Trope or Cantillation; in Hebrew, Ta’amei hamikra: Wikipedia has an extensive page of information. Click here
The trope symbols represent notes. The same symbols are used no matter which trope you are using, just the melodies change.
There are six different types of trope:
- Torah: Used for chanting from the Torah scroll
- Haftarah:Used for chanting from the book of Nevi’im (Prophets)
- High Holiday:Used for chanting from the Torah scroll on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
- Sh’losh Regalim:Used for chanting the Megillot of Kohelet on Sukkot; Shir HaShirim on Pesah and Ruth on Shavuot
- Esther: Used for chanting Megillat Esther on Purim
- Book of Lamentations – Eicha: Used for chanting Lamentations on Tisha b’Av; Eicha is also used in certain verses in Megillat Esther as well as in the Haftarot for Tisha b’Av
Adult Torah Readers’ Club
Join the adult Torah Readers’ Club! Read Torah at Congregation Beth David three times and receive a special pin, presented to you at your third reading.
Learn Torah Trope in your own Hevruta!
Learn the symbols, the key to unlock the trope system. Then learn the niggun (melody) for each symbol for Torah trope. Finally, practice applying your knowledge to actual Torah readings! Organize a group of three students or more, and arrange six 1-hour lessons with the teacher at a mutually agreeable time. For more information, email Barbara Biran, Director of Operations and Ritual.