Commentary for Shabbat 158:7

דיו כדי לכתוב:

Shall we say that the following supports him: When tefillin or a Torah Scroll wear out, a <i>mezuzah</i> may not be made of them,<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' E.g., if the margin is in good condition and fit for use. ');">¹⁸</span> because we may not debase [anything] from a higher<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Lit., 'from a graver … lighter'. ');">¹⁹</span> sanctity to a lower sanctity. Thus there is the reason that we may not debase, but if we might debase, we could make [a <i>mezuzah</i>]: now, whereon is it written? Surely it means that it is written on duksutos?<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Which supports Rab. ');">²⁰</span> — No: It Is written upon parchment [<i>kelaf</i>]. — But may a <i>mezuzah</i> be written upon <i>kelaf</i>? — Yes. And it was taught [likewise]: If one writes it on <i>kelaf</i>, on paper, or on a cloth strip, it is unfit. R. Simeon b. Eleazar said: R. Meir used to write it<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' R. Meir was an expert calligraphist — a much esteemed talent before the invention of printing. ');">²¹</span> upon <i>kelaf</i>, because it keeps [better]. Now that you have arrived at this [conclusion],<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' That a mezuzah may be written upon kelaf. ');">²²</span> according to Rab too, do not say. <i>Duksustos</i> is as <i>kelaf</i> but say, <i>kelaf</i> is as <i>duksustos</i>: just as a <i>mezuzah</i> may be written upon <i>duksustos</i>, so may it be written upon <i>kelaf</i>. INK, FOR WRITING [TWO LETTERS].

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