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Q&A: Burying a Tiny Book of Psalms

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This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.

Burying a Tiny Book of Psalms

Question

Hello,
I received a tiny book of Psalms (about 3 cm). Is there an obligation to place it in genizah, given that it was not written for the sake of studying/reading from it?
Thank you very much.

Answer

This is a complicated question in practical Jewish law.
First, it is not clear that writing for the sake of study is required. Second, if people have in fact already studied from it, then the stage of mere designation already passed. And third, with a printed book that was not handwritten, there is doubt whether it has the status of a sacred book at all. (Regarding rescue from a fire, Rabbi Yosef Porat wrote in Tosafot on the chapter “All Holy Writings” that printed chumashim and books of the Oral Torah have the same status as a Torah scroll. But there they were still writing them by hand.) And perhaps the divine names in it—especially if they are written without dashes and the like—are no worse than substitute names or allusions (such as “God,” which is common in print). Finally, if the book was bought for “protection” (as is common in our circles), there is room to relate to it as a book written by a heretic.
In summary, even so, I would place it in genizah. That is the accepted approach, and I am not sufficiently convinced to change it.

Discussion on Answer

Amir (2020-12-27)

Thank you very much

You can read it with a magnifying glass (2020-12-27)

With God's help, 12 Tevet 5781

You can read a miniature book of Psalms with a magnifying glass. The book’s tiny size makes it possible to carry it in your pocket wherever you go, and then whenever you have a free moment, you take out the magnifying glass and read from it.

Fine polished lenses for eyeglasses and magnifying lenses can be obtained from me at the shop, and meanwhile you can also enjoy a philosophical conversation with me. Special discount for readers of the site.

With blessings,
Baruch Spinoza, optician, Amsterdam

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