Dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar in the warm water.
Let stand until yeast is activated, which can take between 10-15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt together until well blended.
Add the oil and yeast mixture, mixing until it forms into dough.
Add 1-2 tbsp. of water at a time if the dough does not come together.
Once formed, knead the dough for 6 minutes, or until smooth.
Coat a large bowl with about 2 tbsp. of oil.
Place the dough in the bowl, and coat with oil.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm place for about one hour until the dough has doubled in size.
Lightly flour your work surface.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in 4 cups very hot water.
Lightly flour your work surface.
Remove dough from bowl and divide into equal parts.
Take one piece of dough and roll into a rope shape, then twist into an alphabet letter.
Once all the dough pieces have been formed into letters, dip each one into the hot water and place pretzels on baking sheets.
Sprinkle with kosher salt, and bake until done, about 7 minutes.
Remove from oven, let cool, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like melted cheese, mustard, hummus, etc.