Respecting Holy Books: Can You Sit on a Bench With Sefarim?

Two daily halachot from the book Behalachah UveAggadah, based on the halachic rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

Is It Permitted to Sit on a Bench Where Holy Books Are Placed?

It is prohibited to sit on a bench on which a Sefer Torah (Torah scroll) has been placed. However, according to the Sephardic halachic ruling presented here, it is permissible to sit on a bench that holds other sacred books, such as a Chumash, siddur, or books of Torah study.

Ashkenazi practice is generally more stringent, and one should not sit on a bench on which holy books have been placed. However, if the books are raised slightly above the surface of the bench by placing something underneath them, sitting there is permitted. Some authorities are also lenient when the books are positioned upright.

If a bench is divided into separate seats, or consists of several individual chairs joined together, even those who follow Ashkenazi custom may sit in one seat while holy books are placed on another.

These distinctions reflect the importance of treating sacred texts with dignity while recognizing the different levels of sanctity associated with a Sefer Torah and other holy books.

Is It Permitted to Use a Holy Book to Shield Your Face From the Sun?

A holy book should not be used for personal convenience in a manner unrelated to its sacred purpose. For example, someone sitting in direct sunlight may not hold a holy book in front of their face simply to shield themselves from the sun or heat.

However, if sunlight is shining directly onto a book and making its words difficult to read, it is permissible to use another book to block the light and create shade over the text. In this case, the purpose is to facilitate Torah study rather than to obtain personal comfort. One should therefore be careful that the intention is to protect the text from the glare, not to benefit personally from the shade.

Similarly, someone who habitually leans on a holy book while studying does not necessarily demonstrate disrespect toward it. If the posture is a natural part of their learning habits and helps them concentrate or understand the material better, it is not considered a disgrace to the book. Nevertheless, care must be taken not to tear or otherwise damage its pages.

These halachot remind us that holy books deserve special respect because of the sacred teachings they contain. Whether we are studying from them, carrying them, or placing them nearby, we should remain mindful of their sanctity and treat them with the care and dignity they deserve.