When may the keriah tear for a parent be fully mended?
Keriah for parents is never fully mended using Alexandrian (proper) stitching. After 30 days, loose or irregular sewing is permitted. The permanent tear symbolizes the permanent loss of a parent.
Question 2
How many tears does one make upon hearing that a Torah scroll was forcibly burned?
Two tears are made for a forcibly burned Torah scroll: one for the parchment (gevil) and one for the sacred writing (katav), as derived from Jeremiah: 'the scroll and the words.'
Question 3
What is the halachic source for tearing for a Torah teacher like one tears for a parent?
The source is Elisha's reaction to Elijah's ascent: 'My father, my father... and he grasped his garments and tore them in two.' The Rambam derives from this both the parent-like status of a teacher and the need to tear apart the collar.
Question 4
When the Av Beit Din dies, what happens in the synagogue?
When the Av Beit Din dies, everyone tears their garment and uncovers the left arm. In the synagogue, seats are reversed — those who sit south sit north and vice versa — symbolizing communal disruption.
Question 5
When a Torah scholar dies, how much do all Torah scholars tear for each other?
The universal custom among Torah scholars is to tear a handbreadth for each other — even when they are of equal standing and neither serves as teacher to the other. This reflects mutual respect among Torah scholars.