Reading the Torah

Consecutive Aliyot for Family Members

Consecutive aliyot (going up to the Torah during Torah reading) should not be given to brothers or to a father and son unless the aliyot are from different Torah scrolls. This is a custom.

Declining an Aliya

You should not decline an aliya, if one is offered to you.

Shortest Route to Bima

When you go up to the Torah, take the shortest route to the bima. This is a non-binding custom, not a halacha.

Stand on Bima after Aliya

After getting an aliya to the Torah, stand on the bima until the next aliya has ended. This is to show respect for the Torah and not appear to be running away.

Returning to your Seat after Aliya

When you go back to your seat after an aliya to the Torah, take the longer way around the bima--even if it is inconvenient or you want to avoid someone who is along the way back to your seat.

Saying the Torah Blessing

When called to the Torah, either:

  • Say the blessing while looking to the side of the Torah, or
  • Roll the Torah together before you say the blessing.

How Loud To Say Torah Blessings

Say the blessings over the Torah loudly enough for everyone to hear and respond “amen.”

What To Do While on Bima

The oleh (person who gets the aliya) should lightly hold on to the handle of the Torah.

The oleh should read the Torah quietly along with the reader (ba'al koreh).

Donation after Aliya

If you receive an aliya to the Torah on Shabbat and Jewish festival mornings, it is customary give a donation to the synagogue, but you are not required to do so by halacha (and you may not give the donation ON Shabbat!).

Note: A synagogue may request a donation on Shabbat or Jewish festivals from someone who has received an aliya on Shabbat and may give that person a card to mail in after Shabbat has ended.

Note: There is no expectation of giving a donation for aliyot on weekdays or at mincha on Shabbat.

Copyright 2015 Richard B. Aiken. Halacha L’Maaseh appears courtesy of www.practicalhalacha.com Visit their web site for more information.