Torah Reading and Aliyot on Rosh Hashanah

Taking out the Torah

When taking out the Torah, we recite the 13 Attributes of Divine Mercy (Hashem Hashem Keil Rachum etc.) three times. These 13 Attributes should not be recited if praying without a minyan. But the paragraph following it (the Ribono Shel Olam) may be said.

Torah Reading

We read about the birth of Isaac on this day as Sarah was “remembered” by G-d on this day regarding the birth of Isaac, meaning that G-d decreed on Rosh Hashanah that Sara would give birth to Isaac in the coming year. The Haftorah discusses the birth of the prophet Samuel for the same reason.

• Some communities have the custom of giving an aliyah to the Ba'al Tokei’a (on the second day) and to the Musaf Chazzan. This is not necessary if they are being paid for their services.
• It is a merit to receive an aliyah on the High Holy Days. One should try to receive one even if he has to pay for it. The payment makes the mitzvah more precious.
• The Torah is read with a tune that is unique to the Torah readings of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This special tune is also used for the calling of the aliyot, the mi shebeirachs, and the blessings on the Torah.
• If there is a brit on Rosh Hashanah, it should be performed before the blowing of the Shofar.