Mem (מ)

The letter Mem stands for the number 40.

Mem is a letter that can really leave us with a memorable mark. In this art the letter is representing the following ideas:

1. Machase (מכסה) - shelter; the letter itself is in the shape of a Sukkah (a both), shaped like a divine hug, providing shelter and protecting us from all sides. The Mem is a top view of the Sukkah, and here we see the green leaves on its top.

2. Magen (מגן) - protector; like the idea of the Sukkah, the protector is one of the key elements in our turning to religion, spirituality and G-d when we are in times of need. Even if we cannot control our life, G-d provides us with a soul-shield. The Star of David in Hebrew is actually called The Sheild of David, and so -- it made its way into this art as well.

3. Mayim (מים) - water; inside each one of the Magen David's triangles there are the protective powers of the Living-Waters. The water of below are the waters of our burning and yearning soul. The waters of above are the airy and comforting calmness of knowing we are surrounded by G-d and His divinity; the universe of particles that is all around us. Each one of these waters is pulling towards the other direction - always trying to go lower and higher - trying to mix.

4. Moznayim (מאזניים) - a balancing scale; like the waters above and below trying to reach each other - there is always a balance to be achieved in life, the universe and all that is in it. knowing how to walk the line, the razer's edge, the connecting rope, is a critical skill to have and is one that Jewish sages discuss in depth when they explore the ideas of how to become the best version of ourselves.

5. Misaviv (מסביב) - around - surrounding the letter is a root. Its all encompassing nature of all being connected to one another -- protected by the deep roots that were planted by our ancestors.

   
   

Mem is the letter in the middle of the word Ima (אמא) - mother; it is a very fitting letter to have centered between the two 'baby' Aleph (א); the mother is required to be the shelter, become the protector, provide the balance to her children, family and within herself, and she is both the one who creates the surrounding for the family to flourish in, as well is being surrounded by her children.

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In this alphabet art series I explore biblical and Jewish-spiritual ideas, as they reflect through the shapes or associated meaning of each letter.

This project is based on my personal musing and not on any Jewish teachings. Any connection to other teachings is unintentional.

My hope is that through this art we get a deeper glimpse into our realities, our worlds illusions and the hope that can be found in the power of the Hebrew letters.