The Torah Aliyah

The Torah Aliyah:
How to Participate in Torah Blessings at WCT

We are thrilled that you will be joining us for our weekly Shabbat Service, and that you have been asked to
receive a Torah Aliyah in honor of one of our students becoming B-Mitzvah. We ask that you read this brief
handout, and hope it will be helpful to you in preparing to participate with us. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact us.
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. You would do well to ask the B-Mitzvah child to
listen to you practice; this will provide you with excellent feedback on how to do the blessings properly.
WHAT DO I DO JUST PRIOR TO THE SERVICE BEGINNING?

It is especially important that, if you are reciting Torah blessings with others, you practice them together with
the others. All too often, there are differences in the way people present these prayers. Thirty minutes
before the service begins, arrange to meet your group to run through the blessings.
WHAT DO I DO DURING THE SERVICE?

Sit and enjoy. Participate by reading and singing. After all, it’s Shabbat ... time to celebrate the creation of
the world! When the Torah Service begins, those who have been asked to receive a Torah aliyah will be
called (by 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 close to the B-Mitzvah to enjoy the Torah reading. Then recite the
second blessing, give the B-Mitzvah a hug and a kiss, 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.
-over-
DO I NEED A KIPPAH 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 kippah (headcovering) or tallit (prayer shawl), 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 B-Mitzvah
is reading from the Torah.
THE FIRST BLESSING
You recite: Bar-khu et Adonai ham-vo-rakh.
Congregation responds: Ba-rukh Adonai ham-vo-rakh l’o-lam va-ed.
You recite: Ba-rukh Adonai ham-vo-rakh l’o-lam va-ed. Ba-rukh a-ta Adonai,
e-lo-hey-nu me-lekh ha-o-lam, a-sher ba-khar ba-nu mee-kol
ha-a-meem v’na-tan la-nu et To-ra-to. Ba-rukh a-ta Adonai no-tayn
ha-To-rah.
Translation: Let us praise God, the Blessed One. Praised is God, the eternally Blessed One. Praised are You, O God,
Creator of the Universe, who has chosen us from among the peoples to receive Your Torah. Praised are You, O God,
Giver of the Torah.
THE SECOND BLESSING
You recite: Ba-rukh a-ta Adonai, e-lo-hay-nu me-lekh ha-o-lam, a-sher na-tan
la-nu To-rat e-met v’kha-yay o-lam na-ta b’to-khay-nu. Ba-rukh a-ta
Adonai no-tayn ha-To-rah.
Translation: Praised are You, O God, Creator of the Universe, Who has given us a Torah of truth and has implanted
within us eternal life. Praise are You, O God, Giver of the Torah.

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The Torah Aliyah:

How to Participate in Torah Blessings at WCT

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT I AM BEING GIVEN A TORAH ALIYAH?

WHO MAY RECEIVE A TORAH ALIYAH?

WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE?

WHAT DO I DO JUST PRIOR TO THE SERVICE BEGINNING?

WHAT DO I DO DURING THE SERVICE?

WHAT IF TWO OR MORE OF US WILL RECEIVE A TORAH ALIYAH?

THE FIRST BLESSING

You recite: Bar-khu et Adonai ham-vo-rakh.

Congregation responds: Ba-rukh Adonai ham-vo-rakh l’o-lam va-ed.

THE SECOND BLESSING

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