Answer: The Gemara (Shabbos 5b) writes that if a sefer
unrolled into a reshus hayachid in a way that they couldn’t roll it
back, they should turn it over so that the writing should not be exposed.
The Shulchan Aruch (YD 277:1) writes that when a sofer
who’s writing a sefer Torah leaves it to dry, he should cover it rather
than turn it over, as covering it is more respectful. The Bach (YD 277:1)
writes that we learn from here that it is disrespectful to leave a sefer
Torah or other sefarim open for any extended period of time (See Shach
YD 277:1; Baer Heitev YD 277:1; Aruch Hashulchan YD 277:2).
Thus, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 139:5) writes that the minhag
is to cover the sefer Torah between each aliya. The Rema,
however, writes that the minhag ashkenaz is to roll it closed. Likewise,
the Mishna Berura (139:21) quotes the Taz that one shouldn’t cover the sefer
Torah each time as it is a tircha, extra bother.
The Baer Heitev (OC 139:8) adds, however, that it is
appropriate to cover the sefer Torah when saying kaddish
afterwards. Thus, we cover the sefer Torah whenever there is a
substantial pause, such as the gabbai saying mi shebeirach.
In conclusion, one should close, but not cover the sefer
Torah after an aliya. When there is a longer break, such as kaddish
or mi shebeirach being recited, then it should be covered.
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