Opening lots in Tanakh

Hello,

One who is uncertain how to act in a certain matter may open a Chumash or Tanakh and see the verse that comes up, and act accordingly.

Sources: This is what the Chida wrote in Birkei Yosef, Yoreh Deah (siman 179, seif 6) in the name of the Maharikash, that according to all opinions it is permitted to open the Torah to see the verse that comes up, for it is our life, and as we find with Yoshiyahu, who took action because he found a sefer Torah rolled to that verse. So is the common practice, and he further brought that he found likewise in a handwritten pamphlet by Rabbi Eliahu Kohen, may his memory be for a blessing, author of Shevet Mussar. See there further in his words.

Also see the Chida in Responsa Chaim Shaal, part 2 (siman 38, seif 41), that it is permitted to open the Torah to see the verse that comes up, and thus we have seen among the elder rabbis that when they were pressed they would open the book to see the first verse, like a lot. And what the Rambam wrote, and what is brought at the beginning of Sefer Maaseh Rokeach, that one should not open a Chumash as a form of lots, applies when one goes around the doorways making lots for women and men in the manner of the gentiles. This was brought in Responsa Yabia Omer, part 6 (Choshen Mishpat section, siman 4, seif 6). And so the Maharshal acted, as brought in the book HaMaharsham - HaPosek HaAcharon (page 6).

Also see Sefer Shaarei Halacha uMinhag, part of additions and supplements (siman 110), and Responsa Teshuvot Vehanhagot, part 1 (siman 4126), and Responsa Migdal Tzofim, part 5 (siman 34).

With blessings,

Hillel Meirs