the box containing the decalogue's tablets, in the Holy Temple of old; and the cabinet for Torah scrolls in modern synagogues
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40 views
Why when we read from two Torah scrolls is the one taken out first returned last and vice versa?
When we Askenazim read from two Torah scrolls, the one taken out first is returned last and the one taken out second is returned first.
But we say “maalin bekodesh ve’ain moridin” – we go up in ...
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1answer
59 views
Can one stand a child in an aron kodesh in order for the child to kiss the sifrei torah?
Can you place (stand) a 2 year old child on a shelf in an Aron Kodesh which is on the same level as the Sifrei Torah in order for the child to look at and kiss the Sifrei Torah?
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1answer
45 views
Source and reason for throwing the Hoshanos on top of the Aron Kodesh
I have seen in many Shuls on Hoshana Raba after using the Hoshanos people throw the used Hoshanos on top of the Aron Kodesh. What is the reason and source for this Minhag?
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1answer
59 views
When do we change back the ark-cover etc from white to the rest-of-the-year colour?
When do we change back the proches (ark-cover) etc from white to the rest-of-the-year colour?
I would have thought right after Simchas Torah or possibly Isru Chag?
14
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1answer
115 views
Why do we open the ark for important prayers?
What is the origin of the custom of opening the ark for important prayers (not connected with the need to take out the Torah scroll)?
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1answer
133 views
where was the ark of the covenant during the time of the judges?
After Joshua, during the time of the judges, where was the ark located? In Judges 18 it seems that the people did not have a central place of worship.
4
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1answer
133 views
Why was the “Ark of the Covenant” lost?
Why is it that in spite of the fact that the ark carried Torah tablets and other sacred objects, it was lost? Was it not taken care of by the priests of that time? Or was it destined to be lost? Why? ...
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1answer
122 views
When to close the ark after putting away the Torah
On shabbat morning when putting away the Torah, many chazzanim like to draw out different tunes for the verses recited then. Should the one honored with putting the Torah back wait until after the ...
10
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2answers
115 views
Source for kissing an aron
I've seen people kiss an aron kodesh (cabinet holding Torah scrolls) when they approach it and, if they were standing near it, before they leave it. Does this have any written source; or, are there ...
5
votes
1answer
59 views
Can a congregant who has been asked to open the Ark, walk in front of the Ark to get to the other side of the 'bimah'?
Can a congregant who opened the Aron Hakodesh walk in front of the open ark and walk to the other side of the platform where the Aron is situated?
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3answers
201 views
Of Rats and Hemorrhoids
The Plishtim or Philistines captured the Ahron Kodesh from the Jews (Shmuel I Chapter 5), then they returned it with a gift of golden rats and hemorrhoids as that was what they were punished with for ...
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3answers
490 views
Why do we bow down in the direction of the ark?
This is a question I've had for many years, to which I've never received a satisfactory answer:
In Hebrew school, we were taught that idolaters bowed to a idol of their god. They would claim that ...
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2answers
115 views
Was there space in the Aron for two sets of Luchot?
The Holy Ark was 2 1/2 Cubits, by 1 1/2 Cubits, by 1 1/2 Cubits (Shemot 25:10).
The Talmud discusses (Baba Basra 14A-B) how much space the Luchot occupied in the Ark. The Talmud says that each tablet ...
3
votes
2answers
100 views
Who put the staves on the aron, and when?
Vayakhel (37:5) says that B'tzal'el built the aron and put its staves into the rings on its sides.
P'kude (40:20) says that Moshe put together the mishkan and put the staves on the aron.
What gives?
...
6
votes
2answers
245 views
Can you turn your back to the Aron HaKodesh?
I'm quite certain that it is mentioned in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch that one should not turn one's back to the Aron HaKodesh (ark which holds the Torah Scrolls).
Can anyone tell me where this is ...
6
votes
2answers
156 views
What do I do when asked to “open the Aron” or “take out the Torah”?
If I'm in synagogue and someone asks me if I can "open the Aron" or "take out the Sefer Torah," what will I be expected to do, and when?
