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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 (657)
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).
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
