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The forum is back online...for reference and research purposes.
By
Rabbi Eli Gutnick
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Dear Readers and Members, The forum has been down for over 6 months because the domain name (www.stamforum.com) lapsed and it is no longer available to re purchase. Although this forum is now defunct (it has morphed into several whatsapp groups), I have had many requests to put it back online because it contains so much information (over 1,800 posts and thousands of comments in the discussions, on a wide range of topics related to STa"M). I have therefore put the forum back online at blogger, so the address is www.stamforum.blogspot.com. The forum lasted for a decade...not a bad effort! It was pretty popular back in the days before whatsapp and managed to receive over a million hits in it's short life. It was one of the only organised forums in the STa"M world and definitely the largest in it's heyday. I would like to thank all those who cobtributed over the years, particularly the early members who helped build it up. Thanking you all, Eli
Ink, Kosher vs. non-Kosher
By
Zvi
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We all know that there is no ancient source that requires ink to be מן המותר בפיך . Possibly, as said here before, because in the olden days ink was always מן המותר בפיך and the question was never raised. It was probably self-evident. Nowadays, no decent Rav will approve an ink which is not מן המותר בפיך . Who was the first one to raise this question? Was it raised because of animal ingredients or because of non-kosher wine?
Rabbi Clapman makes some excellent points. Yasherkoach for posting this
ReplyDelete(I agree with points 1,2,4 and 5 wholeheartedly.
Re point number 3, the vast majority of contemporary poskim allow the use of a rapidograph for minor touch ups
Re point number 6, I totally agree it is a conflict of interest but in some cases a "necessary evil" particularly in cities where there are limited options for reliable buying of replacement parts and it is not practical to wait for an order to arrive from abroad)
Agree with eli.
ReplyDeleteWe have a report card that states the quality of every mezuza checked.
By the way there are 2 kosher ink for rapidographs with hechsher available.
Dio lane teach with approval from vaad mishmeres Stam and regulations ink with hechsher from rabbi my gross.
I would add if one wants to question the integrity of the magiah (which is fine), one should ask to see their teudah ksav kabalah (Ordination certificate).
ReplyDeleteIt is also important to ascertain that the teudah is not just for writing (which does not require as much halachik knowledge) but also for Hagah (checking). That the person is ordained to be a magiah.
A few comments iy'h:
ReplyDelete1. The Sofer can answer that, either him or someone working for/with him. As long as the client is told.
2. Like in number 1, as long as the client knows, I don't see any absolute necessity that the work should only be done by the owner/Sofer himself. Just like the Safrus companies proceed usually.
3. Unnecessary, even a metal quill is clearly allowed (Keses Hasofer). So if the writing can be done with metal, a fortiori just repairs. I agree with previous comments.
4. Yes.
5. I do give Checking Report myself, but it would be difficult to start writing the mekoros for every negiah and hefsek. So he probably means for major problem.
6. Like said earlier, it's better than the Sofer himself sells the Mezuzoth to clients instead of them buying in Judaica store unchecked items. Also if the client suspects the sofer of fraud, why would he go to him in the first place?
In my honest opinion, i do find this sort of advertising confusing the client with far fetched hypothetical issues that aren't real or necessary. It's very simple things that will confuse people in a desperate attempt to attract client/parnassa in a forced way, using people's naïveté and credulity. Looks agressive and desperate, trying to point at 'possible' problems at others.
My own view would be not to point at other's imaginary (or even true sometimes) issues, but rather expose the advantages and superiority of my work (as in the Rebbe Rashab's story with his brother.
Wishing good luck iy'h