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Is there an online virtual Sefer Torah (in 3D) that could be rolled and unrolled?

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    Obviously it wouldn't have the sanctity of a real Torah scroll. Are you asking if anyone has put up some sort of animation? What would be the advantages?
    – Shalom
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 10:34
  • Yes, that's what I'm asking. It would just be an interesting thing, that's all. They have VR versions of everything so I thought maybe someone might had made as you said, a nice animation of a Torah scroll.
    – user28700
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 10:38
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    Here is a complete open source online scan of a Torah scroll commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/…
    – Double AA ♦
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 12:26
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    This post contains two questions: 1) Does this product exist, and 2) Would it be halachically problematic. These are two very different kinds of questions, and I think they should be addressed in separate posts. Therefore, I would encourage you to edit the second question out of this post, post it as a separate question post, and when you do so, clarify what kinds of halachic issues you think may apply (e.g. permissibility of creating such a product, suitability of such a product for use in a synagogue service, permissibility of casual use, conditions of use, etc.)
    – Isaac Moses ♦
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 14:57
  • Did anyone ever find a VR Torah scroll?
    – Rabbi Kaii
    Commented Jun 14, 2023 at 21:32

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By definition a Torah scroll used in synagogue must be made of parchment. An online version would just be images, no different from any other online file.

From Maimonides:

It is a rule dating back to Moses who received it on Sinai that the scroll of the Law should be written on Gewil (whole hide parchment), and the writing should be on the side which had been next to the hair.

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    Aside from the point that it can't be used on Shabbos and Yom Tov(!)
    – Dov
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 8:37
  • Of course, but aren't there Chumashim with the Torah written not on parchment and websites with the complete text of the Torah? How is it different to give it a slightly different digital representation, as you have said (no different from any other online file.) And you are right there are those who would attempt to access such a thing on Shabbat and Yom Tov. Not pushing the idea to market, but B&H photo and ArtScroll both have ways of dealing with this (I know because I'm on a different continent and after Havdallah they are still enjoying Shabbat rest)
    – user28700
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 10:37
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    I'm not sure how this answers the question
    – Double AA ♦
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 12:04
  • @DoubleAA, this appears to be addressing the last part of the post, which may be better off as a separate post.
    – Isaac Moses ♦
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 14:53
  • @IsaacMoses And what halachic problem exactly is there exactly? Or is this saying there isn't a problem?
    – Double AA ♦
    Commented May 26, 2022 at 14:54