6918 —כתיבת האות כף בתאריך השנה החדשה

B"H, 3rd of Tammuz, 5719. Brooklyn.

Havavach iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z Mohe Shimon.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter asking how to write the detail of the upcoming new year—whether with a regular (curved) Kaf or a final (straight) Kaf. I have not heard an explicit directive on this, but based on the longstanding custom of Israel in such matters—and since even Jewish custom is Torah—in references for simanim in Tur and Shulchan Aruch and similar works, as well as in page references, the regular (curved) Kaf is used. So far I have not found any exceptions to this. In earlier years, many printers were Torah scholars and printing books was done only with rabbinic approval, etc., so something that is consistent everywhere (at least as I have seen) follows this rule. See also Shabbat 104a, Megillah 2b—consider which of these was more widespread. Also see Likutim Torah from the AriZal at the beginning of Choshen Mishpat.

Blessings for good news in both general and specific matters, which are interdependent, and with blessings for the Festival of Redemption.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that established Jewish custom—using a regular Kaf when writing the new year date—should be followed unless there is a clear directive otherwise. Tradition and precedent in Torah sources guide our practice even in such details.