Aliyah

During the Shabbat Torah service, seven men are called by the Gabbai (Torah service coordinator), to "come up" to the Torah for an aliyah (honor). There is one aliyah for each portion of the Torah that is chanted. An additional aliyah, designated the ...

In some synagogues it is the custom that the person receiving the Aliyah (the Oleh) wear a Tallit, even if he normally would not. When it is time for the blessing, the reader will show where the Torah reading begins and ends. Touch the beginning and end ...

The mystics explain that G‑d constantly speaks the words of the Torah. For the moment, the one receiving the aliyah becomes G‑d's mouthpiece—G‑d speaks through him.

Question: At a synagogue I recently attended, I noticed people bidding for the right to be called to the Torah, or as they called it, getting an aliyah. What is so special about an aliyah? Are some more sought after than others? Response: Let's divide ...

And then I realized, living in Israel is more than just the sum of its parts . . . It is a whole other realm of existence. It’s a parallel world . . .

I have always understood that the word aliyah refers to being called up to the Torah reading at the synagogue. But yesterday, a friend told me that he is making aliyah. He explained that “making aliyah” meant moving to Israel. Could you enlighten me on ...

A discussion of the different customs regarding wearing a tallit when receiving an aliyah and when leading the prayer services.

The special significance in receiving an aliyah, the honor of being called up to recite the blessing over the Torah.

Question: Recently, I learned that we do not handle money or buy and sell on Shabbat. How does this square with the practice of making appeals and bidding for the honors, which I remember from the High Holiday services of my childhood? Answer: Yes, there ...

A clear explanation of the Torah Reading service in synagogue, how it works, and getting called up to the Torah for an aliyah.