not in the sense of mark or pictogram, but rather meaning occurrence, wonder, phenomenon (“signs and wonders occur”). In addition to the literal meaning (“sign”), ot has a symbolic and mystical connotation and signifies the divine plan.
Letters form the foundation of the world: “God speaks and the world exists.” “It was the Work of God to create the world with his words.” (commentary Sefer Chamoniki, 10th century CE).
According to Kabbalistic-Jewish tradition, every alphabetical character is associated with a fundamental religious truth. The letters carry mystical energy; to understand them means to see the divine in the world.
Hebrew is written from right to left. Originally, the alphabet only consisted of consonants; vowels are added and indicated as needed depending on the meaning of a word.
In the ALEF BET graphics, the characters appear as signs (“ot”) on metallic ground. This is a reference to Corinthian brass, a highly valuable alloy in classical antiquity. According to legend, Corinthian brass was first formed during the burning of Corinth in 146 CE, when the city’s vast treasures of gold, silver and copper melted together in the fire. Silver, gold and Corinthian brass are said to have adorned the doors of Second Temple in Jerusalem.