PEH196

PEH196

Request of Joshua Chiskijahu de Cordoba: The Shulchan Aruch discusses how to behave when only six men are called up for the Torah portion on Shabbat, and the prayer leader has already recited the Kaddish prayer. The question arises whether the Maftir reader should be called up from the same portion, or whether on the day of the Simchat Torah, in a similar case, the 'bridegroom' of the beginning (the first Aliyah) should be considered. Samuel b. David Chiskijahu Mendez de Sola affirms this question. He explains in his response that it is best not to deviate from the rule and praises the custom in Amsterdam where the bridegroom who is called up for the portion of Genesis 24:1 (the beginning of the Torah portion) is not counted among the seven. This practice is only followed if a significant man who wants to participate in a 'joyous assembly' (a festive gathering) is involved. In this regard, Rabbi Jacob ben Samuel Chagis and Rabbi Aron b. Chaim Hakohen Peralha discuss this practice. Rabbi Peralha distinguishes the ritual of the Aragonese in Salonika from that of other communities. Additionally, Haham Dr. Gaster's History of Ancient Synagogues, page 45, no. 7, mentions that an old custom has been preserved in my hometown, Halberstadt. There, on the day of the Simchat Torah, children form two lines in the synagogue, through which the 'bridegroom of the Torah' and the 'bridegroom of the beginning' walk. During this, the children offer them congratulations and blessings

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35

1743-09-21

1744-02-14

MendezSbD

Mendez de Sola, Samuel ben David

AthiasD

Athias, David Israel