The Sale of Mitzvos on Shabbos Bereishis

INTRODUCTION

Many congregations have the custom to sell the Mitzvos that will be performed in their synagogues in the course of the coming year. These include Aliyos – summons to the reading of the Torah, Hagbah – lifting the opened Torah, Gelilah – re-girding the closed Torah, Pesichah – opening the Ark, Ner LaMa’or – financing the Shul’s lighting, Yayin – sponsoring wine for Kiddush and Havdalah ceremonies and so on.