Aliyah Q&A
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN TORAH BLESSINGS AT WOODLANDS COMMUNITY TEMPLE
We are thrilled that you that you have been asked to receive a Torah Aliyah. We ask that you read this brief set of instructions, and hope they will be helpful to you in preparing to participate with us. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call.
Download a PDF of the Aliyah text.
Blessing before reading of the Torah MP3 File
Blessing after reading of the Torah MP3 File
WHAT IS AN ALIYAH? Aliyah means "going up." It refers to the honor of going up to the sanctuary bimah (the space from which a service is facilitated) to participate in one of our worship rituals. A Torah aliyah is different from most other bimah opportunities because there are requirements regarding who may participate, and there is some preparation as well.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT I AM BEING GIVEN A TORAH ALIYAH? Quite simply, it means you have been asked to recite the blessings before and after the reading of the Torah. You may be doing this alone, or with one or more additional people; ask if you’re not sure.
WHO MAY RECEIVE A TORAH ALIYAH? Just as with one who reads from the Torah, the person who recites the Torah blessings must be Jewish and at least 13 years of age.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE? First, you will need to provide the synagogue with your Jewish name. This can be in Hebrew or Yiddish, or both. You need to provide your own Jewish name, as well as the Jewish name of your father and your mother. This, along with your English name, will be used to call you up to the bimah. Second, you need to practice the Torah blessings. Please do not presume proficiency. It is an honor to be asked to recite these blessings, and their recitation should be done with respect and with care. We have provided you with the text of the blessings, both in Hebrew and in transliteration.
WHAT DO I DO DURING THE SERVICE? When the Torah Service begins, those who have been asked to receive a Torah aliyah will be called (by your English and Jewish name) at the appropriate time. Jewish tradition asks that you approach the Torah from the left (as you face the bimah) and exit from the opposite side. When your name has been called, move immediately to the bimah. Recite the first blessing (we will have a copy of the Hebrew and transliteration waiting for you), and stay on the bimah to enjoy the Torah reading. Then recite the second blessing but don’t go back to your seat. Move to the other side of the bimah, and stay with us. When the next aliyah has ended, you may return to your seat.
DO I NEED A KIPAH OR TALLIT? At Woodlands, each of us is free to decide what ritual clothing we wish to wear or not wear. While we certainly encourage you to wear a kipah (headcovering) or tallit (prayershawl), we absolutely support your right to decide for yourself.
WHAT IF TWO OR MORE OF US WILL RECEIVE A TORAH ALIYAH? It is a joyful gathering when two or more people join together for Torah blessings. Please remember to practice together before the service begins; this will help you avoid any group awkwardness during the recitation from the bimah. It is also important to remember that this is a significant ritual moment; please refrain from unnecessary conversation, both as you gather on the bimah and especially while the Torah is read.
