Hebrew Lettering: A Bridge Between Identities

• Ayelet Wiederhorn, Visual Communications, University of Delaware

• Katie Leech, Art and Design, University of Delaware

Being a Jewish American and a designer are two essential aspects of my identity. However, there are few opportunities for these two elements to interact. Within design, I have a love for expressive lettering but have only experimented with the English language. Discovering the significance of Hebrew lettering in Jewish culture and practice offered the perfect bridge between my two identities. This research encompasses four parts. First, I explored the historical evolution of Hebrew calligraphy, from ancient scrolls to modern applications. Second, I analyzed the anatomy of Hebrew letters, examining the structure of glyphs and their integration into a typographic system. Third, I investigated the deeper meanings behind each letter, delving into Jewish teachings on the language. Finally, I engaged in an artistic exploration, creating my own Hebrew lettering and experimenting with both traditional styles and abstract forms. This research project has provided new ways to approach both my Jewish identity and my identity as a designer. Moving forward, I plan to incorporate more Hebrew lettering into both my design work and personal artistic endeavors.