ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ktav Stam

Ktav stam is the fancy writing that Jewish people traditionally use when they write things like Torah scrolls, mezuzahs, and tefillin. It's kind of like a special alphabet or set of letters that people have been using for a really long time.

Imagine you're learning how to write your letters in school, like the letter A or B. Now, pretend that instead of just one way to write each letter, there are lots and lots of different ways to write them. And, on top of that, certain letters have to be written a very specific way in order for them to be kosher (which means that they're okay to use for religious purposes).

That's kind of what ktav stam is like - it's a special way of writing that carries a lot of meaning and importance for people who use it. It's not easy to learn, and people who are trained in writing it are highly skilled. But, when you see something written in ktav stam, you know it's going to be something very special and meaningful.