Q - When writing a letter for a Sefer Torah, why and how important is it to choose the letter that begins your Hebrew name?
A - Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a expressed that it is not essential to choose a letter of your name for the fulfillment of this mitzvah. However, we do find a source for this widespread tradition and it is based on the saying; "There are six hundred thousand letters in the Torah" (see next question) and in the belief that each individual of Klal Ysroel has a letter representing him. (Hanechemodim Mipaz p. 792 – Vaiyzboir Yosef 2 and Alef K'sav 11,3 in the name of Rav Akiva Eiger ZT"L).
Nitey Gavriel (Ksivas Sefer Torah 13,7) quotes in the name of the Arizal and Neos Deshe, that it is customary during the lifting (Hagbaha) of the Torah, not only to gaze on the letters but to try to also find a letter that matches the first one on your name.
Rabbi a. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
