Where to Torahs Come From?

Met up with Moish at Machon Meir today. He's been working towards accredation as a sofer, a Torah scribe, with the Vaad (rabbinic council.) The learning program lasts about a year, ending with an examination. With his certification, he will be able to write mezuzot, Torah scrolls, ketubot (marriage contracts,) and just about any written document that must conform to the exacting standards of Halachah (Jewish law.)

It also gave me a chance to play with the macro mode on my new digital camera.

Moish takes out his equipment.

The writing implements, like the material of the Sefer Torah (Torah scroll,) is all natural. He tells me that only turkey quills may be used for this type of work. This seems a bit strange, since the turkey was domesticated by the Aztecs, brought over to Europe after Columbus discovered the new world. So what did they use before?

Quills, scalpels, and razor blades.

First, the end of the quill is cut at an angle.

Shaving down the edge of the quill.

Anyway, it's bed time. I'll finish on how to make a kosher quill tomorrow. Stay tuned...