Daf HaYomi B'Halacha Daily Email

What is the proper way to write the parshios of a Sefer Torah?

According to the opinion of the Rosh, a parsha stumah begins after a closed break space. A closed break means that on the same line there is the end of a previous parsha, a space the equivalent of nine letters, and the beginning of a new parsha. The custom follows this view, since even the Rambam can agree that writing this way is a parsha stumah. The custom is to write a parsha pesucha at the beginning of a line after a blank space at the end of the previous line. This method satisfies both opinions regarding a parsha pesucha.

[ס"ק קסד; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 186]

How is a parsha stumah written for tefillin?

Shulchon Aruch rules that the parsha of V’hayo Im Shamoa in tefillin should be written as a stumah, like the way it is written in the Torah. It is impossible to write it as a stumah according to the opinion of the Rosh, however, since in tefillin it is at the beginning of a column. The sofer should begin in the middle of the line instead, allowing it to fall into the category of a parsha stumah according to the Rambam. See below for the practical halacha regarding this matter.

[סעיף לו, ס"ק קסד וביה"ל ד"ה לדעת; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 196]

An alternative way to write a parsha stumah in tefillin

According to some Achronim, the Rosh would agree that a parsha stumah can also be formed by completing a line, leaving a full line blank and starting at the beginning of a new line. The blank line is thus sandwiched between two full lines, creating a closed break. The stumah in tefillin can also be written this way, in accordance with the Rosh’s opinion. This method has become the accepted custom.

[ס"ק קסד וביה"ל ד"ה לדעת; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 196]

Tefillin that are written according to Rabeinu Tam should follow the same rules of pesuchos and stumos that are used in a standard pair of tefillin.

The space left blank to divide the parshios is the width of nine letters. The Achronim write that l’chatchilah, the measurement should be equivalent to writing the word Asher three times, including the space between the words.

According to the Rambam, a parsha pesucha must begin at the beginning of the line. The sofer should be careful to start exactly at the beginning of the line.

Is it necessary to use a kosher animal for all parts of tefillin?

Which hides are preferable for tefillin?

Does the leather for the batim have to be processed?

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.