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Chapter 13: The Torah reading of Rosh Chodesh[1]

1. Weekday Rosh Chodesh:

When: On Rosh Chodesh the Torah is read during the Shacharis prayer immediately after Hallel, Kaddish Tiskabel [and Shir Shel Yom].

Amount of Aliyos:[2] There are a total of four Aliyos read from the Torah on Rosh Chodesh. One may not add or subtract to these Aliyos.[3]

Haftorah: There is no Haftorah read on Rosh Chodesh.

The order of the reading:[4] The Torah portion is read from the Rosh Chodesh sacrificial offerings written in Parshas Pinchas. The Kohen [i.e. the Aliyah of Kohen] reads three verses; Vayidaber, Tzav and Vehamarta. The Levi [i.e. the Aliyah of Levi] repeats the verse of Vehamarta[5] and then reads a further two verses; Es Hakeves Haechad and Veasiris Haeifa. The Yisrael [i.e. the Aliyah of Yisrael] then reads the portion of “Olas Tamid” until the words “Uberoshei Chodsheichem”. The fourth Aliyah then reads the paragraph of “Uberoshei Chodsheichem”.

Half Kaddish:[6] After the Torah reading Half Kaddish is recited, prior to Hagbah. [If the Kaddish was accidentally recited after the third Aliyah, it is to be repeated after the fourth Aliyah.[7] Some Poskim[8], however, rule one is not to repeat the Kaddish. Practically, the Kaddish is to be repeated.]

When is the Torah scroll returned to the ark?[9] The Sefer Torah is returned to the Ark only after Uva Letziyon, prior to the half Kaddish recited before Musaf.[10] [This is also the Chabad custom[11], however some Shul’s of Anash return the Sefer Torah to the ark immediately after Gelila is completed.[12]]

Rosh Chodesh Teves-Chanukah:[13] On Rosh Chodesh Teves two Sifrei Torah are removed from the ark. There is a total of four Aliyos read. The portion of Rosh Chodesh is read from the first Torah scroll and it incorporates three Aliyos.[14] The portion of Chanukah [of that day’s Korban[15]] is read from the second Torah scroll as the 4^th and last Aliyah. Rosh Chodesh Teves always falls on the 6^th day of Chanukah. [Half Kaddish is recited only after the reading of all four Aliyos. If, however Kaddish was accidently recited in-between the 3^rd and 4^th Aliyah, some Poskim[16] rule one is to repeat the Kaddish after the 4th Aliyah. Others[17] however rule one is not to repeat it.] In the event that one made a mistake and read all four Aliyos from the portion of Rosh Chodesh, then if a second scroll was not removed, they do not need to read any further.[18] If however a second scroll was removed then one must read a fifth Aliya of the Chanukah portion from this scroll, in order so people do not think the scroll is blemished. [Even if one remembered in the midst of the 4^th Aliyah, he is to conclude the reading and say an after blessing, and then read a fifth Aliyah from the second scroll.[19] The same applies if one ended the third Aliyah prior to Beroshei Chodsheichem, that he is to read the fourth Aliyah from Beroshei Chodsheichem, and then read a fifth Aliyah for Chanukah.[20] If Kaddish was recited after the 4^th Aliyah, it is not to be repeated after the 5^th Aliyah.[21]]

Q&A What is the law if the Levi did not repeat the extra verse of Vehamarta and started from “Es Hakesev”? In such a case he is to complete the Parsha of Tzav with the Levi and then for Shelishi he is to repeat the last three verses from Parshas Tzav and read two verses of Parshas Ubeyom Hashabbos.[22] If he already recited the blessing after reading three verses, having stopped by the verse of “Venisko”, then the Yisrael is to repeat the verse of Olas Tamid and read three verses, or alternatively, is to read the two remaining verses from Venisko, and then read until Parshas Uberoshei Chodsheichem.[23]   What is the law if the Aliya of Shelishi read until the end of Uberoshei Chodsheichem?[24] In such a case the Aliya of Revi’i is to repeat the paragraph of Uberoshei Chodsheichem. Left two verses at end of Uberoshei Chodsheichem: If the Aliya of Shelishi read up until the two last verses of the Parsha of Uberoshei Chodsheichem, the Aliya of Revi’i is to repeat the reading from the beginning of the Parsha of Uberoshei Chodsheichem.

Getting an Aliya on Rosh Chodesh:[25] It is a Mitzvah to try to receive an Aliya on Rosh Chodesh. The greatest Aliya is the fourth Aliya which completes the reading. One is to try to get an Aliyah on both days of Rosh Chodesh, although the Aliya of the second day is of greater significance than the Aliya of the first day.

 

2. Kerias Hatorah Shabbos Rosh Chodesh:[26]

When Rosh Chodesh coincides with Shabbos two Sifrei Torah are removed from the Ark. Seven Aliyos from the weekly Torah portion is read from the first Torah scroll. [The second scroll is then placed on the Bima which is followed by half Kaddish.^[27] Hagbah is then done to the first scroll. One may not open the second scroll until the first scroll is rolled up and placed in its Meil.[28] [The Mi Shebeirach for the ill is customarily recited after Hagbah.] The Maftir, which is the Rosh Chodesh reading, is read from the second Torah scroll. One reads the portions of “Uviyom Hashabbos” and “Uberoshei Chodsheichem” until the end of that portion.[29] [One does not recite a second half Kaddish after this reading.[30]] The Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh is read, as explained in the next Halacha.

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Teves:[31] When Rosh Chodesh Teves falls on Shabbos three Sifrei Torah are removed. Six Aliyos are read from the weekly Parsha from the first Torah scroll. [By the 6^th Aliyah the remainder of the Parsha is read from Shishi until the end of the Parsha.^[32] One then places the second scroll on the Bima for the seventh Aliyah and does Hagbah to the first Sefer Torah.[33] Half Kaddish is not said at this point and is recited only after the reading from the second scroll.[34] One may not open the second scroll until the first scroll is rolled up and placed in its Meil.[35]] From the second Torah scroll one Aliya is read from the Parsha of Rosh Chodesh. One begins from the words “Ubeyom Hashabbos”. [One then places the third scroll on the Bima together with the second scroll and says half Kaddish.^[36] Hagbah is then done to the second scroll. The Mi Shebeirach for the ill is recited after Hagbah.] From the third Torah scroll, the Maftir Aliya is read from the Parsha of Chanukah [of that day’s Korban[37]]. The Haftorah of “Rini Vesimchi” of Chanukah is read, as will be explained.

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Shekalim:^[38] When Rosh Chodesh Adar [Sheiyni-in a leap year] falls on Shabbos, three Sifrei Torah are removed. The weekly Sedra [Parsha of the week] is read regularly from the first scroll [until the 6^th Aliyah. By the 6^th Aliyah the remainder of the Parsha is read from Shishi until the end of the Parsha.^[39] One then places the second scroll on the Bima for the seventh Aliyah and does Hagbah to the first Sefer Torah.[40] Half Kaddish is not said at this point and is recited only after the reading from the second scroll.[41] One may not open the second scroll until the first scroll is rolled up and placed in its Meil.[42]] The portion of Rosh Chodesh is then read from the second scroll. [One then places the third scroll on the Bima together with the second scroll and says half Kaddish.^[43] Hagbah is then done to the second scroll. The Mi Shebeirach for the ill is recited after Hagbah.] This is followed by the reading of the portion of Shekalim from the third scroll. The Haftorah for Shekalim is then read, as will be explained.  [See Q&A regarding if Shekalim was read instead of Rosh Chodesh!]

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Hachodesh:^[44] When Rosh Chodesh Nissan falls on Shabbos, three Sifrei Torah are removed. The weekly Sedra [Parsha of the week] is read regularly from the first scroll [until the 6^th Aliyah. By the 6^th Aliyah the remainder of the Parsha is read from Shishi until the end of the Parsha.^[45] One then places the second scroll on the Bima for the seventh Aliyah and does Hagbah to the first Sefer Torah.^[46] Half Kaddish is not said at this point and is recited only after the reading from the second scroll.[47] One may not open the second scroll until the first scroll is rolled up and placed in its Meil.^[48]] The portion of Rosh Chodesh is then read from the second scroll. [One then places the third scroll on the Bima together with the second scroll and says half Kaddish.^[49] Hagbah is then done to the second scroll. The Mi Shebeirach for the ill is recited after Hagbah.] This is followed by the reading of the portion of Hachodesh, which is read as Maftir, from the third scroll.

Q&A What is the law if on Shabbos Rosh Chodesh they accidentally read the regular Shabbos Maftir?[50] The Sefer Torah is to be removed and have the Maftir repeated with its blessings. Nonetheless, if that week’s Haftorah was already read, the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh is not repeated with its blessing, as explained in the next Halacha in the Q&A.   On Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Chanukah/Shekalim/Hachodesh, does one place the first Sefer Torah back on the Bimah when half Kaddish is said after the reading?[51] No.[52]   What is one to do if on a Shabbos that one needs three Torah scrolls [Chanukah/Shekalim/Hachodesh] one only has two scrolls available? If there are only two Torah scrolls available, then one is to read the Parsha of Rosh Chodesh from the second scroll, and read the third Parsha from the first scroll.[53] This however only applies if the first scroll is rolled to the third Parsha prior to its Hagbah. If, however the first scroll was not rolled to the third Parsha prior to its Hagbah, then it is better to read the third Parsha from the second scroll.[54]   What is the law if the Baal Korei did not read until the end of Shevi’i by the 6th Aliyah on a day that three Sifrei Torah are removed? A seventh Aliyah is to be called up for Shevi’i, and then an eighth Aliyah for the reading of the second scroll and then a ninth Aliyah for the reading of the third scroll.[55] What is one to do if they mistakenly began reading Parshas Chanukah/Shekalim/Hachodesh from the second Torah scroll [by the seventh Aliyah], instead of Parshas Rosh Chodesh? If they already began reading Parshas Chanukah[56]/Shekalim/Hachodesh from the second Torah scroll they are to complete the reading and read the portion of Rosh Chodesh from the third Torah scroll [Maftir]. By Parshas Shekalim and Hachodesh the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh is to be read from “Hashamayim Kisi”.[57] By Chanukah the Haftorah is read from the Haftorah of Chanukah, even though its Parsha was read as the second scroll.[58] Remembered in middle of Chanukah reading in second scroll: If one remembered prior to completing the Chanukah reading, or prior to saying the after blessing of the Aliya, some Poskim[59] rule he is to roll the Sefer Torah to the Rosh Chodesh reading, and repeat the first blessing and read from it. One then repeats the Chanukah reading from the third Sefer Torah. Practically, if one chooses to complete the Chanukah reading in the second scroll and read the Rosh Chodesh reading from the third scroll, he may do so.

3. Haftorah Shabbos Rosh Chodesh:[60]

When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos the Haftorah of “Hashamayim Kisi” is read.

Shabbos Erev Rosh Chodesh:[61] If Shabbos is Erev Rosh Chodesh then the Haftorah of “Machar Chodesh” is read in place of the weekly Haftorah. 

Rosh Chodesh is two days and 1^st day is on Shabbos:[62] When Rosh Chodesh is two days and falls on Shabbos and Sunday then the Haftorah of “Hashamayim Kisi” is read and after the Haftorah one reads the first and last verse of the Haftorah of “Machar Chodesh”.

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av:^[63] On Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av the Haftorah of “Shimu” is read and not the Haftorah of “Hashamayim Kisiy”.[64] One adds the first and last verse of the Haftorah of “Hashamayim Kisi”.[65] [When adding the verses of Hashamayim Kisiy on Rosh Chodesh the custom is to add the first verse of the Haftorah and verses 23-24 and then again verse 23.[66]]

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Elul-Parshas Re’eh:[67] If Parshas Re’eh is read on Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Elul one reads the Haftorah of Shabbos Rosh Chodesh[68], and on Shabbos Parshas Ki Seitzei the regular Haftorah is followed by Ania So’arah.[69] If Rosh Chodesh Elul falls on Shabbos, one adds the first and last verse of the Haftorah of “Machar Chodesh” after the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh.[70] If Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul falls on Shabbos, then one reads the Haftorah beginning “Ania So’arah”[71] and adds the first and last verse of the Haftorah of “Machar Chodesh”.[72]

Parshas Shekalim:[73] If the Shabbos of Parshas Shekalim is Rosh Chodesh, the Haftorah for Shekalim is read.^[74] This reading is then followed by the first and last verse of the Haftorah of Shabbos Rosh Chodesh. [When adding the verses of Hashamayim Kisiy on Rosh Chodesh the custom is to add the first verse of the Haftorah and verses 23-24 and then again verse 23.[75]] If Rosh Chodesh is two days, and falls on Shabbos Sunday, then one also recites the first and last verse of Machar Chodesh. One first says the first and last verse of Hashamayim Kisiy and then of Machar Chodesh.[76]

Parshas Hachodesh:[77] If the Shabbos of Parshas HaChodesh is Rosh Chodesh or Erev Rosh Chodesh, the Haftorah of Parshas HaChodesh is read.[78] This reading is then followed by the first and last verse of the Haftorah of Shabbos Rosh Chodesh or of Machar Chodesh.[79] [When adding the verses of Hashamayim Kisiy on Rosh Chodesh the custom is to add the first verse of the Haftorah and verses 23-24 and then again verse 23.[80]]

Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Teves: If Shabbos Chanukah falls on Rosh Chodesh Teves then the Haftorah of [Chanukah] Rini Vesimchi is read.[81] This reading is then followed by the first and last verse of the Haftorah of Shabbos Rosh Chodesh. [When adding the verses of Hashamayim Kisiy on Rosh Chodesh the custom is to add the first verse of the Haftorah and verses 23-24 and then again verse 23.[82]] If Rosh Chodesh Teves is two days, and falls on Shabbos Sunday, then one also recites the first and last verse of Machar Chodesh. One first says the first and last verse of Hashamayim Kisiy and then of Machar Chodesh.[83]

Q&A What is the law if the weekly Haftorah was read instead of the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh?[84] Remembered prior to the concluding blessings: If one read the weekly Haftorah of the Parsha and remembered prior to reciting the concluding blessings over the Haftorah, then he is to now read the correct Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh and then continue with the concluding blessings. Remembered after concluding the blessings: If one read the weekly Haftorah of the Parsha and remembered after the concluding blessings over the Haftorah, then he is to read the correct Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh without a blessing. Remembered in middle of the concluding blessings:[85] If one read the weekly Haftorah of the Parsha and remembered his mistake in the midst of the concluding blessings, it requires further analysis as to whether he is to stop to read the correct Haftorah and then conclude the remaining blessings, or is to conclude the remaining blessings and then recite the correct Haftorah. What is the law if a different weeks Haftorah was read instead of the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh?[86] If the Haftorah of a different week’s Parsha was read instead of the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh, one does not fulfill his obligation, and is to read the correct Haftorah with the blessings. If however the Haftorah that one read makes mention of the topics of that weeks Parsha or of Rosh Chodesh, then he is to read the correct Haftorah without the blessings. What is the law if one read the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh instead of Chanukah/Shekalim/Hachodesh?[87] If one mistakenly read the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh, then he is to read the correct Haftorah. If one only remembered after the blessings, then he is to read the Haftorah without its blessings.

4. The blessings of Haftorah:[88]

On Shabbos Rosh Chodesh, the Maftir does not mention Rosh Chodesh at all in the blessings of Al Hatorah, which is said after the Haftorah.[89]

5. Shnayim Mikra:[90]

When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos one is not required to read the verses of the Rosh Chodesh reading as part of Shnayim Mikra.[91]

Haftorah: When Rosh Chodesh and/or Erev Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos one is to read both the Haftorah of the weekly Parsha and the Haftorah which will be read in Shul.[92] Accordingly, if Rosh Chodesh is two days and falls on Shabbos and Sunday, one is to read three Haftorahs; the weekly Parsha, the Haftorah of Hashamayim Kisi and the Haftorah of Machar Chodesh.[93]

6. Missed reading of Rosh Chodesh:[94]

Some Poskim[95] rule that if a congregation missed the reading of Monday then they are to make it up on Tuesday.[96] Majority of Poskim[97], however, argue and rule that one is never to make up a Torah reading on another day, and so is the final ruling. The same applies to the reading of Rosh Chodesh that it cannot be made up on another day.[98]

7. The law if one read the wrong Torah portion on Rosh Chodesh:[99]

If the wrong Torah portion was read on Rosh Chodesh, they do not fulfill their obligation and the correct Torah portion needs to be read with all its Aliyos.

_________________________________________

[1] Michaber 423:1; See Megillah 22a

[2] Michaber ibid; See Michaber 135:1

[3] The reason: As it is permitted for men to work and whenever there is “Bittul Melacha” it is forbidden to add Aliyos. [Levushei Serud 135:1, see Taz 135:1]

[4] Michaber 423:2

Other opinions: Some Poskim record a different order or reading than our order of the reading. [Gra; Peri Chadash] We follow the order of the Michaber.

[5] The reason: The reason for why the verse of Vehamarta is repeated is because otherwise there will not be three verses for this Aliyah, as one cannot read only one verse into the second Parsha of Olas Tamid, and if one were to read three verses from Olas Tamid in this Aliyah then there would not remain three verses prior to the end of that Parsha, which also may not be done. [M”A 423:2; M”B 423:2; See Beis Yosef 423; Kaf Hachaim 423:3] Regarding why we specifically have the Levi repeats the last verse of the Kohen, and not the Yisrael repeating the last verse of the Levi, see Kaf Hachaim 423:4 in name of Beis Yosef

[6] Michaber 423:3; Levush 423; Chayeh Adam 118:12; M”B 423:4; Kaf Hachaim 423:9

[7] P”M 684 A”A 4; Daas Torah 684; Igros Moshe 1:101; Piskeiy Teshuvos 490:4; See Elya Raba 669:19; Shaareiy Efraim 8:77; Imrei Eish 51; Kaf Hachaim 282:48

[8] Levush; Rosh; P”M 282 A”A 17; M”B 282:34; Shraga Hameir 3:14; Piskeiy Teshuvos 684:4; See M”A 684:4; Taz end of 684; Maharil 182; M”B 684:16; Kaf Hachaim 684:24

[9] Michaber 423:3; Second opinion in Tur 150; Siddur Admur; Custom mentioned in Admur 25:39; 1^st custom mentioned in Rama 25:13; See Shaar Hakolel 22 [p. 39]

Other opinions-Ashkenazi custom: According to the ruling of the Rama 25:13, and Ashkenazi custom [1^st opinion in Tur ibid], the Sefer Torah is returned to the Ark immediately after the Torah reading. [Levush 423; M”B 423:5; See Kaf Hachaim 423:11] Some say the reason behind this custom is because not all people are able to delay removing their Tefillin until after Uva Letziyon and it is hence done beforehand. [Ashel Avraham Butchach 149:1] Alternatively, it is a Mitzvah according to Kabala to return the Sefer Torah to the ark immediately after the reading. [Kaf Hachaim 423:11; 135:2 based on Arizal]

[10] The reason: As the Divine light drawn down through prayer concludes after the entrance of the Sefer to the Heichal and we hence desire to delay this as much as possible. [Shaar Hakolel ibid; See however Kaf Hachaim 135:2 in name of Shaar Hakavanos that states it is for this reason that we return the Sefer Torah immediately after the reading]

[11] Siddur Admur regarding Rosh Chodesh “Afterwards one says Ashrei and Uva Letziyon and enters the Sefer Torah to the Heichal”; Hiskashrus 457 p. 18; Siddur of Rav Raskin p. 482; Likkut Dinei Rosh Chodesh 7:15

[12] Background of Chabad custom:

In the Siddur of Admur he writes explicitly to return the Sefer Torah on Rosh Chodesh after Uva Letziyon, and so was the Chabad custom in all places until the year 1988. From the year 1988 it became accustomed in 770 to return the Sefer Torah to the Ark immediately after Gelila and not to wait for Uva Letziyon to be recited. This is unlike the Chabad custom followed throughout the year on Mondays and Thursday’s, which follows the ruling of the Michaber. Some suggest the reason for this custom is because it is not our custom to end Uva Letziyon aloud in order to avoid the necessity to say Kaddish immediately afterwards [see next Halacha] and hence in order to negate a mistake the custom became to immediately return the Sefer Torah to the Heichal, hence signifying the conclusion of the Chazan’s part of Davening. [See Hiskashrus 466 p. 15]

[13] Michaber 684:3

[14] The reason: As the reading of Rosh Chodesh is more Tadir. [Taz 684:3]

How the Aliyos are split up: See P”M 684 A”A 3; M”B 684:12; Kaf Hachaim 684:21

[15] M”B 684:6; Kaf Hachaim 684:10; See Tzemach Tzedek 68; Kitzur SHU”A 139:24

[16] P”M 684 A”A 4; Daas Torah 684

[17] Levush; Rosh; P”M 282 A”A 17; M”B 282:34; Shraga Hameir 3:14; Piskeiy Teshuvos 684:4; See M”A 684:4; Taz end of 684; Maharil 182; M”B 684:16; Kaf Hachaim 684:24

[18] Michaber ibid

The reason: As the main reading is that of Rosh Chodesh. [Beis Yosef; Kaf Hachaim 684:22]

[19] M”A 684:4; M”B 684:14; Kaf Hachaim 684:23

[20] Shevet Halevi 1:193; 6:86

[21] M”A 684:4; Taz end of 684; Maharil 182; M”B 684:16; Kaf Hachaim 684:24

[22] Kaf Hachaim 423:5

[23] Kaf Hachaim 423:6

[24] Kaf Hachaim 423:7

[25] Ben Ish Chaiy Vayikra 20; Kaf Hachaim 423:7

[26] Michaber 425:1

[27] Mishneh Berurah 685:9 and 12; See 282:12 for the reason why Kaddish is recited between the seven Aliyos and Maftir.

[28] Michaber 147:8; Kol Bo; Elya Raba 147:9; Kaf Hachaim 147:42

[29] The reason we read Ubeyom Hashabbos: The reason why we begin to read from Ubeyom Hashabbos is in order to mention the Musaf sacrifice of Shabbos. Now, although on a normal Shabbos we do not read the Musaf of Shabbos, this is because its Parsha is only two verses. However, on Rosh Chodesh, since in any event we read the three verses of Rosh Chodesh, we add also the verses of Shabbos. [Levush 423; Kaf Hachaim 423:8]

The law if they did not begin the reading from Ubeyom Hashabbos but rather from Rosh Chodesh: The reading is nevertheless valid, so long as the section of Rosh Chodesh was read. [Sefer Hachaim 38:9; Yeshuos Moshe 3:26; Piskeiy Teshuvos 283:1]

[30] Minhag Ashkenaz as brought in Kaf Hachaim 425:6; 147:44-45

Sephardi custom: The Sefaradi custom is to recite half Kaddish twice, one time after each Sefer Torah reading. [Kaf Hachaim ibid]

[31] Michaber 684:3; Admur 282:15

[32] Mishneh Berurah 685:4

[33] Hagba is only done after the second scroll is placed on the Bima. [Rama 147:8] Some [Rav M. Harlig] say that the Torah is to be placed on the right side of the first Torah. Others say it is to be placed on the left side. [See Piskeiy Teshuvos 147 footnote 36; Hiskashrus 1078 footnote 5]

[34] Kaf Hachaim 684:17

[35] Michaber 147:8; Kol Bo; Elya Raba 147:9; Kaf Hachaim 147:42

[36] Admur 282:15; Mishneh Berurah 685:5; See Levush and Kaf Hachaim 684:19 for the reason behind this; The Sephardi custom is to say two Kaddeishim, one after the second scroll, and one after the third scroll [Kaf Hachaim ibid; See Admur ibid]

[37] Tzemach Tzedek 68; Kitzur SHU”A 139:24; Kaf Hachaim 684:10

[38] Michaber 685:1; Megillah 29b

[39] Mishneh Berurah 685:4

[40] Hagba is only done after the second scroll is placed on the Bima. [Rama 147:8] Some [Rav M. Harlig] say that the Torah is to be placed on the right side of the first Torah. Others say it is to be placed on the left side. [See Piskeiy Teshuvos 147 footnote 36; Hiskashrus 1078 footnote 5]

[41] Kaf Hachaim 684:17

[42] Michaber 147:8; Kol Bo; Elya Raba 147:9; Kaf Hachaim 147:42

[43] Mishneh Berurah 685:5; See Levush and Kaf Hachaim 684:19 for the reason behind this; The Sephardi custom is to say two Kaddeishim, one after the second scroll, and one after the third scroll [Kaf Hachaim ibid]

[44] 685:1

[45] Mishneh Berurah 685:4

[46] Hagba is only done after the second scroll is placed on the Bima. [Rama 147:8] Some [Rav M. Harlig] say that the Torah is to be placed on the right side of the first Torah. Others say it is to be placed on the left side. [See Piskeiy Teshuvos 147 footnote 36; Hiskashrus 1078 footnote 5]

[47] Kaf Hachaim 684:17

[48] Michaber 147:8; Kol Bo; Elya Raba 147:9; Kaf Hachaim 147:42

[49] Mishneh Berurah 685:5

[50] Piskeiy Teshuvos 283:1

[51] Levush, brought in Kaf Hachaim 684:19

[52] This is only done when Kaddish is said after the 1^st Sefer prior to the 2^nd, and not when Kaddish is said after the 2^nd.

[53] Rama 669:1; Peri Chadash 684; Shulchan Gavoa 684:11; Kaf Hachaim 684:16

[54] Chemed Moshe 669; Kaf Hachaim 669:41; Biur Halacha 669:1 “Vechozrim”

[55] As the custom is to permit to add more than seven Aliyos on Shabbos [Admur 282:1] Now, although there are Poskim who forbid doing so [Tashbatz 2:70, brought in Hagahos Harif and Kaf Hachaim 282:10] and so is our custom not to add any more Aliyos [Tzemach Tzedek 35:7; Ketzos Hashulchan 84:1] nevertheless, in a case of need one may do so [Tzemach Tzedek and Ketzos Hashulchan ibid]. This especially applies in such a case that one must read another three Aliyos being that they involve three different Sefer Torahs, and hence all remaining three Aliyos are considered an obligation. See also Kaf Hachaim 684:17 in name of Peri Chadash, Levush, and Birkeiy Yosef 282:3. A further proof for this can be brought from Admur 282:20 [and Michaber 137:3; Ketzos Hashulchan 84:10] that even if one skipped one word or one letter one must go back and read it even if it means adding an Aliya, and hence certainly here one must add a seventh Aliya to Shevi’i and then read another two Aliyos.

Delaying Shevi’i until next Shabbos: One cannot delay Shevi’i until next Shabbos, and thus only have 8 Aliyos, as even a missed letter from the Parsha must be read that Shabbos, as brought in Admur 282:20 [and Michaber 137:3; Ketzos Hashulchan 84:10] and certainly if the entire Shevi’i was missed.

[56] See Shaareiy Efraim 8:76 that if one remembered prior to completing the Chanukah reading, or prior to saying the after blessing of the Aliya, he is to roll the Sefer Torah to the Rosh Chodesh reading, and repeat the first blessing and then read again the Chanukah reading from the third Sefer Torah. Practically, the Shaareiy Efraim concludes that if one chooses to complete the Chanukah reading in the second scroll and read the Rosh Chodesh reading from the third scroll he may do so.

[57] Noda Beyehuda Tinyana 11; Chayeh Adam 154:41; Shaareiy Efraim 8:82 and 91; Mishneh Berurah 685:5; Kaf Hachaim 685:14

The reason: As the one is to always read the Haftorah based on the content of the last Sefer. [ibid]

[58] Chayeh Adam 139:24; Shaareiy Efraim 8:76; M”B 684:3 in Biur Halacha “Veim Taah”; Kaf Hachaim 684:27

The reason: As the Haftorah of Chanukah contains Pirsumei Nissa. [ibid]

[59] Shaareiy Efraim 8:76

[60] Michaber 425:1

[61] Michaber 425:2; See Mamar “Vayomer Lo Yehonason” Iyar 1951 for an explanation of the connection between this Hatorah and Rosh Chodesh

[62] Michaber 425:2; Ketzos Hashulchan 88:5 that so is our custom, based on Glosses of Rebbe Rashab that so was the custom of the Rebbe Maharash; Sefer Haminhagim p. 64 [English]; See Igros kodesh 5:108; Likkutei Sichos 35:187; Shulchan Menachem 2:96

Background and other opinions: The Michaber ibid rules that one reads the Haftorah of Hashamayim Kisiy, and adds the 1^st and last verse of “Machar Chodesh” to the Haftorah, and so is the Chabad custom. The Rama ibid however rules that only the Haftorah of Hashamayim Kisiy is read as one may not skip from one Navi to another. He concludes that so is the custom and so rule other Poskim. [M”A 425:4] Some Poskim rule one is to read the first and last verse by heart. [Levush 425] According to all opinions one does not read the Haftorah of Machar Chodesh, even though the second day of Rosh Chodesh is the main day. [Olas Shabbos 425:2]

^[63] First opinion in Rama 425:1; Levush 549 “Custom of majority of communities”; Elya Raba 425:3 “Custom of Prague”; Degul Merivava 425; Gr”a; Sefer Haminhagim ibid; Likkutei Sichos 13:287, 24:337; 35:187 [published in Shaareiy Halacha Uminhag 146; Shulchan Menachem 2:100-105] See Shaareiy Efraim 9:22; See Likkutei Sichos ibid that in one year the Rebbe Rashab said the Haftorah of Hashamayim Kisi, while in a later year he said the Haftorah of Shimu.

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule one is to read the Haftorah of Hashamayim Kisi and not “Vishimue”. [Second opinion in Rama ibid, Rama concludes “So is the main opinion in an area without a set custom”; Custom of Pozna-brought in M”A 425:2] Each area is to follow their custom. [Kaf Hachaim 425:16]

[64] The reason: As during the weeks of Gimel Deparanusa and Shiva Denechmasa we do not skip any of their Haftoras. [Abudarham; Kaf Hachaim 425:10]

[65] Likkutei Sichos 13:278; See Ketzos Hashulchan 88 footnote 16

[66] Custom of Rebbe Rayatz, as brought in glosses of Rebbe to the Seder Haftoras in Siddur Torah Or, printed in Sefer Haftoras Chabad, and mentioned in Likkutei Sichos 35:187 footnote 34

The reason: In order to begin and end the last verse of Hashamayim Kisiy with a verse of good tiding. [verse 24 talks of negative matters] [Likkutei Sichos ibid]

[67] See 425:1; Sefer Haminhagim p. 64 [English]

[68] Rama ibid “that so is the custom”; Sefer Haminhagim p. 64 [English]; Ketzos Hashulchan 88 footnote 15 “There is no need to add two verses of Ania Soeira at the end of the Haftorah”

The reason: As this Haftorah contains aspects of both Rosh Chodesh and the consolement of Jerusalem. [Taz 425:2; Kaf Hachaim 425:12]

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule one is to read the Haftorah of Ania Soeira and not of Hashamayim Kisi. [Michaber 425:1] So is the custom of the Sephardim [Kaf Hachaim 425:13]

[69] Levush 425; Mateh Efraim 581:8; Kitzur SHU”A 128:4; Kaf Hachaim 425:12; Sefer Haminhagim p. 64 [English]

[70] Igros Kodesh 5:108 [printed in Shulchan Menachem p. 96-105]

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule one is not to read the verses of Machar Chodesh after the Haftorah of Hashamayim Kisi. [Letter of Rav A”C Naah to Rebbe, brought in Igros Kodesh ibid; See Ketzos Hashulchan 88 footnote 16 for the reason]

[71] Rama 425:2; Sefer Haminhagim p. 64 [English]

The reason: As the Haftorah of Machar Chodesh does not incorporate any condolences of Jerusalem. [Olas Shabbos 425:2; Kaf Hachaim 425:19]

[72] Ketzos Hashulchan 88 footnote 16; Sefer Haminhagim p. 64 [English]; Likkutei Sichos 35:187; Igros Kodesh 5:108 [letter to Rav A.C. Naah printed in Shulchan Menachem p. 96-105] See Igros Kodesh 2:308 of Rebbe Rayatz in a letter to Rav Yaakov Landau that he was in doubt as to whether the verses of Rosh Chodesh are to be mentioned

Background: The Chabad custom is that in any situation where a different Haftorah is said in place of the Rosh Chodesh Haftorah, one should always read the first and last verse of the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh and Erev Rosh Chodesh at the end of the Haftorah. Doing so was a directive of the Rebbe Rayatz. The questions dealt with in Likkutei Sichos 35:187 are as follows:

1) What is the basis of the dispute between the Michaber and Rama with regards to if one should or should not add the verses of Rosh Chodesh? 2) May one only add the Rosh Chodesh verses, even according to Michaber, if the Haftorah has some connection to Rosh Chodesh?

3) May one only add the verses in a case that there are opinions who hold that the Rosh Chodesh Haftorah is to be read? [as is the opinion of Rav A.C. Naah]

4)  If the 1^st day of Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos may one add 4 verses, two for Hashamayim Kisiy and two for Machar Chodesh?

The Rebbe’s conclusions: Practically after analyzing this subject the Rebbe concludes that one is to always add the verses of Rosh Chodesh and Machar Chodesh when its Haftorah is pushed off, unlike the opinion of Rav A.C. Naah.

[73] Michaber ibid; Megillah 29b

[74] The reason for reading Haftorah of Shekalim and not Rosh Chodesh: Although the Parsha of Rosh Chodesh is Tadir [more common] and hence should have precedence, nevertheless we read the Haftorah of Shekalim being it was the last portion read. [Levush; M”B 685:3] Alternatively, it is because this Haftorah also mentions Rosh Chodesh. [Mordechai Megillah ibid] Alternatively, it is because the Sages explicitly placed these Haftorahs to be read instead of Rosh Chodesh. [Shivlei Haleket 53, brought in Elya Raba 685:17; P”M 685 A”A 1]

[75] Custom of Rebbe Rayatz, as brought in glosses of Rebbe to the Seder Haftoras in Siddur Torah Or, printed in Sefer Haftoras Chabad, and mentioned in Likkutei Sichos 35:187 footnote 34

The reason: In order to begin and end the last verse of Hashamayim Kisiy with a verse of good tiding. [verse 24 talks of negative matters] [Likkutei Sichos ibid]

[76] Likkutei Sichos 35:27; Igros Kodesh 5:108 [letter to Rav A.C. Naah printed in Shulchan Menachem p. 96-105]; See Igros Kodesh 2:308 of Rebbe Rayatz in a letter to Rav Yaakov Landau that he was in doubt as to whether the verses of Rosh Chodesh are to be mentioned in this instance; See Background ibid and other opinions brought next

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that even according to the ruling of the Michaber ibid and Chabad custom of the Rebbe Maharash, one is not to recite the verses of Rosh Chodesh after the Haftorah of Chanukah. The reason for this is because we only mention Rosh Chodesh in cases in which there are opinions that require it to be read that Shabbos. However all the Poskim agree that the Haftorah of Chanukah is to be read instead of Rosh Chodesh and there is thus no reason to mention it. [Ketzos Hashulchan 88 footnote 16] The Rebbe in Igros Kodesh 5:108 disputes his ruling.

[77] Rama 425:1; Sefer Haminhagim p. 64 [English]

[78] Rama ibid; Sefer Haminhagim ibid

[79] Sefer Haminhagim ibid; See background ibid

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that even according to the ruling of the Michaber ibid and Chabad custom of the Rebbe Maharash, one is not to recite the verses of Rosh Chodesh after the Haftorah of Shekalim. The reason for this is because we only mention Rosh Chodesh in cases in which there are opinions that require it to be read that Shabbos. However, all the Poskim agree that the Haftorah of Shekalim is to be read instead of Rosh Chodesh and there is thus no reason to mention it. [Ketzos Hashulchan 88 footnote 16] The Rebbe in Igros Kodesh 5:108 disputes his ruling.

[80] Custom of Rebbe Rayatz, as brought in glosses of Rebbe to the Seder Haftoras in Siddur Torah Or, printed in Sefer Haftoras Chabad, and mentioned in Likkutei Sichos 35:187 footnote 34

The reason: In order to begin and end the last verse of Hashamayim Kisiy with a verse of good tiding. [verse 24 talks of negative matters] [Likkutei Sichos ibid]

[81] Michaber 684:3

The reason: As Chanukah contains Persumei Nissa over the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh, as well as that this was the last portion that was read. [Levush; Kaf Hachaim 684:20

[82] Custom of Rebbe Rayatz, as brought in glosses of Rebbe to the Seder Haftoras in Siddur Torah Or, printed in Sefer Haftoras Chabad, and mentioned in Likkutei Sichos 35:187 footnote 34

The reason: In order to begin and end the last verse of Hashamayim Kisiy with a verse of good tiding. [verse 24 talks of negative matters] [Likkutei Sichos ibid]

[83] Likkutei Sichos 35:27; Igros Kodesh 5:108 [letter to Rav A.C. Naah printed in Shulchan Menachem p. 96-105]; See Igros Kodesh 2:308 of Rebbe Rayatz in a letter to Rav Yaakov Landau that he was in doubt as to whether the verses of Rosh Chodesh are to be mentioned in this instance; See Background ibid and other opinions brought next

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that even according to the ruling of the Michaber ibid and Chabad custom of the Rebbe Maharash, one is not to recite the verses of Rosh Chodesh after the Haftorah of Chanukah. The reason for this is because we only mention Rosh Chodesh in cases in which there are opinions that require it to be read that Shabbos. However, all the Poskim agree that the Haftorah of Chanukah is to be read instead of Rosh Chodesh and there is thus no reason to mention it. [Ketzos Hashulchan 88 footnote 16] The Rebbe ibid disputes his ruling

[84] See Dvar Moshe 25:3; Shaareiy Efraim 8:92; 9:19; M”B 685:8; Kaf Hachaim 425:18; Ketzos Hashulchan 88:5; Ashel Avraham, in name of Dvar Moshe brought in Otzer Hamifarshim 425; Kaf Hachaim 423:9

[85] Ketzos Hashulchan ibid footnote 16

[86] Nimukei Orach Chaim 284:1; Implication of Shaareiy Efraim ibid; Ketzos Hashulchan 88:5 footnote 16 leaves this matter in question; Piskeiy Teshuvos 284:3

[87] Luach Kolel Chabad Noach; Hiskashrus 1078; based on Poskim ibid regarding if read the weekly Haftorah

[88] Admur 188:14; 284:6; M”A 188:12; Megillah 24a

[89] The reason: As there is never a Haftorah on Rosh Chodesh alone and there is hence no connection at all between the Haftorah and Rosh Chodesh. [Admur ibid; M”A 188:12]

[90] 285:9 regarding Yom Tov; Michaber 285:7; M”A 285:10; Terumos Hadeshen 123; 2:170

[91] The reason: As is the law regarding the sections read on Yom Tov, being that these sections were, or will be, read in their applicable Parshiyos.

[92] Sefer Haminhagim p. 49 [English]; Hayom Yom 30^th Sivan

The ruling of Admur in the Shulchan Aruch and other opinions: In the Shulchan Aruch 285:10 Admur rules that in a week that there are two applicable Haftoras, one is to read only the Haftorah which will be read in public and not the Haftorah of the weekly Parsha. Accordingly, on Shabbos Rosh Chodesh or Erev Rosh Chodesh one only reads the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh and not of the weekly Parsha. [Admur ibid; M”A 285:12]  The simple reason behind this ruling is as Admur ibid explains that the entire custom to read the weekly Haftorah is only in order so one be prepared in case he is called up to read it. Hence in a week that it is not being read there is no custom to review it. Some Poskim rule one is to only read the weekly Haftorah and not the additional Haftorah. [Kneses Hagedola 285; Moreh Baetzba 4:132; Ben Ish Chaiy Lech Lecha 11; Kaf Hachaim 285:36 that so is custom.] Our custom is to review all the applicable Haftoras.

[93] Likkut Dinei Rosh Chodesh 10:12 based on Sefer Haminhagim ibid

[94] See Kaf Hachaim 135:8

[95] Ateres Zekeinim 135, brought in P”M 135 A”A 4 and many of the Poskim in next footnote

[96] The reason: In order to not go three days without the Torah reading. [P”M ibid]

[97] Masas Moshe 2:1; Maharikash; Emes Leyaakov 1; Elya Raba 135:2; Birkeiy Yosef 135:2; Aruch Hashulchan 135:7; Kaf Hachaim ibid

[98] Aruch Hashulchan 135:7

[99] Piskeiy Teshuvos 135:7; See M”B 137:11

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