Who enters first?

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

Rising for the pious?

Hi,

There is some debate as to whether we are obligated to rise for the especially pious, if they are not also learned.

Many argue that rising is obligatory for all, even for those who are personally learned; others argue that most people should stand, but learned people are merely permitted to do so.

(Tur and Beit Yosef Yoreh Deah 244; Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 244:12; Shach Yoreh Deah 244:10; Aruch haShulchan Yoreh Deah 244:14)

Have a great day,
Mordechai