Ask The Rabbi

Ask The Rabbi

category:  Other

A Cohen is present, but Yisraelim need aliyot

We have a Cohen in our shul who won’t agree to give up on his honour to be called up first to the Torah (even when there’s a special occasion like a Bar Mitzva, etc.)

What can I do in such a situation? Must I give him an aliya or can I just call up someone else?

Thanks.

The Cohen should be called up first (if he is at a point in his prayers that he can interrupt to go up to the Torah), as from the law concerning sanctifying the Cohen (Vayikra 21:8) the Sages learn that a Cohen should be first in all matters, and Shulchan Aruch Orech Chayim rules that the Cohen should be called up first, then the Levi, and then the Yisrael, and most authorities agree.


However, the Yabia Omer is of the opinion that in a situation like yours where there is a need to give someone else the first aliyah, it may be done, and you can announce that although there is a Cohen present, nevertheless a Yisrael is going up to the Torah instead of te Cohen.


You can ask the Cohen to leave the shul while someone else is being called to the Torah, but if he will not agree to this, he should not be forced.

Sources

Vayikra 21:8


Shulchan Aruch (Orech Chayim, Siman 135)


Yabia Omer (Section 6, Orech Chayim, Siman 135)