Mazal Tov! It is an old custom for jewish boys to read the weekly Torah portion when they become a bar mitzvah, and in recent years it is becoming more popular among Jewish girls as well. Although a Bar/Bat Mitzvah kid being called up to the Torah takes precedence over almost all others, there is no obligation for the bar mitzvah boy to be the one who actually reads from the Torah. That said, for centuries, various communities have had this custom, but it was never something that “everyone” did. Rather, only those who showed an aptitude for it would learn to chant the Torah for their bar mitzvah.
When people say, "I had a Bar Mitzvah," it means that they had an aliyah to the Torah in the synagogue. "Aliyah" means to "go up" to the bima.
So what is a Torah Scroll?
The Torah Scroll is a scroll containing the Five Books of Moses. On Mondays, Thursdays, Shabbat and Jewish Holidays,, the Torah is read publicly. The Torah is divided into 54 portions, following an annual cycle, with one portion read each week in the synagogue.
The weekly portion is further subdivided into seven sections. At Shabbat morning services, people are called up and honored with saying the special blessings before and after the reading of each section.
When the Torah is removed from the holy ark, it is carried to the bima, the raised platform from where the Torah is read. While the Torah is being carried, everyone stands out of respect.
The Torah scroll is meticulously written by hand by a God-fearing scribe. A number of rules ensure that the Torah is written with perfect accuracy.
How is the Torah Scroll made?
A genuine Torah scroll is a breathtaking masterpiece crafted with intricate labor and skill. Consisting of 62 to 84 sheets of parchment-cured, tanned, scraped and prepared according to exacting Torah law specifications-and containing exactly 304,805 letters, the resulting handwritten scroll takes many months to complete. An expert pious scribe carefully inks each letter with a feather quill, under the complex calligraphic guidelines of Ktav Ashurit (Ashurite Script). The sheets of parchment are then sewn together with sinews to form one long scroll.
Although the majority of Torah scrolls typically measure around two feet in height and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds, there are variations, ranging from immense and weighty to doll-sized and lightweight.
What is the Parchment of the Torah Scroll Made From?
A Torah scroll must exclusively be inscribed on parchment sourced from the skin of a kosher animal. However, the specific ritual slaughter of the animal is not a requirement; as long as the species is deemed kosher, its parchment may be utilized for the creation of a Torah scroll. Parchment derived from fish skin is unsuitable for this purpose due to its inherent foul odor, which is deemed unfitting for a Torah scroll. The preparation of the parchment must be undertaken with the explicit intention of its use for a Torah scroll. Consequently, it is required that a Jewish individual supervises or at the very least contributes to this preparation process.
Prior to commencing the writing process of a Torah scroll, the scribe is required to mark the lines on the parchment using subtle grooves. The tool utilized for this task must not impart any color onto the parchment. Ideally, this marking process should also be conducted with the intention of producing a Torah scroll.
What Kind of Ink is Used for Writing the Torah Scroll?
Only black ink is deemed acceptable for use in a Torah scroll. Any ink of a different color is considered non-kosher for this purpose.
Historically, the ink utilized in writing a Torah scroll was produced through a complex process. Oils, tar, and wax were boiled, and their vapors were collected. This mixture was then blended with tree sap and honey, dried, and stored. Before application, it would be mixed with gall-nut juice. These days, scribes prepare ink using gall-nut juice and gum. The black color is achieved by adding various tints.
What Writing Tool is Used for the Torah Scroll?
A Quill is a writing implement made from a bird feather, typically the primary flight feather of a large bird such as a goose, swan, or turkey. Quills were commonly used for writing before the invention of the metal nib pen. The tip of the quill would be cut and shaped to create a fine point suitable for writing, and it would be dipped into ink before use. Quills were widely used for writing manuscripts, documents, and other written works throughout history. The Torah scribe writes with a feather pen or reed pen, filling its tip from the ink. An iron pen is not proper for two reasons:
1. It may puncture the parchment.
2. Iron is frequently employed in the crafting of implements designed for harm and destruction, both of which run counter to the teachings of the Torah.
What Kind of Calligraphy is Used for the Torah Scroll?
The letters within a Torah scroll must be inscribed in the "Assyrian" script; other commonly used Hebrew scripts or fonts are not deemed valid. The lines must maintain perfect straightness and uniformity. Numerous laws govern the precise form of each letter, and any omission, crack, or smudge, even in a single letter, renders the entire Torah scroll non-kosher. Additionally, a printed Torah scroll, even if its letters adhere to the required form, is considered invalid.
Given the sacred nature of its content, a Torah scroll should solely focus on presenting its pristine text; any form of illustrations or artistic embellishments are prohibited.
What is a Torah Scribe (Sofer)?
Becoming a scribe entails rigorous study, training, and exceptional skill. It is imperative that an individual thoroughly familiarize themselves with the laws governing the composition of a Torah scroll before assuming the role of a scribe. However, above all else, the scribe must possess a devout reverence for God and a deep commitment to upholding the sanctity of the Torah scroll.
The scribe is required to meticulously copy the letters, word by word, either from a kosher Torah scroll or from a certified copy of such a scroll, without relying on memory. A right-handed scribe writes exclusively with their right hand, while a left-handed scribe utilizes only their left hand.
The writing of the Torah scroll, particularly the Names of God contained within, demands utmost purity and devotion. Hence, it is customary for the scribe to immerse themselves in a Mikvah (ritual pool) before commencing their work. Additionally, they recite a blessing at the outset of their task and before inscribing each occurrence of the Name of God.
What Are Atzei Chayim: The Torah Rollers?
The atzei chayim, which translates to "trees of life" in Hebrew, refer to the two wooden shafts affixed to both ends of the Torah scroll. These shafts are crafted to extend beyond the top and bottom edges of the scroll, serving as handles for holding the Torah scroll and facilitating the scrolling from one portion to another.
Why Do We Cover the Torah Scroll with a Mantel?
In Yiddish, "Mantel" translates to "cloak." Recognizing the preciousness of the Torah scroll, we ensure it is not left unprotected or susceptible. Before returning it to its esteemed position in the Ark and closing the curtain, we adorn the Torah scroll with multiple coverings, essentially dressing it in a symbolic "cloak." The mantel, a decorative covering crafted from velvet and embellished with golden thread, silk, and ornate beads, serves to both safeguard and enhance the beauty of the Torah scroll.
Why Does the Torah Scroll Need a Keter (Crown)?
In Hebrew, known as "keter," the Torah holds a position of utmost significance for us, cherished above all else. To express our reverence, we crown it with a silver adornment, symbolizing our deep affection and respect. This "keter" rests atop the wooden shafts, extending gracefully above the Torah scroll.
What is a Yad (the Pointer)?
In Hebrew, referred to as "yad," this essential tool aids the Torah reader in guiding others through the sacred text as it is being read aloud. Typically crafted from silver, the end of the yad often takes the form of a hand with an extended index finger. A chain is affixed to the opposite end, allowing it to be draped over the Torah scroll when not in use.
The oldest Torah Scroll
The Bologna Torah Scroll (also known as the University of Bologna Torah Scroll, circa 1155–1225 CE) is the world's oldest complete extant Torah scroll. The scroll contains the full text of the five Books of Moses in Hebrew and is kosher.
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You can read other blogs I wrote about Bar/Bat Mitzvahs here How to Plan an Amazing Bar/Bat Mitzvah? and What is a Bat Mitzvah?
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