I notice during the Torah service that the Rabbi is chanting something “in between” the aliyot (Torah Honors). What is being said?
After a person is called up to the Torah, the Torah reader recites a blessing honoring the person who has just come up. He may also add a prayer for the person’s family, or for someone who is ill, or in celebration of a Simcha (joyous occasion). In addition, a blessing is added if the honoree would like to give a contribution in thankfulness. The prayer you are hearing is the Rabbi offering those blessings to the person. If you have a loved one who is ill, and would like a blessing said on their behalf, you may approach the bima (altar) at any time during the Torah reading and ask one of the Torah “Gabbaim” (ushers) to tell the Reader that you would like a prayer said. If possible, we would like to use the person’s Hebrew name, as well as invoke the name of the individual’s mother. Please have those names ready when the blessing is about to be said.
