Customer Reviews

The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet: The Sacred Letters as a Guide to Jewish Deed and Thought (Artscroll Mesorah)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The story is told how Rebbe Nachman of Breslov once suffered from amnesia and could not remember any of the Torah he had learned. In desperation, he asked one of his disciples to recite the Hebrew alphabet. He did -- and the Rebbe's memory came back to him. After reading this excellent book, you will understand how that is possible. The Hebrew alphabet is much more than 22 letters written on paper. Each letter has a numerical value, a number of symbolic Torah meanngs, and a mystical connection to the Creation of the Universe. According to kabbalah, the Hebrew letters are the primal "energies" with which God spoke the Creation into existence. The inner essence of a thing are the letters which compose its name in Hebrew. (The Overview in the book is entitled "Protoplasm of Creation," and explains this concept in more detail than I can do here.)

Unlike so many of those pseudo-kabbalah books on the market, which attempt to use the Hebrew alphabet and its numerology for fortune-telling, this book is solidly grounded in authentic Torah sources. Like all of Artscroll's publications, the approach is Orthodox, but also accessible to both Jews and non-Jews of all backgrounds. This is not an easy-read "spirituality" book, however. It is a detailed set of Torah lessons, to be savored slowly, one letter-chapter at a time. The author also assumes that you are either familiar with basic Hebrew terms, or at least willing to take the time to learn them. But even if you do not already know the Hebrew alphabet, this book will help you understand the deeper wisdom within traditional Judaism.

I am a Christian Minister, and I greatly enjoyed this book. It gives an overall view of the basic ideas of Judaism that is clear and beautiful. It also explains the concept of the creative Word of God and the power of the spoken word, by a metaphysical analysis of each letter from Aleph to Tav, each of which is an "entity." Beautifully written. I read a copy loaned by a Rabbi friend, and had to get my own copy for future reference.

Going over the Hebrew Alphabet, Rabbi Munk offers more than enlightening insights about these letters of divine origin

He makes many observations about the reason why every letter was created, why it has that particular shape and orientation and how it communicates with the physical and spiritual realms as well as with other letters

It also makes many related references citing Midrashic (Torah interpretations), Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) sources

Although the book follows a definite structure, one letter, one chapter, the extent and depth of the explanations for every letter go quite different as letters are indeed different too

I conclude that this is not a book to read just one time because one is interested in this particular subject but a reference volume worth to be consulted many times, in any library of any University for the purpose of religious studies and research

The Hebrew Aleph-Bet is explained in such a clear fashion that anyone can understand. It goes in depth into describing the letters and give a multitude of examples of how those letters are important to Torah interpretation. Its delves deeply into Talmud, Midrash and commentaries to present examples of inspiration and morality based on these letters. Any student of Hebrew and Kabbalah should read this book.

one enters the realm of alef-bet wondering what could it have to do with me and leaves pondering how did one ever exist without comprehending the applicability of the knowledge that emanates from this tome? `Wisdom' transports the reader not only back in history, but also through a panorama of the very essence of how words were birthed within the culture of HaShem's people and yes, their history too. A must for one who desires to drink from the first springs that feed the mighty rivers..

I bought The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet because I am studying Hebrew and thought it might help me get the alphabet more ingrained in my thinking; and, because I have had a strong conviction for sometime that there is something mysterious and wonderful about the Hebrew alphabet. I could not have known how right my hunch was.

After beginning to read the book, I decided I had to buy it for my Father; then, a separate one for my Mother (she kept stealing his); my brother; and at my dad's request a spare one that he could have to give away.

The author has a wonderful way of presenting a historical perspective on the structure and sounds of the Hebrew letters; while also presenting the religious and cultural considerations.

Being a Christian, I have found it especially wonderful. I didn't realize that many of the concepts related by Jesus and the other writers in the New Testament were dealt with at length by the Scribes and Rabbis in sacred writings other than the Torah, Books of Wisdom and the Prophets. This book uses references to those writings (as well as those included in our Old Testament) to explain the importance and nuances of meaning of the letters. This adds so much meaning for me to some of the things Jesus said and did: I'm truly amazed at how many of the things that seemed a little odd, actually have a reason behind them.

This book cannot just simply be read in a sitting. I find myself going over and over the chapters; gleaning something new each time. Actually, I have yet to get through even a chapter in one sitting. And, has it helped my grasp of the Hebrew language? It really has! To know that each letter is made up of parts, and to have word pictures to remember the letters by...makes it so much easier to remember the shapes and sounds.

I do wish the author had put the Transliteration along with the actual translation when he uses the Hebrew phrases. I love the phrases; and, their meaning. But, I'm not skilled enough with the Hebrew to be able to sound them all out, and I would like to "hear" the Hebrew as well as read the translation of it. Perhaps, that makes an online version with audio a valid option in the future.

My Father also expressed this as something he wishes it contained. That is the reason I gave it a 4. In concept, content and presentation, The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet is certainly excellent. This is it's only flaw, I think, if you can call it a flaw.

What if you had the chance for all of your dreams, as easy as A-B-C, or should I say A-B-D, to come true? Read above the pages - this book is worth it. If you want to learn Hebrew, this book will give you such a closeness to the letters, the hard parts of learning this language will remove the blockage. If you want greater insight into the secrets of life, and how to make life doable - PURCHASE THIS BOOK! If you are a serious scholar related to this area, read and make this book a part of your library.

The Hebrew Alphabet is rich in both heritage and meaning. Every letter has special meaning. Rabbi Munk brings this out in a way that will bring light to torah and bible study. May your study be blessed as you open the hidden, and reveal a new demsion in God's word.

Very exciting book full of details that help non-Jews understand the Tora writting.
I recomand the book to anyone wanting a fuller understanding of the old testament.

This is probably the best book ever written about the Hebrew letters at a level everyone can understand. Anyone interested in the deeper spiritual meaning of Jewish life would fine here a treasure of information food for your soul and spirit. This is not just a book, it is a reference source that will be with you for many years to come.