Category: Aged - The Sofer Center

CASE STUDIES

There are Many things that can render Tefillin or Mezuzah not Kosher or at best minimally Kosher.

Some of which happen over time with aging and some unfortunately are Posul from the get go.

Such as,

Letters, words and or Tagim that are missing, extra substituted, touching, Broken, Improperly Spaced, misshapen faded, cracked and weather damaged.

We document the problems we find and periodically upload them to the website.

We hope that this will educate and encourage the public to purchase only Tefillin and Mezuzas that are high quality from a reputable source, to take care of them properly and have them checked regularly.

Tefillin Corner Repair

2/21/2018

Tefillin need to be square, a dent in one of the corners can make them no longer Kosher. They do not have to be pointy on the corners, however if you, your son or husband have a serious dent like in the picture below, or if you are not sure how severe it is, bring them in right away to be inspected and if necessary fixed.

Sometimes nicks and dents can go undetected, which is one of the reasons why it is important to have Tefillin checked on a yearly basis. If that is not feasible then at least once every 5-7 years.

Remember; always handle Tefilin over a table or surface to prevent them from falling to the ground. It is also important to stay away from walls or low ceilings while wearing them.

Damaged

After the repairs were made

Mezuzah Fire Damage

1/28/2018

These Mezuzahs were in a house that had a fire, as you can see these Mezuzahs were all damaged. Unfortunately the Mezuzahs on the doors closest to the area where the fire broke out were consumed in the flames. The one on the right was the first Mezuzah I found within close proximity to the area where the fire broke out, As you can see it has begun to melt and had extensive damage and had to be put in Sheimos, The one in the middle which was a bit further away the case has begun to warp slightly and the Mezuzah only had minor damage. The one on the left was even further and was only covered in soot. and aside from smelling like smoke there was little to no damage discovered due to the smoke. Unfortunately fire proof Mezuzah cases don't exist yet, who knows maybe one day in our future...

Mezuzah that was recovered with the most extensive damage

Damaged Mezuzah -Faded and Cracked lettering

11/7/2017

Weather Damaged Mezuzah

12/13/2016

Batim need to be refurbished?

6/9/2016

Do your Tefillin need to be refurbished? Our Tefillin expert will make them look as good as new!

Mezuzah with bugs?

5/10/2016

So at first I thought it was dirt. But with a closer look I realized it was light and hollow. I turned one over and found a little hole on one side.

Apparently an insect has made this Mezuzah his home. I understand some insects grow in a sort of cocoon and when fully grown make their way out... unfortunately the Mezuzah is no longer kosher whatever was in there has ruined the letters... need I say more?

If you don't have or are not sure if you have a properly sealed weather (bug) proof Mezuzah case for all your outdoor Mezuzahs. Call our office today at 845-262-0246! we ship nation wide.

Protect your Mezuzahs so they can protect you!

Great Grandfathers Tefillin

3/14/2016

Great Grandfather Tefillin. Someone wanted to gift this to his grandson to use for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah.

It is a great family heirloom, but not kosher to wear. The Parchment, straps and boxes are all worn out, faded and cracked and no longer Kosher.

You wouldn't give him Great Grandpa's worn out overalls to wear... same applies here.

Sewing Retzuos?

1/27/2016

Worn and Stretched out Retzuos / Tefillin Straps

1/27/2016

Retzuos start out at 15mm in order that if they begin to tear you will still have some time to get them replaced before they become Possul.
The preferable (Kosher Lechatchilah) width is 11mm according to the Chazon Ish and 10mm according to Rav Chaim Naeh.
The minimal (Bedieved) width for making a Brachah is 9mm. If a Retzuah started tearing or if it is missing paint at one spot making the connected or painted Retzuah less than the minimal width it is Possul and must be replaced.

From time to time it is important to look over your Retzuos to ensure they are Kosher if you have any doubts be sure to bring them in right away.

Ripped and worn out Retzuah

Ripped Retzuah is less then 8mm

Part of Retzuah that is painted is less then 6mm

Aged Sefer Torah

6/28/2015

This Sefer Torah was brought to me by one of the local Shuls in Monsey. They discovered this problem when they were reading it on Shabbos. What you see here is corrosion of the ink, this is common with older Sifrei Torah due to the oxidation of the ink . Traditional ink has Kankantom in it, Kankantom is an ingredient that causes corrosion, the Shulchan Arucha actually says that it is an ingredient that should preferably not be used in the making of the ink for Tefillin, Mezuzah and Sefer Torah. and indeed in the times of the Gemorah they did not use Kankantom in the ink. However through Galus the secret to making the ink was lost and today all traditional inks included Kankantom.

Lesson: If your Shul has an older Sefer Torah it is advisable to have a Sofer look it over the parshah before every Shabbos to assure all the letters and words are black.