Three Sifrei Torah

Q. This Shabbos we will read from three Sifrei Torah: the first is used to read the weekly portion of parshas Tazria, from the second we read the Rosh Chodesh portion in Parshas Pinchas, and the third is used for Parshas Hachodesh (Parshas Bo). What should be done if a shul only has two Sifrei Torah? What if there is only one Sefer Torah?

A. It is proper to take out three Sifrei Torah, each prepared beforehand to the right place. Following the principle of tadir vi’sheino tadir, tadir kodem, which means that common mitzvos take precedence over less common mitzvos, first we read the weekly portion (Parshas Tazria), then the Rosh Chodesh reading, which is a monthly occurrence, and finally, Parshas Hachodesh, which is a yearly event.

Why can’t we just take out one Sefer Torah and roll it to the various Parshios? We do not wish to roll a Sefer Torah because of tircha d’tzibura (inconveniencing the tzibur). It is not proper to make the congregation wait idly while the Torah is rolled. Therefore, we use three sifrai Torah that are already open to the right place.

The Rama (OC 669:1) rules that if there are only two Sifrei Torah, the first is used to read Parshas Hashavua, and the second is used for Rosh Chodesh. While the second Sefer is being read, the first Sefer is rolled to Parshas Bo. In this way, we avoid causing a delay. However, the Mishnah Berurah in Beiur Halacha (669) writes that if the first Torah was not rolled during this time to Parshas Bo, we do not switch Sifrei Torah. Instead, the second Torah which is still on the table, is rolled to Parshas HaChodesh (Bo). The reason to switch Torahs is only to avoid inconveniencing the tzibur. In this case, since either way the Torah will need to be rolled, we do not switch Torahs. On the contrary, one must continue using this Torah, since it is already in front of you.

When there is only one Sefer Torah, since there is no choice, we must roll the Sefer Torah. After reading Parshas Hashavua, the sefer is rolled forward to Parshas Pinchas for the Rosh Chodesh reading. Afterwards, it is rolled backwards to Parshas Bo, for the reading of Parshas Hachodesh.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.