What is Ashuris?
Kesav Ashuris is the name of the script used to write all scribal works called STAM [Sefer Torah, Mezuzah, Tefillin]. The script of Kesav Ashuris contains a great amount of Kedusha, and great mystical secrets.[1]
Boxed script: The form of script and print used today, which is boxed letters, is similar to Ashuris but not exactly the same [i.e. does not contain the Tagin]. For this reason it is not Halachicly considered Ashuris.[2] Some[3] say that this script was purposely invented in order to deter people from writing in Ashuris. Nevertheless since it is similar to Ashuris, many in the past treated it with the same Kedusha as Ashuris.[4] In today’s times the custom has spread to be lenient to not consider it Ashuris for any purpose, as will be explained below.[5]
Rashi script:[6] The Rashi script was invented as an alternative script to Ashuris in order so it can be sued for Sefarim and mundane writing.
Kesav Ashuris
Boxed script
Rashi Script
May one write mundane matters in Kesav Ashuris?[7]
Some Poskim[8] rule one may not write mundane matters in Ashuris. [However the custom is to be lenient.[9] Although one cannot protest against those that are lenient, nevertheless one who avoids doing so is praised both in this world and the next.[10] Practically it is proper to avoid writing or printing Kesav Ashuris in all instances[11], and so were the Rebbe’s directives.[12]]
Boxed letters:[13] The custom is to allow writing all mundane writings in boxed script.
May one write or print Torah books in Kesav Ashuris?
Ashuris:[14] One is not to print books in Kesav Ashuris.
Boxed letters:[15] In previous times the custom was to avoid writing Sefarim in even boxed letters and they rather wrote them in Kesav Rashi.[16] The custom however today is to allow printing books in boxed letters that are similar to Ashuris.[17]
May one write or print invitations in Kesav Ashuris?
One is not to do so.[18] One may however write the words in boxed letters, as stated above.
Does Kesav Ashuris of non-Torah articles require Geniza?
Boxed letters do not require Geniza, if they do not involve words of Torah, and so is the custom.[19] However if the words are written in actual Kesav Ashuris, as are the words of a Sefer Torah, then it is proper to place it in Geniza, even if it does not contain words of Torah.[20] However from the letter of the law this is not required.[21] For this reason it is proper to avoid writing or printing in Ksav Ashuris.[22]
Do Jewish newspapers require Geniza?[23]
If the newspaper does not contain Torah articles it does not require Geniza.[24]
May one enter secular Hebrew books into a bathroom?
Yes.[25] However there are Poskim[26] that are stringent to avoid doing so. This especially applies if the Hebrew is written in Ashuris.[27]
May one enter a Jewish newspaper into the bathroom?[28]
If the newspaper does not contain Torah articles it may be entered.[29] However one is to avoid doing any undignified use with Hebrew written newspapers.
[1] Radbaz 1/45 [and 3/442; 513; 4/45] brought in Pischeiy Teshuvah 283/3; Rambam in Pear Hador 7 [brought in Beis Yosef 283] “Ashuris was the script used for the Luchos”; Aruch Hashulchan 284/5; Kesav Sofer Even Haezer 22; Rav Poalim 4/32
[2] Tzur Yaakov 82; See Reishis Chochmah Shaar Hakedusha 15; Sheilas Shlomo 2/93; Salmas Yosef 15; Tzitz Eliezer 15/7
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that boxed letters have the same status as Ashuris. [Gilyon Maharsha on Rama 284]
[3] Tzur Yaakov ibid
[4] Hisvadyos 1989 3/101
[5] Hisvadyos 1989 3/101; Rambam in Pear Hador 7
[6] Igros Kodesh 10/177; See Rambam in Pear Hador 7
[7] Yoreh Deah 284/2
[8] Rama ibid in name of Rabbeinu Yerucham; Rambam in Pear Hador 7 [brought in Beis Yosef 283] “Ashuris was the script used for the Luchos and hence it is most improper to use it for mundane writings. For this reason the Sefaradim created a new script to be allowed to write mundane matters in non-Ashuris letters.”
[9] Aruch Hashulchan 283/13; 284/8; Tzur Yaakov 82; Hisvadyos 1989 3/101
[10] Aruch Hashulchan ibid
[11] Rav Poalim 4/32; Sheilas Shlomo 2/93
[12] Igros Kodesh 11/348; 12/228; 7/305; Likkutei Sichos 24/375
[13] Tzur Yaakov 82; Igros Kodesh 10/177
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that boxed letters have the same status as Ashuris. [Gilyon Maharsha on Rama 284]
[14] Igros Kodesh 11/348; 7/305; Likkutei Sichos 24/375; Igros Kodesh 10/177 “Even the Rambams Yad Hachazaka was written in a slanted script in order not to resemble Kesav Ashuris.”
[15] Igros Kodesh 9/106; 12/228; 7/305
[16] Hisvadyos 1989 3/101; Igros Kodesh 10/177; It is for this purpose that Kesav Rashi was invented.
[17] Likkutei Sichos 24/375; Igros Kodesh 12/228; Hisvadyos 1989 3/101 “In the times of the Alter Rebbe the Tanya was printed in boxed letters”
[18] Igros Kodesh 12/228; See also 9/106
[19] Piskeiy Teshuvos 154/15; See Hisvadyos 1989 3/101; See above however that some considered even boxed letters to contain Kedusha.
[20] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid
The reason: As Kesav Ashuris contains a great amount of Kedusha, and great mystical secrets. [Radbaz 1/45 brought in Pischeiy Teshuvah 283/3]
[21] Piskeiy Teshuvos 154/15
[22] Rama Yoreh Deah 284/2 rules one may not write mundane matters in Ashuris. However the custom is to be lenient. [See Aruch Hashulchan 283/13; 284/8; Tzur Yaakov 82; Rav Poalim 4/32; Sheilas Shlomo 2/93; Hisvadyos 1989 3/101]
[23] Piskeiy Teshuvos 154/15
[24] See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid that even if some articles contain a verse or two from Torah it is still allowed to be entered as its main idea is news.
[25] Sheilas Yaavetz 1/10; Vayivarech David; Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah 2/77
[26] Chacham Tzevi brought in Sheilas Yaavetz ibid
[27] As Rama Yoreh Deah 284/2 rules one may not write mundane matters in Ashuris. However the custom is to be lenient. [See Aruch Hashulchan 283/13; 284/8; Tzur Yaakov 82; Rav Poalim 4/32; Sheilas Shlomo 2/93; Hisvadyos 1989 3/101] Igros Moshe ibid and Piskeiy Teshuvos 154/15 rule that from the letter of the law it may be entered, although there are those that are stringent.
[28] Piskeiy Teshuvos 154/15
[29] See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid that even if some articles contain a verse or two from Torah it is still allowed to be entered as its main idea is news.
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