hebrew art
Lamed
Illuminated Hebrew Letter
©2006 Adam Rhine
Watercolor and Colored Pencil on Paper
"To make known to all mankind, Your mighty deeds, and the splendor and the splendor of Your glorious kingdom.." (Psalm 145:12)

Lamed is the tallest letter in the alphabet, demonstrating how one can be earthbound, yet constantly aspire to do uplifting deeds above the norm. Kindness, charity, and caring for those in need are based in the physical, yet increase ones holiness and closeness with G-d. The letter's numerical value is thirty, an age where it is said in the Midrash (Talmud) that when reached, a person can begin influencing the world. Prior to that, a person is preparing themselves by building knowledge and character. As the Torah ends with a lamed (at the end of the word "Israel"), we recognize how, over the course of our lives, we can grow to become greater than how we started.