Last week I posted some thoughts in response to a public lecture given by Rabbi Reuvain Mendlowitz regarding Ksav Chabad (the Alter Rebbe's ksav). I felt he did not represent the issue fairly, and since I had received questions about it from a number of people I felt it made sense to write a general response. After I posted my response on this forum, Rabbi Mendlowitz reached out to me by email and we ended up having a respectful and productive email exchange regarding the relevant issues surrounding Ksav Chabad. His position is a lot clearer to me now, and I think he also took certain things on board that I clarified with him. The purpose of the Stam Forum (at least back in it's heyday before all the whats app groups took over) was to connect sofrim from around the world, to promote achdus and build bridges, as well as to offer support and advice. In that spirit, I felt I should write a follow up post, to clarify some of the issues and misconception...
What " kabbalistic concept of not using metal as a writing instrument?!" Can you provide a source?
ReplyDeleteThe halacha is clearly stated in the Keses Hasofer that we write with any writing implement, "even with a metal pen."
The concept of not using metal for writing is well documented, and the source is Hilchos Gittin (see the Rema 125:4).
ReplyDeleteBut there are also those who say "al pi sod" not to use metal, because metal "shortens lives" and it says by the Mizbeach "Lo sonif aleyhem barzel" and this applies here as well.
There is a short but fundamental teshuvah by the Shevet Halevi on this whole concept which brings down all the opinions and the conclusion is not to use metal for writing, but better use a feather quill as per the accepted custom. See Shevet Halevi, chelek 2, siman 136.
Yosef's question is a fair one. I agree that it's somewhat ironic fixing tagei lamed which are supposed to be done "al pi hasod"( to mke the right higher than left) with a metal nibbed rapidograph that shouldn't really be used al pi hasod, because it shortens life.