• Lead the assembled
congregation in a call to prayer (the same as when we formally begin a
worship service).
• Identify
with
the Jewish people when you recite the benediction that continues: “Blessed are
You . . . who has chosen us from all peoples by giving us the Torah.”
• Represent the congregation,
functioning as a witness while the Torah is
read aloud.
As traditionally practiced, only a Jewish adult fulfills this role.
Taking an aliyah is one of the first expressions of the new status of a young
person who becomes bat mitzvah or bar mitzvah, or who converts to Judaism.
That being said, the Taos Jewish Center does not prevent
participation by non-Jews in this ritual act. It welcomes all who would walk with
us along the Jewish path.