Ashuri alphabet

The Ashuri alphabet (Hebrew: k'tav ashuri) is a formal script used in certain Jewish ceremonial items, including Sefer Torah, Mezuzah, Tefillin also abriviated as STA"M [ [http://www.jewfaq.org/alephbet.htm Judaism 101: Hebrew Alphabet ] ] . It is also referred to as the “square” script or Assyrian script. According to another opinion in the Talmud, the reason it is called Ashuri, is because it is an "Enriched" (from the word Osher) text.

There are many rules concerning the proper formation of letters if the written text is to be valid for religious purposes. [ [http://www.bayit02.freeserve.co.uk/html/alef_to_gimel.htm Some details on letters, with animations] ]

The Ashkenaz, Sefard, Chabad (Lubavitch), and Am Mizrachi (Iraqi Jews) each have their own calligraphic tradition in the method by which each letter is formed, however the final shape of each letter conforms to the legal standard regardless of the calligrapher. While the shapes of the letters are the same, styles can be quite different. Generally, while each tradition favors their own calligraphic style as preferable, none consider the tradition of the other "posul" (invalid) for "Sifrei Torah" (Torah scrolls) or any other ritually used scroll or parchment.

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ee Also

Ktav Ivri