17 Tishrei 5773 2nd Day Chol Hamoed Sukkos Permit me to share a fascinating experience with you. About 10 days ago I acquired my copy of a new book, written by Rabbi Reuvain Mendlowitz [of Ramat Beit Shemesh – Israel], a book that presents itself as “a complete buyers guide” for STaM items. The book read more
10 Tammuz 5771 July 12, 2011 Summer creates various challenges pertaining to the care of one’s phylacteries. Summer is a wonderful time we enjoy the warmth of the sun but our tefillin don’t fare well in extreme heat. This is simple reminder to everyone to be extra careful, especially on very hot days. One should read more
25 Sivan 5711 June 27, 2011 There have been a number of signs luring Avreichim who are looking for an additional source of income, offering courses which claim they will train students to become a certified and qualified sofer, who will be able to sell mezuzoth tefillin and articles of STaM, in a short period read more
27 Iyar 5771 May 31, 2011 A warning has been issued pertaining retzuos (straps) and giddin (sinew) originating in Ukraine or Eastern Europe. Large quantities of these items, both with and without a hechsher, are being imported from the Ukraine. Even the items with a hechsher are extremely problematic. They are manufactured in very large read more
24 Nissan 5771 April 28, 2011 I have been asked why the cost of religious articles has suddenly jumped up in price. Let us seek to understand the consumer realities by analyzing market realities today. A Talis and Talis Katan are made from wool or cotton, which has risen by 12% to 25% on the read more
23 Nissan 5771 April 27, 2011 While this question appears simple, in actuality, there are a number of affiliated issues that should be addressed. Below I touch on a few of the issues at hand in a question and answer format without going into the details of the halachic discourse behind the answers provided. (For read more
Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5771 Tuesday, April 5, 2011 The time between Purim and Pesach is a busy one, when we are occupied with yomtov preparations. Among those preparations are cleaning and painting, both possibly resulting in a mezuzah nightmare. When cleaning and washing windows and door frames water is often poured and sprayed in copious read more
21 Adar II 5771 March 27, 2011 In the last few weeks we have received a number of stories of individuals who have brought tefillin and mezuzos into local religious article stores or book/seforim stores. These stores “farm out” the work to sofrim who may or may not be certified or trained to examine. The read more
17 Adar II 5771 March 23, 2011 The best and easiest way to mark a question or problem in a Sefer Torah is by using a simple paper clip. Using a paper clip to mark any questions in kashrus you may have found in your Sefer Torah may be done on Shabbos and Yomtov.
17 Adar II 5771 March 23, 2011 The pullout cases can and do damage the megilah parchment, both when the megilah is pulled out and again when rolled backed into the cover. Damage may occur due to the rubbing of the parchment and the cover. This can affect both the writing and the stitching of read more
