With references to halachic and Kabbalistic sources, this brief article from Chabad.org explains why being called up to the Torah is a special honor, focusing on the spiritual significance behind this ritual. As part of Chabad’s online “Ask the Rabbi” service, Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson explains both why the aliyot are special and the hierarchy between the different aliyot on Shabbat and other holy days. This article reflects the Hasidic Orthodox custom and philosophy of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.