Vaad Mishmeres Sta"m (VMS):

Vaad Mishmeres Sta"m (VMS) was established in 1976 by Rabbis Dovid Leib Greenfield and Shmuel Eliyahu Granatstien to ensure the halachic integrity of Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzos. VMS gained the support of prominent Jewish leaders, including Harav Shmuel Halevi Wosner, and partnered with The Eidah Hachareidis to require sofrim (scribes) to be certified in their knowledge of halachos (Jewish laws) concerning Sta”m, renewing their certification every three years.

In 1984, VMS introduced the first computer program to check for errors in Sifrei Torah, revealing that only 18 out of the first 100 checked were kosher.

In recent years, VMS expanded its activities under the guidance of Harav Moshe Sha'ul Klein. Efforts included re-establishing the importance of sofrim certification through public awareness campaigns and organizing rabbinical assemblies to support this initiative. VMS  was able to officially certify over 500 sofrim within just six months. To make this process more conducive and accessible VMS has now increased the number of testing locations as well as an increase of the Rabbonim involved, with currently more than 20 Rabbonim in over 12 cities in Israel.

VMS is independent, not involved in the commercial sale of Torah Scrolls, Mezuzos, or Tefillin, and serves any institution or individual requesting aid on Sta”m matters, focusing solely on halachic requirements without compromise.

·  Shiurim: VMS initiated various series of shiurim (lessons) on Sta”m halachos, with over 50 already started in 2023 and another 75 shiurim are planned for 2024 (with many already under way).

·  Batei Horaah: Established batei horaah (houses of instruction) for sofrim to get immediate answers to their questions and receive guidance from experts. The locations of these batei horaah currently include: Yerushalayim, Beit Shemesh, Kiryat Sefer, Beitar, and Bnei Brak.

·  Kollelim: VMS runs night kollelim (study groups) for sofrim to enhance their knowledge and reliability, with 250 sofrim having completed the learning cycle.

·  Sofrim Convention: An annual conference for certified sofrim offering expert advice and practical writing tips.

·  Computer Checking Program: VMS is updating its computer program to improve efficiency and accessibility for public use.

• Certification for sofrim
• Free consultation services for consumers.
• 24-hour answering service by Rabbonim for immediate halachic queries from sofrim