Temidim Kesidram

One of the well known laws of STAM (Torah Scrolls, Tefillin and Mezuzot) is, that Tefillin (Phylacteries) and Mezuzot (Doorpost Parchments) must be written letter by letter in their original order. If the scribe skips a word, or even one letter, or if even one letter has been impaired - he may not fix it. Theoretically it is feasible to erase that which is written thereafter and rewrite correctly, but once one of G-d’s names has been written it is forbidden to erase it, and then there’s no remedy for this Tefillin or Mezuzah. This law, known as “Kesidran” (in their order) appears in Halacha literature as all other laws. It is strictly enforced, and causes many pairs of Tefillin, and Mezuzot to be disqualified. Nevertheless, a historical review demonstrates that this law had not existed until late in the 12th century, and is first mentioned in Sefer HaTeruma by Rabbi Baruch Ben R’ Isaac, quoting an anonymous source, and presenting an unclear picture. Following that it was introduced by Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg, Rabbi Asher ben Jehiel and his son Rabbi Jacob (Baal HaTurim). Once it had been established as Halacha by the Shulchan Aruch, its newnes dissipated. Furthermore, many Acharonim (post Shulchan Aruch sages) referred to this law as a Written Torah law and gave it additional stringencies. The mystery of the Kesidran law has almost not been discussed at all. Besides the problem of this law’s newnes, methodical study of this issue in Halacha literature concludes a bothersome view of contradictions and difficulties, which I have presented in the first chapter of the book. My study of STAM laws led me to deal with this mystery, and by listening to the lessons of Rabbi Menashe Wiener Shlita on the weekly portion I sensed that I had a beginning of a solution. Many stratums of the Torah are involved in the thesis I’d like to suggest, such as Biblical discussions, Midrashim, the reasons behind the Mitzvot, and especially the holiness of the Land of Israel and the virtue of the People of Israel in the Age of Redemption. Likewise, from the midst of the Kesidran issue I also deal with the famous controversy between Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam about the order of the Tefillin parchments, and I suggest a creative solution, yet with historical significance. Presently, in order to turn my ideas into a book to be offered to Torah scholars soon I am dependent upon your generous support. As I research and write, I delve deeply into the above issues and many others, and I invite you to join me on the fascinating journey in the footsteps of this exclusive case of emergence of a law to acceptance by all People of Israel as a strict law of Written Torah. I believe this book may empower the common interests between the different factions within the People of Israel, hence unify the nation of Israel and bring closer the complete redemption. I’m standing before a significant period of study, research and writing. Please become true partners by establishing a steady donation from now until the book is published, which will enable me to devote my time to such a remarkable project. Even though being occupied with writing the book overflows the boundaries of time, I ask for your monthly support per working hours. The greater your support will be, the more time I will be able to dedicate to writing. Upon concluding writing and editing the book I’ll update you and share with you my arrangements for publishing it. Your generous support is mostly welcome in credit card, and Bit app (in Israel only). For PayPal, cash, cheque and wire transfer please contact me, as well as to learn about the different dedication options in the book. I would like to express My deepest gratitude to Yeshivat Afikey Daat of Sderot and its Dean Rabbi David Fendel Shlita for our joint cooperation for the sake of Temidim Kesidram, on behalf of which your donations are approved for tax purposes in Israel, USA, Canada and the UK.