5832 —חיזוק לימוד התורה ועבודת הקודש של סופרים

B"H, 7 M"Ch, 5718.

Brooklyn, NY.

Haraha"g vaharaha"ch vavac"h iy"a num"m etc. Moharanan Nisan Neminov

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was pleased to receive your letter some time ago regarding the arrival of the new class of Avrechim students from Morocco. May it be G‑d's will that He increase their boundaries both in quality and quantity—that is, in the number of students as well as their knowledge and conduct.

Since additional benches have been added to the Beit Midrash, it is certain that ultimately the situation of the school for sofrim will strengthen and become properly established—or at least comparable to that of the mikveh—as I discussed here with Haraha"ch etc. HaRatzal HaLevi. It is understood that students of the school for sofrim are also Tzivot Torah students; meaning they must learn regular lessons in revealed Torah and Chassidus, engage in prayer as well, and only during those hours when other students are learning in yeshiva do these learn their sacred craft—sofrut STaM (writing Torah scrolls, tefillin, mezuzot). But before and after those hours, all responsibilities of Tzivot Torah students apply to them.

Therefore it is clear there is no reason for any discouragement among them, G‑d forbid. On the other hand, they must receive guidance regarding their studies in nigleh (revealed Torah) and Chassidus from HaRav M. and HaRav Y. of Tzivot Torah—except during those hours dedicated to learning sofrut STaM and its laws; for this they receive instruction from Haraha"ch etc. HaRatzal HaLevi.

In order for their study to match our tradition's instruction about bonding with friends (learning together), it is necessary that in addition to the two who have already completed their studies—and as you wrote me have already begun writing parshiyot and making batim—there should be at least five students learning sofrut; even better if there are six or more, if possible without canceling a class from Tzivot Torah.

Based on all this I am confident that Tzivot Torah's administration will select suitable students for this—that is, after being tested in the craft they will be found fit for it. To avoid later complaints or wasted time it is best to hold testing and selection as close as possible to the start of term.

I await good news soon.

Please convey to those selected students that fortunate is their lot to engage in this sacred work—even though a sofer STaM bears great responsibility as explained in many places—but the very fact that others determine they are worthy to learn this sacred craft shows that Above they were given strength to bear this responsibility and fulfill it.

At all times—and especially now—by meriting many with kosher tefillin and mezuzot, their reward cannot be measured; especially since all of Torah was equated with tefillin, and Chassidic teachings bring a saying that a mezuzah equals all mitzvot.

This is also clear according to nigleh (revealed law) based on what is brought in Shulchan Aruch: tefillin represent subjugation of heart and mind—that is, one's entire being—and mezuzah is like the seal of the King of kings on all possessions and matters within that home.

I await good news regarding all this; due to urgency this letter was sent express mail.

With blessings for success in your holy work.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that engaging in sacred work such as sofrut requires both skillful preparation and spiritual dedication. Proper guidance ensures success, while recognizing its great merit inspires commitment among those chosen for this holy task.