384. Writing a Sefer Torah, Tefillin or Mezuzah Improperly

Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

Tefillin, Mezuzah v’Sefer Torah 1:14

If a sefer Torah, tefillin or mezuzah was written on parchment from a non-kosher animal or bird, it is invalid. If a sefer Torah or tefillin was written on parchment that was not made with the intention to use it for the mitzvah, it is invalid.

Tefillin, Mezuzah v’Sefer Torah 1:15

If a person writes a sefer Torah, tefillin or mezuzah without the proper intentions, or if he writes one of God’s Names without the proper intention, the item is invalid. Therefore, when writing God’s Name, one may not reply even if the king of Israel greets him. If he is writing two or three Names, he may pause and reply between them.