Introduction to Hebrew Calligraphy
A course by Allison Barclay (Avielah)Certified Hebrew Scribe (Soferet)
A course by Allison Barclay (Avielah), Certified Hebrew Scribe (Soferet)
Create timeless letterforms by experimenting with calligraphy materials and exploring this ancient yet contemporary language
The Hebrew alphabet combines proportion and space to achieve beautiful and timeless letterforms. Hebrew scribe and soferet Allison Barclay uses it to create everything from wedding contracts to exhibition pieces. She became the first woman in 250 years to be certified to write the bible the ritual way and also teaches Hebrew lettering to others.
In this online course, she guides you through the process of writing the letters of this ancient yet contemporary language. Learn the fundamental techniques needed to create a short text in black ink using Hebrew Square Script, and point the vowels in gold. Discover the mystery of this fascinating language and preserve an ancient art form.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 20 downloads
Materials
6 minutes, 45 seconds
Feeling the Bones of the Hebrew Alef-Bet
20 minutes, 33 seconds
Spacing and Pacing: The Key to Beautiful Writing
5 minutes, 3 seconds
The Layout Draft
15 minutes, 36 seconds
The Black Ink Layout 1
20 minutes, 26 seconds
Working on the Vowels 1
12 minutes, 38 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin the course by getting to know Allison Barclay. Discovered how she became a certified soferet, along with the influences that inspire her and the work she creates.
Dive into the tools and materials needed for the course. Then learn about the Hebrew language and its alphabet. Get familiar with a mechanical pencil and how to use it to write the skeletons of the letters. Explore spacing and pacing, and why they are important parts of Hebrew calligraphy.
Time to compose your text! Start by creating a draft layout using paper and pencil. Next, learn how to hold your calligraphy pen at the right angle, and apply ink to the bones of your text. Allison then demonstrates how to add your vowels in golden ink.
Learn to use a feather to create calligraphy. To wrap up the course, Allison shares her advice for taking your calligraphy practice further, from joining societies to making artisanal ink.
What is this course's project?
Recreate the 23rd Psalm in traditional Biblical Hebrew using black ink and point the vowels in gold.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in calligraphy and the Hebrew language.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience is necessary.
In terms of materials, you will need black ink (or a color of your choosing), a clear ruler, a slim mechanical pencil, gold gouache, a calligraphy pen, and other materials specified by the teacher in the course.
Reviews
- 4 months ago
This is a very high-quality course that gives a clear understanding of how to begin writing Hebrew calligraphy. The additional materials are very helpful for practicing the letters and improving technique. Overall, the course is inspiring and motivates you to continue developing your calligraphy skills.
- 4 months ago
Te inspira a ir mas allá en el respeto por el Lashon Ha Kodesh. La Soferet Avielah profundiza en la técnica de una forma maravillosa. Los recursos adicionales que comparte son sumamente completos y organizados. Sin duda, mi parte favorita fue ver el proceso real de escritura del Salmo 23; observar su precisión milimétrica es una clase magistral en sí misma. La caligrafía exige reentrenar la mano y requiere mucha paciencia, pero el curso te guía a la perfección. Una joya absoluta.
- 9 months ago
Allison's introduction course to Hebrew calligraphy is wonderful. Highly recommended.
- 1 year ago
Muy bueno el curso, felicidades!
- 1 year ago
An excellent course. I learnt Hebrew in the 90s and developed my own style, which I used here, but learnt about spacing and layout for a pleasing result. I enjoyed hearing the teacher's story and admire her achievements. Her teaching method was gentle and relaxed, a pleasure to follow. It was great that an existing knowledge of Hebrew was not obligatory, making the course open to anyone who simply wanted to reproduce the beauty of the letters of this spiritually important and ancient language.
Allison later trained as a soferet. Since then, she has been commissioned to copy poetry and prayers, write and illustrate Jewish wedding contracts, and create pieces for exhibitions. Allison also teaches Hebrew lettering to others and is the first woman licensed to restore Torah scrolls that had survived the Holocaust for the Memorial Scrolls Trust in London.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Learning the Basics
- Materials
- The Hebrew Alphabet
- Feeling the Bones of the Hebrew Alef-Bet
- Spacing and Pacing: The Key to Beautiful Writing
- U3
Composing the Text: Drawing Guidelines and Applying Ink
- The Layout Draft
- The Black Ink Layout 1
- The Black Ink Layout 2
- The Black Ink Layout 3
- Working on the Vowels 1
- Working on the Vowels 2
- U4
Additional Tips
- How to Use a Feather for Calligraphy
- Advice for Furthering Your Practice
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to Hebrew Calligraphy
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FAQs
This course is ideal for those with some art or calligraphy experience, but motivated beginners interested in Hebrew calligraphy and Jewish scribal arts will also benefit from the step-by-step lessons.
You'll need basic calligraphy supplies such as pens (fountain, feather, or reed), nibs, inkwells, graph or calligraphy paper, erasers, and rulers. The course also covers how to select and prepare these tools.
You’ll learn Hebrew letterforms, spacing, pen angles, tool preparation, guideline setup, correcting mistakes, and the art of writing sacred texts, ketubot, and mezuzah scrolls, alongside historical and spiritual insights.
Yes, the course provides detailed techniques for constructing, spacing, and aligning Hebrew letters and words for both artistic and ritual purposes.
The course covers restoration basics, including Torah scrolls, and teaches techniques for illuminating texts such as the Book of Esther using traditional and modern materials.
While the course provides foundational skills and knowledge, full soferet certification requires additional halachic (Jewish legal) training and mentorship beyond this course.
Yes, the course includes tips and adaptations specifically designed for left-handed calligraphers to help with comfort and technique.