Hi,
When two
people approach a doorway together, does halachah care who enters first?
There are
several halachic reasons to have someone else enter a doorway first, including
honour of the Torah, honour of kohanim, and chesed for those in need. The
following is a partial list of priorities, with the highest priority listed
first:
- A person in need of assistance;
- A Torah scholar;
- One who is actively engaged in performing
a mitzvah, such as collecting tzedakah for the needy;
- A kohen who is not a Torah scholar;
- One who is holding a Sefer Torah,
tefillin, or a text containing Torah.
The Torah
scholar, individual involved in a mitzvah and kohen may forgive their honour,
requesting that another person proceed first.
(Gittin
59b; Kiddushin 32a, 33a; Maharil Likutim 80; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 167:14;
Taz Yoreh Deah 361:2; R' Akiva Eiger to Yoreh Deah 265:1; Chashukei Chemed to
Succah 5b; Teshuvos v'Hanhagos 1:538; Meir Oz 25:2:7)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
