Ketav Ashurit: The Torah Script

Is Ketav Ashurit holy?

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There  is indeed some holiness to the “Ashurit” script, the script used for writing holy scrolls, and as such, many authorities oppose using that style of writing for mundane or routine documents. It is explained that a script reserved for the holiest items in Judaism should not be used for secular matters. They argue that since it is the script used for Torah scrolls and other sacred texts, it should not be used for secular documents, especially since most such documents soon find their way to the garbage.

According to some, even the original Torah written by Moshe Rabbeinu was written in Ketav Ashurit as were the Ten Commandments (others say that the original Torah and Ten Commandments were written in Ivri script, a script essentially no longer used). Either way, we are told that it is a writing style with “exalted holiness” and “deep secrets.”

There is much discussion on whether bar mitzva and wedding invitations may be written in Ashurit script and it is better not to do so owing to the holiness of the script and the likelihood that the invitation will soon find its way to the garbage.

The ban on using Ashurit script for secular matters only applies when forming the letters exactly as they appear in the Torah. However, if one alters the style to the point that the letter would not be valid for a Torah (or other scrolls) then one would be permitted to use such script.

Sanhedrin 21b; YD 284 with commentaires; Radbaz 44; Magen Avraham 334:17; Rema, YD 284:1; Aruch Hashulchan , YD 284:8;