The Bibical source of the mitzvah of mezuzah is found twice in Devarim, Deuteronomy, chapter 6, in the paragraph of Shema Yisroel (4-9) and Chapter 9, in the paragragh of Vehaya Im Shamoa (13-21). The Torah states in both paragraphs:…
Category: Rabbi Yerachmiel Askotzky
Why are Torahs, Tefillin and Mezuzahs Seemingly So Expensive?
Considerable time, expertise, effort, precision and expense are invested in the manufacture, writing, examination and assembly of Torahs, tefillin, mezuzahs and megillahs. The writing of a Torah is a 1 to 1-1/2 year project! That means proving income for, usually,…
3 Main Traditions of Tefillin Scripts
There are 3 main traditions of scripts. Each has a halachic basis. Bais Yosef: This is the script (for Torahs, tefillin, mezuzahs and megillahs, used by those of Ashkenazi decent, who are not Chassidic. The Bais Yosef, authored by Rabbi Yosef Caro, (1488-1575)…
What is Tefillin?
We are commanded in the Torah to bind tefillin on our arm and on our head. The source for the mitzvah is mentioned four times in the Torah: “And it shall be for you a sign on your arm and…
Mezuzah Tips
Note: The word mezuzah always refers to the scroll, and the case or cover is always referred to as such. Every mezuzah should be wrapped in a protective wrapping before it is placed in a case. Wax paper, parchment paper, thin plastic…
Caring for Your Tefillin
To prevent your tefillin from getting lost, mark your name, address, and telephone number on or inside your tefillin bag and on the individual tefillin cases. (Do not put labels over the air vents of the tefillin cases.) Take note…
Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll) Maintenance Tips
Proper sefer Torah maintenance will considerably extend a Torah scroll’s lifespan and will likely cost less in the long term. Do not wait until problems are found in the Torah scroll to bring in a sofer. Set up a maintenance program under the…
What is Megillah?
Megillah means “scroll”. Megillot or megillahs (plural) generally refers to the 5 megillahs, which are read from in the synagogue on holidays. Specifically, megillah is most identified with the megillah of Esther (megillat or megillas Esther), which is read on…
How and Where to Affix a Mezuzah
Where to Affix a Mezuzah The mezuzah is placed on the right entry post of a room. The right side is determined by the way people normally enter the room from the outside [fig.20.1]. A rabbi must be consulted when the…
Tightening the Dalet Shaped, Head Knot
(To loosen follow the opposite sequence.) It is proper to say “L’shem kedushas tefillin” (for the sake of the sanctity of tefillin) upon adjusting the knot. Tightening the square shaped head, knot: (To loosen follow the opposite sequence:) http://www.stam.net/adjusting_head_tefillin.aspx