Sheimos (Genizah) Archives - Page 2 of 2

Can we throw away a used Tefillin bag and a Mezuza case, or do they have to go with Shaimos?

They are both considered a תשמיש קדושה (usage of holiness) and they should be placed in Geniza. Sources: See Shulchan Aruch Harav (Orach Chayim 42:6). Shulchan Aruch Orach…

Which parts of the Aron Kodesh need to be buried when it is no longer being used?

The inside box that holds the Torah? The doors also? How about the entire design on the outside that makes it look larger and is part of the extended…

I work for a Jewish non-profit, at times we get mail from non-jewish individuals with letters or paraphernalia that use the word G-d (in its full form- with an “O”) or the word Lord, can I throw it out in the garbage?

Hashem’s name written in other languages has no kedusha and may be erased. Nonetheless, one should not write it without a separation of a dash, and if written, one…

What do you do with Tzitzis after they become Pasul?

Tzitzis strings are considered tashmishei mitzvah, articles used for a mitzvah. This means that they themselves are not sacred; they are merely used for a mitzvah. Therefore, after they…

Can I throw in the trash old Menorahs and oil cups?

Yes. However, it’s best to wrap first in something and then discard. ראה גנזי הקודש טז הערה יט. יט, יג. #6466

Can we throw away a dried up Esrog, or does it have to go with Shaimos?

May be discarded in a respectful manner (such as placing it in a separate bag before putting in the garbage). Best to use it for another Mitzvah, such as…

Reform Books: Garbage or Shaimos?

Question: I found a big book on a shelf in Shul that is put together by reform "Rabbis" and L'havdil "based on Tanach". I hesitate if to put it…

Can one conclude from this Ksav Yad that its more lenient to throw out a paper with בס”ד than with ב”ה?

Ksav Yad Kodesh There is a discussion between the Poskim on this subject. Some say that one should be Machmir Le'Chathila to write בס"ד and not ב"ה in order…

Is it okay to have my name written in a Smicha certificate with Ksav Stam (Ashuri)?

There is no Issur to do so. However, ideally כתב אשורי should be used only for holy matters. Sources: הנה, בשו״ת הרמב״ם בלאו רסח: הטעם השני אשר…

הסיסמה של הכינוס ל”ג בעומר השנה אצלנו הוא “והנה ה’ נצב עליו…” (תניא). האם מותר להשתמש במילים אלו על הפרסומות ברחובות העיר?

אם משתמשים רק במלים הללו בלבד: ״והנה ה׳ נצב עליו״ - אפשרי. ומכל מקום, יש לברר אם אין מנהג מקובל בעירו, שלא יהא פריצת גדר ח״ו. וגם בלאו הכי אינו…

Can I put N’shei chabad magazines into the recycling, or does it have to go into Shaimos?

Being that there are complete Torah thoughts, it would qualify as Shaimos. You may remove the Shaimos parts and discard the rest. See here.

Article: Shaimos Bag How-To: Where does it go before Genizah?

Judaica stores sell special boxes that are marked for Genizah (cached storage of holy material). One can fill the box with their Shaimos (literal translation: names, i.e., worn out holy material),…