Bima Practice

CBI services are highly participatory, and welcome many members and guests to take meaningful roles throughout our services. Below are our guidelines, which reflect community norms and expectations for participation on the bima at Congregation B’nai Israel. They are meant to help ensure that our services are conducted with dignity and respect for Jewish Tradition, while also honoring the diverse identities of those who join us:

Head Coverings

All individuals, Jewish and non-Jewish, of any age or gender, are asked to wear an appropriate head covering (kippah, hat, scarf, or other respectful covering) while on the bima.

Tallit

Only Jewish individuals above the age of B’nai Mitzvah should wear a tallit. Men should wear a tallit when participating in any bima honors, particularly for an aliyah. Women may choose to wear a tallit; doing so is optional, but highly encouraged.

Children on the Bima

Children of any age are welcome to assist in and participate in bima rituals, including opening or closing the Ark and coming to the bima with family members. Children below B’nai Mitzvah age do not receive aliyot.

Following the Torah reading, children below B’nai Mitzvah age may be invited to sit and hold the Torah, a powerful expression of continuity and connection to Torah across generations.

Aliyot and Torah Honors

Torah honors (aliyot, lifting, carrying, and dressing the Torah) are reserved for Jewish adults (above the age of B’nai Mitzvah) of any gender. CBI traditionally offers the first aliyah to a Cohen (ben or bat Cohen) and the second aliyah to a Levi (ben or bat Levi). When no Cohen or Levi is available, an Israelite may be called bim’kom (in their place), at the discretion of the clergy.

In the context of a B’nai Mitzvah service, a non-Jewish parent is invited to the Torah together with the Jewish parent, by their English name. We ask that the non-Jewish parent does not recite the Torah blessings, but respectfully stand together with the Jewish parent for this sacred moment. Non-Jewish parents (and grandparents) may touch the Torah, including participating in the symbolic passing of the Torah mi’dor l’dor (“from generation to generation”), honoring their essential role in raising the next generation of Jewish life.

Bima Honors (Other Than Aliyot)

All other bima honors — such as opening or closing the Ark, leading English readings or prayers, or other non-Torah honors — are open to both Jewish and non-Jewish participants.

Preserving Human Dignity

An overriding Jewish value is lo malbin panim b’rabim — not publicly embarrassing another person — alongside k’vod ha-b’riyot, preserving human dignity. For this reason, there may be situations in which it is not appropriate to correct someone in the moment, even if a guideline has not been followed precisely. Congregants are respectfully asked to not take it upon themselves to seek to correct the behavior of others, but rather to give grace to newcomers and visitors who may not know all our customs.

In any situation where there is uncertainty or doubt, please consult Rabbi Greenwald or Cantor Katz.