Showing Honor for the Torah

It is well known that one must stand whenever the Torah is paraded in the synagogue or is otherwise in motion.[1] It is interesting to note, however, that there is actually no explicit source for this practice. It is simply the result of a logical inference: if one is required to stand in honor of a Torah scholar who passes by then one is certainly obligated to stand for the Torah itself when it passes by.[2] One who is already standing and certainly one who is walking is required to stand still when the Torah passes.[3]

It is also considered praiseworthy to accompany the Torah whenever it is in motion, especially upon its return to the Ark following the Torah reading.[4] However, when space is tight or there is a concern that pushing and shoving might ensue, one is not obligated to do so.[5] Alternatively, one satisfies the requirement to accompany the Torah to the Ark with even taking just a few steps along with the Torah.[6] Of course, the mitzva of accompanying the Torah to or from the Ark only applies to those who are reasonably close to the Torah or find themselves along its path. Those who are positioned at some distance away from the bima are not obligated to accompany the Torah back to the Ark at all.[7] There is even a view that one should never accompany the Torah when it is in motion, arguing that doing so appears to be overassertive and arrogant.[8]

There was a custom in ancient times that when leaving the synagogue one would kiss the Torah scholars who were present.[9] This might be the original source for the widespread practice to kiss the Torah when it passes.[10] One can kiss the Torah in a number of ways. Many have the custom to kiss the Torah using a siddur or Chumash. Some simply use their hand similar to the manner in which one kisses a mezuza.[11] There is also the widespread custom to kiss the Torah directly with one's mouth.[12] It should be noted, however, that a growing number of authorities oppose this practice arguing that it is socially unbecoming and unhygienic to place one's mouth on a communal item.[13] One may also kiss the Torah by means of one's Tallit or Tefillin strap.[14]

Although some authorities counsel against the practice of kissing the Torah by using one's hands or fingers there is ultimately nothing wrong with doing so and it is even the first choice for many.[15] Some have the custom to recite the verse: "Let me kiss you with kisses of the mouth…"[16] when kissing the Torah.[17] It is also considered meritorious to hug the Torah whenever possible.[18] It is especially important to encourage children to kiss the Torah when it is being paraded in the synagogue.[19]

[1] Aruch Hashulchan, YD 282:3.

[2] Kiddushin 33a; Kesef Mishna to Rambam, Hilchot Sefer Torah 10:9.

[3] Aruch Hashulchan, YD 282:3.

[4] Rema, OC 149:1; Masechet Sofrim 14:11.

[5] Minhag Yisrael Torah, OC 149:2; Kaf Hachaim, OC 149:10.

[6] Kaf Hachaim, OC 149:10; Halichot Shlomo 12 note 17.

[7] Pri Megadim, EA 149:3; Siddur Yaavetz.

[8] Aruch Hashulchan, OC 149:3.

[9] Rashi, Avoda Zara 17a.

[10] She'arim Metzuyanim Behalacha 23:1. See also Shaarei Ephraim 10:4 and Kaf Hachaim, OC 134:10, 149:10 for more on this.

[11] She'arim Metzuyanim Behalacha 23:1.

[12] Shaarei Ephraim 10:4.

[13] Minhag Yisrael Torah, OC 149:4.

[14] Rivevot Ephraim 5:16:5.

[15] Piskei Teshuvot 149:2; Minhag Yisrael Torah 149:4.

[16] Shir Hashirim 1:2.

[17] Kaf Hachaim, OC 149:7.

[18] Shaarei Ephraim 10:4.

[19] Rema, OC 149:1.