The Kosher Bookworm: A complete buyer’s guide to protecting our Torahs, Tefillin, and Mezuzos

One of the results of Hurricane Sandy was the damage or destruction of some of the most valuable ritual items of our faith: Torahs, Tefillin, and Mezuzos. These sacred articles represent some of the most expensive and labor-intensive objects used by us on a daily and weekly basis. Each is vulnerable to climactic changes that can result in serious disruption in ritual observances.

Thus, it is timely that a new work was recently issued that deals with the high maintenance that is involved with these ritual items.

“Inside Stam: A Complete Buyer’s Guide” by Rabbi Reuvain Mendlowitz, is a must read and a welcome addition to our libraries, designed to inform us in the many technical aspects dealing with Jewish scribal objects both in terms of purchase and maintenance.

Designed in a question and answer format, this work helps to better inform the reader in an easily accessible manner, addressing the major questions and their complicated answers on this topic.

From purchase, to dealing with scribal professionals, choice of paper and writing styles, all dealt with in easy to read language with many color pictures and illustrations.

There are explanations concerning the physical components of the items purchased, with detailed explanations of their practical uses for both house and synagogue.

In this writer’s opinion, the most fascinating and practical chapter is the last one, Chapter 15, “Computer Checking.” Here, we have some of the best examples of the application of modern technology in aiding in the proper observance of mitzvos.

The first question asked, sets the stage for a comprehensive evaluation of the importance of the role of the computer in enhancing the quality of our Torahs, Tefillin and Mezuzos [STAM]. “Does my STAM item really need to be computer checked? Why can’t I just rely on the magiah [proofreader]?”

All that follows gives the reader a concise yet comprehensive answer to this question laced with a tone of urgency. To better understand the urgency, please read below, a fascinating story that will best illustrate this:

“The Rebbe of Munkacs, R’ Tzvi Hersh Shapira [1850-1913], known by the name of his Sefer Darkei Teshuvah, was the proud owner of a beautiful Sefer Torah. So concerned was he to ensure that the Sefer Torah would meet the very highest standards of Kashrus, that he had it checked by 30 magihim!

“One day, he was informed that R’ Eliezer of Brigel, Galicia – who was known to be the best magiah in all of Europe – was passing through Munkacs. Immediately, he dispatched a messenger to request that he check his Sefer Torah before departing the city. Of course, the magiah was honored to have the merit of checking the Sefer Torah of one of the giants of the generation.

“Upon completing his examination, he gravely informed R’ Tzvi Hersh that two words had been interchanged!

R’ Tzvi Hersh was dumbfounded! How could thirty magihim have missed such an error? He then asked R’ Eliezer not to reveal the mistake to him until he had a few other magihim check the Torah. Sure enough, they checked the Torah once again and could find no flaw at all.

R’ Tzvi Hersh then asked the magiah to reveal which Sefer contained the error.

“Sefer Shemos,” was the reply.

So again he had the magihim comb Sefer Shemos in search of the mistake. Once again they came up empty-handed.

“Which Parashah is the mistake found in?” asked R’ Tzvi Hersh. “Parashas Beshalach,” was the reply.

When they still could not find it, R’ Eliezer blurted out in exasperation, “It’s in Shiras HaYam!”

“However, search as they may, the magihim could not find two words which had been switched. Finally, R’ Eliezer showed them the pasuk,[15:17] the Shem HaShem appears twice; once spelled YKVK, and once spelled AD-N. In this sefer, the sofer had accidentally reversed them!”

Rabbi Reuvain Mendelowitz concludes with the following: “A computer check would have immediately uncovered such an error.”

Given all that we have experienced these past few weeks, these specialized computers are going to have their work cut out for them. Both they and our area’s newly very busy soferim will be applying their craft and talents to assure our community the best in scribal arts in the repair of storm damaged STAM. This new book by Rabbi Mendlowitz will help us understand what we are to expect in either the repair or replacement of our damaged Torahs, Tefillin, and Mezuzos.

MORE HURRICANE RELATED TORAH

One other unintended result of Sandy’s legacy was the publication of a series of Chizuk bulletins written both during and after Sandy’s untimely visit by Rabbi Heshie Billet of the Young Israel of Woodmere. Designed to give both strength and inspiration during this most distressful period, Rabbi Billet’s missives served as one of the best morale boosters during one of the greatest natural disasters ever visited upon this community.

The following is but one example:

“I think that a lot of emotional choices are decisions. To be upbeat in the face of a setback is a decision! To be patient is a decision! The Torah says, “and you shall choose life. That is what we must resolve to do. In our case “to choose life” means to be positive, upbeat, calm, and patient. We must decide to appreciate all the gifts of life that we have: family, friends, community, our shuls, and schools.

“Be inspired by the generosity of spirit demonstrated by members of our community who are also without power or have been flooded who have been helping others…..And the kindness of those who were not terribly affected who gave of their time and homes to embrace their neighbors. Think of the many outsiders who came to help. Think of the entrepreneurs who donated food, clothing, goods, and services. Perk up, this will pass sooner than you realize.”

All this was written and sent out to the community near the height of the storm. As the gale force winds blew, so did the words of comfort and consolation flow from the mind and pen of Rabbi Heshie Billet. This shall never be forgotten by a grateful community, ever.