Cops Bust Two Haredi Torah Scribes For Alleged Tax Evasion Conspiracy, Money Laundering
One sofer (scribe) lives in Kfar Chabad and the other lives in Bnei Brak.
Yeshiva World reports:
Tax inspectors accompanied by police on Monday morning 25 Sivan 5773 arrested two sofrim, one in Bnei Brak and one in Kfar Chabad. The two are members of the “אגודת השוחטים” and they are alleged to be evading taxes and involved in money laundering by issuing fictitious pay stubs. In addition, a number of avreichim affiliated with the chassidish community were detained for questioning. Homes were inspected in both Bnei Barak and Kfar Chabad, homes belonging to scribes.Authorities have learned the organization, “אגודת השוחטים” has been around for some time but it has been inactive. Officials suspect the organization is being used as a front to hide illegal activities, primarily to pay scribes (sofrei STaM) while sidestepping the requirement of paying taxes.
Another kiddush Hashem by the Holy Ones.
Posted by: David | June 03, 2013 at 06:38 PM
I had thought that Jewish law said that if an error was found in a pay stub, the scribe would have to bury it, say some prayers, and write a new one from the beginning.
Posted by: Sarek | June 03, 2013 at 06:43 PM
Anything you buy from a sofer is for cash. You can't possibly believe they report anything to the IRS (or its Israeli equivalent).
Posted by: WoolSilkCotton; I must be seen to be believed | June 03, 2013 at 06:56 PM
So tell me - is any service conducted using a Torah scribed by one of these characters retroactively non-Kosher and all mitzvot conducted in those shuls using them null and void? Weddings and Bar Mitzvot and all?
Nah - just wishful thinking. They'll just have the women in those congregations wear burkas for a year to atone for these sins with extra tznius.
Posted by: S M L | June 03, 2013 at 08:04 PM
SML....
Torah written by a goniff: OK
Torah written by a woman: The ground should open up like we are going to read in this week's parasha.
Posted by: Steven W | June 03, 2013 at 09:48 PM
omg
and a holy torah!!!
written by jerks that aren't honest and pure.
omg
Posted by: ruthie | June 04, 2013 at 08:01 AM