Reshut For The Hatan Torah

By leave of great, mighty and awesome God; by leave of [the Torah] who is more precious than fine gold and pearls; by leave of the holy and chosen Sanhedrin, the leaders in Torah and heads of the academies, and the elders and young men seated in their rows: I shall open my mouth in poetry and song, in thanks and praise to the One encircled in light, who gives us life, sustains us, in pure awe, who brings us to rejoice at this Simhat Torah that delights the heart and lights up the eyes, gives life and richness, dignity and splendor, brings happiness to those who walk the straight path of goodness, lengthens life, heightens strength of those who love and keep her with care, attentively, those busy with her, who guard her in love and awe. And so, from the Mighty One, it should be His will that grace, kindness and life, crown and diadem, be given to (name son of father’s name), the one chosen to complete the Torah. Strengthen him, bless him, nurture him in the learning of Torah, make him sought after, praised, included in the company of learners, make him worthy, vital, honor him in the splendor of light, make him strong, crown him, teach him Torah and its way of thinking, protect him, elevate him, support him with direct assistance, give him sustenance, make him refined and righteous among Your created people, bring him close, show him mercy, guard him from pain and precipice, give him fortitude, sustain him, make him whole in broken spirit. Stand, stand, stand (name son of father’s name), groom to the Torah, give honor to great, awesome God; for this you shall merit from the awesome God to see your children and grandchildren busy themselves in Torah and fulfill the commandments amongst this beautiful, pure people; and you shall be worthy of rejoicing in the joy of the Temple, the Chosen House, and your face should light up in righteousness like [the Presence of God through] shining glass, as Isaiah, filled with the spirit of wisdom and strength, prophesied: Rejoice with Jerusalem, be happy with her, soon, rejoice with her in joyfulness, all you who grieved in pain and mourning. Stand, stand, stand (name son of father’s name), groom to the Torah; by leave of this holy congregation, complete the Torah. Arise (name son of father’s name), Hatan HaTorah. Permission would be asked, first of God, then of the Torah, then of the local religious authorities, then of the congregation. This gave the act, in this case, the blessing, its gravitas as an official honor, one of the highest the community could bestow.