Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. In the ancient shul I attend sometimes on Shavuoth (my parents daven there) they recite the verses of Akdamoth after the Cohen recites the first bracha on the Torah. When I protested, that it is incorrect as is written in Mishna Berura, they said that this is their ancient tradition. Since I’m a Cohen, can I receive the first Aliya or should I walk out if called?
A. Indeed, Mishna Berura (494: 2) writes that the tradition following some later Poskim is to recite Hakdomos before the Cohen recites the brocho on the Torah. (He adds that “Yetziv Pisgam” said on the second day some recite after the brocho on the Torah).
Piskei Teshuvos (ibid. 11) mentions that the accepted tradition in our days is to prepare and roll the Sefer Torah to the place where it will be read and cover the Sefer with its cloth and then summon and call the Cohen. And while the Cohen is standing next to the sefer before he says the brocho, Hakdomos are recited. He adds that some accustom to show the Cohen already then the place in the Torah that will be read.
He also quotes Horav Eliashuv Zt’l that if the Cohen began the bocho before Hakdomos were said, he finishes the blessing and the first portion of the Parsha is read and before the second Aliya, Hakdomos are recited.
However, if only “Borchu” was said the presents should answer indeed ”Boruch Hashem Hamevorach” and then read Hakdomos.
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a opinion is that when attending the minyan you mentioned, to avoid creating a disagreement that may embarrass your family you may just follow their tradition.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
