For the source text click/tap here: Menachot 42
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Rav Ḥinnana the son of Rava from Pashronya taught: A Sefer Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot that were written by a min (heretic), kuti, goy, eved (non-Jewish slaves), ishah (women), katan (minors) and Yisrael meshummad (apostate) are invalid, based on the passage in Sefer Devarim (6:8-9) that connects laying tefillin and writing mezuzot. This passage is understood to teach that only those obligated in laying tefillin can be involved with writing them.
The Ritva explains that this teaching is applied to tefillin and mezuzot about which the passage is speaking, as well as Sefer Torah which has a higher level of sanctity.
We continue our exploration of the techeiles dye.
