Neil H. Yerman -- Sofer and Artist

  • Specializing in working with Reform, Conservative, and Unaffiliated Congregations

  • Original art for individuals and organizations

Neil Yerman Photo

Meet the Sofer —

Neil Yerman is a sofer — a person who writes and restores Torah scrolls.  In English, the Hebrew word sofer is translated as “scribe.”  To become a sofer, a Jewish person must master the art of Hebrew calligraphy, document restoration, and the many rules and traditions governing the writing and restoring of a Torah.  In addition, a sofer must lead a religious life.

Meet the Artist —

Sofer Yerman is also an artist who specializes in creating one-of-a-kind illustrated documents for life cycle events, creating ketubot for weddings, scrolls for bar and bat mitzvah, and illustrated family trees.


 Biography   The Torah 


  Read this featured story in the New York Times:  
  “Congregation Writes Torah, With Help From a Scribe” 


2006–2007 Programs

Neil Yerman on Film

  • Write For Yourselves (www.writeforyourselves.com) — a documentary about the Torah: “Write For Yourselves” focuses on the process of creating a Torah scroll so that its words are accurately preserved from generation to generation.

Sofer Neil Yerman in the News


Grolier Club Presentation, New York City, July 2003

“Aleph-Bet : Torah Concealed / Torah Revealed”

Sofer Neil Yerman featured on NPR & The Osgood File

May 13, 2002 — Beth Friend of NPR reports from St. Paul, Minnesota, where an entire congregation is participating in the usually solitary act of restoring a Torah.  Listen to the NPR Story.  (You will also need Real Player to play this file. Click the icon above to download.)

From the Osgood File, September 12, 2002:  Modern day Torah scribe painstakingly creates the centerpiece of Jewish faith.


Sofer Neil Yerman explains sacred letters of the alphabet that require “crowns.”
Examining a Torah scroll

Neil Yerman introduces the writing of the Torah to a young student and his mother.
A young child writes a letter in the Torah under the guidance of sofer Neil Yerman.

Opening up the Torah for all to see.


Sofer Neil H. Yerman
In Residence at Sinai Free Temple
550 North Columbus Avenue
Mt. Vernon, NY 10552
914-663-6662
E-mail Sofer Neil Yerman
Home Studio: 212-744-4355

Links to Related Sites

Jewish Appleseed Foundation (JewishAppleseed.org):
The site provides basic information about Judaism and Jewish life, an outreach to Jews and non-Jews.

Wedding Rabbi (WeddingRabbi.org):
Jewish wedding officiant, Rabbi Jo David, creates meaningful weddings and commitment ceremonies for Jewish and interfaith couples.

The Reform Jewish Community of Hamelin, Germany (JGHReform.org):
Jüdische Gemeinde Hameln, founded in 1997, is the first organized Jewish community to be established in Hamlin since the Holocaust.

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue (swfs.org):
Dedicated to the prophetic ideal of freedom in the pulpit & pew, school & society.