What is preferable to donate in memory: books for the synagogue or an additional Torah scroll for the ark
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
I want to donate money to the synagogue for the elevation of a soul. What is preferable: to donate an additional Torah scroll for the synagogue or books needed by the learners?
Answer
It is preferable to donate books needed by the learners, especially when there is another Torah scroll in the synagogue for reading.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Laws of the Synagogue, Chapter 153, Paragraph 10: "There is an opinion that an individual may sell even a Torah scroll and use the proceeds as he wishes, as long as it was not dedicated for public reading; and there is an opinion that it is forbidden unless for Torah study or marriage."
Mishnah Berurah, Chapter 153, Note 63: "It is also written that there remains a question whether one may sell a Torah scroll to buy Talmud and its commentaries, since the reason for selling a Torah scroll for Torah study is that study is great as it leads to action, and perhaps in such a case too, when it is impossible to study without books."
Therefore, since there is no need to sell, but rather to initially buy books, it seems obvious that this is preferable to an additional Torah scroll.