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CCAR RESPONSA

New American Reform Responsa

26. Ornamental Torah Binders

QUESTION: The congregation some time ago commissioned some ornate hand stitched Torah covers and has arranged for Torah binders of a similar nature. The binders are beginning to look worn. May they be displayed in a museum? How should we ultimately dispose of them? (Sarah Nemeroff, Rochester NY)ANSWER: The objects which surround the Torah should be beautiful. The rimonim and the breastplate have been discussed in detail (Yad Hil Sefer Torah 10.4; Tur and Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 282.16; Orah Hayim 138.18). The Torah binders themselves were not discussed, and often consisted simply of a piece of cloth designated for this purpose. However, all objects connected with the Sefer Torah possess some of the sanctity of the Torah. Anything directly associated with the Torah should be buried when it is no longer usable (Meg 26b; Shulhan Arukh Orah Hayim 153.2). Of course, the more distant the object, the less the sanctity, so an ark is different than the covering of the Torah. When the covering or the binder around the Torah are no longer useable they should be buried or used as shrouds for the deceased. The objects which you have described are now too frail for use as Torah binders; they can serve an educational purpose through museum a display. Such a setting also accords them proper reverence. Later they should be buried.January 1989

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