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Reading Torah


As a part of the morning or afternoon prayer services on certain days of the week or holidays, a section of the Pentateuch is read from a Torah scroll. On Shabbat mornings, a weekly section (known as a Sedra or parashah) is read, selected so that the entire Pentateuch is read consecutively each year. On Saturday afternoons, Mondays, and Thursdays, the beginning of the following Saturday's portion is read. On Jewish holidays and festivals special sections connected to the day are read. To learn more click here

Reading Haftarah


The haftarah (in Hebrew: הפטרה‎; "parting," "taking leave") is a series of selections from the books of Nevi'im ("Prophets") of the Hebrew Bible (Tanach) that is publicly read in synagogue as part of Jewish religious practice. The Haftarah reading follows the Torah reading on each Sabbath and on Jewish festivals and fast days.

For more information about the Haftarah, the Haftarah trop and blessings click here

Triennial Torah Reading Cycle

 
Many congregations pattern their weekly Torah reading cycle after a system similar to the one used in ancient Israel during the rabbinic period. In this system, the traditional parashiot are each divided into three shorter segments, and the whole Torah is completed once every three years. It's ability to shorten the length of Torah reading without sacrificing the complete reading of the Torah on a regular basis has made it the choice of many synagogues. The Egalitarian Traditional Minyan at Sinai Temple utilizes the triennial Torah reading cycle and current readings are from year one of the cycle. For a complete list of full sidrot and triennial readings and dates click here

Blessings and Ritual

 
There are blessings and prayers for many aspects of Jewish daily living and worship. Most blessings  begin with the formula:

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם.....
‏Transliteration: Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam...
Translation: "Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe..."

For more information on selected blessings click here

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Parashat Hashavua

Lectures on the weekly Torah reading, Holidays and festivals by the faculty of Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan, Israel. This site  has excellent commentaries on the weekly parashot and could be a valuable resource for Bnai Mitzvah students as they prepare their drash. Read More