How to sanitize / sterilize tefillin and mezuzos

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A few sofrim have asked me if it is possible to disinfect tefillin or mezuzos so that they can be checked without fear of contamination.

Liquid, alcholol based sanitizers do not mix well with STa"M , nor is the idea of heating (in oven etc) recommended.

The Covid-19 virus does not appear to be in a hurry to go away and we all need to learn to adapt,  so that we can continue to do our holy work safely.

I present these two informative videos by Dr. Yankel Rapp, who demonstrates how to disinfect tefillin and mezuzos using UV technology.

The STa"M community greatly appreciates Dr. Rapp giving his time and expertise to make these videos. Please note the disclaimer below from Dr. Rapp before clicking on the two links for the videos below....

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DISCLAIMER
These 2 videos on Ultra Violet Sterilization against the Virus were put together at the request of a sofer (Scribe) primarily to help STAM (Sefer Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzahs) scribes to deal with issues when people who have been infected with COVID 19 come to have their Tefillin and Mezuzahs checked. The information and techniques can be used by anyone who is looking to have added protection from invasion of viruses, bacteria or fungi. Risks: There are risks involved. When you use the information in these videos you do so at your own risk. Disclaimer: To the maximum extent permitted by law, the person in this video or the maker or poster of this video is not liable (whether in contract, tort, under statute or otherwise) for any loss, damage, or expense (including special, indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit or revenue, loss of use, legal costs and defence or settlement costs) that you or any other person incurs arising directly or indirectly out of the material, information or techniques displayed or suggested in this video.The information and recommendations contained in this publication are based upon personal research and experience and are believed to be correct. However, no guarantee or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made with respect to the information contained in these videos. No liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this material, we assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

 Part 1

Part 2

Feedback and comments for Dr. Rapp would be appreciated in the comments below.

Comments

  1. Yerachmiel AskotzkyMay 3, 2020 at 3:19 AM

    Alchogel (i.e. Purell) can be used on batim and retzuos without any concern. This was discussed some weeks ago in another group and I've done it myself.

    There's a concern when receiving parshios and mezuzahs from sofrim when they've been very recently handled by them. Rav Mualem put out a letter how to deal with this. Obviously there's no issue when checking parshios or mezuzahs that have been inside the batim/cases since no one has handled them.

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