Leaning on the bimah, Chumash in the Aron

Hi,

Technically, the Aron Kodesh (Ark) is dedicated to the Torah, as is the cover for the table on which the Torah is read. Therefore, it would seem that one would not be allowed to place other items in the Aron, or on the cover of the table where the Torah is read.

Nonetheless, the widespread practice is to permit this for sacred items like a Tanach or a siddur, and so it seems that this is understood and intended from the time when the Aron Kodesh or table cover is first dedicated. It would be good to state this explicitly at the time of the dedication.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:118:1)

המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai

Covering the table on which the Torah is placed

Hi,

There is no obligation to cover the table on which one places a Torah to be read. However, in the absence of a cover the table will gain the status of tashmish kedushah, limiting how else it may be used or how it may be disposed of.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:117)

המצפה לישועה,
Mordechai