From DailyHalacha .com
The Gemara in Masechet Shabbat (14) cites a Halacha in the name of Rabbi Parnach forbidding touching the parchment of a Torah scroll barehanded. One who must touch the scroll must do so indirectly, while holding some material in his hand, such as a cloth or Tallit. The Gemara warns that a person who touches the scroll barehanded forfeits the Misva in which he is involved, Heaven forbid. Thus, for example, if a Sofer (scribe) is writing a Sefer Torah, or if somebody studies from the scroll, lifts it to show it to the congregation, or rolls it, he forfeits the merit of the Misva if he directly touches the scroll while performing that Misva.
Summary: It is forbidden to directly touch the parchment of a Sefer Torah; one who must touch the scroll should make sure to do so indirectly, while holding a cloth or his Tallit. This applies even if one washed Netilat Yadayim. However, one may directly touch a Megilat Ester after performing Netilat Yadayim without a Beracha.
See:Siman 147
The M’B (1): if there is a need one can for example if one needs to sew a sefer Torah but one should wash their hands (ie ritually); however, without a need, one should not touch at all.
It seems the coffee room got it right 🙂
DQB
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