The Hebrew Alphabet (Printer Version)

The Hebrew Alphabet

Learning the Hebrew Consonants
To begin studying Hebrew, you must begin with its character set or script. Click on a letter below to begin studying how to pronounce, read, and write the letter (start with Aleph and proceed right-to-left through the entire alphabet):

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The Hebrew Alphabet (Printer Version)

Let's Sing It! (for kids)

FREE DOWNLOADS
Alphabet Flashcards (zipped PDF files) Quick Flashcards (Side 1, Side 2) Consonants Summary (Alternate) Let's Sing It! (for kids) Alphabet Practice Pages (PDF file) Practice Grid Pages (blank grid) IPod Hebrew Alphabet Hebrew Homeschool: Unit One

Some Encouragement for your Hebrew Studies

Signs and Wonders...

The Hebrew word for "letter" is ot (), which can also mean "sign" or "wonder." Each letter of the Aleph-Bet, then, may contain signs that point to wonderful truths about life. According to the Jewish mystics, the entire cosmos is said to be created from the 22 consonants of the Hebrew Aleph Bet, called otiyot yesod ( ) or "foundational letters." Through the otiyot yesod God formed substance out of chaos and brought forth existence from nonexistence. In other words, the entire universe is created and sustained by divine language (the Word of God). When the LORD spoke the universe into existence, His words still echo throughout all of creation, sustaining it and preserving it in being.

Rabbi Oshaya taught: When a human king builds a palace, he does not build it with his skill alone; the king employs a builder. Moreover, the builder does not bring it out of his

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own imagination, but consults a blueprint - a plan and diagram - to know how to arrange the chambers, doors, and passageways of the palace. In the same way, God as both King and Builder consulted Torah and then created the world. - Midrash Genesis Rabbah 1:1

Yeshua the Mashiach is called devar Elohim () , the Word of God, and the Aleph and Tav () , Who upholds all of the created order by the word of His power. It is the Mashiach Yeshua alone Who is the true yesod ( )or foundation of life itself. Every holy utterance can be traced back to Him, and He is the Source and Origin of all that is good, lasting, and righteous. Indeed, Yeshua is called "the zohar of His glory" () , that is, the radiance of the glory of God Himself, who "upholds all things by the word of His power" (( ) see Heb. 1:3). Since He is the First and the Last, we can see that the otiyot will all reveal something about Him.

A Hebrew Blessing
The following blessing may be recited thanking the LORD for teaching your hand to write the letters of the Hebrew aleph-bet:

Barukh hamelamed et yadi lesapper et ha'otiyot.

Blessed is the One who has taught my hand to scribe the letters!

Hebrew Script Styles and STA"M

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There are a variety of Hebrew script styles used today, though the Hebrew script used for sacred writing is called STA"M (an acronym for Sifrei Torah (Torah scrolls), Tefillin (phylacteries), and Mezuzot). STA"M is written using Ketav Ashurit (Aramaic square script) according to a number of detailed rules of how each letter is to be formed. There are three basic types of STA"M writing performed by STA"M certified Jewish soferim (scribes): 1. Bet Yosef - Ketav Yosef is the style of Hebrew script used by Ashkenazi Jews. Its source is derives from the Gemara and Rabbi Yosef Caro - author of the Bet Yosef and Shulchan Aruch:

(This is the style used on this website when displaying the STA"M letters).

2. Bet Ari - Ketav Ari is the Hebrew Script written in accordance to the tradition of Rabbi Isaac Luria, 1534-1572 (also known as the Arizal). In Europe most Chassidim use this script for their Sifrei Torah. Notice that it is identical to the ketav Yosef except for the letters Aleph, Vav, Chet, Tsade, Tsade Sofit, and Shin, which have slight modifications:

3. Sefardi - This style of Hebrew script is used by Sephardic Jews:

In each case of script style, however, there are a many rules governing the formation of the letters (collectively known as soferut) so that there be no confusion between the letters written in the sacred writings.

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Additonal Tools for this Level:

Step-by-Step Hebrew:

Zola's Introduction to Hebrew

New to Hebrew? Start Here! Unlike most academic books on Biblical Hebrew, this course provides a step-by-step approach that will enable you to understand the Hebraic mindset while learning the alphabet and vowel signs. Studying at your own pace, you will master the Hebrew alphabet, sound out actual Hebrew words, and begin connecting your studies with your heart by reading Hebrew prayers, blessings, and even passages from Scripture! Using this resource, you will learn more than mere academic material; you will learn the underlying spirit of the Hebrew heart. From the author of Hebrew4Christians.com. The book also provides fascinating information throughout, to illustrate how learning Hebrew gives you a better understanding of the Lord Jesus, the Jewish Messiah.

Click for more information...

Hebrew Essentials Charts / Audio CD

The Hebrew Essentials Chart and Audio CD Set can help solidify your grasp on Hebrew grammar and reading. The set includes both the Hebrew Alphabet and the Hebrew vowel system with a "reading matrix" that shows every letter connected with every vowel. A separate chart lists the basic verb patterns for simple verbs in the Present, Past, Future and Imperative tenses. Includes a reading practice page with two Psalms chapters and a classic Jewish tale. All texts are slowly narrated on a 72 minute training audio CD. Click for details

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Jumbo Hebrew Flashcards. 8.5"X11" Cover Stock, corner rounded for child safety. 31 cards (22 alphabet letters, Vet, Chaf, Fey, Sin + final letters). Printed on high-grade card stock. Available in Print, Cursive, or Rashi style. Great for teaching or self study!

Learn More

Hebrew-English Keyboard Stickers. Map your English keystrokes to the Hebrew letters using these handy keyboard stickers! Fluorescent letters allow work in dim and semi-dark environments and are also more comfortable typing in lit areas!

Learn More

Hebrew Word Pictures by Dr. Frank Seekins. The book that shows how the ancient Hebrew letters declare the Gospel! Discover the ancient script that reveals penetrating truth about the Word of God! Includes an Audio CD that will help you learn the word pictures and hear all the examples on your home stereo.

Learn More

Ancient Hebrew Alphabet Chart. This is the ultimate Alphabet Chart, with over 20 alphabets arranged so you can easily compare Hebrew to any of the languages of Biblical and Modern times. Using this chart, you will see how Hebrew has developed over time. High color, laminated: 16.25 X 12.5.

Learn More

Hebrew Aleph-Bet Shirts. Now you can display the Hebrew Aleph-Bet wherever you go! Heavyweight and high-quality, our shirt fits just right. Available in in sizes from Kids XS - Adult 5XL (in select colors). (Other items here.)

Learn More

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