Question re sanding back of klaf
Can one sand the back of sefer torah klaf to make it thinner and lighter (obviously after you've written on it but before it's been used).
The only problem I see with this is sanding the back of the shaimos. If one marks the place of the shaimos and keeps away from that area, is this acceptable?
The only problem I see with this is sanding the back of the shaimos. If one marks the place of the shaimos and keeps away from that area, is this acceptable?
I think there is no hallachic problem, even in regard to the klaf behind the shemos. But, in regard to the latter (the klaf behind the shemos) I would think it over or consult another Rabbi.
ReplyDeleteTo sand off to much on the "hair side" is problematic, as understood from the שו"ע:
ReplyDeleteוקלפים שלנו שאין חולקים אותם יש להם דין קלף וכותבים עליהם לצד בשר שמה שמגררים קליפתו העליונה שבמקום שער אינו אלא כדי מה שצריך לתקנו ולהחליקו ואפילו אם היו חולקים העור לשנים היה צריך לגרר ממנו כך ומצד הבשר גוררים הרבה עד שאין נשאר אלא הקלף בלבד.
And there is the חיי אדם that says that if you take off the to much the klaf isn't kosher etc.( see ביאור הלכה).
(and some even say that the standard klaf that is sold has to much from the "hair side" rubbed off).
So the question is also how much can you sand off and it should still be considered "klaf"?
As I understand it that issue is only because of the writing. That is, if too little is taken off the meat side or too much off the hair side then you're writing on duchsustus and not klaf.
ReplyDeleteIn this case he's already written on the klaf so there shouldn't be an issue.