The Beauty of the Hebrew Letter: From Sacred Scroll to Graffiti

Calligrapher and Torah scroll scribe Pludwinski (Mastering Hebrew Calligraphy) charts how depictions of the Hebrew alphabet have evolved over the millennia in this elegant survey. The author explains his craft’s appeal, in that “a truly beautiful [Hebrew] letter, word, or composition... will possess a dynamism, an internal life force.” Letters must adhere to precise stylistic requirements for Jewish ritualistic purposes—a handwritten Torah scroll with even one imperfect letter is unusable—but Pludwinski shows that these parameters haven’t stymied creativity over the 3,000-plus years he covers. He begins in 1000 BCE with Paleo-Hebrew, used during the First Temple period, and demonstrates how the characters became squarer (like modern Hebrew script) in the early part of the Second Temple period. The author differentiates between Ashkenazic (traditionally written with quills) and Sephardic (traditionally written with reeds) styles, noting how Ashkenazic forms lend themselves to decorative lettering, while Sephardic forms are more readable, since the “contrasts between horizontal and vertical strokes are less pronounced.” Modern works are also showcased, such as Israeli artist Joseph Hirsch’s Jerusalem street signs, along with a section on Hebrew street art. Pludwinski takes pains to depict Hebrew lettering as an ever-evolving art form, and his careful descriptions, replete with fascinating technical detail, illuminate the art without being overwhelming. This is a treat for the eyes and mind. Photos. (May)