As we clean our homes, it is not uncommon to come across many items,
other than chametz, that we would like to discard. Questions often arise regarding papers or
publications that bear Hebrew letters and may be considered shaimos, religious items or texts,
which require special disposal.
Therefore, we present the following guidelines established
by our Av Beth Din, HaRav Gedalia Dov Schwartz, shlit''a.
In regard to disposal of items containing Hebrew script, etc. and shaimos, the following guidelines are recommended:
• Any parts of Kisvei Kodesh such as Tanach, Gemara, and siddurim, etc. must have geniza, burial of religious items. This includes tefillin, mezuzot, rabbinic sefarim, and mezuzah covers.
• It would be advisable that worksheets, etc. not be reproduced or written in ksav ashuri
(printed Hebrew letters – not
handwritten script) if possible,
and it is advisable that entire
p’sukim not be reproduced. These worksheets then can also be recycled.
• Jewish newspapers may be put into double plastic bags and
then disposed of. This includes such publications as the Jewish
Press, the Yated, etc.
• In Jewish publications such
as Likutei P’shatim and shul
newsletters, only the Divrei
Torah sections must have geniza.
The social sections may be recycled.
Important: We no longer can dispose of shaimos. |