446. How to Treat Holy Objects

Tefillin, Mezuzah v’Sefer Torah 10:3

A sefer Torah that has worn out or become invalidated should be placed in an earthenware container and buried next to a Torah scholar. If the mantle of a Torah has become worn out, it should be used to make shrouds for a meis mitzvah (a deceased person with no one to bury them).

Tefillin, Mezuzah v’Sefer Torah 10:4

These are all considered to be holy objects: a case or mantle that was made to hold a sefer Torah and which was actually used for this purpose; a movable ark or other cabinet that was used to hold a sefer Torah, even if the Torah was inside a case; a chair that was designated to hold a sefer Torah and which was actually used for this purpose. These things may not be thrown away. Rather, when they get worn out or broken, they must be stored away. On the other hand, the platform where the prayer leader stands while holding the Torah and the tablets used to teach children are not holy. The gold and decorations on a sefer Torah are considered holy objects and may only be sold in order to buy a sefer Torah or chumashim.