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When the Torah Scroll (sefer Torah) is removed from the Holy Ark during the start of the Torah service, it is often walked around the congregation in a processional before being placed on the bema, or Torah reading table. During this processional we acknowlege the gift of the Torah and recognize it as a representative of Yeshua the Mashiach, the Living Word who was made flesh and dwelt among us. As scroll passes by, it is customary to touch its cover (mantle) with your tzitzit (or with your siddur or hand) and then kiss the object used to touch the mantle immediately afterward.

The following is recited after the Ark is opened, but just before the Torah processional:

And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee (Numbers 10:35).
For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3).
Blessed is He Who gave the Torah to His people Israel in His holiness.

Note: After the Torah Processional, a Sefer Torah is placed upon the bema and unwrapped. The parochet (ark curtain) is closed and the Torah Reading may begin.

Thirteen Attributes of Mercy (Shelosh Esreh Middot):

During certain festivals, the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy are recited three times:

The LORD, the LORD, God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in kindness and truth, preserving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and willful sin and error, and who absolves...


According to traditional interpretations, the thirteen attributes are articulated as follows:

1. The LORD (YHVH)
2. The LORD (the repetition of God's name indicates that God is merciful to one who has not yet sinned and also to one who has sinned but has repented)
3. El - God the Mighty
4. Rachum: God the compassionate;
5. Vechanun: God is gracious;
6. Erech Apayim: God is slow to anger, patient in waiting for our repentance;
7. Verav Chesed: God is abundant in kindness to both the righteous and the wicked;
8. Ve'emet: God is truthful and faithful in carrying out promises;
9. Notzer Chesed La'alafim: God extends kindness for a thousand generations, taking into account the merit of our worthy ancestors (Zechut Avot);
10. Nosei Avon: God forgives iniquity, defined in the tradition as wrongful deeds committed with premeditation;
11. Vafesha: God forgives transgression, defined as wrongful deeds committed in a rebellious spirit;
12. Vechata'ah: God forgives sin, those wrongful deeds that were inadvertent;
13. Venakeh: God will absolve all wrong for the repentant.

Transliterated:

Vaihi binsoa ha’aron vaiyomer Moshe,
Kumah Adonai veyafutzu oyvekha veyanusu mesanekha mepaneykha.
Ki mitziyon teitzei torah udevar-Adonai mirushalayim.
Barukh shenatan torah le’ammo Yisrael bikedushato.

Next:

• Making Aliyah L’Torah

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Hebrew for Christians
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