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 particular for the Baal Korei and Olah to wear a Tallis, one is to do so.[2]

Calling up the name:[3] The Ashkenazi custom is to call up the person by name. He is called up by his Hebrew name and fathers name. If he does not know his fathers name he is to be called by his grandfather’s name, preferably by the name of his father’s father, although the name of his mother’s father is also valid. If he does not know any of the names, then he is to be called up as Ben Avraham. [Some are accustomed even initially to always call up as Ben Avraham if the name of the father is not known.[4]] A convert is to be called up as Ben Avraham. [A child with a gentile father is to be called up as Ben Avraham. An adoSee Piskeiy Teshuvosed child is to be called up by his biological father’s name, or as Ben Avraham, and is never to be called up by the name of his step father. However, some are lenient in a case of great shame.]

Going up to the Bimah for an Aliyah:[5] One who is called up to the Torah for an Aliyah is to walk towards the Bimah in the shortest path available.[6] [This applies whether the shortest path to the Bimah is on one’s right side or left side.[7] One is to quickly walk to the Bimah upon being called.[8]] If there are two available routes of equal distance, he is to ascend through the path which is towards his right.[9]

_______________________________________________________

[1] See Igros Kodesh 5:91; 9:214; 11:110; 13:227; 16:12 and 97-99; 19:249 [published in Shulchan Menachem p. 199 and 363]

[2] Igros Kodesh 11:110 [published in Shulchan Menachem 1:259]

[3] Rama 139:3

[4] M”B 139:10

[5] Michaber 141:7; Ketzos Hashulchan 25:6

[6] Literally “One who goes up to the Bima is to ascend through the closest available opening from where he is currently situated”

The reason: This is to be done out of respect towards the congregation in order that they do not delay in order for him to arrive. Likewise, it is done out of respect to the Torah, in order to show that the Torah is beloved to him and he rushing to read it. [M”B 141:22 in name of Levush and P”M]

[7] Chasam Sofer 187; Kaf Hachaim 141:38

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule one is to always follow his right side. [Biur HaGr”a 141]

[8] Elya Raba 141; M”B 141:25; Kaf Hachaim 141:39

[9] The reason: As the Sages taught that whenever one turns, he is to turn to his right. [M”B 141:22 in name of Levush and P”M]