Honors & Alliyot

Alliyot is the plural of alliyah. One person is assigned one alliyah. The family of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah (or the groom, at an Ufruf) may get to assign several alliyot. It means to come to the Torah and recite the blessings before and after a section of the Torah is read (b´rachot). An honor is a non-speaking part. The chosen person performs the honor, for example, they may open or close the Ark or dress the Torah.;

• Ask the Rabbi or Cantor how many alliyot you will be allowed. Consult with your rabbi or cantor regarding participation of non-Jewish friends and relatives;
• Ask about any restrictions or limitations before you approach anyone to perform an honor or alliyah;
• Attend other Bar⁄Bat Mitzvah services at your synagogue to see how others do it;
• Always ask relatives and friends if they would like to participate, but let them know it´s okay to say no. Those who say yes will be truly honored, and the others will avoid what they may feel is uncomfortable;
• Check with the Rabbi for written instructions, Hebrew and English transliteration, and even English prayers;