What should be done with a passul sefer Torah?
Shulchan Aruch states that a sefer Torah (Torah scroll) containing errors which render it passul (unfit) for use must either be repaired or honorably laid to rest in a burial ceremony. Moreover, to keep it would be in violation of the prohibition against possessing a sefer she’eino mugah (which contains mistakes) lest it pose a pitfall.
However, the common custom is to leave sifrei Torah which are passul in the aron kodesh (Torah ark) in shuls for months or even years, with the gartel (ceremonial belt) tied over the mantle as an indication that it’s passul (as opposed to a kosher sefer Torah where it’s beneath the mantle). This leads many poskim to question how this custom conforms to the above halachos.
Some suggest that the halachos of burial discussed in Shulchan Aruch aren’t a requirement, but are merely guidelines for those who wish to respectfully retire a sefer Torah which can no longer be used; maintaining such a sefer Torah in a respectable place when possible, is far more preferable and mechubad (respectful). The problem with possessing a sefer she’eino mugah is addressed by tying the gartel on top of the mantle, indicating that it’s unfit for use.
Ultimately, neither burying such a sefer Torah nor leaving it in a place where it could conceivably be used is the best approach; it is most mechubad, and therefore most preferable to keep the sefer Torah somewhere respectable, but not readily accessible. #517โ
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