Yodh facts for kids

Yodh (also spelled Yod or Yud) is the tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a very important letter in Hebrew, often seen as the smallest of all the letters.

What is the Hebrew Alphabet?

The Hebrew alphabet is a writing system used for the Hebrew language. It has 22 letters, and all of them are consonants. Vowel sounds are usually shown using small marks called "niqqud" that go above, below, or inside the letters. Hebrew is written from right to left, which is different from English.

Yodh's Place and Sound

Yodh is the tenth letter in the Hebrew alphabet. It makes a "Y" sound, like the "y" in "yes." Sometimes, it can also act like a vowel, making an "ee" sound, like in "meet," or an "ay" sound, like in "play." This depends on where it is in a word and what other vowel marks are with it.

How Yodh Looks

Yodh is known for being a very small letter. It often looks like a tiny dot or a small mark. Even though it's small, it's used in many common Hebrew words.

The Meaning of Yodh

In Jewish tradition, each letter of the Hebrew alphabet has special meanings and symbolism. Yodh is often seen as a symbol of humility because it is so small. It is also connected to the idea of creation and divine presence.

Yodh and Numbers

In Hebrew, each letter also has a numerical value. This system is called Gematria. The letter Yodh has a numerical value of 10. The number 10 is important in many cultures and traditions, often representing completeness or order. For example, there are 10 commandments in the Bible.

Yodh in Names and Words

Yodh is a common letter found in many Hebrew names and words. For example, it is the first letter of the name "Yosef" (Joseph) and "Yerushalayim" (Jerusalem). Understanding Yodh helps you read and understand Hebrew words better.