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Torah and Jewish Idea => Torah and Jewish Idea => Topic started by: Hrvatski Noahid on April 28, 2021, 05:24:52 AM

Title: Question and Dr. Schulman's answer
Post by: Hrvatski Noahid on April 28, 2021, 05:24:52 AM
Is it required to burn mezuzot, Torah scrolls and Tefillin written by a Gentile idolater? Obviously the Hebrew names of God would have to be protected, but are the writings considered items used for idolatrous service?

According to the authoritative manuscripts of Rambam's Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Tefillin u'Mezuzot v'Sefer Torah 1:13, if those scrolls are written by a min - any person (Jew or Gentile) who does not believe in G-d - the entire scroll should be burned, including the Hebrew names of G-d. In such a case, the writing of G-d's names does not have any sanctity.

If those scrolls are written by a Gentile who does believe in G-d, or an apostate Jew, or a Jew who betrays other Jews or their property to powerful oppressors, or a Canaanite servant, or a Jewish woman or minor, they are not kosher and must be entombed (not burned).