Alef — the 1st Hebrew letter
א
Symbolism
Oneness, primacy, the Master (aluph means chief); paradoxically silent — the source before all sound
What the letter is built from
Traditionally drawn as an upper yod, a lower yod, and a diagonal vav joining them
Its first root in Scripture
The first alef-rooted word in Scripture is God Himself
Messianic thread
The ox of the pictograph is the leader of the herd and the animal of sacrifice — strength that serves. The alef opens Anochi ('I AM') at Sinai, and the Alpha of Revelation is this letter in Greek dress.
In the mystical tradition
Tradition sees the upper yod as the waters above, the lower yod as the waters below, and the vav as the firmament between — heaven and earth held in one silent letter whose inner value is the Name.
Wisdom of the letter
Alef begins emet (truth) and stands first in the alphabet, yet the Torah begins with bet; the sages say alef was rewarded by opening the Ten Words — humility placed first.