The Difference Between The Megilot

Rabbi Shay Tahan

You may have noticed in past years when you went to shul on Purim that some Megillot have a distinct brown, aged appearance, looking quite different from the usual white parchment. These are not new at all; in fact, they reflect the original appearance of Megillot before the standard white parchment became common. This type of parchment is called gvil.

What is Gvil?
Gvil is a type of parchment made from unsplit animal hide, traditionally used for writing Sifrei Torah. Unlike klaf (which is split into two layers: klaf and duchsustus), gvil is made from the entire hide, processed as a single thick piece. Let’s explain this.

The three types of parchment:
In essence, there are three types of parchment used for writing Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzot: Gvil, Klaf, and Duchsustus.
1. Gvil – This is the most ancient form of parchment, made from an animal hide that is tanned as a whole piece. It retains a thicker, natural brown appearance and was commonly used in earlier generations.
2. Klaf – This is the most widely used parchment today. The hide is split, and only the outer layer (closer to the hair side) is used. This results in a smoother, thinner, and whiter parchment.
3. Duchsustus – This parchment is made from the inner layer of the split hide (closer to the flesh side). It was used in some historical contexts, though it is less common today.

The different types of Stam:
Each type of parchment has specific halachic implications regarding its use in writing sacred texts.
Sefer Torah: Gvil is used for writing a Sefer Torah, and while Klaf is also permitted, Gvil is considered to have a stronger halachic preference. While Ashkenazim largely stopped using Gvil for Sifrei Torah, Sephardim throughout the generations in the old countries continued to use it. However, in more recent times, they began using Klaf more frequently due to the decreased availability of Gvil. Today, as advancements in parchment processing have made all types more accessible, Gvil has seen a significant resurgence.
Mezuzah, on the other hand, should ideally be written on Duchsustus. However, today it is universally written on Klaf. There is a distinction in how the writing is done depending on the type of parchment used: when writing on Gvil, it should be inscribed on the outer side where the hair once grew, whereas when writing on Klaf, it is written on the inner side, facing the flesh.
Tefillin, unlike a Sefer Torah and Mezuzah, must be written on Klaf, specifically on the inner side facing the flesh.
Megilat Esther is often compared to a Sefer Torah. Therefore, one who wishes to fulfill the mitzvah at the highest level may use a Megillah written on Gvil, although Klaf is also considered lechatchila.

Key Characteristics of Gvil:
1. Material & Thickness – Gvil is thicker and heavier than klaf, as it retains both layers of the hide.
2. Color & Texture – It often has a darker, more natural tone and a slightly rougher texture than klaf.
3. Durability – Due to its thickness, gvil is generally more durable and resistant to wear over time.
4. Halachic Status – Some authorities argue that gvil is the ideal material for a Sefer Torah, based on traditions traced back to Moshe Rabbeinu.
5. Wriring- Since Gvil has only recently regained popularity, there are relatively few sofrim who know how to write on it, as it presents unique challenges. Although writing on any parchment is difficult—requiring years of continuous practice to achieve straight and beautiful script—writing on Gvil is significantly more challenging than on Klaf, particularly when it comes to maintaining neatness. Additionally, selecting the proper ink is crucial, as many inks do not adhere well to Gvil and may detach over time.
6. Correcting mistakes- Another difficulty arises when correcting mistakes; unlike Klaf, where a sofer can use a sharp knife to scrape off errors, Gvil requires a skilled professional to erase mistakes properly. Otherwise, an unsightly stain may form, diminishing the Megillah’s appearance.
7. sirtut - Another important aspect is the sirtut, the etched lines required on the parchment to guide the writing. Halachically, one must engrave these lines into the parchment and write directly beneath them. This ensures uniformity and precision in the script, preventing crooked or uneven writing. While sirtut is an absolute requirement for a Sefer Torah and Mezuzah, its necessity for a Megillah is debated among poskim. Some maintain that a Megillat Esther must have sirtut like a Sefer Torah, while others hold that it is preferable but not strictly required. Regardless, most sofrim follow the custom of engraving lines even for a Megillah to maintain consistency and enhance its appearance.
The challenge with Gvil is that after engraving the sirtut lines, the parchment may sometimes press back into place, causing the lines to disappear as if they were never made.
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