Holding the Torah

On distinctive occasions when two (or more) Sifrei Torah are removed from the Ark for the day's Torah readings, it is customary to appoint someone in the congregation to hold the additional Torah until it is needed. There's no denying, however, that most people prefer not to be appointed with the task of holding the Torah. Keeping one's arm around a large Torah for an extended period of time with no ability to move is not always a pleasant experience. It may also be difficult for one to properly follow along as the first Torah is being read while one arm is wrapped around the Torah and the other arm is left to balance a Chumash on one's lap and turn the pages.

As such, the honor of holding the Torah is often awarded to a child. It is interesting to note that one will never find the rabbi or other eminent members of the congregation assigned with the honor of holding the Torah. It is almost as if receiving this honor is somewhat degrading, God forbid. The reality, however, is that this phenomenon is in drastic contradiction with the stated preference that it is actually one of the more eminent members of the congregation who should be appointed with the honor of holding the Torah.[1] Historically there were indeed synagogues in which the rabbi himself would sit with the additional Torah while the first one was being read.[2] Some authorities suggest that it is the one who is honored with removing the Torah from the ark who should be the one to sit with it until it is needed.[3]

The prevalent practice of allowing a child to hold the Torah is justified by some authorities as an incentive which further encourages children to attend and participate in services. Offering children the opportunity to hold the Torah is also said to develop within them a love and attachment to the Torah. Allowing children to hold the Torah is also seen as a compromise to the concern that an adult might not be able to properly focus and follow along while the other Torah is being read. As a child is not truly obligated to hear the Torah reading, this issue posed no concern.

One option that can be found in many synagogues which solves the issue of who should hold the Torah is a device with specially fashioned slots or frames which is embedded into the bima structure. This device is able to safely hold the Torah without human intervention until it is needed for use. There are many authorities, however, who oppose this innovation arguing that it is disrespectful to unload the honor of holding the Torah on to a piece of carpentry.[4] Nevertheless, there are many authorities who do justify this practice and common custom is to rely on this view when needed.[5] It is noted, however, that we should be seeking ways to further our connection and attachment to the Torah, and not be looking for ways to easily dispense with it.[6]

[1] Minhag Yisrael Torah 147:6

[2] Shaarei Ephraim 10:6, cited in Minhag Yisrael Torah 147:6

[3] Igrot Moshe 1:38

[4] Igrot Moshe 1:38

[5] Minchat Yitzchak 2:117, Be'er Moshe 3:24, Siach Yitzchak 446, Daat Sofer 2, both cited in Minhag Yisrael Torah 147:6

[6] Minhag Yisrael Torah 147:6