Saying the blessings before the Torah--known as "having an aliyah"--can be a deeply meaningful experience. Maybe you haven't done it since your bar or bat mitzvah; maybe you've done it occasionally; maybe you've never done it at Micah, but always secretly wanted to.

Now could be the time.

Last month marked the beginning of an exciting new system for Shabbat mornings at Temple Micah. I am now arranging for members to be called to the Torah to recite the aliyah blessings. Each week (including at b'nai mitzvah services), a number of Temple Micah Jewish adults will have the opportunity to commemorate special occasions in their lives: a special birthday or anniversary, a yahrzeit observance, or any occasion at all.

The word "aliyah" means "ascension." A person who recites the aliyah blessing is rising to a higher level in both a literal and spiritual sense.

The aliyah blessings serve as a frame around the Torah reading. The blessing before the reading begins with the Bar'chu-- the same text that serves as the "call to worship" near the beginning of every service at Temple Micah. The remainder of the first blessing thanks God for choosing the people of Israel to receive the Torah. The blessing after the reading thanks God for giving us the Torah of truth, and implanting within us eternal life. Many congregants at Temple Micah wear tallitot when called to the Torah, and many touch the scroll with the fringe and kiss it, as a sign of respect.

If you are interested in participating by being called to the Torah to recite the blessings on Shabbat morning, please get in touch with me.

On Sunday, March, 2, at 3:30 and 7 p.m., the Temple Micah Adult and Youth Choirs will participate in a concert featuring some two dozen Washington-area synagogue choirs at Strathmore Hall in Bethesda. The concert, narrated by Martin Goldsmith, is entitled "Libi Ba'Mizrach--My Heart is in the East: A Musical Celebration of Israel's 60th Birthday." Two years ago, the combined choirs joined forces to commemorate 350 years of Jews in America. It was a truly memorable experience. Don't miss this year's extravaganza. Tickets are available online.