The Gemara in Mesechta Megillah teaches that the Gadol should be the Gollel (the one who rolls the Torah) and that they receive the reward equal to all of those who were called to the Torah.
The Beis Yosef brings two opinions. According to one opinion the Gemara means the Gadol means the “great one” from amongst all of those in the Shule. However, others understand that it means the Gadol from those who were called to the Torah. The Shulchan Aruch rule like the latter opinion. However the Ram”o and Magen Avraham rule like the former opinion. Mishna Berura notes that nowadays, in the interest of peace, we share this honour with people of lesser stature as well.
According to Mesechta Sofrim, which is custom of the Sefardim, Hagbah is performed prior to the leining and the one who lifts the Torah, also rolls it closed afterwards. Accordingly, the “Gollel”, the one who rolls the Torah closed refers to the one who performs Hagbah.
Over the generations, it became custom is Ashkenaz to honour 2 different people; one for Hagbah and one for Gelilah. The Magbiah lifts the Torah and then sits while it is still open. The Gollel rolls the Torah closed and dresses it in its Mantle. This honour is often given to a child in order to educate them in Mitzvos.
Aruch Hashulchan is puzzled by the custom of giving Hagbah to a Gadol and Gelilah to a person of lesser stature (or child), since the Gemara states that the Gollel should be a Gadol and that they receive the greater reward.
He notes the custom in the Chassidic Shules, that the one performing Hagbah places the Sefer Torah back on the bimah and rolls the Torah closed, thereby performing Gelilah. Then, when they are seated, someone of lesser stature dresses the Torah. This is the Chabad custom. When asked about the Chabad custom of the Magbiah putting the Torah back on the Bimah and rolling it closed, the Rebbe referenced the words of the Aruch Hashulchan, noting that he was “from the heads of the Ashkenazim”.
The Rebbe suggests a number of reasons for this custom:
- We try to minimise the time that the Torah scroll is open and wish to roll it closed as soon as possible, since leaving the Torah open is disrespectful. This is also why we cover the Torah between Aliyos.
- We wish to reduce division between customs. For Sefardim, who do Hagbah before leining, the one who does the Hagbah also does the rolling when they place the Torah on the Bimah and close it. We likewise ensure that the one performing Hagbah also rolls the Torah closed.
- It ensures that the rolling is done with less risk of falling, which is more likely when someone else rolls it closed.
The Gabbai should only call someone for Hagbah who they know to be strong enough to perform Hagbah. One should not take the honour of Hagbah if they know that they are not strong enough to perform it.
