Sacred Letters – Chen the Sofer

I’m Chen, a Sofer Stam and father of seven. After 9 months in Gaza and southern Israel as a reservist, I’m rebuilding my business and my routine—so I can continue writing sacred texts and serving my Haredi community.

Micro lending, Macro Impact

For 9 months, I served in a combat unit identifying fallen soldiers in Gaza and the south. During that time, my business was shut down. My workshop—a small caravan where I write Torah scrolls and tefillin—was damaged by rain, ruining a Sefer Torah in progress. This loan will help me replace my tools, fix the space I work in, restock materials, and reach new clients through advertising.

My business - My spark

I’m a Sofer Stam and dealer. I write mezuzot, tefillin, and Torah scrolls in Yemenite and Sephardic scripts, and also sell Ashkenazi and Chabad tefillin. I import a special ink from the U.S. called “Eternal Ink”, restore tefillin, and supply other sacred writing tools. This work requires precision, halachic expertise, and patience—every letter must be exact. I serve Haredi and religious clients with deep reverence and love for the craft.

A few more words

After months of intense reserve duty and witnessing heartbreaking scenes, I’m slowly rebuilding—myself and my livelihood. For 9 months, I couldn’t run my business and suffered heavy financial loss. Your support means more than words can say. May God bless you and your families for your generosity. I wish I could thank you face to face.