174. A Torah or Other Books?

28:2 It is also a mitzvah for one to purchase the other books of study, such as a Tanach, Mishna, Gemara, and the works of a halacha, so that he may study from them and lend them to others. One who cannot afford to buy both a Torah scroll and other texts for study should prioritize acquiring the books he needs for study. The Sages of the Talmud (Kesubos 50a) explained Psalms 112:3, “His righteousness endures forever” to refer to a person who writes or purchases books for Torah study and lends them to others. 28:3 A Torah scroll must be treated with great respect. It is a mitzvah to designate a special place for it and to beautify that place. One should not spit in front of a Torah or hold it without its cover. If one sees a Torah scroll being carried, he must stand until it is returned to its place or until it out of his view. In shul, when the Torah is removed from or returned to the ark, it is a mitzvah for those whom it passes to accompany it. This is also true of the one who lifts it up and the one who rolls it shut after reading.