In response to the Sefer Torah that R”L fell during hakofos in Tzfat on this past Simchas Torah, a fast day has been declared in the city. the mora d’asra of the local Breslov kehilla, HaGaon Rav Eliezer Mordechai Koenig, has called for the fast day.
In addition, new regulations were set into place including a minimum age of 18 for carrying a Sefer Torah. In this case the person holding the Torah was under 18.
One may redeem the fast with a seuda that costs a minimum of NIS 18 and those fasting should still donate the amount for themselves or wife and family.
The fast will take place this coming Monday, the first Monday of BaHaB (Sheni, Chamishi, Sheni).
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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7 Responses
I feel sorry for the kid who dropped the Torah, as well as for everyone who saw it – it must have been horrifying.
I suppose that the Kehilla should add anyone who is inebriated and/or High, should also not be allowed to hold a Torah.
I don’t think that an age-based (18 years)limit for holding a sefer torah for hakofos, hagba, pesiachas haaron, etc. makes sense. I’ve see many more “near- drops” by geriatric yidden than by 16-18 yo teens who are very strong and have no difficulty properly holding on to even the larger sefrei torah.
fast or buy your way out. nice. like something the pope would do.
BeHaB doesn’t commence for another 2&1/2 weeks, until Monday marCheshvon 20th.
Even 12 year old boys are fine holding a Sefer Toroh.
“One may redeem the fast with a seuda”
Does that mean you make a seuda instead of fasting?
How does that work?
AMCHU- I’ve never seen a person get drunk on Simchat Torah in Israel. It’s also Shmini Atzeret so we have tefillat geshem and yizkor the next day, two “serious” tefillot