ALIYAH TO THE TORAH
It is an honor to be given a Torah aliyah. When one recites an aliyah, they are blessing the Torah on behalf of the entire congregation. Here you will find a complete description to help you become familiar with the blessings and practice at your convenience. Please note that the term “aliyah” refers not only to the honor of being called to bless the Torah and to the blessings themselves, but also to the section of Torah which is read between the blessings you will recite.
YOU ARE CALLED TO THE TORAH
You will be told in advance what number your aliyah is. There are generally seven aliyot on Shabbat morning. Come forward to the Torah reading table as soon as you are called.
FIND THE PLACE
The Torah reader will open the scroll and show you where he/she will begin reading. Take the tzitzit (corner fringes of the tallit) and touch them to the word the reader points out and kiss the tzitzit.
HOLD THE TORAH HANDLES
When reciting the first and last blessings, it is customary (and your privilege) to hold the bottom ends of the wooden rollers, one in each hand. You may do this if you would like.
RECITE THE FIRST BLESSING
You say:
BA-RE-CHU ET A-DO-NAI HA-ME-VO-RACH.
Congregation responds:
BA-RUCH A-DO-NAI HA-ME-VO-RACH L’O-LAM VA-ED.
You say:
BA-RUCH A-DO-NAI HA-ME-VO-RACH L’O-LAM VA-ED.
BA-RUCH A-TA A-DO-NAI, E-LO-HAY-NU ME-LECH HA-O-LAM, A-SHER BA-CHAR BA-NU MI-KOL HA-A-MIM V’NA-TAN LA-NU ET TO-RA-TO. BA-RUCH A-TA A-DO-NAI NO-TAYN HA-TO-RA.
Praise the Lord, to whom our praise is due!
Praise be the Lord, to whom our praise is due now and for ever!
Blessed is the Lord our G-d, Ruler of the universe, who has chosen us from all peoples by giving us the Torah. Blessed is the Lord, Giver of the Torah.
THE READER READS
While the Torah reader reads, you may be asked to hold one of the wooden rollers, to keep the scroll open. You are welcome to look into the scroll while the reader reads. That is your privilege.
THE SECOND BLESSING
When the reader finishes reading the aliyah, he/she will point out the last word with the yad (pointer). Take the tzitzit in your hand, touch them to this word, and kiss them. Then recite this blessing:
BA-RUCH A-TA A-DO-NAI E-LO-HAY-NU ME-LECH HA-O-LAM, A-SHER NA-TAN LA-NU TO-RAT E-MET V’CHA-YAI O-LAM NA-TA B’TO-CHAY-NU. BA-RUCH A-TA A-DO-NAI NO-TAYN HA-TO-RA.
Blessed is the Lord our G-d, Ruler of the universe, who has given us a Torah of truth, implanting within us eternal life. Blessed is the Lord, Giver of the Torah.
AFTER THE BLESSINGS
When you have completed the second blessing, you will be directed to move a few steps to your right to make space for the next person who is called to the Torah. After your aliyah, you are now honored with being invited to stay at the Torah reading table for the next aliyah. When the next aliyah is complete, you may return to your seat. It is customary to take a longer route back to your seat than that which you took to get to the bima, demonstrating your reluctance to leave the Torah.