Bet ב

In this alphabet art series I explore biblical and Jewish-spiritual ideas, as they reflect through the shapes or associated meaning of each letter.

This project is based on my personal musing and not on any Jewish teachings. Any connection to other teachings is unintentional.

My hope is that through this art we get a deeper glimpse into our realities, our worlds illusions and the hope that can be found in the power of the Hebrew letters.

Bet (ב) is the second letter of the Hebrew Alphabet and the first letter in the Bible. In this art is represents the strength needed to become a part of the story of creation.

The themes explored in this art are:

1. As the first letter in the story of creation, this letter contains the strength to withstand the chaotic state that existed prior to existence.

2. To withstand the forces of creation, the Beit is both deeply rooted in matter while being able to stand strong when the forces of the wind of G-s blows through it.

3. The combination of being rooted and expanding in a way that allows us to sway and bend with the forces of life as they wash over us is the same combination any living growing element needs to be able to withstand. Therefore, the choice was to color the letter in the typical shades of a tree; as all strong creations need to be deeply rooted in order to allow a rich growth process.

4. From the core of the letter waves of creation are birthing the sound that is speaks existence into being. The combination of the letter Bet with the sound "Ah", in Hebrew, creates the words 'Loved' and 'come' - insinuating to the experience of one needing to be rooted in their authentic self before they can open up for love to come their way. On the other side, it reflects how we cannot show up for others with love if we do not first ensure we are as strong as a tree deeply rooted in our heritage.