Who has the privilege of rolling (hagbahah/gelilah) the Sefer Torah — the greatest among those who read, or the greatest in the synagogue?
Synopsis
The Gemara awards the rolling honor to 'the greatest,' but there is a dispute whether this means the greatest among the Torah readers specifically, or the greatest person in the synagogue even if they did not read.
More in Aliyah Priority and Honor
Is it forbidden to hold a Sefer Torah with bare hands, without a cloth?
5 opinions across 3 eras
Is it forbidden to hold other sacred writings (Nevi'im, Ketuvim) with bare hands?
3 opinions across 3 eras
Is it permitted to hold the wooden rollers (atzei chayyim) of a Sefer Torah with bare hands?
4 opinions
May the gelilah honor be given to children or to someone physically infirm?
1 opinions
Should the Torah cover (me'il) have the silk side facing the scroll or facing outward?
3 opinions
May a Torah cover be made from materials that were previously used for secular purposes?
3 opinions
May a Torah cover be made from a torn cloth when an untorn one is available?
2 opinions
Who has the right to hand the Torah covers to the person performing gelilah — may another person purchase this privilege separately?
2 opinions
Related from other topics
What is the order of precedence among 'chiyuvim' (those with special obligation to receive an aliyah) on Shabbat?
Torah Reading for Shabbat and Holidays
In a congregation where only one person knows how to read, how should the Torah reading be conducted?
Musaf Prayer
May the prayer leader fold up (dismantle) the Torah reading table covering while the congregation is still present in the synagogue?
Kohen and Levi Aliyah Order
Should those present sit or stand during kiddush in the synagogue?
Who Must Recite Kiddush
Is kiddush in the synagogue a Torah-level or rabbinic enactment, and does the synagogue recitation fulfill a Torah-level obligation for those who did not otherwise fulfill it?
Who Must Recite Kiddush
Must the haftarah be read only after a prior Torah reading from a valid Sefer Torah?
Medical Remedies on Shabbat
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
The Daily Law
One question. Every opinion. Every morning.
A new halakhic question and the full spectrum of rabbinic thought, delivered daily.