Who may receive an Aliya?

Who may receive an Aliya? A. General laws: One who is illiterate: Although the Olah is to silently read along together with the Baal Korei, word for word[1], nevertheless, it is permitted to give an individual an Aliya even if he is unable to read along with the Baal Korei, […]

Aliyos for Kohen and Levi

Aliyos for Kohen and Levi: A. General laws: Kohen/Levi: The order of Aliyos is first Kohen, then Levi and then Yisrael.[1] The Chabad custom is to be very particular in this matter.[2] Nonetheless, in mitigating circumstances, the custom is to ask the Kohen to leave the Shul in order to […]

The blessings of the Aliyah

The before Blessing The blessing:[1] One recites a blessing before and after the Torah reading.[2] Holding onto the handles:[3] One holds on to the handles of the Sefer Torah while saying the blessing[4], his right hand on the right handle, and his left hand on the left handle.[5] There is […]

The Seder of an Aliya

The Seder of an Aliya: A. Going up for an Aliya: Wearing a Tallis Gadol for an Aliya: The age old Chabad custom of many generations is not to require one to wear a Tallis Gadol for an Aliya or to read the Torah.[1] Nevertheless, in a Shul which is […]

Standing versus sitting during Kerias Hatorah

Should one stand during Kerias Hatorah?[1]   The congregation is not required to stand during the Torah reading [and so is the widespread custom[2], and so is the ruling according to Kabbala[3]].[4] However, there are some who are stringent[5] to stand [during the actual Torah reading, although even they are […]