There are many laws regarding the disposal of sacred articles, known as Shaimos. Let’s discuss what Shaimos is, how it relates to your Chayenu, and how one is supposed to show their respect for it.

As we will see, it is because of the holiness of these items and the important relevance that it has in your life that they need to be discarded respectfully.

What is Shaimos?

The word “Shaimos” (from the phrase “Shaimos sh’einam nimchakim”), which literally means ‘names,’ refers to the names of G-d that are forbidden to be erased. Today, Shaimos became a generic term for all articles that contain some form of holiness and must be disposed of in a respectful way.

The Background

The Torah commands, You must destroy all the sites at which the nations you are to dispossess worshiped their gods… obliterating their name from that site… Do not worship your G-d in like manner (Devarim 12:2-4). The sages teach (Makkot 22a) that included in this commandment is a biblical prohibition to erase G-d’s name. Also prohibited is the destruction of Torah scripture (Rambam, Sefer Hamitzvos, Negative Commandment 65), regardless if it was hand-written, with ink on a scroll, or if it is printed as a book (Magen Avraham, Orach Chaim 154:9). Even if there is no explicit mention of G-d’s name, but it is holy scripture, it may not be disposed of in any destructive or disrespectful manner.

Therefore, if there are objects that contain this degree of holiness, which are unable to be used anymore, it would have to be discarded in a respectful manner. These items are commonly called Shaimos.

Discarding Shaimos

The conventional method of discarding Shaimos is burying it in the ground. Since not everyone has a way or doesn’t know exactly how to bury their Shaimos, they set it aside in a designated area (in their home), until they have a respectful manner to dispose of it. (E.g., Shaimos trucks that come to certain neighborhoods to collect Shaimos, or stores who have a collection service, etc.). This respectful manner of setting aside and “throwing away” these holy articles is commonly described as “putting it in Shaimos.”

[It is interesting to note that not all holy articles are disposed of in the same manner. There are numerous categories of holy objects, each category having its own standard of required respect and disposing of its items (Megillah 26b; Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, ch. 154). For example, some items may not be thrown in the trash, but if it is disposed of in a respectful manner, such as in a clean bag, that may be permitted.]  

Now you understand why Shaimos plays a very important role in how a Jew cares for his holy articles, old books and Torah based subscriptions and magazines.

It is because of the holiness of these items and the important relevance that it has in your life that they need to be discarded respectfully.

Reasons and Benefits

Sefer Hachinuch explains that G-d commanded to treat His name with such respect as this arouses a person with a fear of heaven (Commandment 437).

Pirkei Avos (6:6) mentions 48 conditions through which Torah is acquired, among them is the need to have a sense of fear of your studies. Mishnas Chachamim explains that by caring for holy articles with respect, making sure not to disgrace or mistreat it, one is complying with this condition, enhancing his ability to understand and acquire his Torah learning (Ma’alah 5-6, par. 205).

Shaimos and Your Chayenu

Your Chayenu is full of Torah literature – that is why you subscribe to it – and therefore deserves to be cared for with respect and holiness. We understand that this can be an added responsibility, so here are some suggestions:

• Place a box in a closet or minimally used area in your house, and place all used Chayenus in the box, until you have an opportunity to dispose of it in a respectful manner.
• CH Shipping Center offers a service where they will send you a box and take care of the disposal for you. 

Note: The laws of Shaimos are intricate and detailed, with numerous opinions on the permitted manner of discarding these items in a respectful manner.  Contact your Rabbi for practical guidance in this area.

To purchase a Shaimos box go to chayenu.org/shaimos-box