How to respect a sefer

As a column devoted to the review of the finest in Jewish books, it came as a pleasant surprise to read a series of teachings by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky dealing with how one should show respect for our sacred Jewish literature, the sefer.

Rabbi Zakutinsky was born and raised in Queens where his parents, Rabbi Yehuda and Adina Zakutinsky, were among the pioneers of the kiruv movement called Hashevaynu. Rabbi Avi studied for eight years in Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah Grodno and received his semicha from the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Kalman Epstein, shlita. It was at this yeshiva that he learned to appreciate the importance learning of hasmada and intellectual honesty which eventually allowed him to focus on halacha.

“Seven years ago I wrote the first volume of Umekareiv Binyamin, an in-depth analysis of the most commonly asked questions posed to kiruv rabbis,” said Rabbi Zakutinsky. “Some of the issues discussed include inviting Shabbos guests, driving to the meal, counting non-observant Jews for a minyan, and Reform marriage in halacha.

“Proudly, this sefer has the approbations by Rabbi Yisrael Belsky, zt”l, and ybc”l Rabbi Reuven Feinstein, shlita, Rabbi Kalman Epstein, shlita, and Rabbi Noach Oelbaum, shlita.”

“In the near future the second volume which was just completed will be made available to you with additional questions answered dealing with the following: whether to perform a pidyon habein when one does not know if the child is a Kohen, Levi, or Yisrael; attending a wedding in a Conservative synagogue; using secular tunes for davening, naming children after non-observant Jews, and many other questions related to baalei teshuva and their extended non-observant families.”

The balance of this essay will deal with a series of questions on how to treat respectfully the holy books, seforim, that we use for worship and study. I found this listing to be absolutely fascinating as well as a great way to introduce you to the scholarship of this up-and-coming young posek.

“Proper Respect For Sefarim: Assorted Halachos:

“1. A sefer should be handed from one person to the other; it may not be thrown or tossed around.