Mezuzot & Megillot
Where Holiness and Quality Come Together A Tradition of Holiness Since 5759
Writing and Selling Mezuzot and Megillot in All Sizes
Free Consultation and Guidance by a Certified Moreh Tzedek Before Purchase
Megillah Repair & Restoration
A Wide Selection of Megillah Cases and Mezuzah Cases
Parchment for Mezuzot and Megillot
Beit Hora'ah for STaM Halachic Inquiries
Samples of Our Scribes' Script
Mezuzah – Sephardic Nusach
Rabbi Shy shlit"a
Megillat Esther – Gevil
Rabbi Shlomo shlit"a
Mezuzah – Sephardic Nusach
Rabbi Neria shlit"a
Mezuzah – Sephardic Nusach
Rabbi Tzabari shlit"a
Megillat Esther – Gevil
Rabbi Yoeli shlit"a
Megillat Esther – Gevil
Rabbi Yitzchak shlit"a
Beit Hora'ah – Halachic Guidance Center
Mezuzot
Where should a Mezuzah be affixed?
The doorpost should be divided into three equal sections, and the Mezuzah should be affixed at the beginning of the upper third of the doorpost, in accordance with Halacha.
Does a Mezuzah case have holiness?
Yes. The Mezuzah case, as well as the protective wrapping made of plastic or paper surrounding the Mezuzah parchment, possesses sanctity and should be treated respectfully. If the Mezuzah case is made of glass, it should be placed inside a sturdy protective cover to prevent breakage and possible injury.
May a Mezuzah be worn around the neck as an amulet?
Some halachic authorities permit wearing a Mezuzah around the neck as an amulet, while others discourage the practice. However, carrying a Mezuzah for the benefit of someone who is ill may be permitted, and in situations involving danger to life, it is certainly allowed.
Is a Mezuzah required in an elevator?
No. According to Halacha, an elevator is not obligated to have a Mezuzah.
Who is qualified to inspect Mezuzot?
Only a certified Magi'ah (STaM proofreader) is qualified to inspect and certify Mezuzot. A Magi'ah must possess a higher level of expertise than a Sofer, with extensive knowledge of the laws governing STaM, the correct form of every letter, accepted halachic rulings, and the customs of the various Jewish communities. Because of the great responsibility involved, every Magi'ah should hold official certification confirming that he has been examined and qualified in these laws. When purchasing or submitting a Mezuzah for inspection, it is advisable to request confirmation that it was checked by a certified Magi'ah.
May a Mezuzah be written on coated parchment?
Yes. A Mezuzah written on coated parchment is halachically acceptable, even as a preferred option according to many authorities. Nevertheless, when possible, it is preferable to purchase a Mezuzah written on uncoated parchment in order to satisfy the opinions of the more stringent halachic authorities.
Is a woman obligated in the mitzvah of Mezuzah?
Yes. A woman is obligated in the mitzvah of Mezuzah just as a man is. Therefore, if she lives alone, she is required to affix Mezuzot in all places that are obligated according to Halacha.
May a woman affix a Mezuzah?
Yes. If there is no man available to affix the Mezuzah for her, a woman may affix the Mezuzah herself and recite the blessing.
What blessing is recited before affixing a Mezuzah?
When affixing a Mezuzah in one’s own home, the blessing is recited: “Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a Mezuzah.”
When affixing a Mezuzah in another person’s home, the blessing is recited with the wording: “...and commanded us concerning the affixing of a Mezuzah.”
When affixing a Mezuzah in another person’s home, the blessing is recited with the wording: “...and commanded us concerning the affixing of a Mezuzah.”
How often should Mezuzot be checked?
Every person is obligated to have the Mezuzot in the home checked once every three and a half years. If there is any concern that the writing may have been damaged by moisture, rain, heat, or any other factor, the Mezuzot should be checked immediately.
Should a Sofer immerse in a Mikveh?
A Sofer is not strictly obligated to immerse in a Mikveh, but it is proper to request that the Sofer observe at least Tevilat Ezra, provided that it does not come at the expense of Torah study.
Many Torah sources praise the spiritual value of immersion in a Mikveh, describing it as a means of added purity, renewal, and preparation for serving Hashem with greater holiness. For this reason, it is especially fitting for a Sofer, who writes sacred texts, to be careful in this matter.
Many Torah sources praise the spiritual value of immersion in a Mikveh, describing it as a means of added purity, renewal, and preparation for serving Hashem with greater holiness. For this reason, it is especially fitting for a Sofer, who writes sacred texts, to be careful in this matter.
Megillot
What are the halachic requirements for writing a Megillah?
A Megillat Esther is written according to virtually the same halachic requirements as a Torah Scroll. Before beginning to write, the Sofer must explicitly declare that he is writing the Megillah “for the sake of the sanctity of the Megillah”, and this declaration is essential even after the fact.
The Megillah must be written on properly ruled parchment (sirtut), and this requirement is indispensable. It is also subject to the same laws governing chak tochot (forming letters by carving), hekef gevil (each letter must be completely surrounded by parchment), and the proper halachic form of every letter.
Some halachic authorities require the ornamental crowns (tagin) on certain letters, while others do not. The Megillah must be sewn together using animal sinews (gidin); if it is sewn with linen thread, it is invalid. Care must also be taken regarding every missing or extra letter. However, under certain circumstances, if the scribe omitted words, the Megillah may still remain valid, depending on the extent of the omission.
The Megillah must be written on properly ruled parchment (sirtut), and this requirement is indispensable. It is also subject to the same laws governing chak tochot (forming letters by carving), hekef gevil (each letter must be completely surrounded by parchment), and the proper halachic form of every letter.
Some halachic authorities require the ornamental crowns (tagin) on certain letters, while others do not. The Megillah must be sewn together using animal sinews (gidin); if it is sewn with linen thread, it is invalid. Care must also be taken regarding every missing or extra letter. However, under certain circumstances, if the scribe omitted words, the Megillah may still remain valid, depending on the extent of the omission.
Is a wooden roller required for a Megillah?
Some halachic authorities maintain that a Megillah should have a wooden roller attached to its end. The Rema records that the common custom is not to attach such a roller. However, the Vilna Gaon strongly favored including one, and according to the teachings of the Arizal, a roller should be attached, with an additional section of blank parchment at the beginning so that the Megillah can be wrapped around it properly.
מהם ההבדלים בין נוסח תימן לשאר הקהילות?
ישנו הבדל בנוסח הכתיבה בין מגילה נוסח ק”ק תימן לק”ק ספרד ולכן משום”לא תטוש תורת אמך”ראוי לכל אחד שירכוש מגילת אסתר כפי מסורת אבותיו
להלן ההבדלים:
נוסח ק”ק תימן. שאר קהילות. “גם ושתי המלכה” אין רווח פרשה יש רווח פרשה
“והלבישו” והלבישו והלבשו
“ותוסף אסתר” אין רווח פרשה יש רווח פרשה
“להשמיד ולהרג” להשמיד ולהרג להשמיד להרג
ואיש לא עמד לפניהם” לפניהם בפניהם
“ארדי” ארדי ארידי
“ומשלח מנות” ומשלח מנות ומשלוח מנות
“לקים” לקים לקיים
מגילת אסתר על גוויל
לכתחילה עדיף לכתוב מגילת אסתר על גוויל
“מגילה נקראת ספר, ונקראת אגרת” (מגילה יט ע”א), וכפי שהדגיש הרמב”ם (הל’ מגילה ב, ט-יב): “אין כותבין את המגילה אלא בדיו על הגויל או על הקלף כספר תורה.”.