Sofer (scribe)
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Sofer (also Sofer STaM or Sofer ST"M he: סופר סת”ם) is a Jewish Scribe who can write Torah scrolls, Tefillin and Mezuzot. The word ST"M is an abbreviation which stands for Sefer Torahs, Tefillin, Mezuzot. This is a person who, by simple definition is a copyist - but by Jewish definition is much more. The major Halakha pertaining to Sofrut is found in Maseket Sofrim. Of the 613 Mitzvot the 613th is that one complete a Sefer Torah in their lifetime.
The plural of Sofer is Soferim. A female Sofer is a Soferet (plural Soferot). The noun Sofrut refers to the practice of scribal arts.
[edit] Who
It is a common misconception that one has to be a rabbi in order to become a Sofer. This is not a requirements under halacha, although a sofer should be observant, of good character, and knowledgeable about the laws concerning safrut.
[edit] Women and Sofrut
Forming the basis for the discussion of women becoming Soferot, Talmud Gittin 45b states: "Sifrei Torah, tefillin and mezuzot written by, an heretic, a star-worshipper, a slave, a woman, a minor, a Cuthean, or an apostate Jew, are unfit for ritual use" [1]. Its specificity leaves little to be challenged for those who hold to the Talmudic Law. Its specificity can also open a whole world of acceptance to women: Ketubot, Megillot, STaM not for ritual use, and other writings of Sofrut beyond simple STaM.
- Aviel Barclay, (Halakhically Debated, only woman to ever be certified). Her blog gives anecdotal information on women in sofrut, as well as historical, and Halakhic information. Now working to certify other women.
- Jen Taylor Friedman (Halakhically Accepted, no certification).
[edit] How
Generally, one learns how to work as a Sofer via apprenticeship. Then one attempts to be certified, usually by the Vaad Mishmereth STaM - an Israeli organization whose goal is to protect the art of Sofrut.
[edit] Letters
There are many rules concerning the proper formation on letters if the written text is to be valid. Some details on letters, with animations
The Ashkenaz, Sefard, Chabad (Lubavitch), and Am Mizrachi each have their own script for forming the letters, though the same rules apply in all cases. Think of it as a font: the shape of the letters is the same, but the style can be incredibly different. Generally, regarding Sefer Torahs, none would consider the other posul, though they would each consider their own "highly preferable."
The documents must be written on properly prepared parchment or vellum known as klaf.
[edit] Documents written by scribes
Besides Torah scrolls, Tefillin, and Mezuzot, scribes are also necessary the writing of Megillot (scrolls of the Song of Songs, Book of Ruth, Book of Esther, Ecclesiastes, and Book of Lamentations) and Nevi'im (the books of the prophets, used for reading the haftarah, and for Gittin - divorce documents. In some communities, especially Rabbi Kaniefsky's community in Bene Beraq, soferim also write the other books of the bible, such as Psalms or Ezra.
Also many scribes function as calligraphers — writing functional documents such as marriage contracts, or ornamental and artistic renditions of religious texts — which do not require any scribal qualifications, and to which the rules on lettering and parchment specifications do not apply.
