Laws of Keeping a Sefer Torah in a House

Question:

We are writing a Sefer Torah and we would like to keep it in our house when it is done. What are the Halachos about that? We do not have a specific shul to give it to right now.

What are the rules of keeping a Sefer Torah in the house if we won’t really be using it for Krias HaTorah generally?

Answer:

Firstly, keep in mind that a shul you choose to give the Torah to is only considered a “loan” and you may take it back whenever you want. Also the traditional celebration “Hachnasos Sefer Torah” is usually done when the Torah is going to be brought to a shul so it can be read from in Minyanim.

In any case, the following is the guidelines to having a Sefer Torah in a home:

One must have a designated and set place for the Sefer Torah. This place should not be in a couples bedroom nor should it be in a room directly under a bathroom or a couples bedroom. If the Sefer Torah is in your home temporary, you may be lenient and keep the Sefer Torah in a room directly under the bedroom (if there is a real need); however, you should still be careful not to keep it under a bathroom.

Since one must act respectful and may not turn your back and the like in front of a Sefer Torah, the Torah should be put in a Aron Kodesh or a cabinet with doors which are 32 inches tall and it is best to add a second partition (a solid one, not a paroches/curtain, unless you fasten also the bottom of the curtain in a way which would prevent it from moving), however this is not an obligation. There is also a custom to have a curtain in front of the Aron Kodesh.

It is customary for the Torah to be in an upright position (standing, as opposed to lying down).

If at the time of the torahs arrival one does not yet have a partition etc. with which to cover the sefer torah as explained above, then the torah should be wrapped in two covers (or taleisim) for the time being, at least 32 inches off the ground on a shelf that is at least 13 inches by 13 inches wide.

Sources:

#884