Mitzvos in daily life – The Sefer Torah: writing, checking and dedicating

קיום מצוות – ספר תורה: כתיבה, בדיקה והכנסה

The Rebbe's guidance on the Sefer Torah — writing and checking it, correcting errors, and dedicating a new scroll:

Writing and checking. A scroll whose scribe deviated from standard practice — unusual script, missing reversed nuns — should be checked for further errors (IK 2800). Where established precedent dictates a correction, there is no room for doubt (IK 5502). On leaving an unchecked Sefer Torah marked by tying its cover, see the responsa discussed in IK 5599. The word "daka" is written with an aleph, as the Alter Rebbe ruled and as ancient manuscripts confirm (IK 2039, 6258); for a photograph of a verse in ancient scrolls, see IK 1093.

Dedicating a new Sefer Torah. Donating a Sefer Torah is a holy mitzvah that affects the whole institution it is given to (IK 6617), and bringing it into the shul with song and music is a cause for joy (IK 2716). Follow local custom for the dedication and its timing; on selling letters for tzedakah and adding names to the atzei chayim, see IK 7669. On dedicating scrolls to Kfar Chabad, IK 6258. A kosher Sefer Torah was sent to Jewish soldiers, with honor for the Torah (IK 7780).

See also: Mitzvos in daily life – Tefillin, Rabbeinu Tam and tzitzis; Health – Checking tefillin and mezuzos; Prayer – Praying with a minyan and shul life.

Shiurim in this topic

1093. Blessings for Healing and Request for Sefer Torah Photo ברכות לרפואה ובקשה לצילום ספר תורה

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2039. Ancient Manuscripts and the Spelling of Daka in Torah Scrolls כתבי יד עתיקים ואיות דכא בספרי תורה

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2716. Bringing a New Torah into the Shul with Song and Music הכנסת ספר תורה חדש לבית הכנסת בשירה וזמרה

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2800. Checking for Additional Errors in a Sefer Torah with Unusual Script בדיקת טעויות נוספות בספר תורה עם כתב בלתי רגיל

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5502. Correcting a Sefer Torah Based on Established Precedent תיקון ספר תורה על פי מעשה רב

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5599. Marking an Unchecked Sefer Torah by Tying the Cover סימון ספר תורה שאינה מוגה על ידי קשירת המפה