Frequently asked questions

Typically, writing a complete Torah scroll by one scribe working steadily takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on the script tradition, parchment type, level of hiddur, letter size and the scribe's workload. At KADOSH³ we can arrange team writing by several scribes or work with scribes who have special availability; in such cases the writing can be completed in as little as about three months. The exact schedule is set with the chosen scribe according to the desired hiddur and inspection level.

Three measurements are needed: the height of the scroll, its rolled diameter, and the height of the atzei chaim. With all three we can say with certainty whether the case fits; without them we will not declare a fit.

Yes. A customer ordering a Torah scroll through us is entitled to a discount on a Torah case, according to the current discount rules and the type of case. The discount is calculated automatically in the quote.

Yes. The Shulchan Arukh states that one who hired a scribe to write a scroll for him is regarded "as though he wrote it" (Yoreh De'ah 270:1); Maimonides likewise rules that one who cannot write may have others write for him (Mishneh Torah 7:1). Educational content; for a practical ruling consult your rabbi.

On the hide of a kosher animal, processed for the sake of a Torah scroll (Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh De'ah 271:1). Maimonides distinguishes g'vil, k'laf and duchsustos and which side is written on (Mishneh Torah 1:8); in recent generations the practice is to write on k'laf.

The rule is that the scroll's height should not exceed its circumference, nor its circumference its height (Mishneh Torah 9:1). Actual girth depends on parchment thickness, letter size and number of columns — so case dimensions follow the scroll itself.

The Shulchan Arukh forbids keeping an unproofread scroll more than thirty days — one must repair it or set it aside — and warns against correcting from reasoning rather than clear evidence of error (Yoreh De'ah 279:1). In practice a professional corrector is combined with computer checking, and scrolls in regular use are re-checked periodically.

"The haftarah is read from the Prophets on a subject related to the portion, and not fewer than twenty-one verses, unless the passage ends sooner" (Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 284:1). The haftarah is chosen for its link to the portion, so Torah–haftarah pairings follow community custom.

A haftarah scroll is smaller than a Torah scroll, so its case is built at 45%–50% of the Torah case height. This ratio is enforced for every pair on the site, so a pair reads as one composition with correct proportion.

The Shulchan Arukh stresses great honor and a designated place for the scroll (Yoreh De'ah 282:1). Practically: avoid direct sun and high humidity, hold the rollers rather than the parchment, and clean the case gently according to its material.

No. Everything in the Knowledge Center is educational and cites sources with precise references. It is not a halachic ruling; for any practical question — kashrut, custom, a scroll dedication — consult a rabbi.

Because unverified data is never displayed. When an item's dimensions, material or price are not yet set in our system, "price on request" appears instead of an estimate. A Torah scroll is always quoted individually rather than priced in the catalog.

There is no single price for a Torah scroll. The cost is built from the scribe and his tradition, the parchment, the scroll size and number of lines, the proofreading level, the schedule and the ornaments. At KADOSH the scroll price is given in an individual, itemised written quote. Case prices are published in advance: wooden cases from 19,000 ILS and carbon cases with a 40,000 ILS base.

A wooden Torah case starts at 19,000 ILS. A carbon case has a base of 40,000 ILS, and clients who also commission the writing of the scroll are entitled to a discount, never below 29,000 ILS. The final price follows the dimensions, the handwork and the dedication.

It is better to fix the date before writing begins. If writing is under way, arrange the event several months ahead: time is needed for proofreading and corrections, for producing the case and ornaments to the measured scroll, and for permits if there is a street procession.

Internal height is measured with the case and crown on the scroll, not the scroll alone, plus clearance for comfortable removal. Depth follows the rolled diameter and width follows the number of scrolls, including future additions. The correct order is scroll, then case, then ark.

Solid wood gives warmth, presence and rich carving and inlay options. Carbon gives very low weight, high mechanical durability and dimensional stability, which suits scrolls that are carried often or shipped internationally. The carbon warranty covers the case body and structure; wooden cases carry one year on the case body, under correct storage and use.

In Sephardi and Yemenite communities the scroll stands in a case, and the crown, rimonim and yad match the case. In Ashkenazi communities the scroll is dressed in a mantle over atzei chaim, with rimonim or a crown on the atzei chaim. Custom is decided with the community rabbi and sizes follow the measured scroll.