Hebrew Alphabet (Alef-Bet) Study

What Is the Hebrew Alphabet?

The Hebrew alphabet, known as "Alef-Bet" (אָלֶף־בֵּית) after its first two letters, is a writing system used in Hebrew and some Jewish languages. It consists of 22 letters, all consonants, though some can function as vowels in certain contexts. Hebrew is written from right to left, unlike English which is written from left to right.

Origins & Modern Usage

The Hebrew alphabet evolved from the ancient Phoenician alphabet around 1000 BCE. It's one of the oldest continuously used writing systems in the world. While Hebrew ceased to be a spoken language for everyday use around 200 CE, it remained in use for religious texts, literature, and correspondence among Jewish communities worldwide.

In the late 19th century, Hebrew underwent a revival as a spoken language, and today it's the official language of Israel with over 9 million speakers. Modern Hebrew uses the same alphabet as ancient Hebrew, though pronunciation has evolved over time.

Basic Letter Examples

Below is a quick sample of some Hebrew letters and their names:

Note: This table is just an example. You'll see the complete set below in the study section!

Special Features of Hebrew Writing

Hebrew has several unique features that distinguish it from Latin-based alphabets:

• Right-to-left direction: Hebrew text flows from right to left, the opposite of English.
• No distinct uppercase/lowercase: Hebrew has only one case for letters.
• Final forms: Five letters (kaf, mem, nun, pe, tsadi) have special forms when they appear at the end of a word.
• Niqqud (vowel points): Small dots and dashes placed above, below, or inside letters to indicate vowel sounds. These are typically omitted in everyday writing.
• Dagesh: A dot placed inside certain letters that can modify their pronunciation.

Writing Hebrew & Handwriting

Hebrew letters have a specific stroke order, typically moving from right to left and top to bottom. Modern Hebrew handwriting (called "script" or "cursive") looks quite different from the printed letters you'll learn first. It's more flowing and connected, similar to how English cursive differs from printed letters.

Hebrew letters should be written at the same height, with the exception of letters that extend below the line (like ק, ך, ן). In traditional texts, letters are not connected to each other, even in handwriting, though modern cursive Hebrew does connect some letters.

Hebrew Letters as Numbers

Hebrew letters also serve as numerals in a system called "gematria." Each letter has a numerical value:

• א (alef) = 1, ב (bet) = 2, ג (gimel) = 3, etc. up to י (yod) = 10
• כ (kaf) = 20, ל (lamed) = 30, etc. up to ק (qof) = 100
• ר (resh) = 200, ש (shin) = 300, ת (tav) = 400

This system is still used today for numbering lists, marking dates in the Hebrew calendar, and in religious and mystical contexts.

Next Steps & How to Practice

Below, you can study the complete Hebrew alphabet and test yourself with interactive mini-games. Type the name of each letter to check your knowledge. Regular practice is key to mastering the Hebrew alphabet. Consider these additional practice methods:

• Write each letter multiple times, saying its name aloud
• Practice reading simple Hebrew words, even before you understand them
• Use flashcards to quiz yourself on letter recognition
• Try to identify Hebrew letters in religious texts or Israeli media

Learning the Hebrew alphabet is your gateway to reading Hebrew texts, understanding Jewish prayers, or preparing for a trip to Israel!