Bet k'mo kaf
We all know that in order to not be confused with a kaf, a bet shouldn't have a rounded corner and should have a pronounced heel (ideally with a little kots) but in older sifrey this isn't always the case.
I've started restoring a Torah that was rescued from Germany just before Kristalnacht and throughout the bets are very rounded and the heel is not always that pronounced. When there is a kaf in the vicinity it is obvious which is which, but when there isn't a reader could very easily mistake this for a kaf (e.g. the middle ones) even with the light tag on the end.
Above are some examples some with heels more pronounced than others. What do people think? I am adding ink to the heel where there is potential for confusion but am a bit loathe to square the corners since this is the style of the sofer and there is much history attached to this Torah.
I've started restoring a Torah that was rescued from Germany just before Kristalnacht and throughout the bets are very rounded and the heel is not always that pronounced. When there is a kaf in the vicinity it is obvious which is which, but when there isn't a reader could very easily mistake this for a kaf (e.g. the middle ones) even with the light tag on the end.
might be eaiser to square off, as for a round ekev to be decent you will need more space, which you might not be afforded
ReplyDeleteWhere there is concern for kashrus or confusion I'd think a stroke of ink starting a little above the ekev and pulled down along the edge,preferably in a 1/2 circle motion should solve the confusion and deal with any that may be pasul.
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