Guide
Public Reading of Scripture and Accompanying Blessings
1st–6th Centuries
In early rabbinic literature, the public reading of scripture is ritualized as a liturgical act with blessings before and after the reading. The following legal texts spell out the scriptural readings for festivals and other special occasions throughout the year. See also Reading of Scripture and Prayer in the Synagogue.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
The Mishnah on the Public Reading of Scripture
m. Megillah 3:4–6; 4:1–2
3:4. When the new moon of Adar falls on a Sabbath, we read [from the Torah] in the portion about shekels (Exodus 30:11–16).When it falls during the week, we advance [this reading] to the previous…
Primary Source
The Talmud on the Public Reading of Scripture
b. Megillah 21b
[In] a place where [the people] are accustomed to recite a blessing [over the reading], one should recite a blessing. Abaye said: They taught [that the matter depends upon local custom] only [with…