Women dancing with the Torah
Question
My father commissioned a sefer Torah and it is being housed at a dati shul. He passed away 2 years ago. I asked my husband to bring me the Torah so we, the women can dance with it and he brought it. The Gabbi was so angry and actually publicly humiliated me at the bimah saying we don't do it that way here. I would like to know the halacha of religious women dancing with the Torah. I would like to provide him with references if possible. Both my dati Leumi shul in Canada and my parents in Florida allowed it. We as women had rights until about 100 yrs ago when sexism took off. Please correct me if I am wrong. I am a year covering modesty dressed woman as were the other women. Thank you
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
The Halacha is that women do not dance with the Torah.
Furthermore, it seems that this is the synagogue policy as well.
As such, the Gabbai was entitled to protest the women dancing with the Torah, but of course, he should not have humiliated or embarrassed anyone while doing so.
Protests must be done with respect and dignity.