What is Gvil?
The whole hide on which Torah scrolls are written in the Yemenite tradition, and what sets it apart from klaf.
Gevil is the whole hide of the animal, after the hair is removed, on which Torah scrolls are written in the Yemenite tradition.
How are klaf and gevil obtained?
Because the hide is thick, it is cut and split in two: the inner half — the flesh side — is klaf, used for tefillin and mezuzot. The outer half — the hair side — is gevil, on which Torah scrolls are written in the Yemenite tradition.
Unlike klaf, where the hide is split, gevil retains the full thickness of the hide and writing is done on the hair side. Gevil is heavier and thicker, durable for generations, and requires a scribe experienced in its preparation and writing.
Gevil or klaf — which to choose?
The choice usually follows the tradition of the community where the scroll will be read: gevil is customary among Yemenite communities, while other communities typically write on klaf. Before ordering, confirm the local custom with your community's rabbi — we guide the process but do not issue halachic rulings.
How does gevil affect price?
Writing a Torah scroll with us ranges from ₪90,000 to ₪125,000, depending on the parchment (klaf or gevil), the scribe and the writing pace. The price covers parchment and writing only — no case, rimonim, crown, yad, ark or accessories. The exact difference between klaf and gevil appears in the written quote.
How long does it take?
Writing a Torah scroll usually takes 12–24 months, and some scribes complete a scroll in about three months. Because gevil requires an experienced scribe, it is best to open the order early.
Gevil and case fit
Gevil is heavier and thicker than klaf, so a case should never be ordered from an estimated size. The Torah case — and the matching Haftarah case, about 45%–50% of the Torah case height — are fitted to the scroll's actual measurements. Wood cases start at ₪19,000 and structural carbon cases at ₪40,000 (₪29,000 when combined with a Torah scroll order from us).
Next step
Looking for a gevil Torah scroll in Yemenite script? Use the quick quote page (/en/quick-quote) or call/WhatsApp +972-50-755-5200.
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.