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May one place a Talmudic dictionary like the Otzar Rashei Teivos on top of other holy sefarim? I had always assumed that it has the status of a sefer, but others have expressed doubts on this issue.

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In principle, undoubtedly. Case in point - ספר הערוך who's definitions provide insight into the understanding of the Talmud.

On the type of dictionary that you are asking about, where it is more collecting words without interpretation, it may be different, however I looked up the specific one you referenced, and the online image I found shows a Roshei Tevos which is a complete verse from Tehilim, so entire verses of Torah are printed there, intended to enable learning. So it would be strange to call it an exception - certainly לחומרא.

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    Are you arguing that the Aruch is a regular dictionary or a special kind of dictionary? If the latter, how do you prove to regular dictionaries? If the former, how do you know the Aruch has the status of a Sefer? – Double AA♦ Nov 6 '13 at 17:23
  • @DoubleAA, if I replace "regular dictionary" with "Talmudic dictionary" in your comment, I can't make heads or tails of your question. – Yishai Nov 6 '13 at 18:08
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    That's because Talmudic dictionary is not a status. If you think the Aruch is a unique dictionary because he gives pshatim in the Gemara like any Rishon, then how can you learn from their to the Otzar? If you think the Aruch is just a dictionary about Talmudic terms, how do you know it's a Sefer? – Double AA♦ Nov 6 '13 at 18:12
  • @DoubleAA A dictionary that defines words in the Talmud? It may not be a status, but it is certainly a category. – Yishai Nov 6 '13 at 18:23

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