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.
It is lacquer based and highly toxic but to the best of my knowledge is the only option.
ReplyDeleteUse in a well ventilated area, wear gloves and preferably a face mask too.
Acetone
ReplyDeleteThe base is thinner 21 and that's what everyone uses in Israel. It's not available in the US. Acetone is the only thinner that I've had success with in the US. It evaporates quickly and is not as good as thinner 21 but it suffices. They both have a strong odor and a well ventilated room, preferably with a good exhaust system is needed. If you work with super glue be sure to have Acetone close at hand as it loosens the glue, for example, if you get your fingers stuck together.
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