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GUARD AGAINST ENEMIES OF TORAH
THEFT: The Torah scroll should be kept in a secure place as well as properly insured. We appraise scrolls for this purpose.
HUMIDITY: Protect against this big enemy by having your heichal (where you keep your scrolls) waterproofed. Before Simhath Torah, wrap scrolls in plastic under the mantles to prevent perspiration from damaging the klaf.
VENTILATION: To prevent mildew from corroding the parchment make sure that your Heichal is properly ventilated and cool. Alternate scrolls periodically.
CLEANING: With time, some older scrolls accumulate dust which erodes the ink causing letters to crumble. Call us to have your parchment professionally cleaned. We use a special chemical solution to clean the entire parchment improving its appearance and preventing further erosion.
ROLLING & TYING: A scroll has to be rolled very precisely in order to protect the parchment edges from becoming frayed and pages from being creased. The first step is to have atzey haim (wood rollers) which fit properly. Unless reinforced, frayed edges can develop into tears which can cost thousands of dollars to repair both the torn parchment and destroyed letters. In the same way, the scroll should be tied securely avoiding sharp metal clasps.
KISSING: If your congregants kiss the letters before their blessing, this may be the kiss of death since it may cause the letters to disintegrate. Touching scratches and deposits moisture, oils and dirt on the parchment. Have them kiss the back side of the parchment instead.
LOSING THE PLACE: If you find a missing or broken letter make a sign immediately. During the week a light pencil mark can be made at the top of the column. On Shabbat a paper clip can be fastened to top of the column to show the sofer where the repair is needed.
PROCRASTINATION: Repair the scroll immediately after the problem is identified. A scroll should not be left uncared for for more than 30 days.
