Congratulations! You have been given the honor of being called up for an aliya,
in which you will chant the blessings before and after the reading of the Torah.

Here is a brief guide to this honor:

• When your name is announced, walk up to the bima.
• If you are wearing a prayer shawl, the Rabbi or Torah reader will point to the word on the scroll where he or she will begin reading. Take the tzitzit (fringes) from a corner of your prayer shawl and touch them to the word; you may bring the tzitzit to your lips as an expression of your love for the Torah.
• Recite the “Blessing Before the Reading of the Torah” (see below).
• The Torah reader will chant the portion. * At its conclusion, the Rabbi or Torah reader will point to the final word that was read. Again, touch it with the tzitzit as noted above.
• Recite the “Blessing After the Reading” (see below). (The text of the blessings, in both Hebrew and transliteration, will be available for your use at the Torah reading table.)
• Move to the other side of the podium and remain there for one more aliyah.
• Receive a hardy “Yasher koach!” for a job well done!

Click for audio of Torah Blessings sung by Cantor Childs Click for printable version of Torah blessings