I received this question via email. I am not really a klaf expert, I was wondering if anyone could answer this question: Dear Rabbi Gutnick, I am writing to you because a good friend of mine has put the idea into my head that the klaf in my tefillin were not really tanned and therefore are not kosher. He referred me to Megilla 19a re diftera. From the research that I have done so far, it seems that the klaf that is used today is tanned only with a lime wash. On all of the tanning websites I’ve seen so far, they say that the lime doesn’t accomplish tanning but only the removal of the hair and some other pre-tanning effects. Would you be able to explain to me or refer me to a website that explains how the tanning process that is used today takes the hide out of the category of diftera? Thank you very much.
Os Leyisroel in Benai Brak make excellent pitzponim, speak to Elimelech www.ot-israel.co.il
ReplyDeleteThanks. It looks like they make a very wide selection which is nice.
DeleteThere are hardly any batim with an Edah hechsher. I think the pitzponim I use are very well made. They are under Rav Klein, as are most batim. The maker is very reliable. They are prudos and he also has ribua regel and they are prepared for chut bachutz. he only has pitzponim, standard size or Chabad.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I mentioned Eidah is because I am wondering what is available in terms of higher-end products, either factory Batim with Eidah or a private Batim Macher who makes smaller sizes.
ReplyDeleteIdeally I would like "fold-free" smaller Batim, but to the best of my knowledge those are not available. Schachter said that he might start making them at some point. Meir Stark said he could make fold-free pitzponim for about $2000.
Personally I prefer the batim from Mishmeret Sofrim under Rav Attiah(02-5321349). I've tried several others and I haven't found as good of quality for the price.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor is the creator of the fold free batim. While his batim are typically smaller (yet can hold large parshios) he doesn't make pitzponim. Fold free miksha and regular miksha batim in general are not a hiddur according to the vast majority of poskim. With regards to private batim makers, while their batim are mostly higher end, one must choose carefully as you are relying solely on the maker since they are not under any outside supervision. They should have an open door policy so people can see how they make the Shins, etc. and come recommended by those who are expert in batim making and the related halachos.
ReplyDeleteWhile the quality of the supervision is likely be better under the Edah, this has no bearing on the quality.
I actually think that "fold-free" is an important hiddur. I have been in touch with your neighbor and even bought a few Batim from him, but as you said, he does not make as small as I want.
DeleteI am aware of the issues with private Batim makers; that is why I am looking for personal recommendations from the members of this forum. And I also realize that the Eidah's supervision does not affect quality per se, but I figure that the makers who submit to a tighter level of supervision will produce a superior product in general.