Editing Writing a Torah Scroll (section)

=== Explanation of the Approaches of the Rambam and the Rosh ===
The Rebbe explains that there is no difference between the opinions of the Rosh and the Rambam regarding the definition of the commandment to write, whether it is for the purpose of study. From the content of the Rosh's words - "This was in earlier generations, etc." - they follow the language and opinion of the Rambam (which he quoted beforehand). From this, it is understood that the Rosh did not intend to introduce a new definition of the commandment to write a Torah scroll, but only to distinguish (between time periods) regarding which books to write, that "nowadays" the commandment is "to write Chumashim, Mishnah, Gemara, and their commentaries to study them, he and his sons."

The Rebbe continues to explain that the essential nature of the commandment remains the same, and only the manner of fulfilling it changes. The Rebbe explains the ruling of the Rama, "But if one bought it as is and did not correct anything in it, it is like snatching a mitzvah from the marketplace and one does not fulfill the obligation with this." One fulfills the obligation only if "he hired a scribe to write a Torah scroll for him, or he purchased one that had errors and corrected it." This ruling applies only to writing a Torah scroll, but regarding Chumashim, Mishnah, Gemara, and their commentaries, which "nowadays" fulfill the commandment of "write for yourselves" (according to the Rosh), according to all opinions, one fulfills the obligation by purchasing books and studying them. The Rebbe explains that according to all opinions, the commandment of "write for yourselves" is defined as "receiving the Torah," which is accomplished through one's action of taking and receiving the Torah and studying it.