Hagbah and Gelilah Class Description

This program is to encourage more members of the synagogue to practice and become familiar with the lifting (Hagbah) and tying (Gelilah) of the Sefer Torah, so that we have a larger group of experienced members who can be called upon for this honor during our shabbat service. Another goal is to give members an opportunity to have a closer physical connection with the Torah, which is the centerpiece of our religion.

Lifting the Torah is often intimidating because people think it can only be done by the very strong. Yet with practice it is a learned physical technique that anyone can do. This class is done in a small setting in the synagogue's small chapel. It allows experienced members to pass on their experience and technique of lifting Torah's to others. It provides the students an opportunity to practice and gain confidence in lifting. Several Torahs of different weights and with different amounts of the Torah rolled up on one side of the scroll (i.e., balanced and unbalanced) are brought out. Attendees are given tutoring and then allowed to practice lifting. It requires at least one experienced member to teach and others to assist (or spot the lifters) so that the students are confident they are surrounded by help to make sure they do not drop the Torah.

We also teach how to undress and dress the Torah. Many people are intimidated by the dressing (Gelilah) because they have not had the chance to study how the Torah is tied, how the mantle is replaced over the scroll and how to properly place the crown and yad. They do not want to feel embarrassed by doing it wrong during the regular service on the bimah in front of the congregation. The instructor gives a quick lesson and then allows hands-on practice on how to undress and dress the Torah. Then we bring the two together and allow attendees to pair up and practice the full Hagbah and Gelilah in sequence.

In an informal setting without clergy, the attendees have the opportunity to ask any questions to learn more about the care and handling of the Torah. They can see the Torah and its accessories up close. The instructor also explains other information to demystify the Torah, such as: how the Torah is made; how the parchment sections are stitched together and can be replaced; the normal care and handling of the Torah; the various weights and sizes of different Torahs; the origins and histories of the specific Torahs being practiced with, etc. Handouts are provided, and attendees are asked if they want to be placed on a list of members qualified to have the honor of Hagbah or Geliliah at future services. The class is a single session from 60-90 minutes long depending on the number of attendees and questions they ask.