Hebrew עברית

Hebrew is an ancient alphabet used primarily for writing the Hebrew language, as well as other languages historically spoken by Jewish communities, like Yiddish, Ladino, and Judeo-Arabic. It’s one of the oldest alphabets still in use, with origins dating back to around 1000 BCE. Its earliest form, known as the Paleo-Hebrew script, evolved from the Phoenician alphabet. Over time, the script morphed into what is known as the "square script" or Ashuri script, which is the standard form we see today in both secular and religious texts.

Hebrew's alphabet consists of 22 letters, all of which are consonants. This type of writing system is called an abjad, meaning that vowels were historically not written, though they could be inferred by the reader based on context. However, to make reading easier, especially for liturgical or educational purposes, vowel points (called nikkud) were developed. These marks, placed above or below the letters, guide pronunciation by indicating which vowels to use. Still, in everyday modern Hebrew, vowels are often omitted, and readers rely on their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar to fill in the gaps.

The Hebrew alphabet begins with Aleph (א) and ends with Tav (ת). Unlike the Latin alphabet, Hebrew is written from right to left, a characteristic it shares with other Semitic languages like Arabic. Each letter has a numerical value, a concept known as gematria, which is often used in Jewish mysticism, particularly Kabbalah. For example, Aleph (א) corresponds to the number 1, while Tav (ת) represents 400.

The evolution of the Hebrew alphabet also has deep ties to the development of Jewish religious texts, like the Torah, written in Hebrew. By the 5th century BCE, the script had developed into the form that closely resembles the modern Hebrew alphabet. The sacred nature of these writings led to an increased emphasis on preserving the language and the script throughout the centuries, particularly after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the Jewish diaspora.

The revival of Hebrew as a modern language in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by figures like Eliezer Ben-Yehuda brought about the alphabet’s use in everyday communication, making it the primary script for the language of Israel. Today, Hebrew continues to be written with this ancient alphabet, whether for religious study, modern literature, or casual use, preserving a historical connection through its distinctive and elegant characters.

The letters of the Hebrew alphabet also take different forms depending on their position in a word. There are five letters—Kaf (כ), Mem (מ), Nun (נ), Pe (פ), and Tsade (צ)—that have special final forms when they appear at the end of a word. This is a unique feature of the script, adding an extra layer of complexity to writing and reading.

In summary, Hebrew is not just an alphabet, but a historical and cultural bridge, connecting the past to the present for millions of speakers and readers worldwide. Its deep roots in religious tradition, alongside its continued use in modern communication, ensure its place as one of the most significant writing systems in human history.