Dear Gaabai, Please make sure that Hagba during these weeks is performed in a way that is proper kavod haTorah and shouldn't give anyone in shul, heart failure. There's been too many close calls where people near the bima end up catching the sefer.
As we read the parshios of Breishis the sefer Torah is rolled that the left side is heavier making it harder for a righty to lift up during Hagbah. The newer sifrei Torah are lighter but older sifrei torah are heavier.
The Mishna Berura writes that Hagbah should be given to someone who has the strength to lift and turn the Torah without needing to sit immediately. If one knows they do not have the strength to do it properly they should decline the honor. Although generally one should not turn down an invitation for an Aliyah, we don’t find this with Hagbah, albeit the greater honor.
A Few important tips:
1) Please whoever is performing Hagbaa ask them if they have the strength and technique to lift the sefer Torah. Try giving to lefty's or able bodied men.
2) Gelilah should also be given to someone with knowledge to immediately secure the atzei chaim and begin rolling the sefer Torah
3) Very important for the Gabbai to stand nearby within an arms length until after gelilah is done.
Thank You
K. H.
As we read the parshios of Breishis the sefer Torah is rolled that the left side is heavier making it harder for a righty to lift up during Hagbah. The newer sifrei Torah are lighter but older sifrei torah are heavier.
The Mishna Berura writes that Hagbah should be given to someone who has the strength to lift and turn the Torah without needing to sit immediately. If one knows they do not have the strength to do it properly they should decline the honor. Although generally one should not turn down an invitation for an Aliyah, we don’t find this with Hagbah, albeit the greater honor.
A Few important tips:
1) Please whoever is performing Hagbaa ask them if they have the strength and technique to lift the sefer Torah. Try giving to lefty's or able bodied men.
2) Gelilah should also be given to someone with knowledge to immediately secure the atzei chaim and begin rolling the sefer Torah
3) Very important for the Gabbai to stand nearby within an arms length until after gelilah is done.
Thank You
K. H.