Become a Sofer – Study Online!

Sofrut – Writing for Heaven

The sacred art of writing Torah, Tefillin, Mezuzot and Megillot
with halachic precision, tradition, and fear of Heaven

What is Sofrut All About?

Sofrut is the sacred art and mitzvah of writing Torah scrolls, Tefillin, Mezuzot, and Megillot with halachic precision. The last of the 613 commandments of the Torah instructs that every Jewish male should write a Sefer Torah in his lifetime. Today, this mitzvah is often fulfilled through the acquisition of Torah scrolls and sacred books — building a home filled with Torah and learning.

A Sofer — a Jewish scribe — dedicates himself to this holy work, ensuring that every letter is written according to the laws of the Torah. The writing of a Mezuzah can take up to eight hours, and a Sefer Torah may require a full year or more of full-time writing!

Sofrut is more than just writing. Every Sefer Torah, Mezuzah, and Tefillin is a vessel of holiness, forming the foundation of Jewish life, law, and history. As the Zohar teaches: “Israel, the Torah, and G‑d are all One.” The Torah is the very essence of the Jewish soul, and the Sofer is entrusted with safeguarding it through careful, devoted work.

Beyond technical skill, a Sofer must cultivate yirat Shamayim — fear of Heaven — and a deep commitment to living a life aligned with Torah values. Every quill, letter, and parchment carries the weight of the mitzvah. Proper preparation, focus, and devotion are essential, as even a single misplaced letter can compromise the sanctity of the entire work.

Becoming a Sofer requires intensive study, including mastering thousands of halachot and the correct formation of letters according to tradition. It is a lifelong path of learning, practice, and service — a path that transforms both the scribe and the world around him.

Is Learning Sofrut Right for You?

Sofrut is not a hobby. It is a sacred responsibility, entrusted with every letter you write. Before beginning this journey, it’s important to understand what it involves and who it is best suited for.

This path is right for those who:

• Seek serious mastery of Torah law and tradition
• Are prepared for long-term commitment and consistent practice
• Understand the spiritual weight of each letter and the responsibility it carries
• Wish to write for themselves or pursue a career as a Sofer STa”M

Sofrut is a journey of both skill and character. It is for those ready to cultivate precision, patience, and fear of Heaven in their learning and writing.

“The work of the Sofer is the work of Heaven. Maybe you will leave out a letter, or add an additional letter and it will be that you destroy the entire world! ”
(Eruvin 13)

Learn with Rav Eliyahu

Rav Eliyahu is a qualified Sofer STa”M, certified by the International Vaad Mishmeret Stam in Israel. With years of study and hands-on experience, he has guided many students to successful certification, helping them master both the technical and spiritual aspects of Sofrut.

Through private and group online lessons, Rav Eliyahu provides:

• Expert instruction in the halachot of writing Torah scrolls, Tefillin, Mezuzot, and Megillot
• Guidance in mastering the traditional formation of letters and proper writing techniques
• Personalized support to help each student progress at their own pace
• Preparation for the official Vaad Mishmeret Stam examination in Jerusalem

Rav Eliyahu combines deep Torah knowledge with a passion for teaching, ensuring that students not only learn how to write but also why each letter, quill(!), and parchment carries spiritual significance.

“Learning Sofrut is not just about writing; it is about connecting to the Torah, carrying its holiness in every stroke, and preparing to transmit it to the Jewish people.”

Preparing for the Vaad Mishmeret Stam Exam

Becoming a certified Sofer STa”M requires both dedicated study and hands-on practice. Through Rav Eliyahu’s online lessons, you will be guided step by step in preparing for the official examination administered by the Vaad Mishmeret Stam in Jerusalem.

Students will learn to master:

• The Halachot: thousands of detailed laws that govern the writing of Torah scrolls, Tefillin, Mezuzot, and Megillot
• Letter formation: precision in every stroke, in accordance with tradition
• Practical skills: preparing quills, understanding klaf and ink etc.
• Exam preparation: reviewing the questions and material necessary to succeed

Rav Eliyahu ensures that each student understands both the technical rules and the spiritual significance behind them. Lessons are designed not only to help you pass the exam, but to equip you with knowledge and skills for a lifetime of writing holy texts.

“Sofrut is more than skill; it is a lifelong path of devotion and service to the Torah.”

Advantages of Learning Sofrut Online with Rav Eliyahu

Studying Sofrut online offers the flexibility and support you need to succeed, while receiving expert guidance from a qualified Sofer STa”M.

With Rav Eliyahu, you can:

• Learn at your own pace – schedule lessons at times that suit you
• Progress according to your level – no rush, no pressure
• Focus on exam-relevant material – lessons cover questions and topics from the actual Vaad Mishmeret Stam examination
• Improve Hebrew reading and understanding – perfect for those still building their skills
• Build a strong foundation for lifelong learning – lessons prepare you to continue studying other commentaries and texts as you advance
• Receive guidance on essential books and materials – recommendations that will support your career as a Sofer and personal growth

Online lessons ensure that distance or time zones do not limit your learning. Recorded sessions are available, so you can review material whenever needed, ensuring full understanding and mastery.

“Even from afar, the sacred work of writing Torah can be learned and perfected with care, devotion, and proper guidance.”

Student Success Stories

Learning Sofrut with Rav Eliyahu has helped many students reach their goals, gaining both knowledge and certification in this sacred art. Here are a few of their stories:

• Video Testimonials – Hear directly from students about their learning journey and achievements.
• Certificate Highlights – See the real results of hard work and dedication, including students who have successfully passed the Vaad Mishmeret Stam examination in Jerusalem.
• Celebrating Achievements – For example, Dr. Dean Gersun completed the Sofrut course and obtained his certification, officially becoming a Sofer STa”M. This recognition reflects his commitment, diligence, and the guidance he received throughout his studies.

These stories demonstrate not only the technical success of learning Sofrut but also the spiritual growth, patience, and precision that students cultivate along the way.

Chessed Ve’Emet wishes Dr Dean Gersun Mazal Tov on his successful completion of the Sofrut course having obtained certification from the international organisation –Vaad Mishmeret Stam. This is a much sort after qualification and recognises the tremendous effort put into the learning necessary to qualify. All learning was done via the Internet with the final examination taking place in Jerusalem. Dr Dean is now officially a Sofer STa”M and is permitted to write Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot.

“Sofrut is a journey — one that transforms both the student and the sacred texts they write.”

Learning Options: Private and Group Classes

Rav Eliyahu offers both private and group learning options, allowing each student to choose the format best suited to their needs, goals, and circumstances.

Private Learning

Private one-on-one sessions provide the most personalised learning experience. These classes allow students to:

• Learn at a pace suited to their individual level
• Ask questions freely and receive focused guidance
• Gain not only knowledge of the material, but also clarity in how to learn it independently

For students wishing to progress deeply and steadily in their studies, private learning offers a unique opportunity to grow both in understanding and confidence.

Group Learning

For those who find private lessons difficult to afford, group classes are offered at a reduced fee. Group learning allows students to:

• Study together with others on the same path
• Benefit from shared questions and discussion
• Learn in a structured setting with set schedules

Group sessions are arranged at times that work best for the group overall. When international time zones make live attendance difficult, recorded sessions are available, and students may also arrange private lessons to catch up on missed material if needed.

Those interested in joining a future group class are welcome to enquire, and their details will be kept on record for upcoming groups.

Who Can Be Accepted to Study Sofrut

Due to the halachic and spiritual responsibility involved in Sofrut, instruction is offered only to those who meet the necessary requirements. These guidelines exist to protect the sanctity of the sacred texts and the Jewish community that relies upon them.

To be accepted to study Sofrut, a prospective student must:

• Be a Jewish male, in accordance with halachic tradition
• Be committed to the path of mainstream Orthodox Judaism
• Be Shomer Shabbat
• Observe the laws of Kashrut
• If married, observe the laws of Taharat HaMishpachah

In addition, the student must be able to:

• Provide a letter of reference from a competent Orthodox rabbi who knows the student personally and can attest to his commitment to Torah observance

If a letter of reference is not available, the student must be willing to participate in a video meeting to discuss background, commitment, and suitability for study.

If a prospective student is not yet fully observing these laws or is still in the process of learning and growth, he is welcome to enquire first so that expectations can be clarified honestly and respectfully.

Sofrut is not only about mastering laws and writing letters. It is about personal responsibility, integrity, and fear of Heaven.

Practical Details and Terms

Teaching Sofrut is offered in a professional and structured manner. To ensure clarity and fairness for all students, the following terms apply:

• Lessons are paid in advance
• Tuition is arranged in blocks of four sessions
• Payment must be completed before lessons begin
• Questions regarding materials, books, or learning requirements are addressed within scheduled lessons

These terms allow the learning to take place with focus, respect, and proper preparation on both sides.

The study of Sofrut requires seriousness, integrity, and mutual respect between teacher and student.

The Story of My Teacher –
The Last Soviet Sofer

Behind every Sofer stands a chain of tradition — a mesorah passed carefully from teacher to student, generation to generation.

Rav Eliyahu had the rare merit of learning Sofrut from a teacher whose life embodied sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to Torah. Known as the Last Soviet Sofer, his teacher preserved the sacred art of Sofrut under conditions where Torah observance itself was forbidden and dangerous.

Against all odds, he continued to write, teach, and transmit the laws and traditions of Sofrut, ensuring that this holy knowledge would not be lost. His dedication was not merely to the craft of writing, but to the soul of the Torah and the future of the Jewish people.

Through this connection, Rav Eliyahu received more than technical instruction. He received a living transmission of responsibility, fear of Heaven, and love for every letter of the Torah — values that continue to guide his teaching today.

Sofrut is not learned from books alone. It is received through mesorah, integrity, and devotion to Torah.

Ready to Begin Your Journey in Sofrut?

If you are serious about becoming a God-fearing Sofer STa”M, and wish to prepare yourself properly for one of the most sacred responsibilities in Torah life, you are warmly invited to be in touch.

Whether your goal is to write your own Mezuzot, Tefillin, Megillot, or to pursue Sofrut as a profession, proper guidance and preparation are essential. With structured learning, clear direction, and commitment, this path can become a source of lifelong meaning and blessing.

To enquire about learning Sofrut online with Rav Eliyahu, please get in touch and introduce yourself. Kindly indicate that you have read this page and are familiar with the requirements and structure of the learning.

👉 Contact Rav Eliyahu
and find out how the online lessons work.

“One who approaches holy work with seriousness and integrity is granted the merit to bring blessing to many.”

The Beauty of Sofrut

Below are examples of sacred writings produced through the traditions and halachic standards taught in these lessons — Megillot and Mezuzot.

Each letter is written with care, intention, and fear of Heaven, following the precise laws handed down through generations of Sofrim. These images reflect not only technical precision, but a deep connection to Torah and mesorah.

“The beauty of Sofrut is not only in the form of the letters, but in the holiness and responsibility behind every stroke.”

👉 Contact Rav Eliyahu and set up a time to meet or to make a START!