YOM KIPPUR HONORARIA
Below is a description of the various Segulot associated with a few of the honors on Yom Kippur. A Segulah is a Divine, supernatural "cause" (a Divine "treasure-house") for a manifestly good "effect." In addition to the spiritual effects it has for the honoree or to whomever you designate, this is also Tzedakah that helps Chabad of Oak Park.
It is a custom in many Shuls around the world to associate a donation/pledge with the privilege of being honored in front of the Torah on the High Holidays. It is considered to be very meritorious to connect these honors with an act of Tzedakah.
Opening the Ark for Kol Nidrei
It is very meritorious for one to open the ark and take out the Torah Scrolls that are carried around the congregation. Prayers that indicate a direct request for mercy from Hashem are said with the ark open. This also arouses the congregation to teshuvah. Thus opening the Ark for the first time on Yom Kippur funnels G‑d’s blessings upon this person and symbolically opens the Gates of the Heavens allowing our prayers to be heard.
Holding the Torah Scrolls for Kol Nidrei (3 available)
The Arizal teaches how according to Kabbalah it is very meritorious to parade the Scrolls around the shul for everyone to kiss them. This display of love for the Torah influences people to repent and is considered a virtue for them. By receiving this honor, you are part of the Bais Din, the Jewish court, together with the Chazzan and the other Torah holder, dispensing forgiveness to the Jewish People. The Midrash states that just as Moses was flanked by Aaron and Chur when he prayed for Israel during the Amalekite attack, so too three people should represent the congregation on a public fast day.
Shma Koleinu - Hear our Voice
The theme expressed by this collection of verses is that we must rely upon G‑d to desire our survival, and, therefore, to help us come closer to Him through repentance.We beseech G‑d not to be cast into "old age," mentally and physically.
Our Father, our King
This prayer was, at its core, composed by R' Akiva which brought the end to a drought. This formula became a feature of our prayers during fasts and at other times of need. Yom Kippur is such a time, this honor affords one fulfillment of all requests and petitions.
Avinu Malkeinu is recited several times during the Holiday, please specify which prayer you would like the honor for.
Maftir Yonah
This is the most important Aliyah of the whole day. The story of Jonah teaches that sincere repentance can reverse even the harshest heavenly decrees. It is also a segulah for wealth. In many communities people contribute the most for this Maftir, since according to your investment, so does G‑d reward. The Rabbi has been honored with this reading, you are welcome to join in and co-sponsor.
Opening the Ark for Neilah
This is the fifth service of the day corresponding to the fifth and deepest dimension of the soul. This is truly the chatimah, the seal. This is the final chance, before the gates close to get your prayers in one final time. This is also the time that we are locked into G‑d’s inner chamber with only Him. You are the gate keeper. Our Sages tell us this is a segulah for arichut yamim, LONG LIFE!