Visitors from Israel over the Hagim observe only one day of Yom Tob. This raises the issue as to how to integrate them into the Tefila of our Batei Knesset. Can we call such a guest to the Torah on our second day of Succot or Pesah? For us in America, it is Yom Tob, but, for him, it is already Hol Hamoed.
The Hid"a (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1807 in Haim Sha'al 1:13) dealt with a similar question. He was asked whether guests from Eretz Yisrael can be called to the Torah on Simhat Torah? In Chutz LaAretz (diaspora) it is Yom Tob, but for the visitor, it is a regular weekday. He answers that many great Rabbis that found themselves in the diaspora on Succcot, would avoid receiving an Aliya. They would shy away from the Gabbaim or make excuses to insure that they were not sent to the Torah. They had no obligation of Torah reading on that day, therefore, it is not appropriate for them to receive an Aliya.
The Hid"a makes one exception. If Simhat Torah fell on a Monday or Thursday, the guest could receive an Aliya. On those days we read the Torah even on a weekday and thus, the guest is also obligated. Hacham Ovadia adds two caveats to this Halacha. First, even on Monday and Thursday, the guest should not be counted in one of the five obligatory Olim called to the Torah, as these are a function of the holiday. Second, he should also not receive the Aliya of Hatan Torah or Hatan Bereishit, which are reserved only for those actually celebrating Simhat Torah.
Unlike the Hida’s case, our question deals with the second day of Succot or Pesah which is Hol Hamoed for the guest from Israel. Even in Eretz Yisrael, there is an obligation to read the Torah. Although it is not a Yom Tob reading, nevertheless it does not have the status of a regular weekday. Therefore, it is permissible to give the guest an Aliya on the second day of Succot or Pesah. He can certainly receive on of the first four Aliyot, which is requisite also on Hol Hamoed. However, it is not clear whether he could also receive the additional Aliya that is a function of Yom Tob.
SUMMARY:
On the Second day of Succot or Pesah, a visitor from Israel can receive an Aliya, even though it is Hol Hamoed for him.
On the last day of Succot or Pesah, a visitor from Israel cannot receive an Aliya, unless it is a Monday or Thursday.
