What is the Jewish Aliyah?

TL;DR:

Aliyah in Jewish life means “going up,” either to recite a blessing over the Torah or to move to Israel. While both carry honor, true spiritual elevation comes only through faith in Jesus, who grants direct access to God.

what does the bible say?

Aliyah in Hebrew means "elevation" or "going up" and can refer to two different parts of Jewish life: Being called up to say the blessing before or after reading the Torah in the synagogue or moving to the land of Israel. Aliyah is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, but some concepts surrounding it are. The Old Testament includes numerous passages about God’s people being returned from exile back to their homeland (Isaiah 43:5-6; Jeremiah 23:5-8; Ezekiel 37:21–25). Today, Israel's Law of Return gives automatic rights to Jews and their descendants for assisted immigration, settlement, and citizenship into the State of Israel. The Old and New Testaments both promote the idea of spiritual growth and closeness to God through the reading of His Word (Psalm 1:1-2; 119:10-11; Colossians 3:16). Of course, the Bible teaches that the only way to draw closer to God is through repentance and reliance on Jesus' sacrifice (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). God desires people to draw closer to Him, so He made a way for that to happen that doesn’t rely on where we go or what human-bestowed honor we receive. A humble heart and faith in His Son's death and resurrection elevates us in the eyes of God (Colossians 3:12).

from the old testament

The Aliyah involves going up to the bimah (elevated platform) to recite a blessing over the Torah. It is an honor that carries a spiritual element because the person is seen as drawing closer to God, connecting with Him through the reading of His Word. The Old Testament includes several verses that show that we draw closer to God when we read His word (Psalm 1:1-2; 119:10-11).
The other use of the term Aliyah is employed when a Jewish person decides to "make Aliyah" and immigrate to the State of Israel. The return of the Jewish people to the Promised Land is also associated with the coming of the Messiah. It is believed the Messiah will redeem the land from Gentile rule and return all Jewish people to the land of Israel to live under His reign of justice and righteousness. Certain Old Testament verses point to this (Jeremiah 23:5-8; Ezekiel 37:21-25). This was fulfilled in Jesus, though the Jews do not recognize that.

from the new testament

Those who read the Aliyah may feel closer to God because they’re reading His Word. The apostle Peter told believers to “long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). Part of that “spiritual milk” is God’s Word.
The apostle Paul wrote to believers, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . .” (Colossians 3:16). Though Christians wouldn’t typically participate in the Aliyah, believers understand the idea of learning more about God through His Word.
But the ultimate way to grow close to God is by repenting of sin and accepting His Son as Lord and Savior: “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10). No human honor or geographical location can do what Christ has already done for us.

implications for today

How do you feel if you’re asked to speak in front of an audience? If you’re like most people, you don’t look forward to it. Public speaking is among the top five greatest fears. But it can also be an honor in many circumstances, such as giving a graduation address or in Judaism, being chosen to deliver the Aliyah. The elevated podium, called the bimah, implies the honor—standing above everyone else to recite a blessing over the Torah.

Though reading God’s Word helps us know Him better, no reading, in and of itself, can really draw us closer to God. Sin separated us from God. By taking on the sins of all humanity and dying for them, Jesus removed that separation for those who place their faith in Him. Matthew indicates that after Jesus had “yielded up his spirit” (Matthew 27:50), “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51). That curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the temple where God’s presence dwelled; only the high priest could enter that place and only on the Day of Atonement. The tearing of that curtain symbolized that since Jesus' death for our sins, we can now approach God directly through His Son, the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). That is an honor that exceeds any that human beings can bestow.

understand

Aliyah means “going up” to bless the Torah or move to Israel.
Both honor and symbolize drawing closer to God.
True spiritual elevation comes only through faith in Jesus.

reflect

How do you seek to “go up” spiritually, beyond honors or titles?
When you read God’s Word, how can you make it about getting closer to Him and not just a routine?
In what areas of your life do you rely more on human recognition than on faith in Jesus?

engage

How do the two forms of Aliyah—blessing the Torah and moving to Israel—reflect different ways people seek honor or connection with God?
How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate way to God change how we view religious traditions like Aliyah?
How can we encourage one another to pursue spiritual elevation that comes from faith in Christ rather than human accolades?