Question:
What is Rashi script, was it created by Rashi, and why is it used in Jewish books instead of regular Hebrew script?
Answer:
Rashi script (Ktav Rashi) is a Hebrew typeface traditionally used for printing rabbinic commentaries in Chumashim, Talmudim, Midrashim, and halachic works. Despite its name, it was not invented by Rashi, nor did Rashi write in this script. Rather, it became known as “Rashi script” because printers commonly used it to print Rashi’s commentaries.
The script developed from Sephardic semi-cursive Hebrew handwriting used by the Rishonim, and discussed by the Rambam, and was adapted into a printing font during the early era of Hebrew publishing. One of the earliest works printed in this style was Rashi’s commentary on the Torah, which helped establish its association with his name.
Printers generally reserved Kesav Ashuris (the standard square Hebrew script) for the primary sacred text, while Rashi script was used to distinguish commentaries from the main text. This created a clear visual separation between the Torah text and its explanations.
The above is the historical background. However, beyond the practical reason of differentiating commentary from text, the Poskim, beginning with the Rambam and then Rama, discuss Halachic reasons for this, to preserve the unique sanctity of Kesav Ashuris.
The Rambam records that the Sephardic communities intentionally altered their handwriting style and created alternative scripts so that everyday and secular writings would not be written in the sacred Ashuris script. He further relates that Rabbi Yosef Halevi objected even to writing a get in certain alternative scripts, while others objected to broad usage of Ashuris because it is the “writing of G-d” and could come to be treated disrespectfully. The Rambam concludes that using an alternative script for ordinary writings is included in honoring the Torah.
The Rama offers an additional explanation. Since the Sages permitted the writing of Torah Shebaal Peh under the principle of “Eis la’asos LaHashem”, earlier scholars may have developed a separate script specifically for Torah Shebaal Peh. Accordingly, while Torah Shebichsav was written in Ashuris, commentaries and oral-law works could be written in another script, thereby preserving the distinction between the Written and Oral Torah.
Accordingly, Rashi script serves multiple purposes: it distinguishes commentaries from the primary text, preserves the sanctity of Kesav Ashuris, and maintains the traditional separation between Torah Shebichsav and Torah Shebaal Peh.
Sources:
Rama Y.D. 284:4; Teshuvos HaRama 34; Rambam, Pe’er HaDor 7; Igros Kodesh, Vol. 10 p. 177