עברית
Halachot and Customs
Should One Fast for the Falling of a Torah Scroll?
Question
I go to the synagogue every Shabbat, and it is a very central synagogue in my city. The Torah scroll fell from the hands of the person holding it, and we were told that all the congregants should fast. What should be done besides fasting? Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
There is no obligation according to Jewish law for the congregants who saw the falling of the Torah scroll to fast.
Nonetheless, it is a good practice for a healthy person to fast; however, for those who are weak (and certainly for pregnant and nursing women who were in the women's section), one should not be strict. All the more so for scholars and teachers of young children, as well as workers and employees, who should not be strict about fasting, but instead give a donation in place of the fast.
Indeed, one who causes a Torah scroll to fall must fast for one day (unless he is ill, in which case he is exempt); however, if he is a teacher of young children or a worker or employee, he may redeem the fast. The same applies to a Torah scholar who finds it difficult to fast.
How good and pleasant it would be for the synagogue community that witnessed the falling of the Torah scroll to gather together for one day in the synagogue, observe a fast of speech, and learn there throughout the day, which is much more important than fasting (all mentioned here is based on the responsa of Yabia Omer, Part 2, Orach Chaim, Section 28).
Wishing you good news,
Hillel Meirs
