A Guide To Bimah Etiquette 

What You Need To Know For The Big Day

As you know, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah family is permitted to select Jewish family members, friends, or congregants to participate in the service.

Each participant is given an Aliyah (witness to the reading of the Torah) or other honor, as described below. This guide is intended to familiarize you and the people who are awarded honors with the customs. It will help everyone feel more comfortable in approaching the Bimah.
Honors

1. Aliyah (plural is Aliyot) - The honor of being called as a witness to the reading of the Torah. It literally means "going up." The Rabbi or the Reader will point to the portion that is being read. The person with the Aliyah takes the fringes of his or her tallit, or a prayer book, and touches the portion that is being read and then kisses it. This person will chant in Hebrew the blessing before the Torah is read, move slightly to the side, and hold the Torah open for the reader. At the conclusion of the Torah reading, the Rabbi or the reader will point to the section that was read and the person with the Aliyah will take the fringes of his or her tallit, or a prayer book, and touch the portion that is being read, kiss it, and then chant the blessing after the reading. At the conclusion of the blessing, move to the side of the Torah reading table (right side as one faces the Congregation). Remain there until the next person has completed his or her Aliyah.

2. Hagbah - Lifting the Torah off of the reading table. The person lifting the Torah should be able to raise the Torah above his or her head. Once the Torah is lifted, the person will walk to the side of the Bimah, and sit down, while still holding the Torah. You will be assisted by the person with the honor of Gelilah (see below).

3. Gelilah - "Dressing" the Torah. This person will replace the sash which binds the Torah, place the covering over the Torah, and hang the breastplate and Yad (pointer) over the front of the Torah. The person honored with Gelilah will be handed the crown(s) to be placed on the top of the Torah.

4. Opening Or Closing The Ark Doors - It is suggested that two people be assigned to open the Ark Doors and two people assigned to close them.
Approaching The Bimah - When you are called for any of the honors listed above, you approach the Bimah on the right side of the reader's table (as you are facing the Bimah). Before leaving the Bimah, it is customary to shake hands with each person on the Bimah. If you are so inclined, it perfectly fine to give the Bar/Bat Mitzvah a kiss. After you have shaken hands with everyone on the Bimah, you will leave the Bimah from the left side (the opposite side from where you approached the Bimah). It is customary to take the "long way" back to your seat, symbolizing a reluctance to leave the Torah. It is customary to shake hands with anyone who extends a hand, as they wish to congratulate you on your honor. You may hear the greeting "yasher koach" which means, "may your strength increase." The traditional response is "baruch t'hiyeh" which means "may it be for a blessing." Other appropriate responses are thank you or Shabbat Shalom.

A. Hebrew Names: If you are called to the Bimah for an aliyah, hagbah, or gelilah, you will be called by your Hebrew name, followed by the title of the honor you are receiving, which will also be in Hebrew. If you are opening or closing the Ark or the Ark curtains, you will be notified to approach the Bimah at the appropriate time.

B. Ritual Clothing: Head coverings must be worn by anyone coming on to the Bimah. All Jewish males over the age of 13 must wear a tallit.

C. Helpful Hints: If you have an aliyah, practice the blessings that you will be reciting. There is also usually a plastic card on the reading table which has the blessings in Hebrew and in transliteration. Follow the directions of the Gabbaim. He or she will guide you to a chair, and will be helpful in reminding you what to do should you forget. Please dress in a manner suitable to the solemnity of Shabbat. Remember that this is an honor, and that you have been asked to specially help in the service and celebration. The community is sharing the joy of celebration, and while it may be somewhat intimidating to approach the Bimah, you have been honored in being asked to do so.