B eyt, the Semitic word for house, was the origin of the letter B, the second letter of the "alef beyt" or alphabet. Whereas the letter A is connected to opening, plowing the ground with an ox, or adze, B is about enclosure. The two letters commemorate important milestones in civilization: agriculture and settled home building. The form of the letter beyt which is a house with a central chimney or smoke hole, also resembles a bottle. This recognizes the development of ceramic arts, cooking, and beer brewing. DRAFT 2024-2-7.