From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A

Author: Rabbi Yaakov GoldsteinPublished: February 23, 2025

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Recent Q&A

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?

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.

May one open the Aron and remove the Sefer Torah for the sake of showing a gentile [i.e. tourists]?

No.

10. Reading from the Sefer Torah not for the sake of Kerias Hatorah – Shulchanaruchharav.com

May a Sefer Torah be put on display on a museum and the like?

No, unless the Sefer Torah is not Kosher, or it is a case of greta need.

See Seridei Eish Y.D .79

Is Tachanun recited on the seventh day of Shiva if the Minyan for Mincha is taking place in the Shiva home

Is Tachanun recited on the seventh day of Shiva if the Minyan for Mincha is taking place in the Shiva home?[1]

No.

[1] Ketzos Hashulchan 24:7; Derech Hachaim; Daas Torah 131 in name of Sefer Hachaim

Is the Avel to recite Tachanun by Mincha of the seventh day of Shiva when leading the Minyan in Shul?

The custom is for everyone, including the Avel, to recite Tachanun.

Which is more important, to Daven with a Minyan after the Zeman, or to Daven alone within Zeman Tefila?

Zeman Tefila.

See 

Minyan Versus Zman Tefila-Is it more important to Daven with a Minyan or to Daven within Zman Tefila?

Chassidus Articles

Halacha Articles

Taking a Sefer Torah out of the Shul not for the sake of Kerias Hatorah

9. Taking a Sefer Torah out of the Shul not for the sake of Kerias Hatorah – Shulchanaruchharav.com

Reading from the Sefer Torah not for the sake of Kerias Hatorah

10. Reading from the Sefer Torah not for the sake of Kerias Hatorah – Shulchanaruchharav.com

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