These notes are intended solely to aid in the learning process and should not be considered authoritative halachic conclusions
Please do not rely on these notes l’maaseh
הChelek 5
- As stated above, festival needs are generally limited to amateur work. The poskim are at odds about the status of any writing that is not for the purpose of STa”M. We pasken that our script is not professional. However, the minhag is to write with a shinui unless it’s for tzorchay rabbim (e.g. writing a letter to invite a chazzan to come to your community). (Rama – MB , – ShaH 6)
- Although it is forbidden to write sifray Torah for after the Moed, you can fix a possul one that is needed for the Moed. This is considered tzorchay rabbim on the Moed that allows even professional work. You don’t have to borrow one from a different minyan. (ShA – MB – BeH “she’im”)
- Dovor ha’ovayd allows a shopkeeper to write down what he has sold on credit. If he forgets what is owed, it will be a financial loss. According to the Rambam, he should still write with a shinui. (MB – ShaH 23)
- Writing budget calculations and shopping lists for the Moed are allowed with a shinui. (ShA – MB )
- You can write t’noyim on C.H. or a kesuva for a woman who has lost hers. It is proper to write these with a shinui. Although, a get can be written normally. (ShA – MB – ShaH 25)
- You may write a personal letter on C.H. if it provides information needed on the festival or contributes to the festival enjoyment of either the recipient or the sender of the letter. (MB – ShaH 30)
- The Mor U’ktziah holds that it is proper to refrain from writing neatly in any language. The custom is to be lenient, and therefore do not protest against anyone who writes in a neat script. Nevertheless, it is good to consider his words and minimize writing neatly unless it’s for a great need. (BeH “afeelu”)
- As stated above, if you want to be strict about writing neatly, keep it to yourself. There is a specific custom to make a slight shinui at the top line by writng it on a slant – “akuma”. (MB )
- You are permitted to write chiddushay Torah in order not to forget them. Similarly, you may write notes during a shiur. By postponing writing down the chiddushim that you heard on the Moed, you will be wasting time after the Moed from being involved in coming up with other chiddushim. There is no greater dovor haovayd than this. Remember to write in script. (ShA – MB )
- Any case that allows you to write on C.H., likewise allows you to make a quill and ink for that purpose. (MB )