Question: I am always confused as to how exactly to do hagbah and so always refuse to do it if asked. Is there a particular way to open the Torah and turn?
Answer: The
Gemara (Megilla 32a) teaches that the honour of gelilah is equal to all
of the other honours. The
Shulchan Aruch (OC 147:1) adds that this honour is typically auctioned to the
highest bidder. The Mishna
Berura (147:5) writes that this applies to the way we do hagbah today,
and notes that it is no longer treated this way. Ramban (Devarim 27:26) writes very strongly about the
importance of performing the mitzva of hagbah and
gelilah properly.
The Magen Avraham
(134:3) quotes Maseches Sofrim
(14:14) which writes that the Torah should be opened three columns and shown to
everyone as there is a mitzva for everyone to see and bow towards it. The
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (23:25) and R’ Betzalel Stern (Betzel
Hachachma 5:54) write that it
should specifically be opened three columns. The
Mishna Berura (134:8) writes that one capable of safely opening it more should
do so. The seam connecting the pages should be in the middle (See Shulchan
Aruch OC 147:3; Aruch Hashulchan OC 147:13).
The Mishna Berura
(134:9) adds that one should turn in a clockwise direction. One should turn
slowly, allowing everyone to see the Torah.
In conclusion, one
should open the Sefer Torah at least three columns, and turn slowly in a
clockwise direction, allowing everyone to see the writing.
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