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Leaning on the Bima

One should not lean on the shulchan ha’kriah (the table used for reading the Torah [usually referred to as the bima) or on the cloth covering the shulchan upon which the Sefer Torah is placed, since it has kedusha (sanctity). Although many poskim say that we may be lenient, nonetheless it is preferable not to do so; if one must lean on the shulchan, they should lean on the wood rather than on the cloth. The baal korei (the one reading from the Torah) should not lean on the shulchan ha’kriah, even on the wood, since it’s not respectful to the Sefer Torah and the reading of the Torah; leaning is considered like sitting. The Magen Avraham writes that even leaning slightly is disrespectful. If the baal korei is heavy and it is difficult for him to read the Torah while standing upright, or if he is old, weak or short sighted, he may lean, but only slightly. It is forbidden even for a heavy person to lean to the extent that he would fall if the shulchan were to be moved. The same rule applies to the oleh l’Torah (one who gets the aliya): he also should not lean on the shulchan, but rather stand upright. Halacah2Go#429

Announcements Between Aliyos

Q. Can I say over a brief Dvar Torah between each aliya in a Chabad House setting?

A. It depends on circumstances; Will this cause more attention to the reading of the Torah, or the reverse? Is this an opportunity to be mekarev Yidden? Is this an opportune time? Is it something long or short?

Either way, the Sefer Torah should be completely covered, and one should ensure that silence reigns right after the speech. #28885*

Mikva Before Going Up to the Torah

Q. I heard from a lot of people that it is not appropriate to get an aliya without going to mikva first, but I also know that many are not careful about this and most people never heard of such a thing. Is it the correct thing to do?

A. According to halacha, one may receive an aliya even without mikva. There is room for stringency not to receive an aliya if one requires tevilas Ezra. Even so, if someone was already called to the Torah he shouldn’t refuse.

One may wish to extend this idea to general mikva [for added putirty], although there is no known source for this. This is a matter of hergesh. #22581*

Splitting up Kriyas HaTorah Between Different Baalei Kriah

Q. Is it okay for a yeshiva to split up the aliyos between different baalei kriah in order to allow different bachurim (who cannot yet actually lein a whole parsha) to have a chance, even though there may be some bachurim who can lein the whole parsha at once?

A. It is okay to do so, although there is room for one who wishes to be mehader where possible to have one baal korei, provided there are no other overriding factors. #24743*
#18255*

Aliyos

Q. Can a Kohen who is married to the daughter of a non-Jewish father do Birkas Kohanim or get an aliya?

A. He may recite Birkas Kohanim and receive aliya of Kohen, although you might consider not giving an aliya as a matter of policy in the shul. #23681*

Q. Can an individual who lives a lifestyle that is against the Torah receive an aliya?

A. A man who lives with another man should be treated like any other person that is not Frum. He may receive an aliya or be chazan as long as he isn’t defiant about his weakness and it won’t be perceived as giving a hechsher to his actions. #12409*

A Chiyuv Needs an Aliya, the Gabbai Calls Up Someone Else…

Q. If there is a chiyuv who is supposed to get an aliya, and the gabbai called up somebody else by mistake (for the last aliya) can the chiyuv still be called up instead if the oleh didn’t say Hashem’s name in the bracha yet, or is it too late once the first name is called?

A. If the individual who was called is a Kohen or Levi, he should get the aliya. Even if it’s a Yisrael, unless the chiyuv was already promised, the one who was called should go up.

However, if the one who was called up is prepared for shalom reasons to pardon his aliya, the chiyuv may be oleh. #22250*

*References are available for this Halacha on the websites: www.Halacha2Go.com and www.AskTheRav.com

Please note that these halachos apply in general situations. If you are unsure whether the halacha applies to your particular situation, please consult a Rav. 

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