Shul Services
Additional resources, including PDF booklets, are available in the Shluchim Exchange
Kibbudim
Over the Yom Tov period, certain special kibbudim-honors will be available for
purchase. The tradition to sell these honors to the highest bidder was
established to highlight how precious the Torah and honors associated with
it are - we'll pay high prices for them, because their value far outweighs
the financial investment.
Each honor is a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth and material
blessing in the coming year.
Except where noted otherwise, these honors will be available for purchase
to the highest bidder before Yom Tov. If you are interested in any specific
honor, please contact the rabbi as soon as possible to secure your chance.
Shemini Atzeres
1. Leading the Atoh Horeisa
2. Holding the first Torah at Hakofos
Simchas Torah evening
1. Leading the Atoh Horeisa
2. Holding the first Torah at Hakofos
Simchas Torah morning
1. Leading the Atoh Horeisa
2. Opening the Ark for the Hakafos
3. Holding the first Torah at Hakofos
4. Yayin leKiddush
Each Shabbos morning we read a section that describes the blessing that
Hashem extends to the family of one who donates kiddush wine to the shul.
The proceeds of this aliyah will go towards the kiddush wine and whiskey
supply of the shul.
5. Ner Lamaor
The same paragraph describes that Hashem blesses the family of one who
provides lighting for the shul. Just as one illuminates the shul, Hashem
illuminates his/her life. The proceeds of this honor will be used for the
shul's electricity account.
6. Hagbah
7. Gelilah
8. Second Hagbah
9. Gelilah
10. Chazak
The honor of being called to the Torah to conclude each of the other four
books of the Torah. Receiving the aliyah that concludes a book of Torah is
considered an equivalent to being called for each aliyah in that book.
11. Kol Haneorim
12. Chosson Torah
13. Chosson Bereishis
"Mereshus" - Calling up the Chassan Torah - in English
With the permission of the great, mighty and awesome God; with the permission of the Torah which is more precious than fine gold and pearls; with the permission of the Holy and pure Sanhedrin; with the permission of the heads of the Yeshivot and the sages of the Torah; with the permission of the elders and the young who sit [in the Yeshivot] in rows, I open my mouth with song and melody, to praise and laud He who abides in light, that He has granted us life and sustained us in pure awe of Him, and brought us to rejoice in the rejoicing of the Torah which gladdens the heart and enlightens the eyes; which bestows life, wealth, honor and glory; Which leads its followers in the good and right path; which lengthens life and increases strength to those who love it and observe its commands and injunctions, to those who occupy themselves with it and preserve it with love and fear. Therefore may it be the will of the Almighty to grant life, kindness and crowning glory to Rabbi (name) son of (father’s name) who has been chosen to complete the cycle of the Reading of the Torah; to strengthen him, to bless him and to exalt him in the study of the Torah; to seek for him life, to honor him, to provide him with companionship; to make him meritorious, to enliven him, to adorn him with the ornament of light; to make him upright, to perfect him, to instruct him in the teachings and the logic of the Torah; to deliver him from distress, to uplift him, to grant him clear support; to refine him, to sustain him, to make him righteous among the people that He created; to bring him near to Him, to show him compassion, and to guard him from all trouble and anguish; to invigorate him, to uphold him, to support him in broken spirit. Arise, arise, arise, Rabbi (name) son of (Father’s name) the Chatan Torah, and give honor to the great and awesome God. In this merit may you be privileged from the awesome God to see children and grandchildren who occupy themselves with Torah and fulfill the mitzvot amidst noble and refined people. May you be privileged to rejoice in the joy of the Holy Temple; and may your face shine in the righteousness with a clear and resplendent light, as Isaiah, who was filled with the spirit of counsel and strength, prophesied. “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad with her” - speedily; “rejoice with her in gladness, all you who mourned for her” * - in her sorrow and affliction. Arise, arise, arise Rabbi (name) son of (father’s name) the Chatan Torah, with the permission of all this holy congregation, and complete the cycle of the Reading of the Torah. Arise Rabbi (name) son of (father’s name) the Chatan Torah.
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*The Hebrew words if the following twenty-two phrases are in alphabetical order.
** Isaiah 66:10.