CCAR RESPONSA
American Reform Responsa
72. Repairing a Damaged Sefer Torah
(Vol. XLVI, 1936, pp. 126-127)QUESTION: During a fire, which recently destroyed part of our Temple, our two Sifrei Torah were injured. One was partially smoked up, and the second was partially scorched. Is it consistent with Jewish tradition to use these Sifrei Torah by replacing Yeri-ot in those sections that suffered injury?ANSWER: According to Yoreh De-a, ch. 280, para. 2, when a Yeri-a is worn out, it should be replaced in conjunction with two Yeri-ot adjoining it, so that the handwriting of at least three Yeri-ot should look alike. However, certain authorities do not insist on this, and advocate the renewal of the affected Yeri-a only. But it is advisable to instruct the Sofer to see to it that the new Yeri-a should approximate the rest of the Sefer Torah as much as possible.J. Mann and Committee
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