Before You Buy: Understanding the Kashrus of Your STA"M - Sefer Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzahs

Before You Buy: Understanding the Kashrus of Your STA"M - Sefer Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzahs

For Jews, purchasing STAM: Sefer Torah, Tefillin, or Mezuzah is an act of dedication to Hashem’s will.

Many trust that if it comes from a familiar Judaica store or a well-known observant seller or Rabbi, it must be kosher and reliable.

Unfortunately, that trust is not always justified, and many sincere people have unknowingly spent large sums of money on Stam that later proved to be problematic, invalid, or only kosher b’dieved (barely acceptable under limited conditions).

A Painful Reality

In recent years, troubling incidents have shaken the world of STA"M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzahs).

One well-known case involved a Sofer / Scribe, who was not Shomer Shabbos, yet produced and sold hundreds of nicely written non-kosher Tefillin and Mezuzahs through businessmen to respected Judaica stores, whom people trusted to maintain the highest standards. These items were purchased by communities that trusted the sellers completely, and paid higher prices for better quality, unaware that the source of the writing was not kosher and worthless in terms of their halachic validity. See the letter written by the Beis Din of Crown Heights. (2025)

Sadly, this is not the only difficulty with STAM. As the market for STA"M has grown, more and more sales are handled by middlemen, who cannot personally vouch for the halachic quality of the items they sell, since they are not a Sofer and cannot check the scrolls themselves to determine the kashrus of their merchandise.

The Role and Responsibility of a Sofer

Leading Rabbis have urged their community members to purchase directly from a recommended Sofer. A Sofer is far more than a craftsman who writes. He is a guardian of kedusha (holiness), trained in the precise and complex laws of STA"M, he can take the responsibility of all aspects of what makes a kosher Sefer Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzah.

A Sofer’s work demands physical endurance, sharp focus, and yiras Shamayim, being trustworthy. In addition to knowing the laws of every letter being written perfectly, a sofer accepts the responsibility that one small error can invalidate an entire Torah scroll, a pair of Tefillin, or Mezuzah.

A businessman or reseller, or a Rabbi who is not a scribe, even one with good intentions, cannot personally guarantee what he is selling, no matter how observant or knowledgeable he is in other aspects of Torah law.

 The Truth About Computer Checking

Many people feel reassured when told that a scroll was “checked by computer.”

While computer checking is a valuable tool, it is not a guarantee that the item is kosher.

Most computer checks performed only detect missing or extra letters.

They do not check:

Whether letters are properly formed according to halacha

Whether any letters are touching or broken

Whether crowns (tagin) are missing or misplaced, or touching

Or whether the spacing and alignment meet halachic standards

That is why it is essential to confirm:

What kind of computer check was done? There are many kinds of computer checks.

Was the item checked by a magiah (certified examiner) who personally reviewed and also repaired the writing after checking it? An examiner may make a notation of what needs to be fixed and not fix it himself!

A reliable Sofer who is selling STAM will take responsibility for the kashrus; he will make sure the corrections are made. He will make sure that the item is ready for use.

Questions Every Buyer Should Ask

Before purchasing a Sefer Torah, Tefillin, or Mezuzah, ask these essential questions:

Who wrote it?

– Is the Sofer known, certified, experienced, and properly knowledgeable in the halachos/laws of STA"M? (a newly ordained Sofer should first gain experience writing a few megillas before writing your STAM.)

Who checked it and fixed it? Who is taking responsibility?

– Did the seller personally review the writing? Who is taking responsibility for the kashrut of the STAM item?

What is the kashrus level of the writing?

– Are the letters written with high-quality standards? Is it lechatchila (ideal) or b’dieved (minimal standard)?

A reliable sofer will be able to properly answer these questions.

Beyond the Basics

The questions above represent only the most basic starting points.

Many additional qualifications are crucial to the kashrus and quality of STA"M, including:

The type and quality of the klaf (parchment). The thickness, treatment, and preparation methods vary

The batim (leather boxes) of the Tefillin: their kashrus, durability, precision, and beauty range from minimal halachic standards to very high craftsmanship, There are many possible short-cuts which lower the quality. There are many extra additional measures which can ensure better quality and standards. A customer could ask a sofer who checks and repairs Batim what type of Batim are recommended.

The ink, writing utensils, sewing, and parchment alignment, straps quality — all of which influence both halachic validity and longevity

A knowledgeable Sofer STA"M can explain these differences clearly and help guide you in choosing items that are not only kosher but beautiful, durable, and worthy of your spiritual and financial investment.

Many laws that pertain to the execution of STAM cannot be seen. Therefore, the reliability of the Sofer is crucial.

A Matter of Holiness and Integrity

When we fulfill the mitzvah of STA"M, we connect to the laws given to Moshe Rabbeiu at Sinai, who was also the first Sofer.

Every letter represents a world of laws and holiness. Ensuring that those letters are written and checked properly is a sacred responsibility which the Torah guarantees brings the Jewish people's spiritual and physical protection.

May we all merit to perform this mitzvah with joy, and holiness.