Reading the Torah
When the Torah is read during a synagogue service, one of the congregation members will open the ark, which is also known as the Aron Hakodesh.
The Torah scrolls are taken out from the Aron Hakodesh, and portions read in the synagogue three times each week. Over the course of the year, the whole scroll is read in sequence.
The special portions for the readings are called parshioth and are usually three to five chapters in length. The reading is conducted using an ancient tune and is sung rather than spoken.
The Torah scrolls are not directly touched when unfurled on the bimah and a yad (a pointer) is used instead in order to protect the Torah. The reading or chanting is performed by a person who has been trained in this task. However, it may be carried out by the rabbiA religious teacher and leader with authority to make decisions on issues of Jewish law. A rabbi is the chief religious official of a synagogue, who often (but not always) leads worship and conducts rites and rituals. . It is a very great honour for a member of the congregation to be asked to attend at a reading during a synagogue service.
When the Torah has been read it will be carefully placed back in the ark.