Frequently asked questions about mezuzot and tefillin

The mezuzah is a parchment scroll (klaf) on which a sofer handwrites the first two paragraphs of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). It is affixed to the right doorpost of the home's doors. The decorative case is only a protection: without a kosher scroll, there is no mezuzah.

Follow your family's tradition: Ashkenazi (Beit Yosef) for Ashkenazim, Sefarad (Velish) for Sephardim and Eastern communities, Ari Zal for Chassidim, Admur Hazaken for Chabad. All four scripts are kosher for everyone; the difference lies in the forms of certain letters transmitted by each tradition.

Mezuzot must be checked twice every seven years (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 291); many do so yearly during Elul. Tefillin worn daily have no strict checking obligation, but halachic authorities recommend regular inspection, for example every 3 to 5 years or after a knock or exposure to humidity.

At Beth Hasofer, kosher peshutim mehudarim tefillin cost about €490, gassot mehudarim tefillin between €890 and €950, and gassot mehudar min hamehudar tefillin about €1,490. The price reflects writing time (several days for the parchments), the quality of the batim and the level of the sofer.

The certificate states the type of item, the script, the level (kosher, mehudar…), the sofer's name or identifier, the date and the checks performed (computer and proofreading). It commits Beth Hasofer to the kashrut of the scroll at the time of delivery.

All doors of living rooms measuring at least 4 by 4 cubits (about 2 m × 2 m): entrance, living room, bedrooms, kitchen, office, as well as the garden or balcony door depending on opinions. Bathrooms and toilets are exempt. A door without doorposts or lintel may also be exempt: ask a rabbi or our sofrim.

In-stock items ship within 2 business days, tracked and insured: 2 to 4 days in France, 3 to 7 days in Europe and Israel, 5 to 10 days to North America. Items written to order show their writing time on the product page.

Ideally 2 to 3 months before the date. The boy usually starts putting on tefillin one to two months before his 13th birthday to practice. Gassot are the recommended choice: they last a lifetime and can be repaired.

A left-handed person wears the arm tefillin on the right arm; the arm box and knot are therefore set up mirrored. Simply state "left-handed" in the order notes and the sofer prepares the tefillin accordingly at no extra cost.

Scrolls are sacred, handwritten and personalized items: they are only taken back for a kashrut defect confirmed by a sofer, in which case we replace or refund them. Cases, bags and non-personalized accessories can be returned within 14 days.

10 cm is the standard for most cases. 7 cm suits small decorative cases. 12 and 15 cm give wider lettering, which is more legible and more durable over time; it is the recommended choice for the front door.

Halacha requires checking twice every seven years (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 291). Many have them checked yearly during Elul, before Rosh Hashanah. Mezuzot exposed to humidity or sun deteriorate faster.

Gassot are made from one piece of thick leather, very durable and repairable; they are the mehudar standard. Peshutim mehudarim are also one piece but thin leather: kosher and cheaper, less durable. Avoid plain "peshutim" glued from several pieces.

At least 2 to 3 months before the date: writing the parchments and making the batim takes several weeks, and the boy should practice putting them on before he is obligated.

A 28-line megillah requires 6 to 10 weeks of writing and checking. For Purim, order before Chanukah.