What does a sofer (Jewish scribe) do?
Who is a sofer
anyway? A sofer
is a Jewish scribe who writes and restores the kitvey hakodesh
(holy writing) using quills and parchment and special ink, following detailed sets of rules. The full title is a sofer STa”M
from the initials S (samech) for Sefer Torah, T (tav) for T'fillin
and M (mem) for M'zuzah
and these are the three main activities. It isn't just calligraphy as you need a detailed knowledge of the halachah
(Jewish Law) and a level of observance, being yirat shamayim
(in awe of heaven).
However a scribe will also write the m'gillat Esther
for use on Purim
to the same strict rules as that for a Sefer Torah
and also the Pittum Hak'toret
for recitation in the prayer service. Gittin
(sing. Get) the divorce documents are secular but are also prepared by scribes as there is a specific text which should be word perfect.
In addition I have created a new scroll using an American text for use on Yom haShoah, the M'gillat haShoah. At the other end of the scale k'tubot
(marriage contracts) do not have to be written by a scribe but is something that I also do.
Sefer Torah
A guide to the parts of the scroll, writing and repairing, mantle design and the siyyum (completion ceremony.
Tefillin
How tefillin are made made and what the contain
A guide to the parts of the scroll, writing and repairing, mantle design and the siyyum (completion ceremony.
Tefillin
How tefillin are made made and what the contain
Mezuzah
All about the mezuzah including an image map showing the key elements of this mitsvah.
Megillat Esther
Stages of writing the book of Esther. Includes links to two special megillah projects. My first megillah and the 2018 megillah.
All about the mezuzah including an image map showing the key elements of this mitsvah.
Megillat Esther
Stages of writing the book of Esther. Includes links to two special megillah projects. My first megillah and the 2018 megillah.
Ketubah
Marriage documents I have designed. Also a link to some designed by my wife Avielah.
Pittum HaK'toret
Marriage documents I have designed. Also a link to some designed by my wife Avielah.
Pittum HaK'toret
The ‘spicy’ text that you read daily to increase your wealth, health and happiness.
To come ... Gittin.
In additions scribes will get involved ins special commisions for individuals to mark special occasions such as retirements or anniversaries. For examples of these individual creative illumination, please click here.
