Writing or Fixing?

Above: A new small Tefillin passage that I wrote. Below: Before and after fixing on a torah that had faded badly.

Writing something from scratch is always a joy. You are free to use your own style and form the letters using the forms that you have been taught and have developed into. It is simply magical to see the letters appear on what was previously blank k'laf (parchment). You are conduit for the words and you can lose yourself in them. And the act of creation is truly yours. No others.

Fixing however is very different. The creative act has been done by another and instead you are acting as an expert in restoration trying to repair damage done by the passage of time or individuals. Wrtiting over someone elses k'tav is by definition limiting as you try your best to avoid a patchwork look to the Torah. Nonetheless to see a piece restored to near its inital glory is also magical and one of the best feelings. One has saved something from disuse and there is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment that that brings, particularly if the damage was extensive.

Both actvitites have massive merit and a sofer will need to busy themselves in both. Sometimes, however, when one is labouring under the pressure of endless repairs and corrections one yearns for the freedom of the blank k'laf. Few shuls (or individuals) however want new. Second hand, restored (or in some cases second hand and unrestored - i.e. pasul) seem to be the order of the day. Shame really.