May a Non-Kohen Be Called First to the Torah in the Presence of a Kohen?

by Rabbi Herbert J. Mandl, 1991; Edited by Rabbi Robert Binder

Question (Sh’eilah)

May the first aliyah to the Torah be given to a non-Kohen (especially on a weekday when there may be only one aliyah available should a Kohen be called first) without having to ask the Kohen to leave the room where services are being held?

Answer (Teshuvah)

The tradition of calling a Kohenfirst to the reading of the Torah, followed by a Levi and only then by a Yisrael, is based on rules laid down by the Mishnah in order to promote darkhei shalom (“ways of peace”) [Gittin 5:8]. However, situations often arise where there are multiple demands or requirements (hiyuvim) for aliyot.This might create a conflict about awarding the only aliyah available on a weekday or Sabbath afternoon, especially when no Levi is present and the Kohenreceives two consecutive aliyot. The customary resolution of such a conflict is to ask the Kohen to leave the synagogue so that a non-Kohen may be called first, followed by others, thus not affronting the honor of the Kohen by calling a non-Kohenin his presence.

References to the practice of Kohanim“waiving their honor” in favor of others entitled to an aliyahor of special visitors, with an appropriate announcement by the gabbaithat it is being done “even though a Kohenis present,” seem to be restricted to weekdays and Sabbath afternoon. The non-Kohenis then called birshut ha-Kohanim (“with the permission of the Kohanim”), as is done when a Yisraelleads Birkat ha-mazon (the grace after meals) in the presence of a Kohen.

The Ritva, commenting on the Gemara’s discussion of the Mishnah, says, “In a synagogue, one should not extend a Kohen’s honor to a Levi or Yisrael if a Kohen is present on Shabbat and Yom Tov, but on weekdays, if he [the Kohen] wishes to forego [his honor,] let him do so! If, however, the Yisrael is a scholar of standing, then the Kohen can step aside even on Shabbat and Yom Tov.” From this and other sources we learn that under necessary conditions, the practice of calling a Yisrael in place of a Kohen on Shabbat and Yom Tov is permissible, provided it does not become a habitual practice Sabbath after Sabbath without some occasions when a Kohen will be honored.

A non-Kohen may therefore be called to the Torah for the first aliyah in the presence of a Kohen on Shabbat and Yom Tov when needed, though a stricter view would limit this to those who have a hiyuv (such as a bridegroom) on weekdays and Sabbath afternoons. The words B’mechilat ha-Kohen (“with the forgiveness/permission of the Kohen”) should be used in calling up the Yisrael.