Is it forbidden to hold a Sefer Torah with bare hands, without a cloth?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules it is forbidden to touch or hold a Sefer Torah with bare hands, without a cloth or kerchief. Poskim debate whether this applies after washing hands, and whether holding the wooden rollers (atzei chayyim) constitutes a violation.
More in Aliyah Priority and Honor
Is it forbidden to hold other sacred writings (Nevi'im, Ketuvim) with bare hands?
3 opinions across 3 eras
Is it permitted to hold the wooden rollers (atzei chayyim) of a Sefer Torah with bare hands?
4 opinions
Who has the privilege of rolling (hagbahah/gelilah) the Sefer Torah — the greatest among those who read, or the greatest in the synagogue?
3 opinions
May the gelilah honor be given to children or to someone physically infirm?
1 opinions
Should the Torah cover (me'il) have the silk side facing the scroll or facing outward?
3 opinions
May a Torah cover be made from materials that were previously used for secular purposes?
3 opinions
May a Torah cover be made from a torn cloth when an untorn one is available?
2 opinions
Who has the right to hand the Torah covers to the person performing gelilah — may another person purchase this privilege separately?
2 opinions
Related from other topics
May the chazan or gabbai go up to the Torah without being called?
Errors in Torah Reading
When there is someone who can read the cantillation and vowelization from a chumash, how should the Torah reading be conducted in a community without a skilled reader?
Torah Reading Errors and Corrections
Is it forbidden to recite even a single word of the Torah reading from memory (without a written text)?
Minchah and Maariv Timing
Is it forbidden to speak during Torah reading, even words of Torah?
Conduct During Torah Reading
When is one first forbidden to speak—when the Torah scroll is opened or when reading begins?
Conduct During Torah Reading
Is it permitted or forbidden to embroider Torah verses onto a tallit?
Tallit Katan
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
The Daily Law
One question. Every opinion. Every morning.
A new halakhic question and the full spectrum of rabbinic thought, delivered daily.