26″ x 20″

The Torah starts with the letter “Bet” of “bereshis” (in the beginning).   “Bet” symbolizes “bayit” (home) where the reign of Shabbos is kept.   Its numerical value is two, represented by the two Shabbos candles.

27″ x 20″

‘Aleph’ is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and hence signifies beginnings. The name Adam, the first human being, starts with an Aleph. Adam’s name, derives from the Hebrew word ‘adamah’, meaning earth , for Adam was created out of primal clay. One Midrash tells us that the Adam was created of red, green, black and white dust from every corner of the earth.

Aleph is the first letter of Elokim, the name o the name of God associated with the creation of the world. If we take the aleph away from Adam’s name the remnant letters form the word ‘dam’, that means blood, which all the animal world shares. It’s through our connection to God that man rises above his beginnings.

30″ x 24″

(part of the collection of Ms. E. Berkowitz)

“In the beginning Hashem created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).   Aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, is linked to Creation and the two basic elements:   “Adamah” (earth) and “Aish” (fire).    Aleph corresponds to the number one.   Likewise, Adam, the first human being, was created as a sole creature.