In synagogal services, the going up, or being called up, to the reading-desk (almemar), for the reading of a portion of the Law. According to an ancient institution of the synagogue seven men are called up in succession to read the sidra (the weekly Pentateuch-lesson) on each Sabbath morning; six men, for the reading of the appointed portion on the Day of Atonement; and five, on the three chief festivals. In addition to these, there is the mafṭir, the one called up for the reading of a concluding chapter, who in addition reads the portion from the Prophets, called "Hafṭarah." On new-moon and half-holidays, four men, and on Sabbath afternoon, on Monday and Thursday mornings, on Ḥanukkah and Purim mornings, and on fast-days, only three men are called up; the portions read on these days being shorter. The first of the men called up in orthodox synagogues should be a Cohen or Aaronite, the second a Levite, the third and further members of the rota are ordinary Israelites, the one higher in rank always preceding the one inferior, with the exception of the mafṭir, who, though last, may be a Cohen or a Levite. Men are as a rule called up who have during the week had especial occasion for joy: a bridegroom or father of a bride; and the father of a new-born child, whose mother for the first time appears in the synagogue. On mournful occasions also men are called up, as at the anniversary (Jahrzeit) of a parent's death.
