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Answer: The gemara (Menachot 32b) says that a mezuza that is written like an iggeret (letter) is pasul, and Rashi includes in the possible problems, extra letters. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 288:15, based on the Rosh, Mezuza 18), says that adding anything, even non-letter markings, to a mezuza is forbidden because it makes it look like an amulet for good luck. In the laws of sefer Torah (ibid. 274:7), he pasuls a sefer Torah that includes vowels, even if they are later removed, or signs to show where a pasuk ends. Rishonim explain simply that we are supposed to leave the sefer Torah the way it was given at Sinai.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (651)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
345 - Alerting People to Stand
346 - Temporary Markings in a Sefer Torah
347 - The Logic Behind the Unusual Fast of the Firstborn
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The Rambam (Mezuza 5:3) says that the writing of one of Hashem’s names, according to an old minhag, on the mezuza is okay because it is on the back. Our case would seem to be better, as the notation is not on the scroll at all; it is only on something that is sitting on top of the sefer Torah, albeit with a little adhesion so it can stay for a while or until one easily removes it.
We were asked (see Bemareh Habazak III:13) about developing a see-through sheet with punctuation and trop to put on top of a sefer Torah to simplify its reading. We rejected it not only because of the major change in minhag, but also because it effectively changes reading from the Torah from the way it was intended – purposely without punctuation and trop. These are supposed to be learned from another source (and, one might add, at another time). However, our case is different in that one is not reading the Torah with the help of a marking. Rather, it gets us to the right place; we lain normally several seconds later (after the berachot).
There is another issue. The sefer Torah scroll is holy and must not be used for chol purposes (see Magen Avraham 42:6). Therefore, poskim (Minchat Yitzchak II:15; Tzitz Eliezer ibid.) forbid writing even on the bottom or the back of a scroll, even when it is does not disqualify it. Likewise one should not stick notes to a sefer Torah.
On the other hand, context is critical. Sofrim and those sending corrections do mark (in pencil or with post-its) scrolls because it is to promote the sefer’s kashrut. While we may not put less holy things on top of a sefer Torah (Shulchan Aruch, YD 282:19), we do cover it when leaving it unused because this is for the sefer Torah’s honor.
Is what you are inquiring about for the sefer Torah’s "well-being"? If someone can find the place to put a post-it, he can likewise just make sure that the Torah will be opened to the right column. Ba’alei kri’ah have access to a tikun l’korim, to which almost all sifrei Torah these days are lined up. The ba’al korei knows the p’sukim of the laining. So how much of a need is there for a marker? Thus, putting the marker there not only does not seem necessary for the laining and/or honoring the sefer Torah, but gives the impression that no one took the time to familiarize himself with the sefer Torah (see a similar idea in Berachot 20b). Therefore, the presence of the note seems to be an improper appendage to the sefer Torah and forbidden (see Tzitz Eliezer ibid. who objects on these grounds regarding a more important need).
If your case includes circumstances we have not anticipated, get back to us. If such a system were necessary enough to justify, we would have to discuss if, on Shabbat, it would be better to remove the note before reading or leave it there (see Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata, 5770 ed. 28:8; Minchat Asher II:39).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Ask the Rabbi: Having a Non-Jew Build a Sukka and Assemble Arba’a Minim
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
