Community Magazine October 2012

Ma a The halachot and customs listed here are not presented in any particular order. These summaries represent a very brief overview of the subject matter to promote general awareness and encourage further study. As always, readers should consult their rabbi with specific queries. 8 IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO LEAVE THE SYNAGOGUE DURING THE TORAH READING? The Shulhan Aruch ( Orah Haim 146:1) rules that one may not leave during the reading of the Torah, but it is permissible to leave between aliyot , such as to use the restroom, as long as at least 10 men remain in the synagogue. The Mishnah Berurah cites as the source of this halachah the Gemara’s comment (Berachot 8a) that the verse, “Those who leave Hashem will be eliminated,” refers to those who leave in the middle of the Torah reading for no valid reason. Even if one had already heard that day’s Torah reading, and even if there are more than 10 men present listening attentively to the reading, he may not leave during the reading. According to one view (the Peri Hadash ), one may leave if necessary immediately after the reading of the aliyah and before the concluding blessing of “ asher natan lanu Torato... ,” though others (the Mateh Yehudah ) maintain that one must remain until after the recitation of the blessing. 9 IF LESS THAN 10 MEN REMAIN DURING THE TORAH READING, CAN READING CONTINUE? The Shulhan Aruch ( Orah Haim 143:1) states that if a minyan began the Torah reading and then some people left, they may continue reading even if fewer than 10 men remain. The Mishnah Berurah comments that this applies as long as there are at least six men remaining, and that they may complete the minimum amount of aliyot required for that day, but may not add aliyot . In the Biur Halachah , he cites the view of the Eshkol that a blessing is recited only after the current aliyah , and not the subsequent aliyot . But the Biur Halachah does not arrive at a definitive conclusion on this matter. According to some opinions, Kaddish is recited after the reading in this case, whereas others ( Peri Hadash ) maintain that Kaddish is not recited as there is no minyan present. There is no maftir or haftarah reading if there is no longer a minyan , though the Magen Avraham writes that it is advisable to read the haftarah without the berachot (blessings) in this case. If, however, a minyan was present when the haftarah reading began and then several people left, the berachot after the haftarah are recited. 10 HOW IS THE ARRIVAL OF A NEW SEFER TORAH IN A SYNAGOGUE CELEBRATED? It is customary to bring out all the synagogue’s other Sifre Torah to greet the new Sefer and to sing and dance with great festivity. A special festive meal is served in honor of the joyous occasion. DOC ’ S PHARMACY 559 KINGS HIGHWAY (Bet. E. 4th & 5th Streets) TEL: 718.627.1145 FAX: 718.627.2193 Seasonal Allergies? Come in, we have everything you need to help you. TISHREI 5773 OCTOBER 2012 63