Archive for March 2018
Learn to Chant the Blessings for the Aliyah
This interactive online tool from Chabad.org allows you to learn to recite the traditional blessings before and after the Torah reading at your own pace with the click of a button. With the
Learn the Blessings Before & After Reading the Torah with “Prayer-eoke”
These two short videos demonstrate the singing of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading, when called up for an aliyah. These videos with Hebrew and transliterated subtitles were created by Rabbi Ahuva Zaches
How to Have an Aliyah
In this 4 minute long instructional video from MyJewishLearning.com, Rabbi Steven Exler explains and demonstrates what to do and say when being called up to the Torah for an aliyah, with the on-screen
Traditional Blessings Before & After Torah Reading
This post presents the Hebrew, English and transliterated texts of the blessings recited before and after the Torah reading when called up for an aliyah, as well as audio recordings of each blessing sung
What is So Special About the Aliyahs?
With references to halachic and Kabbalistic sources, this brief article from Chabad.org explains why being called up to the Torah is a special honor, focusing on the spiritual significance behind this ritual. As
What is an Aliyah and How Can You Participate?
Perfect for beginners, this clear article from Chabad.org explains the origins behind being called up to the Torah, as well as when and how this is practiced in Orthodox congregations, including the Hebrew, English,
The Hadar Institute: The Content, Meaning and Music of Lecha Dodi
This link will take you to a three-part online audio course exploring the content, meaning, and music of Lecha Dodi, as part of Mechon Hadar’s Tefillah Toolkit series. Three scholars explore what the prayer
Welcoming the Bride: Exploring the Songs of Kabbalat Shabbat
This link will take you to a six-part online audio course exploring the meaning behind the songs of Kabbalat Shabbat. Theologian, scholar, and educator, Rabbi Shai Held, examines each of the eight Psalms of
Syrian Song of Songs and Kabbalat Shabbat (Audio)
This post includes two audio recordings representing the Syrian custom and musical style, sung by Hazzan Faraj Samra. The first clip is a 20 minute long audio recording of the Song of Songs,
The Nava Tehila Ensemble: Dancing in the Glory – A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat
This post features the first song from Nava Tehila Ensemble’s album, “Dancing in the Glory: A Journey into Kabbalat Shabbat,” made up of original Kabbalat Shabbat melodies. The Nava Tehila Ensemble is a Jerusalem-based