The Book of Letters: A Mystical Hebrew Alphabet

by Lawrence Kushner

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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 overflow with meanings and personalities of their own. Rabbi Kushner draws from ancient Judaic sources, weaving Talmudic commentary, Hasidic folktales and Kabbalistic mysteries show more around the letters. show less

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Member Reviews

9 reviews
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
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
This is a nice idea, but if you have any familiarity with the Hebrew alef-bait, the amount of additional material here is small.
This book is the first step in learning and understanding the letters which make up Hebrew. An essential reference, delicately written for all ages and learning levels.
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.
The book is designed to serve as a Jewish primer on the Spirituality of ancient Hebrew.
Hebrew language--Alphabet--Juvenile literature.

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Author Information

Picture of author.
30+ Works 3,186 Members
Lawrence Kushner is a visiting professor of Jewish spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley.

Common Knowledge

Canonical title
The Book of Letters: A Mystical Hebrew Alphabet

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality
DDC/MDS
492.4LanguageOther languagesAfro-Asiatic languagesHebrew
LCC
PJ4589 .K8Language and LiteratureOriental languages and literaturesOriental philology and literatureHebrewLanguage (Biblical and modern)
BISAC

Statistics

Members
318
Popularity
99,866
Reviews
9
Rating
(3.92)
Languages
English, German, Polish
Media
Paper
ISBNs
7
ASINs
2