There are a number of Kibudim (Honors) that the Gabba'im (plural of Gabbai) distribute to congregation members or Jewish visitors during the Torah Service.

The Honor of Opening and/or Closing the Holy Ark (the Aron HaKodesh) is call a P'ticha. The Gabbai will tell you when to pull the cord that opens the curtain (the Parochet), thus revealing the Torah Scrolls. When even the Ark is open, you should be standing and facing the Ark, thus giving proper repect for the Torahs which the Ark contains. The Gabbai will also tell you when to close the Ark.

An Aliyah is when a person is called to the Torah in order to chant the blessings before and after the Torah reading. That same person may choose to read the Torah portion, or have the Ba'al Koreh do the reading.

A person called as Maftir has the same duties as one called for an Aliyah, but will also chant the Haftorah (and its Blessings ) for that Shabbat or Holiday service.

Two other honors are Hagbahah and G'lilah -- Lifting the Torah and Dressing the Torah.

The person who Lifts the Torah is called the Magbiah (or Magbihah, for a woman). Directions for Lifting the Torah are in the picture to the right.

The person Dressing the Torah is called the Golel (or Golelet, for a woman). This includes winding the Torah Scroll so it is tight, binding the Torah, putting on the Torah Mantle, Breastplate (if there is one) and Yad (pointer). The Gabbai will tell you how to Dress the Torah and will help you as needed.

Jewish Law requires that all the above Honors be given to people who are Jewish by birth or by choice. Other Honors, including the reading of English prayers and Psalms, may be given to congregants and visitors of any faith.