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Right Shouldering

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Topic: Right, Torah Carried On

Harold Crandus from Illinois wrote:
Dear Rabbi,

When the Torah is removed from the Ark and carried through the synagogue, over which shoulder should it be carried and why?


Dear Harold Crandus,

The Torah scroll is held with the right hand against the chest and right shoulder. This shows honor and love of the Torah, as expressed in the verse in Song of Songs: "His right hand embraces me." Carrying it in the right hand is also reminiscent of the verse "From His Right Hand, He gave a Law of fire to them."

Sources:

  1. Shulchan Aruch 134:2, Mishneh Berura 14

 
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