Here are some main reasons: 1. People in Israel speak, read and write in Hebrew. While it is true that Israeli kids study English at school, you won’t hear them using it outside of the classroom. …
Learning Hebrew - Ulpan Olim are entitled to free Hebrew studies, known as 'Ulpan'. Hebrew language programs are available in most major Israeli cities and many smaller ones and offer a …
The gabbai (beadle) announces in Hebrew: “Arise, (your name) son of (your father’s name)!” Upon hearing your Hebrew name called, rise and walk over...
The reader will show you where the Torah reading begins and ends. Touch the beginning and end of the Torah reading with the corner of your tallit (...
The blessings recited over the Torah thank G‑d for choosing us as His nation and for giving us the Torah, His covenant with us.Start by saying the...
While the Torah is being read, hold the handle of the scroll nearest you. If possible, follow the Hebrew words inside the scroll and read along sil...
This is what it sounds like:Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai Eh-lo-hay-nu meh-lech ha-o-lahm, a-sher na-tan la-nu toh-raht e-met, v’cha-yay o-lahm na-ta b’to...
After the aliyah, stand on the right side of the bimah until the end of the following aliyah (or, if it was the last aliyah, until the Torah is raised). When returning to your seat, do not use the shortest route.
While the Torah is being read, hold the handle of the scroll nearest you. If possible, follow the Hebrew words inside the scroll and read along silently. When the reader concludes, touch first the end and then the beginning of the reading with the corner of your tallit (or the Torah's sash) and kiss it.
The gabbai (beadle) announces in Hebrew: “Arise, (your name) son of (your father’s name) !” Upon hearing your Hebrew name called, rise and walk over to the bimah (reading platform) and stand to the right of the reader, facing the Torah scroll. It is customary to take the shortest route to get there, expressing an eagerness to approach the Torah.
The father of the bar mitzvah boy should accompany him to the bimah for his aliyah, and stand to one side as the blessings are being recited. Following the aliyah, the father recites a special blessing thanking G‑d for reaching this auspicious moment. There are a few variations of the blessing.
During the bar mitzvah boy’s aliyah, his family will distribute candies (preferably soft jelly candies) to the congregation. When the second blessing is concluded, the bar mitzvah boy is showered with candies, representing a shower of sweet blessings, as the congregation sings Mazal Tov. He has now officially become a bar mitzvah.