What is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet?

The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is א aleph. It is the first sign in the aleph-bet and the letter that gives the alphabet its name.

What aleph sounds like

Aleph does not have one fixed English sound. In modern Hebrew it is often silent as a consonant and helps carry a vowel. That is why treating א as “the Hebrew A” creates confusion. The letter name is aleph; the sound in a word depends on the vowel and context.

What aleph looks like

The printed form א is built from diagonal and short strokes. It is not an English A in a new font. Start by learning the outline, then practise the movement with how to write Hebrew letters.

A simple practice loop

Look at א for five seconds. Trace it slowly. Cover the guide and write it twice. Finally, identify it among three other letters. This trains recognition and production together. When aleph is stable, pair it with bet and continue through the Hebrew alphabet in order.