Tet — the 9th Hebrew letter
ט
Symbolism
Hidden goodness; the vessel; nine — months of pregnancy, goodness carried unseen before it is born
What the letter is built from
Traditionally a vessel curling in on itself — a container with its rim bent inward; some see a kaf embracing a zayin
Its first root in Scripture
Tet's first root appearance IS its famous first appearance: tov — 'God saw the light, that it was good'
Messianic thread
The first tet in Torah begins tov, good — spoken over the light. Tradition says the light of the first day was hidden away for the righteous; the curled letter holds concealed good awaiting revelation — the kingdom hidden like treasure in a field.
In the mystical tradition
Tet's shape is a womb: nine for nine months, good gestating in secret. The sages note tet does not appear in the Ten Words nor in the tribes' names on the breastplate — hidden even there.
Wisdom of the letter
When tov first appears doubled (tov me'od, 'very good'), the sixth day is crowned — the vessel finally poured out.