How To Do Hagbahah?

Halacha Moment
Sep 4
3 min read

The Daily Halacha Moment - How To Do Hagbahah?

״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)

“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)

Question:

How does one do Hagbahah?

Answer:

During Hagbah, the Sefer Torah should ideally be opened wide enough so that three columns of text are visible. However, this depends on the strength of the Magbiyah (the one performing Hagbah). If he is strong, he may open it wider than three columns; if he is weaker, he may open it less [1]. In Sephardic communities, the custom is simply to open the Sefer Torah as much as it naturally opens generally about one full column and this is considered to fully fulfill the requirement [2].

While lifting the Torah, it is permitted to hold onto the Atzei Chayim (the wooden poles of the Sefer Torah). Nevertheless, some are stringent and avoid direct contact. If one wishes to be strict and instead hold the Atzei Chayim using a tallit or cloth, he should do so discreetly, without drawing attention [3].

Regarding how the Torah is turned during Hagbah, some have the custom to turn first to the right and then to the left so that all sides of the congregation can see the writing [4]. Others rotate to the right in a full circle, ensuring that every person present gets a clear view [5].

The positioning of the Torah also differs between customs: Among Ashkenazim, the Magbiyah holds the Torah with the words facing toward himself and lifts it high so it can be seen clearly even by those behind him [6]. In Sephardic practice, the Torah is positioned so that the writing faces outward toward the congregation, allowing the people to view the text directly [7].

Sources:

[1]. Mishna Berurah 134:8

[2]. Halacha Berurah end of 134:19 writes that Sephardim open the Sefer Torah only so much as the case can open.

[3]. The Bach (147:1) rules that one may not hold the Atzei Chayim of the Sefer Torah directly, but should use a cloth or tallit. The Mishnah Berurah (147:2) writes that it is halachically permitted to touch them, though one who is stringent should do so discreetly to avoid appearing pretentious (mechzi k’yehura). The Chazon Ish (cited in Dirshu 147:4) also permits holding the Atzei Chayim and sees no need for extra stringency.

[4]. Masechet Sofrim 14:14 rights that one should show the open Sefer Torah to the right and to the left. Shulchan Aruch 134:2 codifies this.

[5]. Mishna Berurah 134:9.

[6]. Rama 147:4; Mishna Berurah 147:16.

[7]. Bach 134 writes that the Maharam held that Hagbah should be with the Sefer Torah facing the people. Ma'amar Mordechai 134:1 disagrees. Halacha Berurah 134:20 writes that the Sephardic minhag is to turn the words of the Sefer Torah to the congregation.

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