The one who concludes with the section from the Prophets is the one who divides the Shema, and goes before the Ark, and lifts his hands [to bless the people]. If he is a minor, his father or teacher go [before the Ark] on his behalf.

A minor may read the Torah or serve as translator. However, he may not divide the Shema, nor may he go before the Ark, nor may he lift his hands [to bless the people].  One whose clothes are tattered may divide the Shema and serve as translator. However, he may not read the Torah nor may he go before the Ark, nor may he lift his hands.  A blind man may divide the Shema and serve as translator. R’ Yehudah says: Anyone who has never seen the luminaries may not divide the Shema.

A Kohen whose hands are blemished may not lift his hands. R’ Yehudah says: Even one whose hands are stained with woad or madder may not lift his hands because the people will stare at him.

[If] one says, “I will not go before the Ark in colored clothing,” he may not even go in white clothing. [If he says], “I will not go [before the Ark] in sandals,” he may not even go barefoot.  One who makes his tefillin round endangers himself and does not fulfill the precept. [If] he places [the tefillin] on his forehead, or in his palm, it is the manner of heresy. [If] he covered them with gold, or [if] he placed it on his sleeve, this is considered the way of the outsiders.