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By Rabbi Aron Tendler | Series: | Level:

Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person “goes up” to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading.


1st & 2nd Aliyot: The beginning Pesukim describe the wondrous successes awaiting the nation, so long as they follow G-d’s Mitzvos.

3rd Aliya This Aliya is called the Tochacha – the Rebuke. It is a lengthy description of the terrible punishments awaiting the nation, if they do not follow the Torah. It is customary for the Baal Koreh (the one reading the Torah) to have this Aliya, and to read it faster and more quietly than the rest of the Parsha.

4th Aliya: The established prices for endowments of an individual’s worth, or that of an animal, are listed.

5th, 6th & 7th Aliyot The final portions deals with endowments of property to the Bais Hamikdash.