- Halacha
- General Questions
Ktav Ari Sta"m for non-Chassidim - Follow-Up Question
Question
Dear Rabbi Lewis,
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.
I have a follow-up question: *Why* does Rav Kook write that it is lechatchila to use one’s traditional script? Is it a Torah law, rabbinic law or some other consideration that makes it lechatchila to use one’s traditional script and only bedieved to use a non-traditional script. It seems to mean that by not using one’s own Mesorah the quality of the Mitzvah of Tefillin falls to the low level of being merely bedieved.
Thanks again for your time and effort.
Answer
The reason brought by Rav Kook is the Pasuk in Mishlei "Al Titosh Torat Imecha" – don't forsake your family tradition.
This is brought by the Talmud [Chulin 93: et al] as a source to stick with our family traditions even if they have no written proof.
It is brought by various Halachic sources in the same context as well [e.g. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 158:1]

Why does God want our praise? Sounds egoistic!
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 24, 5782

Missing mincha on Rosh Chodesh
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 2, 5781
When does 11 months end?
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Nisan 16, 5781

Minimum Shacharis
Rabbi David Sperling | Adar 25, 5781

Rabbi Elchanan Lewis
Former Rabbi of Jewish congregation in Perth, Australia

Picking a Butcher Shop
9 Tammuz 5764

Moshe Rabenu - Prophet and King?
10 Tammuz 5764

Davening for someone who is sick
13 Tammuz 5764

What Makes a Talit kosher?
17 Tammuz 5764

Jews and Santa Claus
Rabbi David Samson | 3 Shevat 5763
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Bracha on water
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Cheshvan 16, 5769

Jews murdering prophets
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tammuz 2, 5780

Acquaintances who support our enemies?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 7, 5784

Women sitting with crossed legs in synagogue
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 6, 5784

Is it worth debating for Israel at work?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 17, 5784
