"Sefarad": a Hebrew-style English font
                                                                                                                                              
                                                              
This page contains information about "Sefarad", which is a Hebrew simulation font, in other words, a Roman font that looks like Hebrew. Hence "Sefarad" is not a Hebrew font, only a Hebrew-style font.
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"Sefarad" is a font that presents (Latin) English letters in a Hebrew style.

by Juan José Marcos
Professor of classical languages.
Plasencia. Spain. January 2024



CONCEPT OF SIMULATION FONTS
   If you're looking for fonts which mimic Hebrew lettering, you have come to the right place.
   Fonts which try to imitate the ste
reotypical letter forms of another language, like a Latin alphabet typeface that looks like Hebrew, Arabic, or Japanese, fall into the category of  decorative typefaces sometimes called "simulation fonts".
   Simulation fonts have been designed to represent the characters of the Roman/Latin (English) alphabet but evoke another writing system. This group includes typefaces designed to appear as Hebrew, Arabic or other scripts. These are used largely for the purpose of novelty to make something appear foreign.
 



CHARACTERISTICS OF "SEFARAD" FONT
     "Sefarad" is a Hebrew simulation font, so-called because in Medieval times Sefarad was the name given to Spain by the Hebraic people that lived there during that era. From this name they derived the term Sephardic, which describes those descended from the original Jews of Spain and Portugal.
   "Sefarad" is my attempt at a Roman alphabet font that simulates the look of Hebrew script. "Sefarad" is therefore an English font designed to look like Hebrew style caligraphy.
In this font some of the original Hebrew characters have been given new roles, others modified to resemble modern Latin characters. "Sefarad" is an adaption of a classic typeface that presents English letters in a Hebrew style - perfect for displays and announcements for all Jewish organizations. Summarizing: "Sefarad" is a Latin font that simulates Hebrew.

   An important thing to note is that unlike English and other Latin-based languages, there are no upper/lower cases in Hebrew. Hebrew has only a capital alphabet and makes no distinction between uppercase (also named majuscule or capital) and lowercase (minuscule) letters. However I have also made lowercase characters for this font.
   The font contains all the common signs (full set of Roman letters, numerals and punctuation marks), as well as accented vowels - acute accent, grave accent, circumflex, tilde, diaeresis or umlaut mark required to type most Western European languages (Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, Dutch, among others) plus Menorah, and Star of David symbols.

   The "Sefarad" font is extremely easy to read. The design has the goal of readability while retaining a unique style. You can use it to write your name, words or phrases you wish in a beautiful style. The font can be used for invitations, advertisements, tatoos (you can print from your computer then hand to your tattoo artist for inking) and more!
  

SAMPLES
     The following line of text looks Hebrew at first sight: but if we see it in its context then we realize that it is actually a Latin alphabet Hebrew simulation font, and that the line could be interpreted as: I wish you a happy new year.
 
Hebrew simulation font

   This font offers a unique material to let you experiment and discover your own creativity.
  
There is no theorical limit to the size of letters, besides the practical limit of the application used to manage layout. They can be printed very big to post on a notice board, for instance.

Sefarad Hebrew font

   Like any standard font, the "Sefarad" font can be used in colors for personalized layouts.
  
Sefarad font

      I recommend you to print your text to see exactly how this will look on paper, because "Sefarad" font is intended primarly for print and may not show as well on the screen. Please keep in mind that what you see is not always what you get. Most typefaces are best rendered on the printer, so they print legibly, not to display at small sizes on the screen.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS, INSTALLATION AND USE
   The "Sefarad" font is compatible with Windows (any version), Mac OS9 and OSX, and Linux.
   In fact, this product is not really a program. It is simply a font to be used with other applications.
   Sefarad is a standard font (8 bits, TTF format), so it can be used running any Windows version and any word processor.
   You can also use it running Linux. I have successfully tried this font under Debian with OpenOffice.
   This font should be usable on Macintosh running OSX9 and OSX. This is not a problem, since Mac recognizes PC TrueType fonts without complaint.
   In any case, if you are very interested and you wish to get a Mac version of the font (bin and dfont formats), I can produce them in a Mac native format for you.
   Installation is very easy, simply copy and paste the font files into your Fonts folder located somewhere in your hard disk (Library/Fonts in a Mac or Windows/Fonts in a PC
).
   After installation the
"Sefarad" font can be used in any program such as word processing or graphic programs, like any other standard font. Simply access the font list and you will see the new font appear with the existing fonts from before.
   Select
"Sefarad" from the font list, then choose the correct size*and finally enter the words or sequences you wish to print.
   *You may use large sizes for better display (suggested size-24 points or up).


"AL-ANDALUS" FONT
    I have also created other simulation font named "Al-Andalus". This font is my attempt at a Roman alphabet font that simulates the look of Arabic script. "Al-Andalus" is therefore an English font designed to look like Arabic style caligraphy. In this font some of the original Arabic characters have been given new roles, others modified to resemble modern Latin characters. "Al-Andalus" is an adaption of a classic typeface that presents English letters in an Arabic style. Summarizing: "Al-Andalus" is a Latin font that simulates Arabic.
   More detailed information about the Al-Andalus font here: https://www.typofonts.com/arabic.html

AlAndalus: Arabic simulation font


"CUNEUS" FONT
    I have also created other simulation font named "Cuneus" (so-called because Cuneiform comes from the Latin word cuneus which means "wedge"). This font is my attempt at a Roman alphabet font that simulates the look of Cuneiform script. "Cuneus" is therefore an English font designed to look like Cuneiform style calligraphy. In this font some of the original Cuneiform characters have been given new roles, others modified to resemble modern Latin characters. "Cuneus" is an adaption of a classic typeface that presents English letters in a Cuneiform style. Summarizing: "Cuneus" is a Latin font that simulates Cuneiform.
   More detailed information about the Cuneus font here: https://www.typofonts.com/cuneiform.html  

cuneiform font


"CYRILLIC OCS" FONT
    I have also created other simulation font named "Cyrillic OCS". This font is my attempt at a Roman alphabet font that simulates the look of old Cyrillic script (also know as Old Church Slavonic). "Cyrillic OCS" is therefore an English font designed to look like Cyrillic style calligraphy. In this font some of the original Cyrillic characters have been given new roles, others modified to resemble modern Latin characters. "Cyrillic OCS" is an adaption of a classic Old Church Slavonic typeface that presents English letters in a old Cyrillic style. Summarizing: "Cyrillic OCS" is a Latin font that simulates Cyrillic.
   More detailed information about this font here: https://wwww.typofonts.com/cyrillic.html

Cyrillic OCS simulation font


PRICE AND LICENSE
     The "Sefarad" font has a reasonable price, really! A single user license costs only US $20.
   With the single user license you are allowed to use the font for any purpose you want, but not to share it with other persons or friends. Other friends should purchase their own copy of the font. The font will be sent to you as atttachment to an email message (electronic delivery). It is important that you have an account which can receive attachments.
    

  Please do not make illegal copies of this software. The software was produced after months of effort and hard work. Properly purchasing and licensing the font will support this effort and will help the modest designer of this font get the just reward for his work. Thanks.

   After making the payment you will receive the font as attachment to an email message sent to your email acount.
   If you have questions or doubts, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 

ONLINE PAYMENT
   If you own a credit or debit card (Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover® and American Express®), you can pay online, which means purchase can be made in a matter of clicks.
   This payment is being backed by PayPal®, a global leader in online payment solutions and credit card processing. To make payments with PapyPal is easy, fast, free and secure for buyers. Naturally, your transaction will be confidential and the information you give will not be used for any reason other than the use intended. PayPal protects your security. You can pay in any currency (Euro, Canadian dollars, sterling pounds etc) since PayPal will convert your currency to USA dollars during the payment process.
   Click on the PayPal button below to purchase the "Sefarad" font online.

1) – Sefarad font. Single user license. Delivery: Electronic only. The font costs only US $20. The font will be sent as attachment to your email account. With the single user license you are allowed to use the font for any purpose you wish, but not to share it with other people.

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SPECIAL OFFER: 45% discount!

2) – FOUR SIMULATION FONTS: Sefarad + Al-Andalus + Cyrillic OCS + Cuneiform. Delivery: Electronic only. The four fonts cost US $45. You save $35, 45% off. The fonts will be sent as attachment to your email account. With the single user license you are allowed to use the fonts for any purpose you wish, but not to share it with other people.

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IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE :

1.-
Whatever option you choose, please send me a message after making the payment through PayPal in order to confirm that you are really who ordered the font.

2.- In most cases I will reply to your message in due time (normally within a day or so), unless I was on holidays, then it will take a little longer, since I only will be able to check my emails from time to time, (usually every five days, more or less or even a little more during the summer) so be patient, however, be sure that you will receive my reply. Sorry for this inconvenience.

3.- Evidently, any modification or public distribution of this font is not permited under any circumstance.


AUTHOR
  Just in case you are wondering who Juan-José Marcos is, click here and you will find some information about the author of  this font and this website.
  More fonts designed by the same author here.

SUGGESTIONS AND QUERIES
   I have taken care to see that this font works as fine as possible; nevertheless, if you find any error, feel free to email me.
   Although you do not purchase the font, please send me comments, suggestions for improvements or anything else regarding my "Sefarad" font. I would like to know your opinion about my work. I really would appreciate having users' feedback.
   Such reaction from users will be the deciding factor in my decision of carrying on with the development of more simulation fonts (Indic, Runic, Japanese and so on). Do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks.
   


juanjmarcosemail megmail.com
Juan-José Marcos
Plasencia. Spain.

This page last updated on January 2024.