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Kissing pasuk of the torah for Aliyah

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Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Tammuz 25, 5775
Question
Dear Rabbi, I was wondering if you could explain the reason as to why when someone receives an Aliyah they kiss the pasuk of torah with the tzitzit? Is this a custom or halacha?
Answer
ב"ה Shalom and Shavua tov Firstly, I should point out that the customs are not to be underestimated and they are a basic foundation of the entire torah. Sometimes customs even override Halacha. Nonetheless, in regard to your particular question, Halacha requires that the person receiving the Aliya see the place where the reading will begin. (שו"ע או"ח קלט:ד ). He is not required to touch anything. However, there is a time-honored custom of kissing the place of the reading which expresses our love for the torah and fulfilling all that is inscribed. However, the placing of the tzizit should be done softly as to avoid rubbing out of letters.(פסקי תשובות קלט: י) All the best
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