Haftorah Trope
Torah and Haftorah trope represent the tune that is sung when reading the Torah and Haftorah. The trope mark indicates both the tune to be sung, as well as where the emphasis/musical note is on the word (usually the emphasis is on the last syllable). Each set of trope indicates a distinct thought/phrase in the sentence. Each word has its own trope. Words with a hyphen are treated as one word.
This page teaches the common Trope combinations (as well as some notes that are generally on their own). Click the play buttons (or the alternative) to hear each combination sung in Haftorah trope (Torah trope sounds different). The trope on this page are sung by Harry Sealine. Please note that your computer may block the play button.
Other resources:
- Ellie’s Torah/Haftorah Trope Tutor offers recordings of Torah, Haftorah, and Megillah trope.
- PocketTorah App provides the user the ability to learn the weekly Torah and Haftarah portion anywhere, at any time, on any mobile device or computer for free.
Common Trope Combinations
Basic Beginning/Middle of Sentence
One of these combinations appear in all but the shortest sentences. The Etnachta represents the major middle point of a sentence.
The End of a Sentence
Sof pasuk means “end of sentence.” One of these combinations appears at the end of every sentence (with very rare exceptions). There will be only one sof pasuk per sentence.
Note that at the end of a Torah aliyah or at the end of a Haftorah reading, the final sentence sounds a little different to signal the end of the reading. Typically, the changes begin with the tipcha and involve a significant flourish on the sof pasuk. There are many different styles for this flourish. This is one example.
Mahpach Pashtah Munach Zakef Katon
Yetiv Munach Zakef Katon
Yetiv replaces Mahpach Pashtah. Generally, the emphasis on a Yetiv will be at the beginning of the word.
Munach Zarkah Munach Segol
Darga Tevir
Munach Munach Revi’i
Kadmah V’Azlah
Note that where the Kadmah precedes V’Azlah, it sounds a little different than when it precedes a Mahpach Pashtah. When it precedes Mahpach Pashtah, the Kadmah sounds just like Pashtah.
Other Common Trope
Zakef Gadol
Gershayim
Pazer
Telisha Ketanah
Note that the major difference between Telisha Ketanah and Telisha Gedolah is that the Telisha Ketanah has 5 differentiated notes, whereas the Telisha Gedolahhas seven differentiated notes.
Telisha Gedolah
Extremely Rare Trope
Mercha Kefulah
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