JERUSALEM — In a world overwhelmed by electronic gadgets that have changed the way we read, write and learn, the Jewish and Islamic arts of calligraphy have preserved their methods for generations.

ORLANDO - The Torah used at the Jewish Academy of Orlando is marked with water spots, smudges, discolorations, rips and the normal wear and tear that comes from regular use. "It's not just a book.

MADISON — A progressive Jewish congregation in Madison is poised to become the first in the city and perhaps one of only a dozen or so in the world to own a Torah scroll written by a female scribe.

A sofer, or ritual scribe, will give a free demonstration of making Torah scrolls, tefillin and mezuzahs at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Chabad Center, 1880 E. 54th St., Davenport. The mezuzah, or small ...