hebrew art
Daled
Illuminated Hebrew Letter
©2006 Adam Rhine
Watercolor and Colored Pencil on Paper
"Each generation will praise Your works to the next, and of Your mighty deeds they will tell." (Psalm 145:4)

The letter "daled" is the fourth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, which begins the word "delet" for door, and "da'at" for knowledge. The shape of the letter reminds us of a doorpost with a horizontal top. We learn that everything comes from G-d, and we can "enter" His door to attain greater understanding and knowledge.

Daled's numerical value of four reminds us of our matriarchs: Sarah, Rivka, Leah, and Rachel. At Pesach, four questions are asked and four cups of wine are drunk.