Song of Travel

In Parshas Masei, we read the pesukim of Klal Yisroel’s travel in the Midbar with a special tune. This tune connotes happiness and gave way to the term “Shiras Hamasa’os” “Song of the Travel’s”. A unique phenomenon can be observed throughout the past 600 or so years, despite the fact that there is no written record of this custom. That is, Sofrim began writing these pesukim in a unique format, creating an “ariach al gabai ariach” structure, similar to the shira in Parshas Ha’azinu.

Approximately 600 year old Western European Sefer Torah. Notice the distinct attempt to format the pesukim according to the way it is sung.

Ukrainian Sefer Torah

The discussion about this style of writing is not found in the seforim dealing with the halachos of Sifrei Torah, rather in teshuvos - tellingly, from Lithuanian Poskim. The majority of opinions rule that this is an acceptable practice, albeit not encouraged.