Is it permitted to hold the wooden rollers (atzei chayyim) of a Sefer Torah with bare hands?
Synopsis
There is a dispute among the Acharonim whether holding the wooden handles/rollers of a Sefer Torah with bare hands is permitted, since they are accessories (tashmishei kedushah) rather than the scroll itself.
More in Aliyah Priority and Honor
Is it forbidden to hold a Sefer Torah with bare hands, without a cloth?
5 opinions across 3 eras
Is it forbidden to hold other sacred writings (Nevi'im, Ketuvim) with bare hands?
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Who has the privilege of rolling (hagbahah/gelilah) the Sefer Torah — the greatest among those who read, or the greatest in the synagogue?
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May the gelilah honor be given to children or to someone physically infirm?
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Should the Torah cover (me'il) have the silk side facing the scroll or facing outward?
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May a Torah cover be made from materials that were previously used for secular purposes?
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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
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Discussion
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