Christian Minister handling a Torah
Question
Hello! I am a methodist minister who teaches chapels multiple ties a week. I use maps, illustrations, and objects in my teachings. I am looking to purchases a much nicer Torah in order to show my students what the scriptures actually look like closer to their original form. But I am realizing that I am unfamiliar with how a non-jewish person should respectfully handle a Torah. I have found some basic guidelines, but I am not sure if they apply to me. I want to be respectful, no matter what I do or don't do.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question, and thank you for your interest in the Jewish people.
A real kosher Torah generally costs upwards of $40,000, so my guess is that you were not thinking of actually purchasing a kosher Torah scroll.
But to answer your question, it would indeed be frowned upon for a church to acquire a kosher Torah scroll, even for well-meaning educational purposes.
Your interest in teaching authentic scripture is commendable. Allow me to suggest using the internet and online resources for such things.
If you choose to purchase a Jewish Hebrew Bible please treat it without utmost respect and sanctity. For example, do not place it on the floor, do not bring it into the bathroom, and do not pile other books on top of it.