open my heart to thy Torah, and to fulfill the wishes of my heart and of the heart of all thy people Israel for happiness, life and peace.
The Reader takes the Torah and says:
Exalt the Lord with me, and let us extol his name together.[1]
Congregation:
Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power, the glory and the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and on earth is thine; thine, O Lord, is the kingdom, and thou art supreme over all.[2]Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; holy is he. Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain, for holy is the Lord our God.[3]
May the merciful Father have compassion on the people who have been upheld by him, and remember the covenant with the patriarchs; may he deliver us from evil times, and check the evil impulse in those who have been tended by him; may he graciously grant us everlasting deliverance, and in his goodness fulfill our petitions for salvation and mercy.
The Torah is placed on the desk. The Reader unrolls it and says:
May his kingdom soon be revealed and made visible to us; may he be gracious to our remnant, the remnant of his people, the house of Israel, granting them grace and kindness, mercy and favor; and let us say, Amen. Let us all ascribe greatness to our God, and give honor to the Torah. Let the Kohen come forward [the Reader names the first person called to the Torah]. Blessed be he who in his holiness gave the Torah to his people Israel. The Lord’s Torah is perfect, refreshing the soul; the Lord’s testimony is trustworthy, teaching the simple man wisdom. The Lord's precepts are right, gladdening the heart; the Lord's commandment is clear, enlightening the eyes. The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. The way of God is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure; he is a shield to all who trust in him.[4]
Congregation and Reader:
And you who cling to the Lord your God are all alive today.[5]
