  5 minutes |
 K'sivas Sefer Torah/ |
 Participate in the writing of a Torah scroll. Since a Torah scroll that's missing even one letter isn't kosher to use, writing or sponsoring at least one letter is tantamount to writing a complete Torah scroll. Purchasing or donating religious books to learn from also fulfill this Mitzvah.
 "So, now write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the Children of Israel, place it in their mouth, so that this song shall be for Me a witness against the Children of Israel." – Deuteronomy 31:19
 For a Torah Scroll to be valid, it has to be written in a beautiful and special "Assyrian script" with small "crowns" on top of some letters. Rabbi Akiva gained such a deep insight into Torah (even though he did not learn the Hebrew alphabet - or study any Torah - until he was 40) that he could derive laws from the crowns on the letters.
 Since a Torah scroll is the holiest religious article, it must be given the highest respect. Therefore, when someone approaches or passes by with a Torah Scroll in hand, we must arise and remain standing. Since the main purpose of this mitzvah is for every Jew to be personally involved and thoroughly familiar with all the mitzvos of the Torah, our Sages teach us that those who can't afford to hire a scribe to write for them a Torah Scroll, should at least buy sacred religious books within their means, from which they will study Torah.
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