detail for each letter. The artwork is the highest quality...eye candy with so much meaning. Wish it came as a poster, too, because it would be lovely as hangable artwork. Blessings...

When I started studying Kabbalah, I did not know any of the Hebrew letters. This short and concise book really helped me on my new journey. Part I explains a little of the history of the letters. Kabbalah and The Zohar are briefly discussed.

Part II is devoted to each individual letter showing pictures of the letters, their meanings, brief historical facts and the purpose of the meditation for that letter.

"To better Actualize your unique mission in life meditate upon the letter Tav."

Part III gives exercises for Spiritual Development using the letters. The book is beautifully designed. The letters jump off the pages with vibrant colors. Definitely a reference book to keep.

Presently, I am studying Hebrew. This book gives new meaning to learning a language. I thought I could not learn b/c the alphabet is so diffeent. This book gave new meaning to the letters, language and Judaism.