Q&A: The Validity of a Decree
The Validity of a Decree
Question
It is customary that everyone called up to the Torah recites a blessing before and after, even though only the first and last are actually required to do so. The reason is explained in the Talmud: because of those entering and leaving, who might mistakenly think that one does not recite a blessing before and after the Torah reading.
Is there still reason to be concerned about this in a prayer quorum made up of God-fearing people and Torah scholars? Does this still have force when the reason no longer applies?
Answer
This is an enactment, not a custom, and therefore it is binding even if the reason no longer applies. There are views that when the reason no longer applies, another religious court can revoke the enactment and does not need to be greater in wisdom and number. But there are views that even this is not so (this is a dispute between Maimonides and the Raavad at the beginning of chapter 2 of the Laws of Rebels). Beyond that, I also do not think that this concern no longer applies nowadays. And certainly, if there is some particular prayer quorum in which the reason does not apply, that makes no difference. Jewish law is determined according to the public as a whole.