Receive an Aliyah
It is customary for every male over the age of Bar Mitzvah to receive an Aliyah (being called to the Torah reading) on the Shabbos prior to the Yahrtzait.
Make Up for Yud Shevat Customs
Whereas the custom to have an Aliyah is restricted to the Shabbos prior to the Yahrtzait, the remaining customs associated with the Yahrtzait – such as increasing in Torah study, Tzedakah and the like – should obviously be continued (and can be made up for) during the subsequent week.
Shabbos Aliyah Only
It is highly questionable whether one could make up for failing to receive a Shabbos Aliyah by instead receiving an Aliyah to the Torah readings of the subsequent Monday or Thursday – particularly, as it is a different section of Torah that is read on those days.
A Complete Ascent
“As is known, when one is summed to the Torah [Olah LaTorah; lit., “ascends to the Torah,” which is traditionally read on a raised platform or dais], it results in an elevation (Aliyah) in his soul [i.e., it simultaneously rises in holiness as he recites the blessing or reads from the Torah]. This ascent occurs in all levels of his soul [of which there are five general levels: Nefesh, Ru’ach, Neshamah, Chayah and Yechidah], and even in all of his soul’s faculties [such as intellect and emotion], as well as the soul’s “garments” of thought, speech and action. (Parshas Bo 5749; Hisva’aduyos p.217)
