The Book of Letters: A Mystical Hebrew Alphabet

by Lawrence Kushner

In calligraphy by the author. Folktales about and exploration of the mystical meanings of the Hebrew Alphabet. Open the old prayerbook-like pages of The Book of Letters and you will enter a special world of sacred tradition and religious feeling. More than just symbols, all twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet overow with meanings and personalities of their own.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Religion, Judaica, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Language

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have carried this little book in my library from apartment to apartment for apparently almost twenty years exactly and never actually read it until today, when it called to me from the shelf after coming home Yom Kippur services. How do I know it's been almost exactly twenty years? Because when I opened it, a Bar Mitzvah card fell out of it, and my Bar Mitzvah Torah portion is just a few short weeks away from being twenty years ago. The card looked as if it had been from just yesterday and the note in the card was a message speaking directly from then to where I am now. And the book itself was no less meaningful in many ways. This book is not meant to be in-depth or a primer. Well, a primer for thinking of Hebrew as something more than just a language. This book is a meditation on sound, structure and nuance. I was enlightened that slightest change in the form of a letter or slightest smudge can completely change the mysticism behind a particular character. I also loved how tradition teaches that if there is a question as to the clarity of how one writes a particular letter, the debate is solved by the opinion of an average child. If the child cannot recognize the intended letter, the letter is invalid. I found this meditative book very interesting and at times moving. I was also drawn to it's traditional Hebrew binding, the texture of the paper, the hand written text, and that you have to turn the book (or your head) at times to read it, creating an active, intimate reading experience that only enhanced the meditative experience (something impossible on a fancy-shamancy e-reader).

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poetic meditation on the Hebrew language that's easy to read and provokes a little thought. Worth the quick read to stumble upon a gem or two or remind yourself of some of the Torah's calligraphic oddities.

Perhaps no idea has my mind spinning as much as the foreword's citation of a mystical text that suggests there is an unknown, 23rd letter of the Aleph bet not present in this world, whose unknown sound may very well resolve life's imperfections.

[Nia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel sorry to have to say this, particularly as a student of Hebrew letters via my Torah reading, but I did not really enjoy this book. I found it a bit forced much of the time, and trying a bit too hard to be some version of modern mystical.

I did however enjoy the mention of Mishnat Soferim in Mishna Berura, on page 18.

To Life,
Shira

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing little book. Perfect as a primer to begin to understand the deeper meanings behind the Hebrew letters. The book is full of wonderful phrases meriting meditation, contemplation and study.

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute book! The author's handwriting adds a really intimate touch to it, and I think all the connections Kushner makes between the letters and their meanings were interesting. The author mixed instructions on writing the letters (which seemed meant for an audience that's less familiar with Hebrew) with stories from the Torah, origins of different words, and legends about various Rabbis throughout history. I would give it a shot if you're interested in Judaism or the Hebrew alphabet; it's not very long but it was a pleasant read.

[Judy]

"You cannot pronounce the letter Tet until you go out early in the spring morning and see the dew."
"There is a legend which teaches that when Moses got to the top of Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, he found God putting on the Tagen. 'What are those?' Moses asked. Never mind, answered God. You will be more than busy enough trying to understand the meaning of the letters themselves without worrying about such things. Someday a as yet unborn student will discover their meaning." p. 53

[Jeanne Dybus-turkenkopf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I loved this book - the design, the calligraphy, and the mysticism. I had my calligraphy pen handy and practiced all the letters and Hebrew words as I was coming across them. The only disappointment was that the mysticism created around each letter seemed more contrived than inherent.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm studying the Hebrew language - specifically, the meaning of the individual letters - and this was a great resource to do that. Kushner handwrote this book, and it's very beautiful. It also sheds some interesting light on the letters.

[Kerry Pickens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised how small the book was, it's really more a pamphlet than a book. There are probably better books out there if you are interested in learning more about Hebrew.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful little book-- great for anyone who wants to brush up on/learn about the magical letters.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly attractive short mysticism of the Aramaic/Hebrew alphabet, handwritten for greater effect.

[Nyx R · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75
a bit too woo woo for my taste but i'll always remember rav for being evil but also not

[Jasonlylescampbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great short book, and beautiful caligraphy of the Hebrew letters. The Hebrew language, especially presented this way is poetry.

"Tav is the mark that G-d writes on the parchment of man. It is the letter which they both have in common. And since this need to share is the reason for the letters, it is the last letter.

Tav is the sound of G-d and the sound of man. This is the most precious sound; it is the most beloved. Together, G-d and man have formed the Tav.

Tav is the name of man calling G-d TEFILA. Prayer. Tav is the name of man singing G-d's praises TEHILIM. Tav is the sound of man returning to G-d TESHUVA. Returning. Tav is the mysterious small black boxes TEFILIN. The phylacteries we bind on our arms and on our foreheads during prayer and study. ... "

[Jaynie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After never having a spiritual experience with a book before, I was quite surprised when I found myself nearly in tears while reading The Book of Letters. It is so beautiful! So amazing! My words simply cannot do it justice! For anyone who has ever had even a remote interest in Hebrew, read The Book of Letters.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lives on my bedside table. It is one of the most inspiring, beautiful books I've ever read. It seems that this tiny book has endless layers of meaning. Hebrew has always been powerful to me, and this book is a door into it's beauty. I can't praise this book highly enough. Run, don't walk, to get yourself a copy if you love Hebrew.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book sitting in my library for a couple of years. Today it called out to me so I picked it up with another book. I began reading and couldn't put it down. I ended up devouring this book in a few hours.
Easy to understand for for the novice, deep enough for those who love to dig deeper. Loved it!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hebrew. The symbolism is phenomenal. I would have given it 5 stars but the book left me wanting more. The info. they provided was great but the books needs more material per letter. It's a quick read.

[Grantimatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tour of the Hebrew alphabet as an introduction to traditional mysticism. One of those simple reads that can upend the way you think about things. What do letters mean?

Will be re-reading.

[Kristin]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. If I were imprisoned and had only two items to keep with me, this book and a matryoshka would bring me sufficient peace that my soul could not be disturbed.

[Joshua Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful mystical gematria.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good ease into the roots of Hebrew word and letter play.

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that teaches us the mystical meanings of the Hebrew Alef-Beit. This was one of those books that you can read again and never tire of it.

[reading is my hustle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful. Enough said, actually.

[Brad Ormonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a history of each of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Pretty good, and definitely time consuming with so much background of each letter.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a nice idea, but if you have any familiarity with the Hebrew alef-bait, the amount of additional material here is small.

[Susan Sevier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, you need, well, just the right book. This has been one of those times.... Read my thoughts here.