When one trains to become a sofer, he is trained to write STa”M, not to check STa”M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzos). A magiah, on the other hand, is trained to check and fix any and all issues that may arise while checking STa”M written by any given Sofer. It’s a little bit like the difference between an author and an editor. While their training and skill sets are completely different, they heavily rely on each other’s expertise to produce a complete product. It should be noted that a Sofer may also be a Magiah (and vise versa). But when we need our STa”M checked, we must be certain that we are giving it to a someone who is a certified and properly trained magiah.

When STAMP was founded in 2019, the STa”M industry was facing a severe magiah shortage. It was clear that we would only succeed in our mission to bring greater transparency and reliability to the field if we increase the number of properly trained and certified magihim. We like to call STAMP the first-ever “Quality Control Department” of STa”M. Every individual STa”M item must pass a full inspection process before receiving STAMP-certification. Thus, the cornerstones of our work are our magihim. Aside from ensuring that STAMP’s checking branch is staffed with the world’s top magihim, we also strive to equip communities around the world with their own magiah, a top-rate STa”M expert.

Being a STAMP-certified magiah means that you have been trained on the highest possible level and are therefore the go-to address for your community’s STa”M needs. This can range from checking Mezuzos, Tefillin and Sifrei Torah (as well as computer check) to fixing a torn Sefer Torah to helping a community member obtain a proper pair of tefillin and much more. Being a magiah is not just a hobby. It can be a full-time profession, depending on how much time one is willing to dedicate to it. Additionally, as a STAMP-certified Magiah, you will be listed on STAMP’s website as a trusted STa”M expert, thereby making your services even more widely accessible to those even outside your specific community.

There are two answers to this question: When a STa”M item is first created, it is halachically required to undergo a checking process by certified magihim (as well as a computer check) before being sold.

However, after the item is in use, it depends on the item: Mezuzos must be checked twice every seven years and tefillin should ideally be checked every 10-15 years. Even items such as a Sefer Torah, Megillos and Sifrei Nevi’im that do not require checking every few years, still require fixing/correcting every so often.