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In the Wikipedia page for the Sefer Yetzirah I found this:

along with ten calibrations of empty space, twenty-two letters [of the Hebrew alphabet], [of which] three are principal [letters] (i.e. א מ ש‎), seven are double-sounding [consonants] (i.e. בג"ד כפר"ת‎) and twelve are ordinary [letters] (i.e. ה ו ז ח ט י ל נ ס ע צ ק‎).[3]

My question is more about what is the correct way to define this classification of 3 types of letters?

Can I refer to this just as Classification of letters, Type of letters, or Group of Letters when I want to refer to them?

For example, what of these 3 examples is correct?

  1. The classification of ת is double.
  2. The type of ת is double.
  3. The group of ת is double.

Or maybe there is another way to make this reference?

Adrian Cid Almaguer
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1 Answers1

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Looking at the poorly translated link you provided from Wikipedia shows where your confusion is coming from.

In the opening chapter of Sefer Yetzirah, the Hebrew alphabet is conceptualized as falling into three general categories of meaning. They are referred to as Counting, Writing and Speaking.

What this means is that proper and complete comprehension of Hebrew as found in the Holy writings encompasses the numerical meaning of the letters (The Hebrew letters have numerical meaning. Numerical and mathematical transformations of all types give additional meaning and understanding to any text.).

Additionally, the form of the letters themselves, meaning how they are formed both when they are engraved like in the Tablets of the 10 Commandments and when they are written with ink and pen convey additional levels of understanding in terms of any text. This also relates to the traditions of large and small letters, reversed letters and other types of transformations pertaining to the form and shape of the letters and also the number and types of crowns found on different letters.

And the third category is how the letters are pronounced and spoken. This encompasses both variations where the letters are written one way and the reading or pronunciation of the text is different and also in regard to what part of the mouth and throat the pronunciation of those letters originates from. Those which originate from the same part of the mouth are interchangeable. It also relates to the whole subject of Nekudot, which can be thought of as the vowels in Hebrew and Ta'amim, also known as Trope, which can be conceived of as a type of punctuation marks. But they also have a much deeper meaning relating to the flow of a given text. This too is a very large field of study unto itself. Also included in this division is the general subject of grammar, verbs and nouns as it relates to Hebrew.

What follows in the translation of the Wikipedia link explains how these three categories of Counting, Writing and Speaking also correspond to the three divisions of the letters themselves, the 3 Imahot, the 7 Doubling Letters and the 12 Plain letters. And the rest of Sefer Yetzirah goes into further explanation of all these arrangements and how they are the basis and model for the existence and structure of all of Creation.

Yaacov Deane
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  • Could you explain the last part? What is the role of the "Imahot", and why those three letters? How do they differ from the other 19? – MichoelR Feb 23 '21 at 22:19
  • @MichoelR Based on the question being asked, it’s not really relevant. But to give you an insight, one of the underlying arrangements set up within the inner aspect of Torah is called the 3 pillars or columns. They are the qualities of kindness, severity & equity. Think in the context of the 3 pillars mentioned in Rosh HaShanah prayers (Torah, Tefillah & Tzedakah). All that evolves from these 3 letters (א,מ,ש). Similarly the 3 people preceding Avraham (אדם,מתושלח,שם) & the 3 primary Angels corresponding to this system (שמעו״אל, יהו״אל היינו אליהו, מטטר״ון). For details see Brit Menucha. – Yaacov Deane Feb 24 '21 at 01:57
  • R' Yaacov, I am sure there are infinite levels of meaning. I was just trying to find out something simple. The Double letters have two pronunciations. The Plain letters have one. Is there anything we can say about pronouncing the Mother letters? - I saw what Wikipedia said about this and couldn't follow it. – MichoelR Feb 24 '21 at 03:33
  • @MichoelR To my knowledge, in terms of pronunciation, there is no such analogy. I won’t make up some idea for you that I haven’t actually seen somewhere. To put these 3 letters in a context that may be more meaningful to you, “Imahot” (Mothers) is related to the sefirah of Binah, in contrast to the concept of “daughters”. All have a connection to the side of Severity. But Mothers are the source to all consequences that follow. Like I said previously, this doesn’t really have to do with the question posed originally. – Yaacov Deane Feb 24 '21 at 04:27
  • "To my knowledge, in terms of pronunciation, there is no such analogy." I think that violates my "religion", R' Yaacov. I cannot believe that if two out of three sections of a group have such a clear distinction based on pronunciation, that the third does not as well. (Wikipedia mentions a distinction but it sounds like gibberish to me.) I'd go further: Since the "p'shuto" of the Hebrew letters is that they tell you sounds, any deeper meaning must include understanding of that as well. Like I said, my religion, or whatever you call it. Obviously, no one's problem but my own. Thanks! – MichoelR Feb 24 '21 at 18:20
  • Thanks for your answer, from your last paragraph I can refer to these 3 categories as a Group? Can I say we have 3 groups of letters, one is Mother, the other is Double and the last one is Single? It's ok if I refer to this classification as Group of Letters? – Adrian Cid Almaguer Feb 24 '21 at 18:53
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    @AdrianCidAlmaguer If I understand you, then yes, the 3 "categories of meaning" which all derive from the root in Hebrew ספר, can be described in English as a group. But this implies separate parts which is a problem. One of the unspoken details here is that ספ״ר is also שם (name). That all the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet are conceived of as G-d's name. G-d and His name are absolute one. All these models or systems are only introducing the concept of "otherness" or "non-oneness" into existence for His creations. Like I said, they are the basis of existence and structure of all Creation. – Yaacov Deane Feb 24 '21 at 19:52
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    @AdrianCidAlmaguer The 3 groups of letters parallel the paradigm established in regard to the 3 "categories of meaning". But it is important to keep in mind that each successive step introduces greater and greater diversity for Hs creations. – Yaacov Deane Feb 24 '21 at 19:56
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    @MichoelR This is said more tongue-in-cheek and only in regard to what you asked regarding your wanting some distinction in terms of the pronunciation of the Imahot. How do you pronounce the letter "Aleph" (א)? Shin (ש) and Mem (מ) work with your idea. Purim same'ach my friend. – Yaacov Deane Feb 24 '21 at 20:06
  • 'How do you pronounce the letter "Aleph" (א)?' And that is exactly the kind of distinction I was looking for - something unique about their pronunciations. Don't know if you meant actually to suggest it, but I think it's very interesting. Then I would add that of all the letters, mem and shin are the only ones that are said without moving the mouth at all. Kind of. I hope you also had a wonderful Purim! – MichoelR Feb 28 '21 at 03:13