Mishneh Torah — Prayer & Priestly Blessing הִלְכוֹת תְּפִלָּה וּבִרְכַּת כֹּהֲנִים, Chapter 12

מֹשֶׁה רַבֵּנוּ תִּקֵּן לָהֶם לִישְׂרָאֵל שֶׁיְּהוּ קוֹרִין בַּתּוֹרָה בָּרַבִּים בְּשַׁבָּת וּבְשֵׁנִי וּבַחֲמִישִׁי בְּשַׁחֲרִית כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִשְׁהוּ שְׁלֹשָׁה יָמִים בְּלֹא שְׁמִיעַת תּוֹרָה. וְעֶזְרָא תִּקֵּן שֶׁיְּהוּ קוֹרִין כֵּן בְּמִנְחָה בְּכָל שַׁבָּת מִשּׁוּם יוֹשְׁבֵי קְרָנוֹת. וְגַם הוּא תִּקֵּן שֶׁיְּהוּ קוֹרִין בְּשֵׁנִי וּבַחֲמִישִׁי שְׁלֹשָׁה בְּנֵי אָדָם וְלֹא יִקְרְאוּ פָּחוֹת מֵעֲשָׂרָה פְּסוּקִים:

Moses, our teacher, ordained that the Jews should read the Torah publicly on the Sabbath and on Monday and Thursday 82a relates that these days are days of Divine favor. mornings, 135:1 states that, although ideally the Torah should be read in the morning service, if one fails to do so, it may be read the entire day. so the [people] would never have three days pass without hearing the Torah. 82b quotes Exodus 15:22: "And they travelled three days without finding water," and explains:Water refers to the Torah, as [implied by Isaiah 55:1]: "May all the thirsty go to the water." Since they travelled three days without Torah, they complained. The prophets among them arose and ordained that they read [Torah] on the Sabbath, refrain [from reading] on Sunday, read on Monday, refrain [from reading] on Tuesday and Wednesday, read on Thursday, and refrain from reading on Friday, so that they will not spend three days without [reading from] the Torah.Ezra ordained that [the Torah] should be read during the Minchah service on the Sabbath, because of the shopkeepers., loc. cit.). He explains that during the week, these people were involved with their businesses and could not attend the Torah reading. Therefore, Ezra instituted a special Torah reading for them on the Sabbath, when work is prohibited.Rav David Arameah interprets the phrase literally, explaining that on the Sabbath, since work is prohibited, people would gather in the afternoon in the marketplace, and spend their time in idle conversation. Therefore, Ezra ordained the public Torah reading to draw them into the synagogue. He also ordained that on Mondays and Thursdays, three 21b relates that the number three reflects the three divisions among the Jewish people: priests, Levites, and Israelites; alternatively, the three divisions in the Written Law (the Torah, Prophets, and Holy Writings). people should read [from the Torah] (loc. cit.) explains that originally either one person would read three verses, or three people would read three verses., and that they should read no fewer than ten verses. (loc. cit.) states that the ten verses allude to the ten commandments and the ten utterances of creation; alternatively, they represent the ten people who attend a synagogue at all times. (See Halachah 3.)

וְאֵלּוּ הֵן הַיָּמִים שֶׁקּוֹרִין בָּהֶם בַּתּוֹרָה בְּצִבּוּר. בְּשַׁבָּתוֹת וּבְמוֹעֲדִים וּבְרָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים וּבְתַעֲנִיּוֹת וּבַחֲנֻכָּה וּבְפוּרִים וּבְשֵׁנִי וַחֲמִישִׁי שֶׁבְּכָל שָׁבוּעַ וְשָׁבוּעַ. וְאֵין מַפְטִירִין בַּנְּבִיאִים אֶלָּא בְּשַׁבָּתוֹת וְיָמִים טוֹבִים וְתִשְׁעָה בְּאָב בִּלְבַד:

These are the days when the Torah is read publicly: Sabbaths, festivals,, the intermediate days of the festival. (See Chapter 13, Halachot 8-16.) Rashei Chadashim, 10:1 attributes the introduction of the practice of reading the Torah on all the abovementioned days to Moses. (See Chapter 13, Halachah 4, regarding the Rosh Chodesh Torah reading.) fast days, Chanukah, Purim, and Mondays and Thursdays each week.The haftarah states that the reading of the haftarah was instituted on the days when work is forbidden because the people had more time then and were able to devote themselves to Torah study. The Avudraham relates that the reading of the haftarah was instituted when the Greeks forbade the public reading of the Torah. To compensate, the Jews instituted the reading of parallel portions from the prophets. Even after the decree was nullified, the custom remained. is read only 1:17, the Rambam states that on fast days declared because of communal distress, the haftarah is read in the afternoon service. However, the Beit Yosef (Orach Chayim 574) explains that the laws concerning the reading of the Torah and the haftarah are discussed primarily in this and the following chapter of the Mishneh Torah. Hence, the decision here should be followed and the haftarah should not be recited. on Sabbaths, festivals, and Tish'ah B'Av. 5:10, Torah Sages have accepted the custom not to work on that day, and our Sages declared that no one will see a sign of blessing from work done on tAlthough work is permitted on Tish'ah B'Av, as mentioned in Hilchot Ta'aniot 5:10, Torah Sages have accepted the custom not to work on that day, and our Sages declared that no one will see a sign of blessing from work done on that day. Hence, there is no difficulty in reading the haftarah in the morning. (See Chapter 13, Halachah 18.)In Ashkenazic communities, it is also customary to read the haftarah on fast days in the Minchah service (Ramah, Orach Chayim 566:1).hat day. Hence, there is no difficulty in reading the haftarah in the morning. (See Chapter 13, Halachah 18.)In Ashkenazic communities, it is also customary to read the haftarah on fast days in the Minchah service (Ramah, Orach Chayim 566:1).

אֵין קוֹרִין בַּתּוֹרָה בְּצִבּוּר בְּפָחוֹת מֵעֲשָׂרָה אֲנָשִׁים גְּדוֹלִים בְּנֵי חוֹרִין. וְאֵין קוֹרִין פָּחוֹת מֵעֲשָׂרָה פְּסוּקִים. וַיְדַבֵּר עוֹלֶה מִן הַמִּנְיָן. וְלֹא יִהְיוּ הַקּוֹרִין פָּחוֹת מִשְּׁלֹשָׁה אֲנָשִׁים. וְאֵין מַתְחִילִין בְּפָרָשָׁה פָּחוֹת מִשְּׁלֹשָׁה פְּסוּקִים. וְאֵין מְשַׁיְּרִין בְּפָרָשָׁה פָּחוֹת מִשְּׁלֹשָׁה פְּסוּקִים. וְלֹא יִקְרָא הַקּוֹרֵא פָּחוֹת מִשְּׁלֹשָׁה פְּסוּקִים:

The Torah is never read in public in the presence of fewer than ten adult free men. No fewer than ten verses are read. notes that the reading for Purim contains only nine verses, but explains that since this passage discusses a complete subject, an exception is made. (See also Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 137:1.) Vayedaber is counted as one of them. (Orach Chayim 137:4) states that, after the fact, if only nine verses were read, it is sufficient. No fewer than three men should read.[When] beginning a passage). (See Hilchot Sefer Torah, Chapter 8.) from the Torah, [one should read] at least three verses, should read at least three verses, lest another person enter when he begins that passage and think that he has read fewer than three verses (Megillah 22a).The 14Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim, loc. cit.) states that if a person read only two verses, they must be read again. and one should not conclude less than three verses from the conclusion of a passage., loc. cit.). (See Chapter 13, Halachah 4. See also Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim, 138.) Each reader should not read fewer than three verses. 24a). Even when an entire passage has only two verses, the reader must add at least three more verses from another passage.From this halachah, it appears that the custom of reading the first aliyah of the portion to be read on the following Sabbath on Mondays and Thursdays was not fixed in the Rambam's time. Hence, these ground rules were necessary. (See Mishnah Berurah 137:4.)

שְׁלֹשָׁה שֶׁקָּרְאוּ עֲשָׂרָה פְּסוּקִים שְׁנַיִם קוֹרְאִין שְׁלֹשָׁה שְׁלֹשָׁה וְאֶחָד אַרְבָּעָה. וּבֵין שֶׁהָיָה הַקּוֹרֵא אַרְבָּעָה רִאשׁוֹן אוֹ אַחֲרוֹן אוֹ אֶמְצָעִי הֲרֵי זֶה מְשֻׁבָּח:

[When] three people read ten verses: Two read three [verses each] and one, four [verses]. It is praiseworthy regardless of whether the one who read four [verses] is first, 21b). last,). or in the middle.).

כָּל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד מִן הַקּוֹרִין פּוֹתֵחַ סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה וּמַבִּיט לַמָּקוֹם שֶׁהוּא קוֹרֵא בּוֹ. וְאַחַר כָּךְ אוֹמֵר בָּרְכוּ אֶת יְיָ׳‎ הַמְבֹרָךְ וְכָל הָעָם עוֹנִין בָּרוּךְ ה׳‎ הַמְבֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד [ ]. וְחוֹזֵר וּמְבָרֵךְ בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ׳‎ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר בָּחַר בָּנוּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים וְנָתַן לָנוּ אֶת תּוֹרָתוֹ בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ׳‎ נוֹתֵן הַתּוֹרָה. וְכָל הָעָם עוֹנִין אָמֵן. וְאַחַר כָּךְ קוֹרֵא עַד שֶׁיַּשְׁלִים לִקְרוֹת וְגוֹלֵל הַסֵּפֶר וּמְבָרֵךְ בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ׳‎ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לָנוּ תּוֹרָתוֹ תּוֹרַת אֱמֶת וְחַיֵּי עוֹלָם נָטַע בְּתוֹכֵנוּ בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ׳‎ נוֹתֵן הַתּוֹרָה:

Each one of the readers opens the Torah scroll and looks at the place from which he is to read. 32a mentions a difference of opinion between Rabbi Yehudah, who maintains that the blessings for the Torah should be recited while the Torah scroll is open (as quoted by the Rambam), and Rabbi Meir, who maintains that the Torah scroll should be closed, lest the people err and think that the blessings are written in the Torah.Although the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 139:4) quotes the Rambam's decision, the Be'ur Halachah explains that Rabbi Yehudah maintains that one is not obligated to close the Torah scroll before reciting the blessing. However, there is nothing wrong in doing so. Therefore, in many communities the custom is to roll the Torah closed before reciting the blessing.Note the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit., 140:3) regarding the ruling when one looks at the wrong passage in the Torah before reciting the blessing. Afterwards, he declares, (loc. cit., 139:6) emphasizes how Barchu and the blessings for the Torah should be recited in a loud voice. Barchu et Ado-nai hamevorach, and all the people, loc. cit.:7) answer: Baruch Ado-nai hamevorach le'olam va'ed. He then recites the blessing:Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has chosen us from among all the nations and given us His Torah. Blessed are You, God, the Giver of the Torah.All the people respond: "Amen." 21a. Note also the comments of the Hagahot Maimoniot, Chapter 7, Halachah 15, that a person can fulfill his requirement of reciting one hundred blessings on the Sabbath by answering "Amen" to these blessings. Afterwards, he reads until he completes the reading, rolls the scroll [closed] states that this is done in deference to Rabbi Meir's opinion mentioned above. The Lechem Yehudah explains that it is a gesture of respect for the Torah. and recites the blessing:Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who has given us His Torah, the Torah of truth, also omit this word. and implanted eternal life. Note the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit. 139:10), which follows the text - חיי העולם (adding a ה as a modifier) - "the life of the world (to come)." in our midst.). Blessed are You, God, the Giver of the Torah.

אֵין הַקּוֹרֵא בַּתּוֹרָה רַשַּׁאי לִקְרוֹת בַּתּוֹרָה עַד שֶׁיִּכְלֶה אָמֵן מִפִּי הַצִּבּוּר. קָרָא וְטָעָה אֲפִלּוּ בְּדִקְדּוּק אוֹת אַחַת מַחְזִירִין אוֹתוֹ עַד שֶׁיִּקְרָאֶנָּה בְּדִקְדּוּק. וְלֹא יִקְרְאוּ שְׁנַיִם בַּתּוֹרָה אֶלָּא הָאֶחָד לְבַדּוֹ. קָרָא וְנִשְׁתַּתֵּק יַעֲמֹד אַחֵר תַּחְתָּיו וְיַתְחִיל מִמָּקוֹם שֶׁהִתְחִיל הָרִאשׁוֹן שֶׁנִּשְׁתַּתֵּק וּמְבָרֵךְ בַּסּוֹף:

The person reading the Torah is not allowed to begin reading until the congregation ceases responding "Amen." 141:17). If one erred while reading, even regarding the careful pronunciation of one letter, 99a states that anyone who says that even one letter of the Torah was not given by God is considered as "one who scorned the word of God." Therefore, every letter in the Torah must be pronounced correctly. [the reader] is forced to repeat [the reading] until he reads it correctly. 142:2).Two people should not read at the same time. Rather, one should read alone. 3:6. See also a contrasting decision in Hilchot Megillah 2:7.In communities where the Torah is read by a person other than the one who recites the blessings, the person reciting the blessings should be careful not to read out loud (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 141:2). If one was reading and lost the ability to speak, another should replace him. He should begin from the place where the one who lost the ability to speak began, 5:3) to explain why this law differs from the law mentioned in Chapter 10, Halachah 4, which states that if a chazan cannot continue the recitation of the Shemoneh Esreh, the person who replaces him begins from the point where he left off. The Rambam explains that it is necessary for the second person reading the Torah to repeat the verses, because otherwise, the verses read by the initial reader will not be included in the concluding blessing. and recite the blessing after concluding., loc. cit., 140:1) does not accept this decision, and requires the person who continues reading to recite the first blessing before he begins reading the Torah.The difference between the two opinions is that the Rambam considers the blessings to be associated with the Torah portion and not with the reader. In contrast, Rabbenu Asher considers the blessings as the personal responsibility of the reader in preparation for reading from the Torah.Rabbenu Asher's opinion is accepted by the later authorities. Even in communities where a person other than the one who recites the blessings reads from the Torah, this law applies (Ramah).

אֵין הַקּוֹרֵא רַשַּׁאי לִקְרוֹת עַד שֶׁיֹּאמַר לוֹ גָּדוֹל שֶׁבַּצִּבּוּר לִקְרוֹת. וַאֲפִלּוּ חַזַּן הַכְּנֶסֶת אוֹ רֹאשׁ הַכְּנֶסֶת אֵינוֹ קוֹרֵא מֵעַצְמוֹ עַד שֶׁיֹּאמְרוּ לוֹ הַצִּבּוּר אוֹ גָּדוֹל שֶׁבָּהֶם לִקְרוֹת. וְצָרִיךְ אֶחָד לַעֲמֹד עִמּוֹ בִּשְׁעַת קְרִיאָה כְּדֶרֶךְ חַזָּן הָעוֹמֵד עִם הַקּוֹרְאִין:

The reader is not permitted to [begin] reading until the person of greatest stature within the community tells him to [begin] reading. referred to below, no explicit source is mentioned by the commentaries. Even the chazan or the gabbai 68b), which describes the rosh hak'nesset as the one who appoints the leader of prayer and gives out the aliyot. should not begin reading on their own initiative until the community [as a whole] or the person of greatest stature begins to read. 3:21, which explains that this restriction was instituted to prevent the synagogue functionaries from taking advantage of their position, and thus create a rift between them and the other congregants.[When the chazan reads from the Torah,] to read from the Torah himself. Thus, the chazan would read only when he, himself, received an aliyah. another person should stand with him while he reads, just as the chazan stands together with the other readers. 4:1) explains the source for this practice. Just as an intermediary was involved with the giving of the Torah - as Deuteronomy 5:5 states: "I stood between you and God, your Lord" - so, too, another person should stand together with the reader at the reading of the Torah.Note Soferim 14:14 (quoted by the Mishnah Berurah 141:16), which mentions the custom that two other people stand by the reader while the Torah is read, one on his right and one on his left.

הַקּוֹרֵא יֵשׁ לוֹ לְדַלֵּג מִמָּקוֹם לְמָקוֹם בְּעִנְיָן אֶחָד כְּגוֹן (ויקרא טז א) ״אַחֲרֵי מוֹת״ וְ(ויקרא כג כז) ״אַךְ בֶּעָשׂוֹר״ שֶׁבְּפָרָשַׁת (ויקרא כא א) ״אֱמֹר אֶל הַכֹּהֲנִים״. וְהוּא שֶׁלֹּא יִקְרָא עַל פֶּה שֶׁאָסוּר לִקְרוֹת שֶׁלֹּא מִן הַכְּתָב אֲפִלּוּ תֵּבָה אַחַת. וְלֹא יִשְׁהֶה בְּדִלּוּג אֶלָּא כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּשְׁלִים הַתֻּרְגְּמָן תַּרְגּוּם הַפָּסוּק:

The reader may skip from place to place in one subject 144:1.) - for example, 7:1), the High Priest, himself, would not skip from passage to passage in the Torah. from Acharei mot... to Ach be'asor, in the portion Emor el Hacohanim - provided he does not read by heart. It is forbidden [for a reader] to say even one word [without looking at the text]. 5, which states:A reader is forbidden to take his eyes off the Torah scroll, for the Torah was given only in writing, as [Exodus 34:2] states: "And I will write the words on the tablets."Note also Gittin 60b, which mentions a general prohibition against reciting verses from the written Torah by heart. [When] skipping [in this fashion, the reader] should not wait longer than it takes for the translator to translate one verse. 69b).At present, it is customary to skip from passage to passage in the reading of the Torah on public fast days alone. (See Chapter 13, Halachah 18.) Even then, the transition is made between the first and second aliyot, so that it will not be noticeable to the listeners.

כֵּיוָן שֶׁהִתְחִיל הַקּוֹרֵא לִקְרוֹת בַּתּוֹרָה אָסוּר לְסַפֵּר אֲפִלּוּ בִּדְבַר הֲלָכָה אֶלָּא הַכּל שׁוֹמְעִין וְשׁוֹתְקִין וּמְשִׂימִין לִבָּם לְמַה שֶּׁהוּא קוֹרֵא שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (נחמיה ח ג) ״וְאָזְנֵי כָל הָעָם אֶל סֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה״. וְאָסוּר לָצֵאת מִן הַכְּנֶסֶת בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁהַקּוֹרֵא קוֹרֵא. וּמֻתָּר לָצֵאת בֵּין אִישׁ לְאִישׁ. וּמִי שֶׁהוּא עוֹסֵק בַּתּוֹרָה תָּמִיד וְתוֹרָתוֹ אֻמְנוּתוֹ מֻתָּר לוֹ לַעֲסֹק בְּתַלְמוּד תּוֹרָה בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁהַקּוֹרֵא קוֹרֵא בַּתּוֹרָה:

Once the reader begins reading the Torah, it is forbidden [for the congregants] to talk, (Orach Chayim 146:1) states that the prohibition applies even between aliyot. even regarding matters of Torah law. 146:5 mentions that if it is necessary to prevent a person from committing a sin, one may speak even while the Torah is being read. Rather, everyone should listen, remain silent, and pay attention to what is being read, as [Nechemiah 8:3] states: "The ears of all the people were [attentive] to the Torah scroll."It is forbidden to leave the synagogue while the reader is reading from the Torah. 146:1).Berachot 8a interprets Isaiah 1:28, "Those who turn away from God will be destroyed," as a reference to a person who leaves the synagogue when the Torah scroll is open. However, one is permitted to leave between aliyot. 146:2-3). A person who is constantly involved in Torah study, and Torah is his occupation, (loc. cit.), which relates that while the Torah was being taken out, Rav Sheshet would turn his back and occupy himself in his studies, saying, "Let them be occupied in what concerns them, while we will be occupied in what concerns us."See Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:4, which states that the mitzvah of Torah study takes precedence over all other commandments. Based on this principle, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his disciples would not interrupt their studies even for prayer (Shabbat 11a - see Chapter 6, Halachah 8). However, the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit. 106:3) states that this applies only to scholars like Rabbi Shimon, who never interrupt their studies at all. However, at present, even scholars whose occupation is Torah must interrupt their studies for prayer, for they make other interruptions as well.The Rabbis question whether the law under discussion applies only to scholars of Rabbi Shimon's level, or whether it is also relevant to scholars of the present day. The Kessef Mishneh notes that the citation of the behavior of Rav Sheshet as a source for this halachah appears to support the latter opinion. Rav Sheshet, like the other Amoraim of the Talmudic period, was not considered to be on the same level as Rabbi Shimon. In contrast, the Mishnah Berurah 146:9 maintains that, at present, we have no scholars who have the level of devotion to Torah study that would permit such a leniency. is permitted to involve himself in Torah study while the Torah is being read. (loc. cit. 146:2) and the Mishnah Berurah 146:8-10 place various restrictions on this license. There must be ten others listening to the Torah, the person must study quietly, and he should turn away and begin his studies before the Torah reading is begun.

מִימוֹת עֶזְרָא נָהֲגוּ שֶׁיְּהֵא שָׁם תֻּרְגְּמָן מְתַרְגֵּם לָעָם מַה שֶּׁהַקּוֹרֵא קוֹרֵא בַּתּוֹרָה כְּדֵי שֶׁיָּבִינוּ עִנְיַן הַדְּבָרִים. וְהַקּוֹרֵא קוֹרֵא פָּסוּק אֶחָד בִּלְבַד וְשׁוֹתֵק עַד שֶׁיְּתַרְגֵּם אוֹתוֹ הַתֻּרְגְּמָן וְחוֹזֵר וְקוֹרֵא פָּסוּק שֵׁנִי. וְאֵין הַקּוֹרֵא רַשַּׁאי לִקְרוֹת לַמְתֻרְגְּמָן יוֹתֵר מִפָּסוּק אֶחָד:

From the time of Ezra, it was customary that a translator would translate to the people the [passages] read by the reader from the Torah, so that they would understand the subject matter. 3a explains that this refers to the translation of the Torah.The reader should read one verse alone and remain silent while the translator translates it. Afterwards, he should read a second verse. The reader is not permitted to read to the translator more than one verse [at a time]. (Orach Chayim 145) writes that even in Talmudic times, it was not customary to translate the Torah in all communities. He explains that, in his age, the custom of translating the Torah had already been ceased because the people did not understand the Aramaic translation traditionally used. The rabbis did not want to translate the Torah into the languages which the people did understand, because of the possibility of error and misinterpretation. Such fears had not existed in regard to the Aramaic translation, since it had been composed with Ruach Hakodesh (Divine inspiration).[The Tur, however, also mentions the opinion of Rav Natrunai Gaon, who maintains that the translation should be done freely, so that the people can understand, without referring to the traditional text.]The Tur's opinion is accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 145:3) and in nearly all contemporary Jewish communities, the custom of using a translator during the Torah reading is no longer practiced. For this reason, rather than present a running commentary on Halachot 11 and 12, we have limited our comments to short footnotes.1. Berachot 45a states that this principle is derived from the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. God, "the Reader," did not lift his voice over that of Moses, "the translator."It was also customary to use a מתורגמן in teaching the oral law. Hence, parallels to many of the laws mentioned in this halachah can also be found in Hilchot Talmud Torah 4:3.2. The Jerusalem Talmud (Megillah 4:1) mentions that we should approach the Torah reading with awe, reflecting the awe experienced by the Jews at Mount Sinai.3. Rabbenu Nissim maintains that this prohibition only applied before Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi permitted the oral tradition to be recorded. Afterwards, it was permitted for the translator to use a written text. Rabbenu Nissim's position is somewhat difficult to accept, since the Jerusalem Talmud (Megillah, loc. cit.), the source for this law, was written several hundred years after Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi granted this leniency. Nevertheless, Rabbenu Nissim's view was widely accepted.4. The Tosefta, Megillah 3:21, cites the example of Aharon, who served as a spokesman for Moses. See also Kessef Mishneh.5. Genesis 35:22. The direct translation of this verse would be unbecoming to both Reuven and Jacob (Rashi, Megillah 25a).6. The third of the priestly blessings states: "May God turn His countenance to you...." This appears to be a direct contradiction to the description of God (Deuteronomy 10:17 as "not turning His face...." Though our Sages resolved that difficulty (Berachot 20b), a problem might come up in a simple translation of the verse.Rav Kapach notes that the Yemenite texts of Targum Onkelos lack a translation for the three verses of the priestly benediction.7. Were the common people given the opportunity of hearing the full story of the golden calf, they might believe that it had spiritual power (Rashi, loc. cit.). Alternatively, the narrative places a major burden of responsibility on Aharon (Tosafot, Megillah, loc. cit.).8. The commentaries note that this passage is not read as a haftarah at present. Rav Kapach states that the need to make this statement indicates that in Talmudic times, the passages that were read as haftarot were not fixed and there was some room for choice.9. Verses from the Torah cannot be skipped in a public Torah reading. However, it is permitted to skip verses from the prophets while reading the haftarah (Tos'fot Yom Tov, Megillah 10:3).

אֵין הַקּוֹרֵא רַשַּׁאי לְהַגְבִּיהַּ קוֹלוֹ יוֹתֵר מִן הַמְתַרְגֵּם. וְהַמְתַרְגֵּם לֹא יַגְבִּיהַּ קוֹלוֹ יוֹתֵר מִן הַקּוֹרֵא. וְאֵין הַמְתַרְגֵּם רַשַּׁאי לְתַרְגֵּם עַד שֶׁיִּכְלֶה הַפָּסוּק מִפִּי הַקּוֹרֵא. וְאֵין הַקּוֹרֵא רַשַּׁאי לִקְרוֹת פָּסוּק אַחֵר עַד שֶׁיִּכְלֶה הַתַּרְגּוּם מִפִּי הַתֻּרְגְּמָן. וְאֵין הַתֻּרְגְּמָן נִשְׁעָן לֹא לְעַמּוּד וְלֹא לְקוֹרָה אֶלָּא עוֹמֵד בְּאֵימָה וּבְיִרְאָה. וְלֹא יְתַרְגֵּם מִתּוֹךְ הַכְּתָב אֶלָּא עַל פֶּה. וְאֵין הַקּוֹרֵא רַשַּׁאי לְסַיֵּעַ לַתֻּרְגְּמָן שֶׁלֹּא יֹאמְרוּ תַּרְגּוּם כָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה. וְהַקָּטָן מְתַרְגֵּם עַל יְדֵי גָּדוֹל וְאֵין כָּבוֹד לַגָּדוֹל שֶׁיְּתַרְגֵּם עַל יְדֵי קָטָן. וְלֹא יִהְיוּ הַמְתַרְגְּמִין שְׁנַיִם כְּאֶחָד אֶלָּא אֶחָד קוֹרֵא וְאֶחָד מְתַרְגֵּם:

The reader is not permitted to raise his voice above that of the translator, nor should the translator raise his voice above that of the reader. The translator is not permitted to [begin] translating until the reader completes reading the verse, nor may the reader [begin] reading another verse until the translator has completed the translation.The translator should not lean on a beam or on a pillar. Rather, he should stand with awe and fear. He should not translate from a written text, but rather should recite the translation by heart.The reader is not permitted to assist the translator, lest people say: "The translation is written in the Torah scroll." A person of lesser stature may serve as a translator for a person of greater stature. However, it is not befitting the honor of a person of greater stature to serve as a translator for a person of lesser stature. Two people should not serve as translators simultaneously; rather, one person should read and one should translate.

וְלֹא כָּל הַמִּקְרָאוֹת מְתַרְגְּמִינַן בְּצִבּוּר. (בראשית לה כב) ״מַעֲשֵׂה רְאוּבֵן״ וּ(במדבר ו כב כז) ״בִרְכַּת כֹּהֲנִים״ וּמַעֲשֵׂה הָעֵגֶל מִן (שמות לב כא) ״וַיֹּאמֶר משֶׁה אֶל אַהֲרֹן״ עַד (שמות לב כה) ״וַיַּרְא משֶׁה אֶת הָעָם״ וְגוֹ׳‎ וְעוֹד פָּסוּק אֶחָד (שמות לב לה) ״וַיִּגֹּף ה׳‎ אֶת הָעָם״ כֻּלָּם נִקְרָאִין וְלֹא מִתַּרְגְּמִין. וּבְמַעֲשֵׂה אַמְנוֹן בַּמָּקוֹם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמואל ב יג א) ״אַמְנוֹן בֶּן דָּוִד״ נִקְרָא וְלֹא מִתַּרְגֵּם:

Not all passages from the Torah are translated in public. All [of the following passages] should be read, but not translated: the incident involving Reuven, the priestly benediction, [the passage describing the sin] of the golden calf from "And Moses told Aharon" (Exodus 32:21 until "And Moses saw the people" (Exodus 32:25 and one other verse, "And God set a plague upon the people" (Exodus 32:35 .In the [description of] the incident concerning Amnon (II Samuel, Chapter 13), the verse which states, "Amnon, the son of David" (13:1) should be neither read nor translated.

הַמַּפְטִיר בַּנָּבִיא צָרִיךְ לִקְרוֹת בַּתּוֹרָה תְּחִלָּה אֲפִלּוּ שְׁלֹשָׁה פְּסוּקִים. חוֹזֵר וְקוֹרֵא מַה שֶּׁקָּרָא לְפָנָיו. וְלֹא יַפְטִיר בַּנָּבִיא עַד שֶׁיִּגְלל סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה. וְלֹא יִפְחֹת מֵעֶשְׂרִים וְאֶחָד פְּסוּקִים. וְאִם שָׁלֵם הָעִנְיָן בְּפָחוֹת מֵאֵלּוּ אֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לְהוֹסִיף. וְאִם קָרָא עֲשָׂרָה פְּסוּקִים וְתִרְגְּמָן הַמְתַרְגֵּם דַּיּוֹ וַאֲפִלּוּ לֹא שָׁלֵם הָעִנְיָן. וּבַנָּבִיא אֶחָד קוֹרֵא וַאֲפִלּוּ שְׁנַיִם מְתַרְגְּמִין. וּמְדַלֵּג מֵעִנְיָן לְעִנְיָן אַחֵר. וְאֵינוֹ מְדַלֵּג מִנָּבִיא לְנָבִיא אֶלָּא בִּנְבִיאִים שֶׁל שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר בִּלְבַד. וּבִלְבַד שֶׁלֹּא יְדַלֵּג מִסּוֹף הַסֵּפֶר לִתְחִלָּתוֹ. וְכָל הַמְדַלֵּג לֹא יִשְׁהֶה בְּדִלּוּג אֶלָּא כְּדֵי שֶׁיַּשְׁלִים הַמְתַרְגֵּם תַּרְגּוּמוֹ:

The person who reads the haftarah. must read from the Torah first. 23a). Even three verses [are sufficient]. He should read again the passage that had been read previously. 23a, which states that in Talmudic times, the person who recited the haftarah would read a separate portion from the Torah. It is our custom that on festivals and in the special circumstances described in Chapter 13, Halachot 20-24, that the person who reads the haftarah reads a separate Torah portion.He should not [begin] reading the haftarah until the Torah scroll has been rolled closed. - Rashi, Sotah 39b, states that the person reading the haftarah should wait to allow the person who rolled the Torah closed also to hear the haftarah. Others explain that it is not respectful to the Torah for it be open while the haftarah is being read.He should not [begin] reading the haftarah until the Torah scroll has been rolled closed. He should not read fewer than twenty-one verses [as the haftarah]. has a minimum of three verses, the twenty-one verses of the haftarah will parallel the seven aliyot of the Torah reading (Megillah 23a). However, if a concept is completed in fewer [verses] than that, he need not add more. (loc. cit.) cites the eight concluding verses from Jeremiah, Chapter 7, which were read as the haftarah for Parashat Tzav. (At present, it is customary to add a number of other verses to that haftarah. The haftarah read for Parashat Ki Tetzey has only ten verses.) If he read only ten verses, but the haftarah is translated, it is sufficient even if the concept is not completed.[When reading] from the prophets, one reads and even two may translate.. Rashi, Megillah 21b, explains that the prohibition was instituted to prevent confusion. However, since the haftarot are concerned more with ethics than halachic concepts, the Sages did worry that much about the possibility of confusion arising. One may skip from one concept to another.. Indeed, in many of the haftarot read at present, it is customary to skip certain verses. However, one should not skip from one prophet to another, 24a). except among the twelve prophets. Furthermore, [even within a book from a single prophet,] one should not skip from the conclusion of the book until its beginning. Whenever one skips, one should not wait longer than it takes the translator to complete his translation. (loc. cit.) explains that this is a practice of respect for the congregation, to prevent them from being forced to wait in silence.

הַקּוֹרֵא בַּנָּבִיא יֵשׁ לוֹ לִקְרוֹת לַתֻּרְגְּמָן שְׁלֹשָׁה פְּסוּקִים וְהַמְתַרְגֵּם מְתַרְגֵּם שְׁלָשְׁתָּן זֶה אַחַר זֶה. וְאִם הָיוּ שְׁלֹשָׁה הַפְּסוּקִים שָׁלֹשׁ פָּרָשִׁיּוֹת לֹא יִקְרָא לַתֻּרְגְּמָן אֶלָּא אֶחָד אֶחָד בִּלְבַד:

A person reading from the prophets may read three verses to the translator at one time,. and the translator translates them one after another. If the three verses are three separate passages, 24a cites the verses from Isaiah 52:3-5 (included in the haftarah of Parshat Shoftim) as an example of such a phenomenon. [It must be noted that these verses are included in two passages (and not three as stated by the Rambam) in all texts of the Bible. Note the commentary of Rabbenu Nissim, who explains two passages as "two different concepts."] [the reader] should read them to the translator only one at a time.

הַמַּפְטִיר בַּנָּבִיא מְבָרֵךְ לְפָנָיו בְּרָכָה אַחַת. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳‎ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר בָּחַר בִּנְבִיאִים וְכוּ׳‎. וּמְבָרֵךְ לְאַחֲרָיו אַרְבַּע בְּרָכוֹת. בְּרָכָה רִאשׁוֹנָה חוֹתֵם בָּהּ הָאֵל הַנֶּאֱמָן בְּכָל דְּבָרָיו. שְׁנִיָּה חוֹתֵם בָּהּ בּוֹנֶה יְרוּשָׁלַיִם. שְׁלִישִׁית חוֹתֵם בָּהּ מָגֵן דָּוִד. רְבִיעִית חוֹתֵם בָּהּ עִנְיַן קְדֻשַּׁת הַיּוֹם כְּמוֹ שֶׁחוֹתֵם בַּתְּפִלָּה. וְכֵן אִם חָל רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ לִהְיוֹת בְּשַׁבָּת הַמַּפְטִיר בַּנָּבִיא מַזְכִּיר רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ בִּבְרָכָה זוֹ כְּמוֹ שֶׁמַּזְכִּיר בַּתְּפִלָּה:

The person who reads the haftarah recites one blessing before [beginning his reading]: Blessed are You, God, our Lord, King of the universe, who chose prophets.... and concludes with Baruch (Rav David Arameah).After [completing the reading], he recites four blessings. 14:1). He concludes the first blessing: "the God who is faithful in all of His words." explains that since the object of most of the prophecies is "Zion, Elijah, and David" (i.e., the Messianic redemption), after praising God as faithful to fulfill His prophecies, we begin the second blessing, which centers on the return to Jerusalem. He concludes the second blessing: "who builds Jerusalem." 13:12 concludes the blessing "who causes Zion to rejoice in her children." The Ra'avad and the Kessef Mishneh suggest concluding the blessing in this fashion. This is the commonly accepted practice today. He concludes the third blessing: "the Shield of David." 117b compares this to the conclusion of the first blessing of the Shemoneh Esreh, "the Shield of Abraham." He concludes the fourth blessing with the mention of the sacred aspect of the day, as he does in the Shemoneh Esreh. Similarly, if Rosh Chodesh falls on the Sabbath, the one who reads the haftarah mentions Rosh Chodesh in this blessing, as he does in the Shemoneh Esreh. prayer. (See Chapter 2, Halachah 11.)Shabbat 24b questions whether Rosh Chodesh should be mentioned in this blessing. On one hand, when Rosh Chodesh falls during the week, the haftarah is not read. Hence, one might assume that there is no connection between the two and, hence, there is no need to mention Rosh Chodesh in the blessings. However, on the other hand, we find that when Yom Kippur falls on the Sabbath, the Sabbath is mentioned in the Ne'ilah service, despite the fact that the Ne'ilah service would otherwise not be recited on the Sabbath.Though Rashi and Rav Yitzchok Alfasi interpret the passage in the same manner as the Rambam, Rabbenu Asher and Rabbenu Nissim rule that no mention should be made of Rosh Chodesh in this blessing. The Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 284:2 follows the latter position.[The siddurim of Rav Amram Gaon and Rav Sa'adiah Gaon include mention of Rosh Chodesh in the conclusion of the blessing as well. The text of the authoritative Yemenite manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah also accept this view.]

כַּמָּה הֵן הַקּוֹרְאִין. בְּשַׁבָּת בְּשַׁחֲרִית קוֹרְאִין שִׁבְעָה. וּבְיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים שִׁשָּׁה. וּבְיָמִים טוֹבִים חֲמִשָּׁה. אֵין פּוֹחֲתִין מֵהֶן אֲבָל מוֹסִיפִין עֲלֵיהֶם. בְּרָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים וּבְחֻלּוֹ שֶׁל מוֹעֵד קוֹרִין אַרְבָּעָה. בְּשַׁבָּת וּבְיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים בְּמִנְחָה וּבְשֵׁנִי וּבַחֲמִישִׁי שֶׁל כָּל הַשָּׁנָה וּבַחֲנֻכָּה וּבְפוּרִים בְּשַׁחֲרִית וּבִימֵי הַתַּעֲנִית בְּשַׁחֲרִית וּבְמִנְחָה קוֹרִין שְׁלֹשָׁה. אֵין פּוֹחֲתִין מִמִּנְיַן זֶה וְאֵין מוֹסִיפִין עֲלֵיהֶן:

How many readers [are called to the Torah]? On Sabbath morning, seven; on Yom Kippur, six; on festivals, five. This number may not be reduced. However, it may be increased. 3:2). Rabbenu Nissim explains that the license to increase the number of people called to the Torah applies only on the Sabbath, in order to clearly differentiate between the different holy days. However, Rashi (like the Rambam, here) explains that it refers to all three occasions. Since working at one's occupation is prohibited on all three occasions, there is no difficulty in adding to the number of people called to the Torah.The Ramah (Orach Chayim 282:1) states that it is customary to follow Rabbenu Nissim's opinion.On Rashei Chadashim and on Chol Hamo'ed, four people [are called to read [from the Torah]. service, work (albeit with restrictions on Chol Hamo'ed) is permitted On the Sabbath and Yom Kippur during the Minchah service, on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the entire year, on Chanukah and Purim in the morning service, and on fast days in the morning and Minchah services three people [are called to] read [from the Torah]. This number may not be reduced, is recited and when it is not recited. nor may it may be increased. services of the Sabbath and Yom Kippur, work is permitted, and the Rabbis did not want to have people lose time from work by calling extra people to the Torah. On the Sabbath no additions were made, since it was customary to hold study sessions during the afternoon. Since the reading on Yom Kippur afternoon was instituted as parallel to that of the Sabbath afternoon, no additions are made then.

אִשָּׁה לֹא תִּקְרָא בְּצִבּוּר מִפְּנֵי כְּבוֹד הַצִּבּוּר. קָטָן הַיּוֹדֵעַ לִקְרוֹת וְיוֹדֵעַ לְמִי מְבָרְכִין עוֹלֶה מִמִּנְיַן הַקּוֹרְאִים. וְכֵן מַפְטִיר עוֹלֶה מֵהַמִּנְיָן שֶׁהֲרֵי הוּא קוֹרֵא בַּתּוֹרָה. וְאִם הִפְסִיק שְׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר בְּקַדִּישׁ בֵּין מַשְׁלִים וּבֵין הַמַּפְטִיר אֵינוֹ עוֹלֶה מִן הַמִּנְיָן. צִבּוּר שֶׁלֹּא הָיָה בָּהֶם יוֹדֵעַ לִקְרוֹת אֶלָּא אֶחָד עוֹלֶה וְקוֹרֵא וְיוֹרֵד וְחוֹזֵר וְקוֹרֵא שְׁנִיָּה וּשְׁלִישִׁית עַד שֶׁיִּגְמֹר מִנְיַן הַקּוֹרְאִים שֶׁל אוֹתוֹ הַיּוֹם:

A woman should not read the Torah publicly, as a token of respect for the community. 23) implies that a woman could receive an aliyah and recite the blessings over the Torah. However, as a gesture of respect to the community, women were not given this privilege.Note the comments of the Magen Avraham 282:6, who states that women are obligated to hear the weekly Torah reading. A minor who knows how to read and is aware of the One who is being blessed 7:2. may be counted as one of the required number [of people 4:6), he originally accepted a child as one of the seven, but not as one of the three. However, afterwards, he amended the text so that it appears that he accepts a child even as one of the three. called to the Torah].Similarly, the one who recites the haftarah is counted as one of the required number [of people called to the Torah], because he also reads from the Torah. [However,] if the leader of the congregation interrupted [by reciting] Kaddish between the conclusion of the Torah reading and the reading of the person who recites the haftarah, [the latter] is not included as one of the required number [of people called to the Torah] marks the conclusion of the required Torah reading. In such an instance, since the required number of people were not called to the Torah, the entire Torah reading must be repeated (Rav David Arameah)..If there is only one person in the community who knows how to read [from the Torah], he should be called to the Torah, (ibid.) states that a child should be called only for maftir and even that custom is not practiced in most communities at present.Similarly, the one who recites the haftarah is counted as one of the required number [of people called to the Torah], because he also reads from the Torah - although, as mentioned in Halachah 13, he reads a portion that has already been read. read, descend [from the platform], return and read again a second and a third time until he completes the number of aliyot designated for that day. (Orach Chayim 141) explains that, at present, the custom is to have the chazan read for everyone. If only those who knew how to read from the Torah were given aliyot, two problems would arise:a) Many people who do not know how to read from the Torah would be embarrassed;b) People who do not know how to read correctly would claim that they do know how to read, and arguments might crop up between them and the synagogue officials.Nevertheless, since there is a question whether it is acceptable for a person to recite the blessings when he does not actually read from the Torah, it is desirable that the person who recites the blessings read along with the chazan in an undertone. (See Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 141:2, and commentaries.) Yemenite custom, even at present, is that each person called to the Torah reads himself.

בְּכָל קְרִיאָה וּקְרִיאָה מֵאֵלּוּ כֹּהֵן קוֹרֵא רִאשׁוֹן וְאַחֲרָיו לֵוִי וְאַחֲרָיו מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל. וּמִנְהָג פָּשׁוּט הוּא הַיּוֹם שֶׁאֲפִלּוּ כֹּהֵן עַם הָאָרֶץ קוֹדֵם לִקְרוֹת לִפְנֵי חָכָם גָּדוֹל יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְכָל מִי שֶׁהוּא גָּדוֹל מֵחֲבֵרוֹ בְּחָכְמָה קֹדֶם לִקְרוֹת. וְהָאַחֲרוֹן שֶׁגּוֹלֵל סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה נוֹטֵל שָׂכָר כְּנֶגֶד הַכּל. לְפִיכָךְ עוֹלֶה וּמַשְׁלִים אֲפִלּוּ גָּדוֹל שֶׁבַּצִּבּוּר:

In all of these [Torah] readings, a priest reads first;, Positive Commandment 32) to give precedence to a priest regarding the Torah reading. However, according to the Torah, this commandment applies only when the two are equal in wisdom (as mentioned below). after him, a Levite; and after him, an Israelite. 5:8 states that this practice was instituted by the Sages to establish peace among the people. Originally, the first aliyah would be given to the sage of greatest stature in the community. However, strife and contention would frequently break out concerning the designation of the person deserving of that honor. It is common custom at present 22a relates that Rav would receive the first aliyah in the presence of Shmuel, although Shmuel was a priest and Rav was not. that even a priest who is a common person is given precedence and allowed to read before a wise man of great stature in Israel., loc. cit.), the Rambam writes:Know that the practice which is widely accepted everywhere, that a priest reads first in the synagogue regardless of whether he is a sage or a commoner, regardless of whether there is someone of greater stature there or not, is a matter which has no basis in the Talmud.... I wonder where this blemish came from....The Rambam continues to explain that even at present, it is proper to call a sage of greater stature to the Torah before a priest of lower stature. Though the Rambam's opinion has been supported by many commentaries, in practice the commonly accepted custom has been allowed to be continued. The reason for this is quite clear. The strife and contention that existed in Talmudic times would surely return (Beit Yosef, Orach Chayim 135).Whoever is greater than his colleague in wisdom is given precedence regarding the reading [of the Torah]. 60a states that after the priest and the Levite, the aliyot should be given to "Torah sages who serve as community leaders, the sons of Torah sages who serve as community leaders, the heads of the community, and then all people." The last person who rolls the Torah scroll closed receives a reward equivalent to that of all the others. 32b states that the gollel - the one who rolls the Torah closed - receives a reward equivalent to that of all the others who read from the Torah.Apparently, the Rambam interprets this statement as referring to the person who receives the final aliyah, or on Sabbath and festivals, the one who reads the haftarah. He should also roll the Torah closed. The Mishnah Berurah (147:5-6) quotes a different view, explaining that the term גולל refers to the person who lifts the Torah up (what we refer to as Magbiah). It is customary that the person who receives this honor need not read from the Torah beforehand. Therefore, even the person of the greatest stature in the community can receive the concluding aliyah.. However, since the reward received by the גולל is greater, the sage may be given this honor.

אֵין שָׁם כֹּהֵן עוֹלֶה יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְלֹא יַעֲלֶה אַחֲרָיו לֵוִי כְּלָל. אֵין שָׁם לֵוִי כֹּהֵן שֶׁקָּרָא רִאשׁוֹן חוֹזֵר וְקוֹרֵא הוּא עַצְמוֹ פַּעַם שְׁנִיָּה בִּמְקוֹם לֵוִי. אֲבָל לֹא יִקְרָא אַחֲרָיו כֹּהֵן אַחֵר שֶׁמָּא יֹאמְרוּ הָרִאשׁוֹן פָּסוּל וּלְפִיכָךְ עוֹלֶה כֹּהֵן אַחֵר. וְכֵן לֹא יִקְרָא לֵוִי אַחַר לֵוִי שֶׁמָּא יֹאמְרוּ אֶחָד מִשְּׁנֵיהֶם פָּסוּל:

When there are no priests present, 135:5). an Israelite is called to the Torah 135:6) states that the honor may also be given to a Levite. and a Levite should not be called after him at all. 135).Note the statements of Rav Sa'adiah Gaon, who maintains that in such circumstances, the Levite may be given one of the later aliyot. His opinion is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch (loc. cit.:10). However, the Ramah maintains that a second priest or Levite should not be given one of the first seven aliyot.When there are no Levites present, the priest who received the first aliyah returns and reads [from the Torah] a second time in place of the Levite. - An Israelite should not be called, for this would create the impression that the first person called to the Torah was not a priest (Mishnah Berurah 135:28).When there are no Levites present, the priest who received the first aliyah returns and reads [from the Torah] a second time in place of the Levite. Another priest should not read [from the Torah] after him, lest others say that there is a blemish in the first's lineage, and, therefore, another priest was given the aliyah. either (Mishnah Berurah 135:28).Similarly, one Levite should not read [from the Torah] after another Levite, lest others say that there is a blemish in the lineage of one of them - i.e., even if his father was a Levite, it is possible that he married a women who is a ממזרת, and thus their children are also ממזרים (Mishnah Berurah 135:30).Similarly, one Levite should not read [from the Torah] after another Levite, lest others say that there is a blemish in the lineage of one of them.

כֵּיצַד סֵדֶר הַקְּרִיאָה בַּתּוֹרָה. אַחַר הַתְּפִלָּה כָּל יוֹם שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ תְּפִלַּת מוּסָף אַחַר שֶׁיִּגְמֹר שְׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר תְּפִלַּת שַׁחֲרִית אוֹמֵר קַדִּישׁ וּמוֹצִיא סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה וְקוֹרֵא לְאֶחָד אֶחָד מִן הַצִּבּוּר וְעוֹלִין וְקוֹרִין בַּתּוֹרָה. וּכְשֶׁגּוֹמְרִין מַחֲזִיר סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה לִמְקוֹמָהּ וְאוֹמֵר קַדִּישׁ וּמִתְפַּלְּלִין תְּפִלַּת מוּסָף. וְיָמִים שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהֶן מַפְטִיר וּמוּסָף נָהֲגוּ לוֹמַר קַדִּישׁ קֹדֶם שֶׁיַּעֲלֶה הַמַּפְטִיר. וְיֵשׁ מְקוֹמוֹת שֶׁנָּהֲגוּ לוֹמַר קַדִּישׁ אַחַר הַמַּפְטִיר:

What is the order [of the service] when the Torah is read after prayer? On a day when there is a Musaf service, is not recited - i.e., Rosh Chodesh or Chol Hamo'ed after the leader of the congregation completes the morning service, he recites Kaddish, to indicate the completion of the morning service and takes out the Torah scroll. 141:25 states that the Torah scroll should always be taken to the platform on the right side, as the reader faces the platform. He calls the members of the community, one by one, and they ascend (ascent) is used to refer to a person called to the Torah. and read from the Torah. When they have completed the reading, he returns the Torah scroll to its place, and U'va l'Tzion. recites Kaddish,. The Rambam's statements are based on Soferim 21:6. It is our practice to recite Kaddish after the Torah reading and then, again, as an introduction to the Musaf prayers. and then the [congregation] recites the Musaf service. service. On days when the haftarah is read and there is a Musaf service, it is customary to recite Kaddish before the person who reads the haftarah ascends [for his aliyah]. differentiates between the Torah reading, which is obligatory, and the portion read by the person who recites the haftarah, which was instituted only as a token of respect for the Torah (Soferim, loc. cit.).The Rambam does not state whether the Torah scroll should be returned before the morning service or afterwards. In one of his responsa, he writes that there is no advantage to one practice over the other, and everything depends on local custom. There are places where it is customary to recite Kaddish after the person who reads the haftarah [completes his Torah reading].

וּבְמִנְחָה שֶׁל שַׁבָּת וְשֶׁל יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים אַחַר שֶׁיִּגְמֹר שְׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר (תהילים קמה א) ״תְּהִלָּה לְדָוִד״ וְסֵדֶר הַיּוֹם אוֹמֵר קַדִּישׁ וּמוֹצִיא סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה וְעוֹלִין וְקוֹרִין בּוֹ וּמַחֲזִירוֹ וְאוֹמֵר קַדִּישׁ וּמִתְפַּלְּלִין מִנְחָה. וְכֵן בְּתַעֲנִית קוֹרְאִין בְּמִנְחָה וְאַחַר כָּךְ אוֹמֵר קַדִּישׁ וּמִתְפַּלְּלִין תְּפִלַּת מִנְחָה. אֲבָל בְּיוֹם טוֹב לֹא נָהֲגוּ לִקְרוֹת בְּמִנְחָה:

During the Minchah service on the Sabbath and on Yom Kippur, after the leader of the congregation completes Tehillah l'David and the order of Kedushah,. See Chapter 9, Halachah 13. On Yom Kippur, it is our custom to recite these prayers before the Ne'ilah service, and not before Minchah. he recites the Kaddish, and takes out a Torah scroll. 33b). Soferim 14:14 states that the congregation should walk after the Torah scroll while it is being taken from the ark to the reading platform and when it is returned.The Ramah (Orach Chayim 149:1) mentions the custom of training children to kiss the Torah scroll as it is taken out. [Those called to the Torah] ascend and read and then, [the Torah scroll] is returned [to its place. and Ramah, Orach Chayim 149:1). The leader of the congregation] recites Kaddish, and the [congregation] recites the Minchah service. service. Similarly, on a fast day, and half-Kaddish the Torah is read [before] the Minchah service. Afterwards, Kaddish is recited, and the Minchah service is recited. On festivals, it is not customary to read [the Torah] in the Minchah service. service.

וְיוֹם שֶׁאֵין בּוֹ מוּסָף כְּשֶׁגּוֹמֵר תְּפִלַּת שַׁחֲרִית אוֹמֵר קַדִּישׁ וּמוֹצִיא סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה וְקוֹרְאִין בּוֹ וּמַחֲזִירוֹ וְאוֹמֵר קַדִּישׁ וְאַחַר כָּךְ אוֹמֵר (תהילים קמה א) ״תְּהִלָּה לְדָוִד״ וְסֵדֶר הַיּוֹם כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁאוֹמְרִים בְּכָל יוֹם וְאוֹמֵר קַדִּישׁ וְכָל הָעָם נִפְטָרִין:

[When the Torah is read on] a day when Musaf is not recited, after the morning Shemoneh Esreh is completed, [the leader of the congregation] recites the Kaddish and takes out a Torah scroll. [After the portion is] read from it, [the Torah scroll] is returned [to its place. mentioned below (Shulchan Aruch and Ramah, Orach Chayim 25:13). The leader of the congregation] recites Tehillah l'David and the order of Kedushah, as is the practice every day. [Afterwards,] he recites the Kaddish, to indicate the completion of the service. and the people depart.

אֵין קוֹרְאִין בְּחֻמָּשִׁין בְּבָתֵּי כְּנֵסִיּוֹת מִשּׁוּם כְּבוֹד צִבּוּר. וְאֵין גּוֹלְלִין סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה בְּצִבּוּר מִפְּנֵי טֹרַח הַצִּבּוּר שֶׁלֹּא יַטְרִיחַ עֲלֵיהֶם לִהְיוֹתָן עוֹמְדִין עַד שֶׁיִּגְלל סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה. לְפִיכָךְ אִם יִצְטָרְכוּ לִקְרוֹת שְׁנֵי עִנְיָנִים מוֹצִיאִין שְׁנֵי סִפְרֵי תּוֹרָה. וְלֹא יִקְרָא אִישׁ אֶחָד עִנְיָן אֶחָד בִּשְׁתֵּי תּוֹרוֹת שֶׁמָּא יֹאמְרוּ סֵפֶר רִאשׁוֹן פָּגוּם הָיָה וּלְפִיכָךְ קוֹרֵא בַּשֵּׁנִי:

It is not proper to read from chumashim in synagogues, as a token of respect for the community. 3:1) states that this prohibition was instituted so that the community would be upset that they were prevented from hearing the Torah readings, and therefore buy a Torah scroll. (See also Chapter 11, Halachah 1.)A Torah scroll should not be rolled [from one portion to another portion] in the presence of the community, because of the difficulty it would cause the people, forcing them to remain standing while the Torah scroll is being rolled. 70a, offers another reason: because the congregation is forced to stand idly while the scroll is being rolled. Therefore, if it is necessary to read two separate concepts, two Torah scrolls are taken out. [However,] one person should not read one concept from two Torah scrolls, 3:10, which describes the portions read by the High Priest in the Temple on Yom Kippur. He would read one passage by heart, rather than roll the Torah scroll.The Merkevat HaMishneh explains that if the passages read from the two scrolls deal with two different subjects, one person may read from two scrolls. See Chapter 13, Halachah 4. lest people say that the first scroll was invalid and, therefore, they read from the second. 143.)

כָּל הַגּוֹלֵל סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה גּוֹלְלוּ מִבַּחוּץ וּכְשֶׁהוּא מְהַדְּקוֹ מְהַדְּקוֹ מִבִּפְנִים. וְצָרִיךְ לְהַעֲמִידוֹ עַל הַתֶּפֶר כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִקָּרַע. מָקוֹם שֶׁמּוֹצִיאִין סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה אַחַר שֶׁקּוֹרְאִין בּוֹ וּמוֹלִיכִין אוֹתוֹ לְבֵית אַחֵר לְהַצְנִיעוֹ אֵין הַצִּבּוּר רַשָּׁאִין לָצֵאת עַד שֶׁיֵּצֵא סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה וִילַוּוּ אוֹתוֹ וְהֵם אַחֲרָיו עַד הַמָּקוֹם שֶׁמַּצְנִיעִין אוֹתוֹ בּוֹ:

When a person rolls a Torah scroll [closed], he should roll it from the outside. 147:4) interprets this statement (a quote from Megillah 32b) to mean that when a Torah scroll is rolled closed, the blank side of the parchment should face the outside, and the writing should face the person holding the Torah scroll. When he ties it, he should tie it from the inside. (Megillah, loc. cit.) explains that if the knot is on the outside, when the Torah scroll is opened it would have to be turned over to be untied. He should leave the stitching [in the center], so that it will not rip. (one of the rods on which the Torah scroll is mounted) from the other, the scroll will tear on the stitching and not on the text.In a place where a Torah scroll is taken [from the synagogue] to another room where it is kept, the congregation 149:1) interprets the following prohibition to apply only to the community as a whole. One or two individuals are allowed to leave. is not allowed to leave until the Torah scroll is taken. 149, interprets Sotah 39b, the source for this prohibition, as forbidding one to leave from the same exit through which the Torah will be taken, but allowing one to leave through another exit, because it is improper for a person to walk in front of the Torah scroll.The Rambam does not allow this leniency, since abandoning the Torah does not show respect. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 149:1) quotes the Tur's opinion. They should accompany it, following it to the place where it is kept. 39b derives this law from Deuteronomy 13:5: "Follow after God, your Lord." The Ramah (loc. cit.) states that similar practices should be followed when the Torah is kept in the ark, as is customary today. (See also the commentary on Halachah 21.)