FAQs: Torah Service
What is the Torah?
In its most specific sense, Torah refers to the first five books of the Bible, Genesis through Deuteronomy. Torah means teaching or instruction, and is often translated as Law. The Torah is God's initial revelation of Himself to mankind, and as such it is the basis upon which all further revelation of God is tested, and the foundation upon which all else is built.
The scroll used in our Scripture reading ceremony contains the entire Hebrew text of the Torah.
Why do you have a Scripture reading ceremony?
In the days before the invention of the printing press, people generally didn't own bibles. The community owned a scroll of the Torah and a scroll of the Prophets. These scrolls were the community's copy of God's word. Parading the scroll around the synagogue allowed the people to see and touch their copy of Scripture. At Beth Immanuel we continue this tradition out of reverence for God's Word.
Why are the Scriptures read in Hebrew?
The Tanach, what is typically called the Old Testament, is written almost entirely in the Hebrew language. We read the Scriptures in their original language, along with a translation, partially out of respect for the text in its original form, and partially out of a desire that the next generation be able to read and understand the bible in its original language. Similarly, we sometimes read the New Testament portions in Greek.
How are the people selected to read?
People who want to read from the Torah, the Prophets, or the Gospels, can signup online or talk to the cantor. You will be informed in advance if you will be called up to read, and the cantor will help you prepare.
Why are people called with Hebrew names?
In Judaism, children are often given two names at birth; their normal name that they use every day, and a Hebrew name. In other cases their normal name is already in Hebrew, so they don't need another one. Some of the prayers and blessings in Judaism require the use of a Hebrew name. One example is when someone is called up to read from the Torah. The apostle Paul had a Greek name and a Hebrew name: Paul and Saul respectively. His Greek name was used when he was among Greeks, and his Hebrew name when he was back in the land of Israel among those who spoke Hebrew. Some Gentiles who do not already have Hebrew names choose Hebrew names for themselves. Others do not. The practice depends on the individual's preference.
How is the section of Scripture selected?
The Torah, Genesis through Deuteronomy, is split up into sections that are read each week. Each one of these sections is called a parashah. In the course of a year, the Torah is read in its entirety, and we start over again with the first parashah. The Torah didn't originally have chapters and verses, so sections were given names so people knew where to turn to. The names were taken from the first one or more significant Hebrew words of the text. So, for example, if you wanted someone to read starting in Genesis 1:1, you would say, "Read where it says 'In the beginning...'" 'In the beginning' in Hebrew is B'reishit. During holy days, such as Passover or Shavuot, we may read a special parashah that contains text relevant to the day. On some weeks, more than one parashah will be read to ensure that we complete all of the parashiyot (plural of parashah) in the course of the year.
At Beth Immanuel, we generally do not read each week's parashah aloud in its entirety.
Why is the Torah carried around the congregation?
In the days before the invention of the printing press, people generally didn't own Bibles. The community owned a scroll of the Torah and a scroll of the Prophets. These scrolls were the community's copy of God's Word. Parading the scroll around the synagogue allowed the people to see and touch their copy of scripture. At Beth Immanuel we continue this tradition out of reverence for God's Word. You will also notice that we face the Torah as it is carried around the congregation. This is a way of putting action to the idea that we do not want to turn our backs on the Word of God.
Why do people touch the scroll? (Do you worship the scroll?)
To the newcomer, the Torah processional may seem strange, even idolatrous, because of the ancient tradition of touching or kissing the Torah scroll. Some people touch the Torah with another object, such as a siddur, Bible, or tzitzit (a fringe from a prayer shawl), and then kiss that object. It is not, however, an act of worship or idolatry. This is simply an ancient, traditional physical expression of how God's Word is very dear and precious to us.
Why is the scroll lifted in the air after it is read?
Lifting the scroll in the air allows the community to see God's Word for themselves as we together acknowledge that God gave the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai, and that these words are true and reliable.
Why do people stand when the Torah scroll is lifted up?
People stand for the Torah as another way of showing respect for God's Word.
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