From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Sunday 25th Shevat 5785]

May one remove a Torah scroll from the ark of a Yeshiva and dance with it inside the Yeshiva synagogue for the sake of a promotional video for the sake of fundraising for the Yeshiva?

Yes. Although in general it is forbidden to remove a Torah scroll from the ark for no reason or necessary purpose, including even if one desires to read Chumash from it instead of using a printed book^[1], nonetheless, for the above purpose it is seemingly permitted to be done, being that one may even sell a Torah scroll for the sake of Torah study[2], and certainly we should permit its removal for a promotional video for the sake of Torah study. Nonetheless, initially it is best to arrange for the promotional video to take place at a time that the Torah scroll is any event removed from the ark, such after the Torah reading.[3]

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[1] See Shach Yoreh Deah 270:5; Taz Y.D. 270:4; Derisha 270; Maharsham 1:175; Meishiv Davar 16; Minchas Yitzchak 19 “Appears like removing the Torah scroll without need”; Shaareiy Halacha Uminhag 2 pages 77-79 regarding the Chabad custom of not reading the Nassi or Shnayim Mikra from a Torah scroll

The reason: As today we no longer learn from a Sefer Torah, and it is even forbidden to do so, as it is belittling to the Sefer. Thus, an individual is to read from a Chumash. [Derisha ibid, brought in Taz ibid and Shach ibid; Likkutei Sichos 23 ibid]  

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that there is no prohibition to remove a Sefer Torah to read from it even as an individual. [Nemukei Orach Chayim 669:2 towards end “It is incorrect to say that there is a prohibition to read from a Sefer Torah, as where is this written at all, and if someone wants to learn from a Torah scroll in public, as they say of the Gr”a…”; Chazon Ovadia Pesach; So rule regarding Shnayim Mikra: Admur 285:4 Arizal Shaar Hakavanos; Taz 285:1; So rule regarding the Nassi: Nitei Gavriel Pesach 1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 429 that so was custom of Talmidei Habesht]

[2] See Michaber Y.D. 270:1

[3] The reason: As it is not certain that dancing with the scroll will add towards the fundraising effort, unlike an actual sale. Likewise, the allowance to sell a Torah scroll for the sake of Torah study only applies when there is nothing else available to sell, and here one can argue that there are other methods to promote the fundraising.