Megillah For Sale, Free Shipping

I have an unbelievable selection of Megillos. If you are planing to buy a megillah this year please give me a call. Just to give you an idea of the price range, a very inexpensive megillah would be about $650. A middle range megillah would be about $1000 and for a really nice megillah plan to spend between $1600 and $1700. If you are looking for top of the line, that would be between $2500 and $3500. If you are looking for a present for somebody special and you want to impress him, a $1400 to $1700 megillah will do the trick. If you are not local I can often email you a photograph of the megillah so you can see what you are getting.

You really should call me so we can discuss exactly what you need. 845-290-2546.

The story of the Sefer Torah part one.

The story of the Sefer Torah part two.

A Basic Guide To Mezuzah: Printable

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A Basic Guide to Mezuzah

THE MITZVAH OF MEZUZAH:

1 The word ‘mezuzah really means ‘doorpost’, but the term has come to represent the mitzvah in general as well as the parchment written on.

2.  Among the 613 mitzvoth in the Torah, there is a positive command to affix a mezuzah to the doorposts of your residences.

3.  The source for the mitzvah is in the Book of Devarim (Deute­ronomy): chapter 6, verse 9.

4.  The mitzvah is to be fulfilled both day and night; by men and women.

WHAT A MEZUZAH CONSISTS OF:

1.  A mezuzah consists of Iwo paragraphs from the Torah: the portion of Sh’ma Yisroel in the Book of Devarim 5: 4-9; and the portion of V’hoyo-im-shamoa (Ana it will happen if you obey …) in Devarim 11: 12-21.

2.  These portions must be written on parchment, with special ink, by a qualified scribe.

3.  The text must be written in a single column on 22 scored lines, and every letter must be properly written; for even one letter written incorrectly invalidates the mezuzah.

4.  On the back of the parchment, the word ‘Sha-dai’ is written, along with certain other letters.

5.  When ready, the parchment is rolled (not folded or creased) from left to right; so that the first word to appear when opened would be the ‘Sh-ma’.

6.  The mezuzah is then placed in a protective cover or case and is ready to put up on the doorpost.

PLACES THAT REQUIRE A MEZUZAH:

1.  All permanent dwellings need a mezuzah.

2.  The requirement extends to every interior room of a house as well, except for undignified areas such as bathrooms,

3.  A storage or utility room that is in regular use, such as a garage or boiler room should have a mezuzah.

4.  A ‘Succah’-used only for the holiday-does not need a mezuzah; but a trailer or camper-it used as a dwelling-must have a mezuzah.

5.  If a room has two entrances, both require a mezuzah

WHERE TO PUT THE MEZUZAH:

1.    The mezuzah should be affixed to the doorpost on the right, determined by way of entry into the room.

2.    The mezuzah should be placed within the upper third of the doorpost, but not within the uppermost four inches.

3.    It should be attached at an angle with the top slanting into the room.

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Please note: Aside from the more obvious room settings, there are a variety of physical arrangements which are not so clear-cut; and depending upon such factors as room and doorway configuration and size, and actual use of such spaces-they may or may not call for a mezuzah. To get clarity on what to do under such circumstances, please consult with a competent rabbinic authority.

THE BLESSING:

1. Just before attaching the mezuzah, one should say the follow­ing blessing-’Baruch Ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ha­olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvosav v’tzivanu Ilk-boa mezuzah’ Blessed art Thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah.

2 The mezuzah, in its case, is then nailed, screwed or glued in place.

3.  When putting up more than one mezuzah, only one blessing is recited for all of them; and one should not talk of, or get involved in other mailers until all the mezuzahs are up.

4.  Any household member of Bar or Bas Mitzvah age can recite the blessing and put up the mezuzah.

5.  Places that require a mezuzah and a blessing include: an entrance to a house; doorways more than 40 in. high; and all rooms of a house.

6.  The following need a mezuzah but no blessing is recited: a retail or wholesale store; a business office; a storage room or walk-in closet; a room without a door.

7.  The following do not need mezuzahs: bathrooms, saunas; a doorway less than 36 in. high; a room whose area is less than 36 sq. ft.; and temporary dwellings.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

1.    When moving into a rented home or apartment, you have up to 30 days to install the mezuzahs; though the sooner it is done, the better.

2.    If the home is your own, the mezuzahs must be put up as of the first day you reside there.

3.    When moving you should not remove the mezuzahs of your old residence unless the new occupants are non-Jews.

4.    Mezuzahs should be examined twice every 7 years by a qualified scribe to make sure they have not deteriorated.

5.  Since a mezuzah is a sacred object, it must be treated with respect. It should not be abused or left on the floor, and it must be placed in Sha-mos or Genizah when it is no longer Kosher.

6.    Many have the custom, when passing through a doorway, to touch the mezuzah as a sign of reverence for the mitzvah.

7.  Finally; the laws of mezuzah are many, and the aim of this brochure is to just provide some basic guidelines. Far more than being ‘the last word’, this is very much ‘the first word’ on the subject. If you have any specific questions, we en­courage you to consult with a qualified Rabbinic authority.

‘Baruch Ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech Haolam asher kid­shanu b’mitzvosav v’tzivanu Ilk-boa mezuzah.’

SACRED SPACE

Judaism maintains a concept of ‘sacred space.’

We all understand that certain ‘spaces’ in our lives are more dignified than others: a kitchen or a living room is more dignified then, say, a bathroom.

But some places—in the world and in our lives—are also ‘holier’ than others. For example, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem has an inherent, sacred quality.

A synagogue is a sacred place.

And our hordes: there is a lot we can do to make our homes a more sacred place.

So be it a mountain, a desert, an office or a home—there are places that, by virtue of our conduct—can be made more sacred.

But who would ever imagine that something as transient as a

‘Threshold’ could be a sacred space. Yet this is precisely where we put a mezuzah.

THRESHOLD

The universe is so vast and a threshold is so small—you pass through it with a single step.. what significance could it possibly

have?

But consider: A threshold is a boundary; always separating a more public area from a more private one—a home from a street, an office from a waiting room … an in-side from an out-side.

A threshold stands between two worlds; yet—it is also the point at which two worlds touch. So a threshold separates , .. and connects.

And it is this space that we sanctity with a mezuzah.

What can this mean?

G-D IS EVERYWHERE

A mezuzah contains life’s most important lessons, literally, in capsule form: that G-d is one; G-d is everywhere; that G-d presides—governs and guides—every aspect of our lives; that we are obliged to love G-d, follow in G-d’s ways, and that we must lovingly transmit these teachings to our children.

This message is posted, at eye level, on every Jewish threshold—to remind us wherever we go, regardless of how public or private the selling we are in—that we are to carry these ideals with us. And especially as we shift through the revolving door of life—moving from one situation to another—we tend to lose sight of these ideas; so the mezuzah is there to remind us that these teachings are a constant —applicable always and everywhere.

To the extent that we succeed in making the lessons of the mezuzah an active part of our daily lives … to that extent we succeed in giving tangible expression to Divine ideals. We thereby join Heaven and Earth, G-d to man, and create our own sacred space—wherever we are and wherever we go.

The next time you step over a threshold… think about it.

Tzitzit Repair, Tallis Repair

In addition tefillin and mezuza checking and repair,  we also do tzitzit repair. If the tzitzit on your tallis are torn we replace them with beautiful, new, thick strings. As with tefillin and mezuzos, if you live out of town, feel free to send them to me and I will repair them and send them back to you. If you have a tallis koten (a small garment worn under the shirt with tzitzit strings) it often doesn’t pay  to have it fixed. It costs $10.00 for a package of new strings plus $20.00 to tie them. Since you can order a new tallis koten from Tuvias for less than that you are probably only going to want to fix a full sized talis.

For more info call me at 845-290-2546 or email me at offices@meuzadepot.com.

Rabbi Melech Michaels, Sofer of Teaneck, Bergenfield, Englewood NJ

If you live in Teaneck, NJ (or Bergenfield, etc.) I would like to offer you my services as a sofer. If  you would like to have your mezuzot checked, please call me at 845-290-2546 to schedule a Mezuza House Call. I will come to your home and check your mezuzos. All of the work is done in your home. Please see my Mezuza House Call page on this site for more information on exactly how a Mezuzah House Call can benfit you. While I’m working on your mezuzos, you can give me your tefillin. I’ll need to check them in my Monsey, NY office since I will need the use of my workshop.

Why are Mezuza House Calls so popular in Teaneck, Bergenfield, and Englewood? Because my customers are busy professionals, and their time is valuable. When their tefillin and mezuzot require checking they want the convenience of a home inspection. They don’t have time to take down their mezuzos, schlep them to the sofer, pick them up, and put them back on the doorposts. I fill this need by scheduling an appointment, coming to the home and taking care of the whole process of mezuza checking from beginning to end. I pay particular attention to making sure the mezuzos are affixed to the doorposts properly, and in all the required places.

Please feel free to call me at 845-290-2546 or contact me by email: offices@mezuzadepot.com.

Mezuzah House Calls: Rockland, Bergen, and Westchester

My specialty is the Mezuzah House Call.

1. I will carefully remove all of your mezuzos, three or four at a time.
2. I will check (in your home) and repair your mezuzos, as well as alert you to problems.
3. I can do on site computer scanning upon request.
4. Mezuzos are attached with screws which are neater and more secure than nails.
5. Outdoor mezuzos will be waterproofed.
6. Bedroom meuzos are wrapped according to halachah.
7. I check that mezuzos are in all required places.
8. Problematic doorways will be photographed and brought to a Rav.
9. Each mezuzah will be down for a short time only.
10. I carry a full selection of tefillin, mezuzos, and cases in various price ranges.
11. Rabbinical references are available.
12. I check fix ad sell new tefillin.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is a Mezuzah House Call?

A: A Mezuzah House Call is an on site mezuzah inspection at your home or place of work.

Q: How long will my mezuzos be down?

A: Most mezuzos are down for only a few minutes at a time. This is the ideal way to check mezuzos.

Q: What do you check for that the computer can’t do?

A: I check for broken, touching, and incorrectly written letters, smudges, water and sun damage, missing taggim, and more.

Q: Why do I need a Mezuzah House Call?

A: A House Call is appropriate for someone who may not have the time to take their mezuzos down, and schlep them to the sofer. In addition a house call ensures that your mezuzos are affixed to all of the doorposts that need mezuzos in secure, weatherproof casing. In 75% of the homes I correct at least one mistake relating to how the mezuzos were put up. Remember, even if a mezuzah is kosher, you only fulfill the mitzvah if it is put up correctly. If you’ve been putting off a mezuzah inspection, you should schedule an appointment.

Q: How often do mezuzos need to be checked?

A: Every three and one half years (Shulchan Aruch Yore Deah 291)

Q: Does a Mezuzah House Call cost more than bring the mezuzos to the sofer?

A: Yes, but since my prices are competitive most of my customers consider the extra charge to be well worth it. When you consider the time you will be saving and you see the quality of my work I think you will agree.

Q: Can you provide me with references? Yes, from customers and rabbis who are familiar with my work.

Q: Can you check my tefillin at the same time that you do the Mezuzah House Call:

A: Yes, afer I finish checking the mezuzos I will take your tefillin to my office and check them there.

Q: Do you sell new tefillin and mezuzos?

A: Yes. I have a large selection of new tefillin parshios, battim, retzuous, mezuzos, and cases. I also sell megillos and sifrei torah.

Q: What are your credentials?

A: I have S’micha from the Vaad Mishmeres STaM and have worked for many years as a sofer.

Q: Can I bring my mezuzos to you if I am not interested in a house call?

A: Yes

Tefillin and Mezuzah Gemach: Monsey, New York

The pride and joy of my safrus office is my Tefillin and Mezuzah Gemach. I currently have 22 sets of tefillin that I lend out plus a fairly large number (I’m now quite sure how many because they are never all in one place) of mezuzos. I try to keep every minhag of tefillin available: Rashi, Rebeinu Tam, Chabad, S’faradi, and Ari. In addition I have right handed and left handed sets. I even have one set with extra long retzuous for very tall people. I try to have on hand several of the more popluar sets such as Ashkanez righty. The sets are available for one week. After that if you still need them I will charge you $10.00 per week. If you borrow tefillin while I am working on your own set of tefillin I will give them to you for free until I am finished working on them. After that, I give you one week to return them and then I charge you $10.00 per week.

The Tefillin and Mezuzah Gemach takes a $600 deposit for the use of tefillin and a $60 deposit for the use of mezuzos. The deposit could be in the form of check (which I do not deposit until it has become clear to me that my tefillin and mezuzos are simply not returning), check, or credit card. This money would allow me to purchase new tefillin and mezuzos for the gemach in the unfortunate event that the items are not returned. I know what you are thinking: How could someone borrow tefillin and mezuzos and not return them? I will give you two examples. Once someone borrowed mezuzos, gave me a deposit check that their friend wrote, put them up, moved out, forgot about the mezuzos, and the house was demolished! When I called the person who wrote the check, their response was, “it couldn’t be, so and so is such a tzadik, he couldn’t have forgotten”. But when they called so and so up and asked him if they returned the mezuzos, because the gemach guy is accusing them of not returning them, they were in for a very big supprise. The other example is the person who borrows tefillin from the gemach, every day thinking to himself, “I must go return those tefillin”, but every day he is so busy he just doesn’t get around to it. But since he knows that his check is going to be deposited, he manages to find a few minutes to swing by! Funny how that works.

Sometimes people think that I am giving tefillin away. This is not the case. In situations of great need there are sometimes community resources available. You may contact me for further details about these programs.

The Tefillin and Mezuzah Gemach loves donations. If you benefit from the gemach try to put some money in its peshuka (piggy bank).I still have a long way to go before I have reached my goal of making it the best tefillin and mezuzah gemach in the world! Maybe you gave a good set of tefillinaround that nobody is using. The reason I underlined, italicized, and bold faced the word ‘good’ is because I’m not looking for every body’s great uncle’s tefillin that they found twenty two years ago when they were clearing out his attic. A good rule of thumb would be that if they smell musty, they are not what we are interested in. The reason for this is that I am only looking for tefilin that people will be really happy and comfortable wearing them, and secure that they are 100% kosher.

One more thing: If you are borrowing tefillin or mezuzos because you need something to use while yours are being worked on, I would like to recomend a good sofer. Give me a call and I give you his name (if you haven’t figured it out already).

If you need any information about the gemach please Rabbi Michaels at 845-290-2546

Did the Jewish people always have battim that were gassos (gassot)?

Only with the advent of modern machinery were the battim machirs (battim makers) able to work with the thick leather which is used in battim. This leather comes from the neck of the cow which is the thickest part. Was the reaction positive towards this new innovation? One of my customers told me that when the first Belzer Rebbe, known as the Sar Sholom was shown a pair of gassos, his reaction was :

“behold, these are the tefillin of the awesome ruler of the world הן תפילין דמרי עלמה”

So even though these battim were most definitely an innovation, they were one which has clearly added many benefits. The most obvious one is that a set of gassos is often a lifetime investment, not a purchase which will last for five or ten years.

I am so convinced of the quality of  the beautiful gassos that I sell that I give a lifetime warranty with them. Call me up so we can talk about what set would be right for you.

How to fix bending tefillin:

Some tefillin have a tendency to bend on the bottom. This problem is more pronounced in the wintertime. Although they are not posul if they are only bent a little bit, they should still be fixed. This is because when they bend on the bottom they tend to pull apart the four compartments of the shel rosh. When this happens they become not square. You will nottice this problem more in a shel rosh than in a shel yad. If your tefillin are gassos (made out of the thick leather of the neck of a cow) this can be fixed with a heat press. Sometimes soferim who don’t have the equipment to do this with heat will put them in a vise and skip the heat part of the process. This rarely works. If the heat is used, and the battim are sealed up properly afterwards, it should be a good long time before you see a recurrence of this problem. By the way, using too much heat will melt your battim. Not fun.

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