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Rabbi Yisrael Elgrabli
Rabbi Ezra Ghodsi
What is Genizah?
Genizah is the term used for burying, or literally hiding, sacred items, as regular disposal is not appropriate for holy items. Many communities refer to this as Shaimos which means names – referring to the holiness embodied in the Name of Hashem which is the essence of genizah.
Which items require genizah?
Anything that has either A) intrinsic kedushah (holiness) or B) was used to service items that have kedushah require genizah. However, items without intrinsic kedushah, even if they were used for the performance of a mitsvah, do not require genizah.
What items are considered to have intrinsic kedushah?
Intrinsic kedushah refrers to things that contain the Name of Hashem or words of Torah. Common examples are:
- A Sefer Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzot.
- A page containing a few words from a Passuk, or of Hazal - our Sages, or even stories from the Parasha.
- Homework sheets containing any of the above would also require genizah.
What type of items that service kedushah require genizah?
Something that is ancillary, that services kedushah, also requires genizah. This can be either if it is A) for the honor and respect of the sacred item or B) if it is for the protection of the sacred item. If used for the honor of kedushah, they require genizah even if they do not come directly in contact, however, if used only for protection they do not require genizah if there is no direct contact with the sacred item. Some examples are:
- A case or cloth cover of a Sefer Torah.
- Torah ornaments such as the rimonim; although they do not directly touch the Sefer Torah, they are there for the honor of the Sefer.
- Tefillin cases as they come in direct contact with Tefillin, or the cover for the shel yad.
- Straps of Tefillin; they are considered part and parcel of the Tefillin.
- The cover of a Sefer that was torn off.
A Tefillin bag, aka – koracha, or Mezuzah case are primarily made for protection and since they do not have direct contact (as the mezuzah is wrapped in plastic) they do not require genizah. They can be double wrapped or sealed in bags and discarded. However, many say that if they are nice and are made also for honor, then they should be put in genizah. According to all the wrapping on the mezuzah requires genizah and the plastic covering on the Tefillin bag does not require genizah.
Does it make a difference if it is printed or handwritten?
Anything which has intrinsic kedushah, whether they are handwritten, printed, or photocopied, and whether they are written in Hebrew or any other language, all require genizah. Therefore, even words of Torah written in English require genizah. For example, this article requires genizah!
How do I handle my tsitsit?
Tsitsit is used for a mitsvah and does not have intrinsic kedushah and therefore does not require genizah. However, it yet deserves respect and should not be thrown straight in the garbage, therefore one should double wrap or seal it in a bag before disposing. Some have the custom to bury the tsisit strings that have become invalid.
What do I do with Sukkah decorations?
Sukkah decorations do not have intrinsic kedushah and do not require genizah, however, they should be double wrapped or sealed in a bag before they are discarded. However, if they have the Name of Hashem, pessukim, or quotes of our Sages written on them, then they would require genizah. Pictures of tsadikim do not require genizah.
What about children's books with stories of tsadikim?
Stories of tsadikim do not require genizah, however if they contain quotes of our Sages or pessukim, they require genizah.
Is it permissible to write Torah words in a place where there is a concern that they may come to be disrespected?
It is forbidden to write Hashem's name in a way that it will come to be disgraced, such as when writing letters and correspondence. It is also proper to avoid printing Torah words and prayers on invitations or ads where they may come to be disrespected, even if they do not contain Hashems Names. One can alter the Passuk or quote of Gemara, thereby avoiding the need for genizah. Another common example can be printing the text of the "Al Hamihya" blessing and the "Tefilat Haderech" on food portions distributed on airplanes.
