Torah reading term · הַגְבָּהָה
Hagbahah: Lifting the Torah Scroll for the Congregation to See
Hagbahah (Hebrew: הַגְבָּהָה, "lifting" or "raising") is the synagogue ritual of lifting the open Torah scroll high so the congregation can see its written columns and visually affirm that it is the authentic Torah. The person who performs it, the magbiah, raises the scroll and turns so everyone present can view the script.
What Happens During Hagbahah
During hagbahah, the magbiah (lifter) takes hold of the Torah, opens it to reveal at least three columns of text, raises it as high as possible, and slowly turns so that the writing faces the whole congregation. As the open scroll is displayed, the congregation rises and recites V'zot haTorah — "This is the Torah that Moses placed before the children of Israel" — drawn from Deuteronomy 4:44, with Ashkenazic communities adding wording from Numbers 9:23. Congregants commonly point toward the scroll with a pinky finger or with the fringes of their tzitzit and then kiss them, a gesture of love and reverence for the text. The purpose is to let everyone see and affirm the genuine, handwritten Torah at the center of Jewish worship.
Hagbahah and Gelilah: A Paired Honor
Hagbahah is paired with gelilah, the rolling, binding, and re-dressing of the scroll. After the scroll is displayed and lowered onto the reading table or a chair, the goleil (the one who performs gelilah) rolls it closed, ties the binder, and dresses it again in its mantle and ornaments. Historically one person did both jobs; the roles were later split, in part so the scroll could be handled safely. Both hagbahah and gelilah are kibbudim (honors) given out during the service, and neither requires a blessing. The Talmud (Megillah 32a) is often cited as crediting the lifter with reward equal to all those called to the Torah, underscoring how the honor is regarded. The custom traces back to Nehemiah 8:5, where Ezra raised the scroll before the people, and it is discussed in Masechet Soferim 14:13–14 and codified in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 134:2).
When the Torah Is Lifted: Differences by Tradition
The timing of hagbahah varies by community. In the Ashkenazic rite the Torah is lifted after the reading is completed. In many Sephardic communities, and following the practice associated with the Ari (Rabbi Isaac Luria), the scroll is lifted before the reading. Hasidic and Chabad practice may incorporate both. Some Western Sephardic communities historically employed designated, experienced lifters known as levantadores, specifically to avoid the risk of dropping or mishandling the heavy scroll. Details such as exactly how many columns are shown can differ between communities and by the size and weight of a given scroll, so local custom and a community's posek should be your guide. TropeTrainer focuses on the reading itself — it lets you hear and practice Torah reading with trope at an adjustable speed, so you can prepare your aliyah or your reading with confidence well before the scroll is ever lifted.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hagbahah?
Hagbahah is the synagogue ritual of lifting the open Torah scroll so the congregation can see its written columns and affirm that it is the authentic Torah. The lifter, called the magbiah, raises the scroll high and turns so everyone can see the script, while the congregation rises and recites V'zot haTorah.
What does Hagbahah mean?
Hagbahah (הַגְבָּהָה) comes from a Hebrew root meaning "to raise" or "to lift up." It refers specifically to lifting and displaying the open Torah scroll during the synagogue service.
How do you pronounce Hagbahah?
It is commonly pronounced "hag-bah-HAH" (also written hagbah or hagba). The opening "ha" sounds like the start of "hah," and the stress typically falls on the final syllable. Pronunciation can vary slightly between Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions.
What is the difference between Hagbahah and Gelilah?
Hagbahah is the lifting and displaying of the open Torah scroll, performed by the magbiah. Gelilah is the rolling, binding, and re-dressing of the scroll afterward, performed by the goleil. They are paired honors (kibbudim), and neither requires a blessing.
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