In our SNOA, the ceremony for removing the scroll from the HEYCHAL, is according to the traditional Spanish-Portuguese Sephardic ritual: The Rabbi first announces in Hebrew and Portuguese, the honors for the Opening the doors to the HEYCHAL (“QUE ABRIRÁ AOS PORTAS DO HEYCHAL”), then for the carrying of the TORAH (“QUE LEVARÁ O SEFER TORAH”) and then for the lifting the TORAH (“QUE LEVANTARÁ O SEFER TORAH”). This is followed by a prayer for the Royal Family and the Government in Hebrew, Portuguese and English. (This prayer dates back to YOM KIPPUR eve, 1595, when a Jewish worship in Holland was invaded by Calvinists. Having discovered no icons or the like, the Calvinists left the Jews in peace- but only after gaining a promise from them that whenever the Jews prayed, they would pray for the prosperity of the Government of Amsterdam. Since the Jews had fled from Spain and Portugal, the prayer was recited in Portuguese and Hebrew. Over the years, it has been generalized to be for the Royal Family and the local government as well.) 

The Rabbi and presiding officer, having been joined by the person designated to carry the scroll, then process from the TEBAH, along the path in front of the benches along on the southern side, and ascend to the HEYCHAL. Having taken out the scroll and appropriate prayers having been chanted, the procession descends the steps on the northern side of the HEYCHAL to the singing of ROMMEMU. There they are joined by the LEVANTADOR, the person honored to lift the open scroll. 

Ascending the TEBAH, the RIMONIM and the TORAH mantle are removed, special RIMONIM are placed on the tops of the wooden rollers of the Torah and the LEVANTADOR then lifts the TORAH for all to see. First facing North, he turns counter-clockwise, stopping at each of the four compass directions while the Rabbi, pointing to the scroll with a special pointer or YAD, recites the words, “V’ZOT HATORAH ASHER SAM MOSHE LIF’NEY B’NEY YISRAEL” (This is the TORAH which Moses set before the children of Israel), “TORAH TZIVA LANU MOSHE, MORASHA KEHILAT YAAKOV” (a law Moses commanded us, a heritage for the congregation of Jacob). The scroll is then set down on the SHULCHAN, or Readers Desk, and the honors of coming up to the TEBAH for the reading of a passage from the TORAH (ALIYAH) are successively called. Each person so honored, recites the prescribed blessings blessings before and after the corresponding portion of the TORAH has been read. The Rabbi then offers a prayer (MISHEBEYRACH) in his honor. He may give a contribution (OFERTA) in memory of deceased members of his family or of the congregation (MATANAH SHEMEN LAMAOR); or make an offering for the well-being of someone who is ill; wish someone a safe trip; for a newborn; for the welfare of family and friends; et al. (MATANAH TZEDAKAH). The MISHEBEYRACH is recited in Hebrew and Portuguese. 

At the conclusion of the reading of the TORAH, the scroll is re-dressed while a selection from the Book of Prophets- called the HAFTARAH- is read. Following this recitation, which is the same honor as given to a boy of thirteen or a girl of twelve on the SHABBAT of his BAR MITZVAH or her BAT MITZVAH, the scroll is processed back to the HEYCHAL accompanied by the singing of YIMLOCH and HAVU LADONAI. 

The solemnity of the ceremonies of removing and replacing the TORAH in the HEYCHAL emphasizes the high level of respect and honor accorded to the word of God. (ALP)
 
 

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