The Hebrew Alphabet: A Mystical Journey

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.

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

If you are really serious about learning,this is a must have. Easy to read and above all, easy to understand.A big plus, it is enjoyable.

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.

This book was written for people who truly do not know anything about the Hebrew alphabet. The book is tiny, the pictures of the letters are really pretty and big and shiny, and the writing is kind to the mind. Great gift idea for kids or for seekers who aren't sure if they want to be pagans or monotheists or atheists. Or for Jews to give Christians who have a lot to learn without offending them. It is a pretty gift book, not a scholary tome. Poeple have found it heart warming. The quality of the paper really is exceptional. You could frame the letters. I am a Jesus freak and have given this book as a gift and it has been loved by Jews and Christians and atheists.