A question was posed to HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita last week regarding a Sefer Torah that fell at one of the most recognized Yeshivas in Israel, asking whether the Bochurim should fast.

The incident occurred on Shabbos, while the Sefer Torah was being lifted in the air for Hagba’ah after concluding Leining.

The written question added that the Torah was immediately picked up, covered with its Mantle and returned to the Aron Kodesh.

Additionally, the Talmidim were very horrified by the incident, and heard Shiurim on various issues related to Sefer Torah and Kovod Beit Knesset.

However, regarding fasting, they had a number of questions and thus decided to ask Rav Chaim, who ruled that fasting is not required in this case.

Ultimately the deciding factor was since the Torah did not fall on the floor but rather on the Bimah, perhaps leaving room for leniency. Among the Achronim there is a ruling that one only fasts if the Klaf hits the ground, which it did not in this case, as only the Eitz Chaim struck the floor.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)