Honoring a Woman in 'Rolling the Torah Scroll'
Question
Is there an issue with honoring a woman with rolling the Torah (when there is no modesty issue, such as in a family minyan)?
Answer
Shalom Rav
It is forbidden by law, due to the honor of the congregation.
And as with the aliyah to the Torah, although by law a woman can be called up, it is forbidden due to the honor of the congregation. [And no distinction is made regarding which minyan and who participates in it!].
All this is aside from the great lack of modesty that exists in this. And it is impossible to avoid it, in any composition of the minyan.
[Note: The desire to appoint a woman to this role undoubtedly comes from the desire to imitate reformists and the like, proponents of the so-called 'honor of women'. The attempt to imitate them is itself a reason for prohibition].
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 282, סעיף 3.
