Hebrew Illuminations

"Looking at the letters as the expressions of creation can bring us back to the creation, to G-d's dream and vision of the world that was intended to be, to the purpose of creation, and to our own seemingly unlimited potential for human creativity." ~ Rabbi David Zeller Adam Rhine's beautifully illustrated alphabet originates from ballpoint sketches that turn into warm watercolor expressions that seem to be an ever-changing mandala miracle. His fascination with calligraphy and interest in infusing his work with the energy of color takes his black-and-white pen drawing into new realms. Here he paints and tells the story of each letter. When discussing "Beit" we see a drawing and also read: "Having a solid foundation, the letter beit represents a house or home. Each of us can be a home for the divine and a source of blessings to the world, making it a true home for the Divine." As you contemplate each holy letter in this book you can gain a deeper sense of purpose in the way letters are arranged to produce deeper meanings in words. "Chai, the world for `life,' is spelled with a chet and yud. This combination unites the presence of G-d (represented by the yud) to our existence in time (chet)." The drawings themselves are alive with meaning and beauty. I love the drawing "Ahava" because two hearts are incorporated into the picture to produce a stained-glass effect. The "Tikkun Olam" painting would be beautiful framed. ~The Rebecca Review

This calander is extraordinary. Beautiful drawings, vibrant colors, what a gem. I will have to frame some of the photos after the year is gone. They are true treasures!

Adam Rhine's Hebrew Illuminations is a stupendously beautiful book. Rhine, a professional artist since 1991 and a member of the American Guild of Judaic Art, has put together a coffee table book of illustrations of both the letters of the Hebrew alphabet and a variety of Stars of David (i.e., 6-pointed or Jewish stars). From the coloring to the fine graphic detail, these hand-drawn letters andstars unflinchingly reveal the magic that is at the core of Hebrew and Jewish written expression.As Rabbi David Zeller says in the book's forward: "It is indeed illuminating to see how far the Hebrew letters have traveled around the world and into the cosmos. It is a wonder how they have inspired people of many religions, traditions, cultures, and professions. What is this fascination with these strange shapes - the ancient, timeless, Hebrew letters?... As you contemplate these letters now, go beyond the identified letter and its 'sub-atomic' letter particles. Allow your imagination to soar and take you through the portals of these glyphs to the worlds beyond them.... "This is the nature of the contemplative process: we open ourselves to the stimulus - here, the bold and richly colorful illuminations of the Hebrew alphabet - and our inner being supplies the rest, taking us to previously unimagined universes within. The potential of art rooted in the sacred is to take us on a sacred journey on which we discover our own unique relationship to the source of life." Each letter occupies its own over-sized page, and facing it is a description of the letter along with commentary written by Rhine. Relevant prayers and sayings, in Hebrew, are also sprinkled throughout the book. After theletters of the Hebrew alphabet come the Stars of David, and these are truly visionary and breathtaking in both their conception and execution. If you are Jewish, or know someone who is Jewish, or are just interested in things relating to the core of the Western esoteric tradition, then this book is a must-have. I truly feel lucky to have a copy to hold in my hands and to show my friends. Children love the beautiful images as well.

Absolutely wonderful. Adam does a great job on the Hebrew aleph-bet. Good, accurate discriptions with the numerical value as well. What I am most enamored with are his Magen Davids. They are beautiful, artistic and classically suited to each season and phase of Jewish life. Good Job Adam!

This is a colorful, informative treasure of a calendar. Reminds me when we used to make the spirograph drawings and then color them. Has the necessary information for keeping up with Torah readings, holy days, candle lightings and a brief verse and story of the holiday. Amazing and vibrant creativity in the drawings. Hopefully this will become a tradition in our household to have at least one hanging on the wall.