The story behind the Hebrew alphabet
The Hebrew Alphabet (“Aleph-Bet”) consists of 22 letters. It is used for the writing of the Hebrew language naturally, but it is also used for other Jewish languages, primarily Yiddish. The contemporary version of the Hebrew alphabet nowadays has been in use since the Second Temple period, and originated from the Aramaic alphabet. Hebrew writing was created by chiseling on stone. Because most people were right-handed, the direction of writing was from right to left.
How to write in Hebrew?
The drafting of the letters was originally done from top to bottom, and it has remained that way ever since. The vowels in the Hebrew language, called “nikkud” (“dotting”), are very unusual. Unlike most languages, the nikkud may indicate vowels or differentiate between alternative pronunciations, and is not shown in a separate letter, but rather as a separate mark. The different marks could be found under, above or next to the letters.
Understand the Hebrew alphabet with the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies
When studying Hebrew for the first time, it is a custom to read with the nikkud, and upon reaching a certain level of proficiency of the language, it is no longer necessary.
This was a little preview of the alphabet of the original language of the Bible. If you want to be able to read the Holy Scriptures by yourself, enroll in our online courses of Biblical Hebrew. Sign up today and discover the Hebrew alphabet with the best teachers from the comfort of your home!
