[Avodah] Retzuos that are Black on Both Sides

[Micha Berger via Avodah]

There was a bachur next to me this morning whose retzu'os were painted
black on both sides. And I believe I know why this is done, in case
a retzu'ah gets flipped. Or perhaps to be chosheish for the Rambam's
description of such retzu'os being "noi".

The MB 933:21 tells us not to follow the Rambam, whereas the Keses
haSofer (written by R' Ganzfried of the QSA) says even the *sides*
should be black.

But the site got me wondering:

1- If the bottom is painted, why wouldn't the cholqim on the Rambam
consider the paint a chatzitzah between the retzu'ah and the head or arm?

2- If the leather is soaked in dye untile its absorbed and the leather
is fully black (a process developed about 12-13 years ago), how do we
know it's still valid material from which to make a retzu'ah?

R YS Elyashiv is reported by R' Mordeschai Friedlander (a noted sofer
and poseiq, a reliable source) to hold they're fine. I am not challenging
their kashrus. It just struck me that both seem valid concerns. I
assume the talented chevrah can find holes in my problems.

Tir'u baTov!
-Micha

-- 
Micha Berger             Today is the 11th day, which is
micha at aishdas.org        1 week and 4 days in/toward the omer.
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