YES Kosher Friendship Rosh Chodesh Educational Series: The Hebrew Letter Aleph

Submitted by YES Kosher Friendship

(Edmonton) – Aleph (א) is the first letter of the Hebrew Aleph-Bet, yet it makes no sound. It is silent—but not empty. Aleph teaches us that beginnings don’t always roar. Sometimes, strength begins in stillness.

The Aleph-Bet is more than an alphabet; it is a sacred system, divinely revealed. Jewish tradition teaches that G-d created the world through these letters. Each one holds spiritual meaning, purpose, and power. Kabbalah explains that each letter is a vessel of divine light, channeling energy from higher realms.

Aleph’s numerical value is one. It symbolizes oneness, unity, and the absolute singularity of G-d. And yet, while Aleph is first, the Torah opens not with Aleph but with Bet in Bereishit- “In the beginning”. This reminds us that even the most significant beginnings make room for others,just as Aleph holds space for sound without making a sound itself.

Aleph’s form reveals its message: it is composed of two Yuds. One above and one below,connected by a diagonal Vav. The upper Yud represents the hidden, heavenly realms; the lower Yud, the physical world. The Vav unites them—a bridge between heaven and earth. This is the essence of Aleph: a silent connector.

But Aleph is not just a symbol on a page it is a living letter. When we study it, speak it, or live by its values, we bring its spiritual energy forward. Every recitation of Aleph becomes an invitation to unity, humility, and connection.

This week, we saw how Aleph came to life.

Ohr Shalom -אוֹר שָׁלוֹם from Temple Beth Ora, quietly led a food drive filled with intention and care. Beginning with Aleph א, the word Ohr -אוֹר beautifully reflects the quiet light they shared. Their efforts supported Yes Kosher Friendship in preparing Kpsher food hampers for families in need. Without headlines or applause, their actions embodied the essence of Aleph: silent leadership driven by unity and compassion.

Even our province of Alberta begins with Aleph—אַלְבֶּרְטָה.

What can we learn and apply?

We can embrace humility and quiet strength.We can build bridges across differences.Where every person matters and every mitzvah echoes.

Just as Aleph is the first letter in Eretz Yisrael -אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל so too can we bring the light of Aleph into our lives. When we nurture Jewish life wherever we are, we transform our homes into spaces of meaning and divine presence.

As it says:

“הִנֵּה מַה־טּוֹב וּמַה־נָּעִים שֶׁבֶת אַחִים גַּם־יָחַד”

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.”

– Tehillim (Psalms)

May we each find the Aleph within us. Quiet, connected, and strong, and continue building communities of unity, purpose, and light, wherever we are.

Want to learn more?

Study one-on-one with Morah Rifka as we journey through the letters and meaning behind our heritage. Email YesKosherFriendship@gmail.ca for more information.

This article was provided by YES Kosher Friendship as part of their Rosh Chodsh Educational Series.