4926 —כתיבת ספר תורה, מנהג פצוע דכא, והשלמת המצוה

B"H, 11 Kislev, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n involved in tzt"z Shneor Zalman

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter regarding the matter of writing a Sefer Torah and its completion: Since everything is by Divine Providence—especially matters connected to Torah and its mitzvos—and you write to me about writing a Sefer Torah, it is my duty and privilege to mention here the halachic ruling of our master the Alter Rebbe, author of Tanya (the halachic authority in the hidden dimension of Torah) and Shulchan Aruch (the halachic authority in the revealed dimension), that one should write 'petsa daka' with an alef at the end. As brought in She'eirit Yehuda responsa section 16 (to the Alter Rebbe's brother), and opinions on this are gathered in Mishnat Avraham section 32. I heard from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal, that when he was before World War I in Worms, he saw there a Sefer Torah received by tradition as written by Maharam of Rothenburg, and it was written as above. He also saw this in a Sefer Torah in Prague which they had by tradition from generation to generation that Ezra HaSofer corrected it; also in the Sassoon collection in London there are ancient manuscripts (a Tanach from the Rashba's grandson, a Tanach manuscript from a student of the Rashba who authored Migdal Oz, a Chumash from Damascus written over eleven hundred years ago, another Chumash/Tanach written five hundred years ago or so, as well as a Yemenite Chumash manuscript from that period), and all have 'daka' with an alef. Moreover, in the Migdal Oz author's own Tanach manuscript it was originally written 'dacha' with a hei but he himself erased it and corrected it by hand to an alef.

I elaborate because—to my surprise and regret—I have learned that few people in Eretz HaKodesh know all this even though my letter on this was cited at the end of Otzar HaPoskim vol. 1.

Given how important completing a Sefer Torah is—the mitzvah is fulfilled upon its completion—it does not seem appropriate to delay finishing for months. Although there is no strict custom to hurry (and indeed it's puzzling why there isn't more alacrity), this does not justify postponing for several weeks or certainly months. When the scribe is ready for completion, it should be set for auspicious days close to when it's ready; almost every month has such days—for example: 8 Shevat ^[2], Rosh Chodesh as per Devarim 1:3; in Adar—Purim or 7 Adar; etc.

b) Of two synagogues requesting to receive the Sefer Torah: since you write that you study Torah Sheb'al Peh (Oral Torah) in one of them, you should bring there also the Written Torah so both will be together.

c) In your letter you use the phrase "to transfer ownership of the Sefer Torah to the synagogue." Even though you did not clarify your intent regarding "ownership," it seems to me you should not give it as an outright gift but only place it there while retaining ownership yourself; thus fulfilling this mitzvah completely.*

I hope you meet from time to time with Anash from our ninth camp [branch], and that you also have fixed times for studying chassidus. Certainly regarding this too applies our Sages' teaching: "One ascends in holiness," and whoever adds is given more.

As requested, you will be mentioned along with your family at the holy resting place of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal. May it be G‑d's will that with peace of mind and body you will share good news regarding all these matters. Also—as you help those who turn to you for physical healing—you should likewise strive for their spiritual healing; nothing stands before true willpower.

Summary

This letter teaches us about maintaining authentic traditions when writing a Sefer Torah—specifically spelling details—and underscores timely completion of mitzvos without unnecessary delay. It also highlights combining both Written and Oral Torah study and encourages ongoing personal spiritual growth.