3/28/2024 0 Comments Make a bible scroll craft![]() ![]() Certain letters might be stretched within a column to justify the left margin. Each sheet of parchment contains three to eight columns of writing. This allows for a standard 42 lines of writing. The scribe prepares the parchment by scratching 43 horizontal lines on it and two vertical ones at each end. Today, there is greater standardization among Torah scrolls. Torah scrolls written by Hasidic groups had swirls in certain letters, with each letter said to convey a mystical meaning. Greater variations in lettering existed a few hundred years ago. The Ashkenazi and Sephardi calligraphic styles vary somewhat, but each group may use the other’s Torah. While the writing looks like a form of Hebrew block letters, certain letters are embellished with crowns, called tagin. There is a special type of lettering that is used to write the Torah, tefillin, and mezuzah. No instrument containing iron or steel may be used in the creation of a Torah scroll, because these metals are used to create instruments of war. The finished scroll is attached to wooden rollers. Once all the writing has been completed, the pieces of parchment are sewn together with thread made of animal veins. He uses a reed instrument to scratch lines into the parchment in preparation for the writing. The scribe mixes a special ink for the writing and prepares the actual writing utensil, a quill, usually from a turkey feather. Parchment used for the writing must be made from the skin of a kosher animal. The materials used for creating these sacred items are restricted as well. All these ritual objects must be written according to strict standards regarding size, lettering style, and layout. More specifically, the modern scribe is called a sofer stam, an acronym for sefer torah (Torah scroll) tefillin (phylacteries) and mezuzah. ![]() Sofer is from the Hebrew root “to count.” According to the Talmud ( Kiddushin 30a), these scholars would count each letter of the Torah. This is done by a sofer (scribe), a specially trained individual who is devout and knowledgeable in the laws governing the proper writing and assembling of a scroll. First and foremost, a kosher (acceptable according to Jewish law) Torah scroll must be hand-written. Writing a Torah scroll is a religious act. Enhancing the importance of its teachings is the fact that it is written in a special way. The central text in Judaism is the Torah. This designation underscores the importance of text in Judaism and the belief that God communicates with us through the written word. Jews have often been called am ha-sefer, the people of the book. My Jewish Learning is a not-for-profit and relies on your help Donate ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |