There is an established tradition through the generations that being called up to the Torah or opening the Ark (Aron HaKodesh) – especially on the holiest days on the Jewish calendar – is a great source of merit and blessing, as the individuals thus called upon stand before the Almighty as representatives of the entire congregation.
Receiving an honor in the Synagogue is a special experience. It draws a blessing for the individual, family and entire community. How much more so when this honor occurs during the High Holidays. During Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the Divine light and sustenance is drawn down for the entire year.
Please select either an Aliyot (called up to the Torah) or Psicha (Opening of the Ark) - and reserve your kibbudim for the High Holidays by emailing or calling Rabbi Mendy - mendyl@PhoenixJewish.com.
Below is a description of the various segulot associated with each honor. A segulah is a Divine, supernatural "cause" (a Divine "treasure-house") for a manifestly good "effect." In addition to the spiritual effects it has for the honoree or to whomever you designate, this is also tzedakah that helps Chabad of the Main Line.
Explanation of the Honors
PETICHAH (Opening the Ark )
The Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) is a reflection of the Ark in the Holy Temple . It is the holiest space in synagogue, and thus it is the holiest location of the entire community. Because of its unique holy nature, we place a Parochet (curtain or doors) in front of the Ark. At special moments during the service we open the Ark , which thus opens the Gateway to Heaven, and lets the holiness shine forth.
ALIYAH (Being called to the Torah)
The Torah is a tangible gift from G‑d. The Kabbalah calls it the “Divine Wisdom”. The scroll was completed at the end of our journey in the desert and placed in the Holy Ark, next to the Tablets. We each have a portion in the Torah. The Aliyah is a powerful way to retrieve that portion.
How It’s Done
It is a custom in many shuls around the world to associate a donation/pledge with the privilege of being honored in front of the Torah on the High Holidays. It is considered to be very meritorious to connect these honors with an act of Tzedakah. Many have asked to quietly sponsor an honor in advance of the holidays. This is not meant to be a competition, but rather an opportunity to make donations to tzedakah that directly relate to one of the special High Holiday honors. It can be “paid” throughout the year. Regardless, HASHEM ALWAYS LISTENS TO THE PRAYERS OF A SINCERE HEART!
Email us with the honor that you wish to acquire, which will be performed by an adult (13 or over) Jewish male of your choice. Gelilah can be performed by a boy under 13. REMEMBER, YOU CAN SPONSOR THE HONOR AND MERIT AND THEN OFFER TO SOMEONE ELSE. Both, the sponsor and the one honored share in the blessing, in addition to the mitzvah of “loving your fellow Jew”, which is the vessel for the greatest blessings from Above.
As you know, we have an “open door policy” servicing “all Jews, all the time”, especially the HIGH HOLIDAYS! A person’s financial status, religious background or organizational affiliations in no way affect his or her ability to participate in our services and programs. All are welcome to daven together is a true spirit of Ahavas Yisroel .
Honoraria and Distinction for the Days of Rosh Hashanah
BOTH DAYS - the Prayer Service
Repetition of the Amidah, Ark Opening – separate honors for Shacharit & Musaf
The one who opens the ark is becoming an emissary - together with the Cantor - for the congregation in their prayers and supplications to G‑d. The Talmud teaches: "If someone prays on behalf of another…he is answered first". In a sense he is opening the gates which will allow the flow of our prayers to ascend heavenward, and the blessings of the Almighty to descend upon us.
Suggested donation ………. $100
"Aveinu Malkeinu - Our Father, our King"
This prayer was, at its core, composed by R' Akiva which brought the end to a drought. This formula became a central feature of our prayers during fasts and other times of need. Rosh Hashanah is such a time. This honor associates one with the fulfillment of all his requests and prayers.
Suggested donation ………. $180
"Unesane Tokef - Let us Proclaim His Might"
This prayer is one of the most stirring compositions in the entire liturgy of the High Holy Days, written by R' Amnon of Mainz, about 1000 years ago after he publically sanctified G‑d’s name with extraordinary martyrdom, not bowing to the Bishop’s pressures to convert. This prayer is one of the high points during the High Holy Days.
Suggested donation ………. $150
BOTH DAYS - THE TORAH SERVICE
Ark Opening
Kabala reveals that the opening of the Ark and removal of the Sifrei Torah opens a treasure trove of blessings from Above. This applies especially to one whose wife is pregnant, in petitioning for an easy delivery.
Suggested donation ………. $100
Raising the Torah Scrolls (two honors)
By raising the Torah one elevates all previous Aliyot and receives their reward.
Suggested donation ………. $100 per Torah
Wrapping the Torah Scrolls (two honors – could be a boy under age 13)
HaKol holeich achar ha'chitum - "Everything goes according to the end." With this merit you “mop up” all the benefits.
Suggested donation ………. $54 per Torah
READING OF THE TORAH
Rosh Hashanah's Torah Reading focuses on the theme of the day - acknowledgment of G‑d's kingship, power and mercy. Thus, on the first day, we read that Abraham and Sara were "remembered" with a son on Rosh Hashanah, it shows the theme of G‑d’s mercy which we seek. On the second day we read of the Akeida , the binding of Isaac, an act whose merit is recalled in the Shofar blowing. It, too, re-awakens G‑d's compassion and benevolence to cascade upon us.
Each Aliyah sponsored brings a personal connection and blessing to the benefactor. One is elevated by the Aliyah ("elevation") he has sponsored.
FIRST DAY - ALIYOT
First Aliyah - Kohen
"And G‑d had remembered Sara..." This news about the conception and birth of Isaac brought “laughter” and “joy” to the world ( “Yitzchak” ), in gratitude to G‑d. This honor associates one with the blessing of healthy and fine children who will bring joy and contentment.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Second Aliyah - Levi
"For your progeny will be called after Isaac." We finish this portion with the ultimate promise of nationhood, descendent from Abraham and Isaac. This Aliyah associates you with nachas and pride in your children.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Third Aliyah
"There where he is. " Ishmael repented and prayed for mercy (not to die from thirst). The angels argued that he should not be spared because his descendants would murder countless Jews. G‑d responded, however, that a person is judged only in his present state, and would, therefore, be saved. If Ishmael could be spared, surely the repentance of the Jew will be accepted on this day. This Aliyah (according to Shulchan Aruch ) is considered most pre-eminent, it associates with acceptance of your repentance, securing you, and yours, a sweet and successful new year.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Fourth Aliyah
"Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Avimelech. " This exchange of gifts signified mutual trust and ratification of their treaty. This honor associates you with blessings of peace and security.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Fifth Aliyah
"And he (Abraham) planted a tree [„eishel ‟ ]. " The ultimate intention was to provide hospitality for wayfarers. This associates one with the merit to fulfill the Mitzvah of hospitality, similar to Abraham who had great wealth to do so.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Maftir
The Haftorah tells of the stirring story of Chana self-sacrifice, heart-felt prayer and the answer and blessing she received from G‑d. As a barren woman (like Sara), she was blessed with a child, who later became the prophet Samuel. The merit for this Maftir is great, the blessings many. The Lubavitcher Rebbe would recite this Haftorah with intense passion.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
SECOND DAY - ALIYOT
First Aliyah - Kohen
This portion deals with the sacrifice of Isaac which took place on Rosh Hashanah. This section constitutes the very reason for Israel 's existence in G‑d's eyes. It has, therefore, become part of our daily prayers.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Second Aliyah - Levi
" And they went together. " Although, Isaac finally became aware that he was going to be slain, father and son still walked forward with a common purpose and joy in expectant fulfillment of G‑d's directive ( Rashi ). This aliya associates bringing parents and children together towards a common purpose in service to G‑d.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Third Aliyah
"The L-rd will see ("yir'eh"). " Originally, the site of the Akeida was named Shalem ("peace" and "wholesome") by Shem, son of Noah; subsequently, after the Akeida Abraham called it Yir'eh (“the L-rd will see”). In deference to Shem and Abraham, G‑d synthesized both names and combined it into "Yeru" - "Shalem" - Jerusalem . With this Aliyah one associates with complete peace and security.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Fourth Aliyah
"As numerous as the stars in the heaven and the sand on the seashore. " This is the greatest blessing Israel receives from G‑d. In this merit you and your family will be associated with an abundant increase.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Fifth Aliyah
The birth of Rebecca is announced to Abraham and Isaac. She is the one who is credited for the existence of the Jewish nation, and we were given the Torah. In this merit you will be associated with blessing to rear children and grandchildren in Torah, chupa and good deeds.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Maftir
In this Haftorah we read the moving passage where Rachel weeps for her children (the Jewish people), which will ultimately lead them to the advent of the final redemption and freedom. This Haftorah associates you with witnessing the coming of Mashiach.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
BOTH DAYS - BLOWING of the SHOFAR
Holding of a Sefer
This is the most ancient and highest honor that is purchased on Rosh Hashanah. One is considered an "emissary" of the congregation and partner with the Ba'al Tokai'ah – Shofar Blower bringing down mysitcal elevations from Above.
Suggested donation ………. $180 per Torah
Honoraria and Distinction for the Day of Yom Kippur
Kol Nidrei
Opening of the Ark
It is very meritorious for one to open the ark and take out the Torah Scrolls that are carried around the congregation. While taking them out one should kiss them while confessing their sins. Prayers that indicate a direct request for mercy from Hashem are said with the ark open. This also arouses the congregation to teshuvah . Thus opening the Ark for the first time on Yom Kippur funnels G‑d’s blessings upon this person and symbolically opens the Gates of the Heavens allowing our prayers to be heard.
Suggested donation ………. $540
Holding the First and Second Torah Scrolls
The Arizal teaches how according to Kabbalah it is very meritorious to parade the Scrolls around the shul for everyone to kiss them. This display of love for the Torah influences people to repent and is considered a virtue for them. Especially the first one is referred to as the Kol Nidrei Torah . By receiving this honor, you are part of the Bais Din , the Jewish court, together with the Chazzan and other Torah holder, dispensing forgiveness to the Jewish People. The Midrash states that just as Moses was flanked by Aaron and Chur when he prayed for Israel during the Amalekite attack, so too three people should represent the congregation on a public fast day.
Suggested donation ………. $1800 First Torah
$1018 Second Torah
Shacharit – morning servcie
Repetition of the Amidah, Ark Opening
The one who opens the ark is becoming an emissary - together with the Cantor - for the congregation in their prayers and supplications to G‑d. In a sense he is opening the gates which will allow the flow of our prayers to ascend heavenward, and the blessings of the Almighty to descend upon us.
Suggested donation ………. $100
Opening of the Ark and Removal of Both Sifrei Torah
Kabbalah reveals that the opening of the ark and removal of the Sifrei Torah opens the treasure of blessing from Above to the one who opens the ark. This applies especially to one whose wife is pregnant, as this is a “remedy” for an easy pregnancy and delivery.
Suggested donation ………. $100
READING OF THE TORAH
On most festivals the Torah Reading is a selection of either the historical narrative of the day or the commandment to observe that Festival. The reading of Yom Kippur, quite appropriately describes the service of the High Priest in the Temple on Yom Kippur. Each Aliyah , which means ascension, has a personal connection and benefit to the person who purchases the honor. By expending one's own funds to acquire this Mitzvah, he and his resources are ascending through the blessings of the Aliyah .
Kohen
This Aliya deals with the souls of Aaron's two sons, Nadav and Avihu, leaving their bodies. Mystically this is not understood as a punishment, but an overdose of spirituality, causing their soul to leave their physical body. This also brought atonement to them. This account is relevant to Yom Kippur, because we too seek atonement through heighten spirituality. This honor, it is taught, takes the place of the Yom Kippur Sacrifice.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Levi
The High Priest also prays "...for his household ." Aaron's confession refers to his immediate family and extended family, i.e. the tribe of Levi from which the Kohanim descend. Thus the Levi aliya gains a part of that atonement.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Shlishi
" ...Who dwells with them amid their contamination. " Our service causes G‑d to dwell among us. This is the ultimate mission of a Jew. This honor brings you in proximity with G‑d's Divine Presence.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Revi'i
"Aaron is to … confess upon it all the iniquities of the Children of Israel." Unlike the offerings mentioned previously, which atoned only for sins involving contamination, this atoned for all sins (Talmud, Shavous 2b). This honor adds energy to our teshuva to wipe away all our sins.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Chamishi
"For through this day he will atone for you." The High Priest effects atonement by means of the Yom Kippur service. "The essence of the day itself atones" (Talmud, Yoma). This honor keys you into the essence of the day, atonement (i.e.: at-one-moment).
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Shishi
"This shall be to you an eternal decree to bring atonement upon the Children of Israel ...once a year." This Aliya emphasizes the “oneness” nature of Yom Kippur in terms of person (High Priest), place (Holy of Holies) and time (Yom Kippur). This aliya also corresponds to the sphere of yesod , which means connection. Thus this aliya connects you with the “oneness” of the day.
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Haftorah
This selection from Isaiah was chosen because of its focus on the proper manner of repentance. The Prophet harshly criticizes those who think that they can effect repentance and appease G‑d by fasting and physical affliction that is devoid of inner conviction. Instead, he urges, true repentance involving extreme kindness and charity, and changing one's ways. Through your giving you are epitomizing what the Prophet wanted, thereby, finding favor in G‑d's eyes. (Someone who doesn’t know how to chant it, can honor someone else.)
Suggested donation ………. $1,000
Raising of Torah Scrolls (first and second)
When raising the Torah one reaps the benefits and energies of all the previous Aliyot and receives their reward all “rolled in one”. (Shulchan Aruch)
Suggested donation ………. $100 per Torah
Dressing of the Torah Scrolls (first and second)
Hakol holech achar hachitum , “everything goes according to the end”. Similar to above, you receive benefice from the Aliyot . Children may be given this Honor.
Suggested donation ………. $72 per Torah
Mincha - Honors for the Reading of the Torah
Opening of the Ark and Removal of the Torah
Opening the Ark funnels the blessings of G‑d upon this person.
Suggested donation ………. $100
READING OF THE TORAH
Kohen
" …my laws…by which he will live. " One who buys this honor will merit chayut , zest and alacrity, in performance of Mitzvot and so they will not be habitual and lackluster.
Suggested donation ………. $360
Levi
One who hears (and especially, one who buys) this Aliyah will be aroused to teshuvah in matters of lust and immorality.
Suggested donation ………. $360
Maftir Yonah
This is the most important Aliyah of the whole day. The story of Jonah teaches that sincere repentance can reverse even the harshest heavenly decrees. It is also a segulah for wealth. In many communities people contribute the most for this Maftir, since according to your investment, so does G‑d reward.
Suggested donation ………. $2,500
Opening the Ark - NEILAH
This is the fifth service of the day corresponding to the fifth and deepest dimension of the soul. This is truly the chatimah , the seal. This is the final chance, before the gates close to get your prayers in one final time. This is also the time that we are locked into G‑d’s inner chamber with only Him. You are the gate keeper. Our Sages tell us this is a segulah for arichut yamim , LONG LIFE!
Suggested donation ………. $10,000
To be a sponsor, email Rabbi Mendy
mendyl@PhoenixJewish.com
L’ SHANAH HABAHAH B’YERUSHALAYIM
NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM