We have a new family in town that is in the process of conversion. What honors if any are we allowed to give the father in shul, such as opening the Aron Kodesh, Hagbaha or Glila?
Any other creative ideas?
Answer:
Although Rambam writes that non-Jews are able to perform mitzvos, and receive reward for them, Radvaz explains that this does not refer to matters pertaining to kedushah. Although this does not imply a direct proof for the question, it would not, in my opinion, be proper to give a non-Jew honors related to the kedushah of a Sefer Torah. I consulted over this question with Rav Asher Weiss, who agreed that a non-Jew should not be given honors such as hagbaha, but was unsure concerning opening the Aron. Perhaps he could be given the second Sefer Torah to hold, or opening the Aron for Avinu Malkenu and selichos.
