Daf HaYomi B'Halacha Daily Email

How can a sofer fill a space in the writing?

As we have learned, an extra word or letter which is found in tefillin should be erased in order to “kasher” the tefillin. Erasing extra letters is not viewed as writing the tefillin out of order. However, if the extra letter is in the middle of a word and the word would look like two words once the letter is erased, the tefillin are pasul. In some instances, the space can be filled by extending a neighboring letter. Only letters which will retain their proper form can be extended. Examples include beis, chof or reish. An alternate method of filling the space would be to enlarge the back of the letter that comes after the space. Here, too, the letter must retain its original form.

[סעיף כג וס"ק קיב]

What is the proper way to extend a chof and a reish?

When extending a letter, care should be taken that the letter should never lose its proper shape. For example, when extending a chof, both the upper and lower lines must be extended together. If one line is extended before the other, the letter will lose its identity as a chof before the second line is enlarged. Similarly, if the roof of a reish is extended towards its right side before its leg is widened, the letter will momentarily appear to be a daled and it will be pasul even after it is fixed.

[ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 155-154]

Can ruined letters be repaired?

As we have learned, the parshios of tefillin and mezuzos must be written in sequential order. Therefore, if a letter becomes ruined to the extent that it is no longer recognizable, the entire segment of writing is disqualified and there is no way to fix the parsha. Fixing this letter is akin to rewriting; doing so disrupts the consecutive order of the writing. If, however, the letter retains its form but must be fixed for another reason, the fixing is not considered rewriting and the parshios will be kosher after the letter is fixed.

[סעיף כה וס"ק קיד; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 157]

The sofer is obligated to proofread the parsha a few times to be certain that it is mistake-free. He is forbidden to distribute or sell the parshios before they are proofread. The recipient should also have another expert proofreader examine the parshios.

If a parsha is found to be missing a letter, it is invalid and cannot be repaired. Every letter of tefillin must be written in order, and the addition of a missing letter after the writing is complete would disturb the order.

The quill should not be dipped into ink immediately before writing the name of Hashem. There is a concern that if there is too much ink on the quill, the name will not be written properly. In addition, it is best to sanctify the ink by writing other letters before writing Hashem’s name.

Which mistakes can be repaired?

Does a barely noticeable break in a letter invalidate the parsha?

Which cracked letters should be shown to a child?

PLEASE NOTE: The information in this email is for learning purposes only. Please review the Mishna Berura and Biurim U'Musafim before making a halachic decision. Hebrew words are occasionally transliterated to enable a smoother reading of the text. Common Ashkenazi pronunciation is generally used in these cases.