Keep the Torah Open
Question: When receiving an aliya, is it best to close the sefer Torah during the Berachos, or leave it open? Answer: The Gemara (Megilla 32a) discusses a machlokes about whether one who is called up to the Torah should leave the sefer Torah open or close it while reciting the berachos before their aliya . According to R’ Meir, the sefer Torah should be closed to avoid the misconception that the berachos are written in the Torah. R’ Yehuda, however, is not concerned about this potential misunderstanding. The Gemara concludes that the halacha follows R’ Yehuda. Consequently, Rambam (Tefilla 12:5) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 139:4) rule that when called up, they should open the sefer Torah to see the section they will read from, leave it open while reciting the Berachos, and then proceed with the reading. Before reciting the berachos after their aliya , one should close the sefer Torah . The Taz (OC 139:4) and the Mishna Berura (139:17) explain that closing ...