Which of us have had experience winnowing? When was the last time you used a weaving loom?
A real well! Or is it? This miniature well takes center stage in the center of the lawn. It’s a real-life demonstration of a discussion in the Gemara about carrying water from a well on Shabbos. If there are trees in the corners, would they act as a “wall” so that people camping over Shabbos (because they’re in the middle of a journey) could draw water for their camels on Shabbos? It’s fascinating to see a lifelike model of this idea, which is hard for us to picture. It’s a far cry from faucets!
Our next stop is a small shed, demonstrating the melachos involved in preparing parchment and writing. Although we’re used to pen and paper, sofrim still use the same techniques and materials that they did in ancient times — animal parchment, quill, and ink.
Rabbi Hershkowitz gives continuous explanation, and there are clear printed signs at each exhibit that tells us the relevant melachah from hilchos Shabbos.
Writing a sefer Torah doesn’t start with dipping your quill in ink, either; it begins with a live animal! That animal has to be trapped (tzad), shechted (shochet), and skinned (mafshit), to create parchment.
Create a free account to keep reading.
