Sefer Torah<\/em> on the left side, resting it lovingly over the heart. (The left-handed happily accomplish both goals simultaneously!)<\/p>\nCarrying the Torah Scroll in procession through the congregation, as it is gently kissed by fellow worshippers; one embodies the community entrusted with God\u2019s revealed will, the nation that bears God\u2019s Covenant. In so doing, one should, regardless of the physical size of the sacred scroll, sense the weighty moral and spiritual significance of the task at hand.<\/p>\n
Maimonides details the \u201cextreme honor and deference\u201d to be accorded the Torah Scroll (Hilchot Sefer Torah<\/em> 10:10). We do not turn our back to the Scroll\u2026 nor do we carry the Torah as we would an ordinary burden: not tucked under one arm (like baggage or a football), not heaved over one shoulder (like a duffle bag), nor, Rambam insists, balanced on one\u2019s head!<\/p>\nThe Torah \u2013 and the principled lifestyle it represents \u2013 is not a burden to be lugged or lifted, hauled or hoisted. The Torah is a treasure to be embraced. The experience can be absolutely transporting!<\/p>\n
(Rabbi Joseph H. Prouser is the rabbi of Temple Emanuel of North Jersey and the National Chaplain of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.)<\/em><\/p>\n
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