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KADOSH³ emblem — Torah case and sacred wordsKADOSH3קָדוֹשׁ³

How to Choose a Sofer for Writing a Torah Scroll

A practical guide to choosing a sofer: script tradition, writing samples, proofreading, timeline and price — what to ask before committing.

Choosing the sofer is the most important decision in commissioning a Torah scroll. This guide explains what to check and what to ask. It is not a halachic ruling: for halachic questions and community custom, consult a rabbi.

What to check

  1. Script tradition — Yemenite, Sephardi, Ashkenazi or Chabad. The sofer should write in the script that matches the custom of the synagogue receiving the scroll.
  2. Real writing samples — ask to see sheets or photos of his own writing, not generic images.
  3. Certification and references — ask who certified him and who knows his work. It is wise to have your community rabbi weigh in.
  4. Proofreading — ask how the scroll is checked: human proofreading, computer check, or both, and who performs it.
  5. Parchment or gvil — confirm the sofer works with the material you chose.

Timeline

Writing a Torah scroll usually takes 12–24 months, and some sofrim complete a full scroll in about three months. Writing speed affects the price. If you have a target dedication date, mention it in the first conversation.

Price

A Torah scroll costs ₪90,000–125,000, depending on the parchment, the sofer and the writing speed. The price covers parchment and writing only — no case, crown, rimonim, yad or ark.

Questions to ask before committing

  • Which script does he write, and following which custom?
  • Can you see a sample from a scroll he wrote?
  • Who proofreads the scroll, and when?
  • What is the estimated timeline, and what happens if there is a delay?
  • What exactly is included in the price?

How we help

We match a sofer to your script tradition, budget and timeline, and accompany the process through the dedication. See our sofrim, read what is gvil and the Hachnasat Sefer Torah guide.

Next step

For a quick quote — leave your details, or call +972-50-755-5200 (Sun–Thu 10:00–20:00).

This article is written for study and orientation only, based on the cited sources, and is not a halachic ruling. For a practical question, consult a rabbi.