What Is an Aliyah?

—referring to the honor of being called up to the Torah during synagogue services. This ancient practice connects individuals to the community's sacred text and marks significant occasions in Jewish life.

The Ritual of an Aliyah

When called for an aliyah, the honoree approaches the bimah (reading platform) and:

Before the Reading

Touches the Torah scroll with a tallit corner or the Torah's belt, then kisses it. Recites the blessing praising God who chose us and gave us the Torah.

בָּרְכוּ אֶת יְהֹוָה הַמְבֹרָךְ

Translation: Bless the Lord who is blessed.

The congregation responds, and the honoree continues with the first blessing.

During the Reading

The ba'al koreh (Torah reader) chants the designated portion. The honoree follows along silently.

After the Reading

The honoree recites the concluding blessing, thanking God for giving us the Torah of truth and planting eternal life within us.

Who Gets an Aliyah?

Regular Distribution

On Shabbat morning, seven people receive aliyot, plus an eighth for the concluding portion (maftir). On weekdays and Shabbat afternoon, three are called. On holidays, the number varies.

Traditional Order

The first aliyah goes to a Kohen (priest). The second to a Levi (Levite). Subsequent aliyot go to Israelites (all other Jews).

Special Occasions

Aliyot are given for celebrations: bar/bat mitzvah, upcoming weddings, new parents, those completing mourning periods, visitors, and those marking yahrzeit (anniversary of a death).

—going up to the Holy Land.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Aliyah

A bar or bat mitzvah celebrant's first aliyah marks their new status as an adult in Jewish law. This public Torah honor demonstrates their new responsibility to observe the commandments.

Modern Developments

In many non-Orthodox congregations, women receive aliyot equally with men. Some congregations have modified or eliminated the Kohen-Levi priority system. These changes reflect different understandings of tradition and egalitarianism.