It can be really anxiety producing when someone asks you, ‘would you take X aliyah?’ This goes for whether or not you’re a newcomer to Shabbat morning services or a regular synagogue goer. The truth is, they’re trying to give you an honor, but if you don’t know what to do (much less what an aliyah is) it might not feel that way. 

But don’t worry, friend. I’ve got your back. And if you’ve been offered an aliyah and declined, don’t feel bad! In fact, ‘no thanks’ is always an acceptable offer — even if you know exactly what to do!

Regardless of how much Jewish context (or lack thereof) you were raised with, going to synagogue can sometimes feel a little like stepping into an alternate universe. 

So, let’s break this down. First, what does it mean to ‘have an aliyah’?

The TorahRefers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, also called the Five Books of Moses, Pentateuch or the Hebrew equivalent, Humash. This is also called the Written Torah. The term may also refer to teachings that expound on Jewish tradition. is massive, and in order to read the whole thing over the course of a year (which is traditional for most Jewish communities), it has to be broken up into sections. Each section is called a parashah (in Hebrew) or simply a ‘Torah portion.’

Having or taking an aliyah means that you’re going to say the blessings before and after someone reads a chunk of whatever parashah is assigned for that week. 

Don’t stress! There’s nothing for you to have memorized or know beforehand. Most synagogues keep a card up on the podium where the Torah is read that has the correct blessings on it. Alternatively, many siddurim (prayer books) have the words inside, so you can bring your book with you.

If you’re nervous about the Hebrew, that’s ok! You don’t have to be a strong Hebrew reader. While the original Hebrew will be there to cheer you on, there is often transliteration into English letters available. You can always ask the gabbai (the person running the Torah service) to hook you up. 

Let’s discuss the protocol. 

1. Get up there. You’ll know when it’s your turn to go to the podium because most synagogues hand out cards that tell you which aliyah you’re doing. You’ll be called up by whatever number’s on your card. It’s highly recommended for you to grab a tallit (a prayer shawl) if you’re not already wearing one. Synagogues have extras available, for regulars and newcomers alike, so keep an eye out. And if you can’t find them, ask someone.
   
   

2. What’s your name again? The gabbai will call you for your aliyah by your Hebrew name. But they probably don’t know it already, so be prepared for them to ask. Now, if for whatever reason you don’t have one, to quote Douglas Adams, “DON’T PANIC.” In most places, you can use your English name. Trust me, God will still know it’s you.
   
   

3. Kiss kiss. Take one of the fringes on your tallit, touch it to the text that is about to be read, and then kiss said fringe. Whoever is reading should be able to guide you to the exact spot.
   
   The words of Torah should sustain us, like nourishing food, so think of this gesture as symbolic of nourishment. If you’re not wearing a tallit you can use something else – like the little cloth belt that holds the Torah together. Just don’t use your hands. A Torah scroll is fragile and expensive to produce (a trained scribe hand writes every single letter) and the oils on your fingers can damage it.
   
   

4. Hold her close! Take the wooden handles of both sides of the Torah scroll and roll them together. While still holding the handles, recite the blessing for before the Torah reading. It should be clearly labeled on the card.
   
   It’s customary to chant the blessing, but you don’t have to. Reading the blessing is perfectly acceptable if that feels more comfortable. (I know Jews like to go hard on the tradition, but trust me, it won’t be the end of the world). 
   
   

5. Relax! You’re doing great. Now, the fun. You get a front-row seat to listen to the reader chanting Torah. There are no expectations of you up here. You can listen, follow along with the reader, follow along with the gabbai, or even just stand there with your eyes closed.
   
   Publically chanting the Torah is something Jews have been doing since the beginning of the Second Temple period (that’s over 2000 years). Just think, by taking this aliyah you’re participating in one of the most ancient rituals in Jewish culture!
   
   

6. Wrap it up! When your reader finishes chanting, you’re going to roll up the scroll – just as you did before – hold onto both handles, and say the blessing afterwards. Again, the card should make it clear which one is which. And after that, bingo bango –you did it! 
   
   

But don’t go rushing off just yet. It’s customary to stay up there for the following aliyah, or the lifting and wrapping of the Torah, if it’s the final one. Just see where the person before you is standing and move over there when the next person is called.

Most importantly – remember to breathe. We all get nervous, even those of us who are veterans in the aliyah department. 

Having an aliyah is a tremendous honor. Because the Torah symbolizes God’s presence among us, you’re being chosen (exactly as you are!) to draw close to something whose value cannot be overstated.

The Torah isn’t just the story of the Jewish people, it’s a giant meditation on our encounter with God at Sinai. That single encounter was so transformational, we’re still trying to capture it and figure out what it means more than 3000 years later. The Torah is the center of Jewish life, and by taking an aliyah, you help sustain it.