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High Holiday Honor |
Description |
Donation Amount |
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~ Yom Kippur Evening - Kol Nidrei ~ |
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Opening of the Ark |
It is very meritorious for one to open the Ark and take out the Torah-scrolls to be held during Kol Nidrei. While removing the Sifrei Torah one should kiss and caress them while confessing his sins. Opening the Ark, especially the first one, funnels through the blessings of G‑d. |
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Holding the Torah Scrolls |
It is taught that it is a source of merit to hold any of the scrolls – especially the first one – during Kol Nidrei and is a very great privilege (Yesod v'Shoresh ha'Avodah; Ari Z"L). This honor stands you right next to the cantor installing you as a member of the ecclesiastical court, which annuls all unfulfilled vows, thereby, dispensing forgiveness to the Jewish community. |
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~ Yom Kippur Evening - Ark Openings ~ |
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May our Supplication Ascend |
This piyut (poem) of unknown origin introduces the evening supplications. It is a plea for G‑d to accept our prayers favorably. This honor enables one to personally request G‑d for the fulfillment of one's needs. |
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Pardon the Wrongdoings |
We beseach G‑d that for the sake of His Greatness, He should forgive us. |
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Indeed, it is True |
This verse was Moses' plea to G‑d that He forgive Israel after the sin of the Spies. In the prayers of Yom Kippur, we too, beg for forgiveness. This honor merits Salachti – "I forgive" – from G‑d. |
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Indeed as the Clay |
Here, we acknowledge that we are in G‑d's Hands as clay is in the hands of the potter. This honor allows you to be a tool in G‑d's Hands. |
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Hear our Voice |
The theme expressed by this collection of verses is that we must rely upon G‑d to desire our survival, and, therefore, to help us come closer to Him through repentance. This honor assures one not to be cast into "old age," mentally and physically. |
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~ Yom Kippur Shacharit - Ark Openings ~ |
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Repetition of the Amida |
The one opening the Ark becomes an emissary, together with the cantor, for the congregation in their prayers and supplication to G‑d. In a sense he is opening the gateway to allow our prayers to ascend toward Heaven, while allowing the blessings of Al-mighty G‑d to descend upon us. In this opening the cantor seeks permission and justification for interrupting the core repetition of the Amida with piyutim (poems) authored and based on the tradition of our wise and discerning teachers. |
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You are our G‑d |
This stirring piyut (poem) speaks of the power and sovereignty of G‑d. It reiterates the theme that the Days of Awe is dedicated to proclaiming G‑d as the true king. One who opens the Ark is crowning the Al-mighty with this prayer. This honor makes you a guardian of the Royal Crown. |
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Extol G‑d |
The word Imru ("extol") is an acrostic for E-l Melech rachum v'chanun ("G‑d, the King, merciful and gracious"). This honor will shower G‑d's mercy and grace upon you. |
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The Work of our G‑d |
This stirring piyut (poem) describes G‑d's Greatness, henceforth G‑d should be glorified. |
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Though Your Mighty Praise |
This stirring piyut (poem) describes that although G‑d is on high with the angels, He still prefers & desires the prayers of the Jewish People. |
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Power and Trustworthiness |
This is a song recited by the angels. On Yom Kippur when Israel rises to the level of the angels, they also recite this angelic song. This honor makes you a Malach Elokim – "Emissary of G‑d" – to His people. |
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To the G‑d Who Arranges Judgment |
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Hear Our Voice |
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~Torah Reading Honors~ |
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Opening of the Ark and Removal of Both Sifrei |
Torah Kabala reveals that the opening of the Ark and removal of the Sifrei Torah opens the treasure trove of blessings from on-High. This applies especially to one whose wife is pregnant, assuring an easy delivery. |
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Reading of the Torah
It is customary to sell the privilege of being called to the Torah on the High Holy Days. Since it is considered meritorious to be called to the Torah, one should extend oneself to purchase an Aliyah if possible. The number of people called to the Torah on Yom Kippur - which coincides with Shabbos - is seven, with the addition of the Maftir (and its Haftorah).
On most festivals, the Torah reading is a selection on either the historical narrative of the day or the commandment related to its observance. The reading of Yom Kippur, quite appropriately, describes the service conducted by the High Priest on this holiest day of the year. Each Aliyah purchased has a personal connection and benefit to the person who acquires it. By expending funds to receive an Aliyah, one is "elevated" (Aliyah) with, and in this special merit.
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Kohen |
"Aaron's two sons…" (Nadav and Avihu). The passing of Aaron's righteous sons is relevant to the spirit of Yom Kippur, for: "Just as Yom Kippur brings atonement, so, too, does the death of the righteous…" (Vayikra Rabba, 20:12). This honor, the Zohar teaches, takes the place of the sacrifices on Yom Kippur. |
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Levi |
"…And for his household." Aaron's confession is for his sake & the sake of his wife. Gain personal atonement through the High Priest, similar to his wife. |
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Shlishi |
"…And for his household." Aaron's confession for the priestly tribe. Be part of the priestly family and gain atonement through its High Priest. |
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Revi’i |
"…Who dwells with them amidst their contamination." Our service to G‑d causes Him to abide within and among us. This is the ultimate mission of the Jew. This honor brings you within the proximity of G‑d's Divine glory.
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Chamishi |
"All the iniquities." Unlike the offerings mentioned previously, which atoned for sins involving contamination and the Temple, this (the Azazel) atoned for all transgressions over the past year (Shavuot 2b) Purchasing this honor goes a long way in wiping your slate completely clean. |
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Shishi |
"For through this day atonement will be made for you, to purify you…" The essence of the day itself atones "All the iniquities." Unlike the offerings mentioned previously, which atoned for sins involving contamination and the Temple, this (the Azazel) atoned for all transgressions over the past year (Shavuot 2b) Purchasing this honor goes a long way in wiping your slate completely clean.ma)! Take the honor and you will come out smelling like a rose. |
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Shvi'i |
"This shall be an eternal statute to bring atonement upon the Children of Israel." If you haven't had a chance, this is the last one before Maftir, to really atone for the past.
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Maftir |
The Haftorah read for this Maftir is a selection from Isaiah chosen because of its focus on the proper manner of penitence. The prophet harshly criticizes those who think they can gain appeasement from G‑d by merely fasting and through physical affliction devoid of inner-conviction. Instead, he urges; true repentance involves extreme kindness and charity and changing one's ways. By acquiring this honor you epitomize what Isaiah wanted from Israel, thereby finding favor in G‑d's Eyes. |
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Raising of the Torah Scrolls |
When raising the Torah one "raises with it all the previous Aliyot" and receives reward for all the Aliyot rolled in one (Shulchan Aruch). |
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Wrapping of the Torah Scrolls |
HaKol holeich achar ha'chitum ("Everything goes according to the end")! Children may participate in this honor. As it is with the previous honor, you receive a measure of reward for all the Aliyot purchased heretofore. |
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~ Mussaf- Ark Openings ~ |
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Repetition of the Amida |
The one opening the Ark becomes an emissary, together with the cantor, for the congregation in their prayers and supplication to G‑d. In a sense he is opening the gateway to allow our prayers to ascend toward Heaven, while allowing the blessings of Al-mighty G‑d to descend upon us. In this opening the cantor seeks permission and justification for interrupting the core repetition of the Amida with piyutim (poems) authored and based on the tradition of our wise and discerning teachers. |
$ |
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Extol G‑d |
The word Imru ("extol") is an acrostic for E-l Melech rachum v'chanun ("G‑d, the King, merciful and gracious"). This honor will shower G‑d's mercy and grace upon you.
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The Work of our G‑d |
This stirring piyut (poem) describes G‑d's Greatness, henceforth G‑d should be glorified. |
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Though Awe of You |
This stirring piyut (poem) describes that although G‑d is on high with the angels, He still prefers & desires the prayers of the Jewish People. |
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Let Us Proclaim |
This prayer is considered to be the most stirring composition in the entire liturgy of the Days of Awe. Written by R' Amnon of Mainz, 1200 years ago. Click here to learn more |
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He Holds in His Hand |
Having just proclaimed our total subordination to G‑d, upon Whom everything rests, we now describe His majesty: All knowing, All-powerful and All merciful. Imagine G‑d's mercy and favor enveloping you when opening the Ark at this time. |
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It is Incumbent upon us to Praise |
With this familiar prayer we acknowledge G‑d's kingship over the entire Universe. Joshua composed Aleinu after crossing the Jordan River into Israel (Rokeach, Kol Bo, Rav Hai Gaon). The Bach explains that Aleinu was added to implant faith in G‑d, King of all kings. It is at this time that we prostrate ourselves in utter subjugation to Him as they did in the Temple of old. |
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Hear our Voice |
The theme expressed by this collection of verses is that we must rely upon G‑d to desire our survival, and, therefore, to help us come closer to Him through repentance. This honor assures one not to be cast into "old age," mentally and physically. |
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On this Day Strengthen Us |
This final Ark opening of the daytime prayer, assuredly contains within it all the previous Ark openings of the day's lengthy service. As stated by our Sages: "Everything follows the seal (the end)." This honor, no doubt, will "strengthen you" in the coming year. |
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~ Mincha - Ark Openings & Torah Readings ~ |
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Opening of the Ark and Removal of the Sefer Torah |
Torah Kabala reveals that the opening of the Ark and removal of the Sifrei Torah opens the treasure trove of blessings from on-High. This applies especially to one whose wife is pregnant, assuring an easy delivery. |
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Kohen |
"You shall observe My statutes…and by which [you] shall live in them…" One who buys this Aliyah will merit the energy promised by fulfilling G‑d's Mitzvot. |
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Levi |
With this honor one will be spurred to repent and overcome sin and passion. |
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Maftir Yonah |
This is the most important Aliyah of the day, as well as the last. Tradition tells us that buying this honor is a special segulah for wealth. In communities the world over, this merit is bought for thousands of dollars. Remember, you reap what you sow. There can be no better investment than this. |
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Raising of the Torah Scroll |
When raising the Torah one "raises with it all the previous Aliyot" and receives reward for all the Aliyot rolled in one (Shulchan Aruch). |
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Repetition of the Amida |
The one opening the Ark becomes an emissary, together with the cantor, for the congregation in their prayers and supplication to G‑d. In a sense he is opening the gateway to allow our prayers to ascend toward Heaven, while allowing the blessings of Al-mighty G‑d to descend upon us. In this opening the cantor seeks permission and justification for interrupting the core repetition of the Amida with piyutim (poems) authored and based on the tradition of our wise and discerning teachers. |
$ |
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Hear our Voice |
The theme expressed by this collection of verses is that we must rely upon G‑d to desire our survival, and, therefore, to help us come closer to Him through repentance. This honor assures one not to be cast into "old age," mentally and physically. |
$ |
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~ Ne'ilah: The Closing Prayer ~ |
| Ne'ilah |
This is the final Ark opening of Yom Kippur. Suffice it to say, this is truly the end – the chatimah – of our service and petition to G‑d. This is the final chance, before the "Gates of Heaven" close ("Neilah").
With this honor, you are the "gatekeeper" for our final supplications. Tradition tells us that the one who merits opening the Ark for Neilah will be blessed with long life! |
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~ Yom Kippur Break the Fast ~ |
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