“Why does the story of creation begin with bet?… In the same manner that the letter bet is closed on all sides and only open in front, similarly you are not permitted to inquire into what is before or what was behind, but only from the actual time of Creation.” -Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Hagigah, 77c
There are twenty-two letters in the Hebrew Aleph-bet (alphabet). This course offers a brief overview and go over the basics of their mystical interpretations. The Hebrew Aleph-bet has played a major role in Jewish mystical texts for centuries. Some sources in classical rabbinical literature seem to acknowledge the historical use of Hebrew alphabet, as a mundane subject of historical interest alone. Others give mystical significance to the letters, showing how they are connected to the process of creation (God spoke and the world was!) and in the redemption of mankind.
The Hebrew Aleph-bet is considered by many to be and eternal language of symbols that existed long before the creation of the Earth. This idea indicated that the letters themselves are in a sense holy, containing and power. Stories can be found in the Talmud teaching that these letters, as symbols, cannot be destroyed. This idea of the creative power in them is explored in a Kabbalistic book, the Sefer Yezirah (Book of Creation), which we will explore in this class.
In Mormon Kabbalah, these letters are used for spiritual communication in ways that do not require one to be fluent in the language. These letters help us gain a direct spiritual communication going beyond mere words. Meditation with the letters is a common practice in Kabbalah to help facilitate spiritual growth. While working through this class, look for the deeper meanings of each letter. All are also encouraged to study outside resources to deepen our understanding beyond what this simple text provides. As Kabbalists study and meditate over the years, we gain greater incites to the inner spiritual meanings of the letters.
Lessons Overview
Lesson 1: Aleph – Bet
“With Aleph have been formed: the spirit-wind, air, the between seasons, the chest, the tongue… With Bet have been formed: ******, the Sabbath, life and death.” -Yetzirah 8:1, 4
Lesson 2: Gimmal – Dalet – Hei
“With Gimel have been formed: *******, Sunday, the right eye, peace and harm. With Dalet have been formed: Mars, Monday, the left eye, wisdom and foolishness… With Hei have been formed: Aries, Nisan, the liver, vision and blindness.” -Yetzirah 8:5-6, 11
Lesson 3: Vav – Ziayn – Chet
“With Vav have been formed: Taurus, Iyyar, the spleen, hearing and deafness. With Zayin have been formed: Gemini, Sivan, the gall, odor and odorlessness. With Chet have been formed: Cancer, Tammuz, the intestine, the word and silence.” -Yetzirah 8:12-14
Lesson 4: Tet – Yod
“With Tet have been formed: Leo, Ab, the right kidney, eating and hunger. With Yod have been formed: Virgo, Elul, the left kidney, copulating and castration.” -Yetzirah 8:15-16
Lesson 5: Kalf – Lamed
“7 With Kaf have been formed: the Sun, Tuesday, the right nostril, wealth and poverty… With Lamed have been formed: Libra, Tishri, the intestines, acting and impotence.” -Yetzirah 8:7, 17
Lesson 6: Mem – Nun
“With Mem have been formed: water, earth, cold, belly, and the balance of guilt… With Nun have been formed: Scorpio, Marheshvan, the gullet, walking and limping.” -Yetzirah 8:2, 18
Lesson 7: Samikh – Ayin – Fe
“With Ayin have been formed: Capricorn, Tevet, the left hand, laughing and the loss of spleen… With Pe have been formed: Venus, Wednesday, the left nostril, fertility and desolation and barrenness.” -Yetzirah 8:19-20, 8
Lesson 8: Tzadi – Qof – Resh
“With Tsadi have been formed: Aquarius, Shvat, the right foot, thinking and loss of heart. With Qof have been formed: Pisces, Adar, the left foot, sleeping and languor… With Resh have been formed: Mercury, Thursday, the right ear, grace and ugliness.” -Yetzirah 8:21-22, 9
Lesson 9: Shin – Tav
“With Shin have been formed: fire, Heaven, heat, the head, and the balance of innocence… With Tav have been formed: the Moon, Friday, the left ear, dominion and slavery.” -Yetzirah 8:3, 10
Recommended Reading:
Sefer Yetzirah (The Book of Creation)