Using Sefer Torah Margin Cuttings as Patches on Another Torah

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Asher

Description

A scribe glued margin strips from invalid Torah scrolls as reinforcement patches onto a valid Torah scroll. The Chasam Sofer rules this was improper, as transferring margins from one Torah to another constitutes a degradation of sanctity. However, the valid Torah scroll is not invalidated by the patches, since the patches are supplementary and the principle of na'aseh ba'aveirah does not apply; the patches should be left in place as their genizah, and the scribe should repent.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §279

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