Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Called person up and he is not in Shul:[1] If the Gabaiy called up a Kohen, or Levi, and the person is not in Shul or is in the midst of Shemoneh Esrei, then another person is to go up in his place. That person is to go up without […]

Aliyos for Kohen and Levi: A. General laws: Kohen/Levi: The order of Aliyos is first Kohen, then Levi and then Yisrael.[1] The Chabad custom is to be very particular in this matter.[2] Nonetheless, in mitigating circumstances, the custom is to ask the Kohen to leave the Shul in order to […]

Going up for an Aliya: Wearing a Tallis Gadol for an Aliya: The age old Chabad custom of many generations is not to require one to wear a Tallis Gadol for an Aliya or to read the Torah.[1] Nevertheless, in a Shul which is particular for the Baal Korei and […]

Being shown the reading and kissing the gartel/Tzitzis:[1] The Olah is to be shown the text that will be read in the Sefer Torah.[2] The custom is to place the gartel of the Sefer Torah, or one’s Tzitzis, on the area of the reading and then kiss it in that […]

The before Blessing The blessing:[1] One recites a blessing before and after the Torah reading.[2] Holding onto the handles:[3] One holds on to the handles of the Sefer Torah while saying the blessing[4], his right hand on the right handle, and his left hand on the left handle.[5] There is […]

Reading along: The Olah is initially required to read along together with the Chazan word by word in a low tone[1], unless he is in the middle of Shema or its blessings, in which case he is not to read along. Nevertheless, it is permitted to give an individual an […]

The Seder of an Aliya: A. Going up for an Aliya: Wearing a Tallis Gadol for an Aliya: The age old Chabad custom of many generations is not to require one to wear a Tallis Gadol for an Aliya or to read the Torah.[1] Nevertheless, in a Shul which is […]

Covering head with Tallis: It is the custom of those particular in Mitzvos, and of all the Chassidim[1], to cover their head with the Tallis Gadol throughout the entire period of time that they are wearing it, in order so their head is not uncovered for even one moment.[2] Doing […]

Should one stand during Kerias Hatorah?[1]   The congregation is not required to stand during the Torah reading [and so is the widespread custom[2], and so is the ruling according to Kabbala[3]].[4] However, there are some who are stringent[5] to stand [during the actual Torah reading, although even they are […]

Leaving Shul:[1] It is forbidden to leave the Shul [once] the Sefer Torah is opened [until the completion of the reading, even if there are another ten people in Shul and he already heard the reading]. [In a time of great need[2], however], one may leave in-between Aliyos. ________________________________________________ [1] […]