Here’s for fun: I made a brief introduction to each Aliya in the Parasha, in rhymes. Enjoy!
It can be read by two people, which is why I made it in two colors (bold and regular)
First Aliya
This is the Story of Avram, Sarah and Co.
From when they left Ur Kasdim, a while ago
God said “Lech-Lecha” – go to the unknown land
And when the time comes, everyone will understand
That you are a blessing for the world,
You’ll be wealthy, and your name shall be heard
In Canaan they arrive,
And to settle they may strive
But hunger struck, oh-no!
So pack up your suitcases, and down to Egypt – we go!
Second Aliya
Welcome to Egypt, where we have the Nile and bread!
“Where can we find a good breakfast and bed?”
“Just in case something goes bad-
We really have to think ahead
– say you’re my sister, we have the same dad”
But Pharaoh had a different idea,
And Sarai to his palace, was taken to see-a
Well G-d didn’t like that at all,
And he sent plagues on Pharaoh – household and all
So Sarai and Avram back to Canaan he sent
With gifts and good stuff and lots of money he spent
Third Aliya
Family matters – did we ever mention?
That even back then required attention?
So we’re telling you now, we can say that you’ve heard
That Lot’s shepherds fought over grazing their herds
“Let’s not have a fight, you do not have to stay
You go live in one place, and we’ll go away!”
Sarai and Avram – they went down to Hebron
And Lot and his shepherds – went to Sodom
“Now look all around you” said G-d to Avrom
The time will arrive, indeed it shall come
When you many children, this land will call home
Fourth Aliya
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Kedorla’omer – or how ever you pronounce it
Has came with his buddies to squash this rebellion
Four kings against five, what a battalion
Lot – he was captured, so Avram has heard,
So in hot pursuit he and his people were spurred
What a chase it was, half the country they ran
But they rescued Lot, and every woman and man
And so with a royal banquet, to put it to rest,
The king of Shalem, Malkitzedeck, did attest:
“Thank you, Avram, G-d bless you – you’re the best”
Sixth Aliya
“I am G-d who took you out of Ur Kasdim,
to inherit this land, that was the scheme”
“But how will I know, that these children, you see,
Will inherit the land, that I cannot foresee?”
Let’s make this a Covenant, A Brit, an Agreement,
For suffer they shall, working hard, with enslavement,
But they’ll make it out, very soon, you will see,
And that’s how you’ll know – because they will be free!
Avram and Sarai had no children, and were old
“So marry my maiden, Hagar” he was told
A child she bore him, his name – Yishma’el
To find out what happen, you must listen well
But one last thing must change: Avram’s designation
From now on it’s “Avraham – the Father of Many Nations”.
Seventh Aliya
Now here’s the deal, G-d said, let’s not wait
When every baby boy turns days eight
You must make a Bris, it’s called circumcision
So Avraham’s household all followed this mission
Now one last thing, said the Lord, k’nain a hora
Your wife’s name, Sarai, from now shall be Sarah
With these two new names, Avraham and Sarah,
You’ll soon have your children, bli ayin ha-ra
Believe it or not,
Do not feel indignation,
So laugh all you want,
But you’ll be a great nation