haftarah
C2 (very low frequency; domain-specific)formal, technical (religious/Jewish contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A portion from the books of the Prophets (Nevi'im) read in synagogue after the reading of the Torah portion on Sabbaths, festivals, and fast days.
The practice of reading a haftarah; the specific prophetic passage designated for a given Sabbath or holiday in Jewish liturgy.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A Hebrew loanword (הַפְטָרָה) literally meaning 'conclusion' or 'dismissal,' as it concludes the formal Torah reading service. It is the sister reading to the Torah portion (parashah). Always capitalized in many Jewish English contexts. Common alternate spelling: Haftorah.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage, as the term is specific to Jewish religious practice. Spelling variation 'Haftorah' might be slightly more common in some American sources.
Connotations
Identical. Both denote the same religious concept.
Frequency
Frequency is extremely low in general English. Slightly higher frequency in communities with significant Jewish populations, which exist in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Person/Bar Mitzvah boy] read/chanted the haftarah [for Shabbat Bereishit].The haftarah [from Isaiah] complements the Torah portion.The haftarah is read [after the Torah portion].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Used in academic papers on Judaic studies, liturgy, or comparative religion.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used in the context of synagogue services, Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparations, or Jewish education.
Technical
A technical term in Jewish liturgy, cantillation (trope), and religious studies.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- At his Bar Mitzvah, David read the haftarah beautifully.
- The haftarah for this week, taken from the book of Isaiah, offers a prophetic vision of peace.
- The cantor taught the boy the special melody for chanting his haftarah portion.
- Scholars note that the thematic connection between the parashah and its accompanying haftarah can sometimes be subtle, relying on a shared keyword or concept.
- The choice of haftarah readings for the three Haftarot of Punishment preceding Tisha B'Av is based on their sombre prophetic messages.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HAF' (have) a 'TARAH' (tara – like a tiara) after the Torah. The 'concluding' reading that 'crowns' the Torah service.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HAFTARAH IS A COMPANION/COMMENTARY (It accompanies and elucidates the themes of the Torah portion).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гафтора' which is a direct transliteration; the English term is 'haftarah'.
- Not to be translated as просто 'чтение' (reading) – it is a specific liturgical act.
- Has no relation to Russian words like 'афтара' or 'гафтор'.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'Haphtarah', 'Haftorah', 'Haftara' are common variants, but 'haftarah' is standard in many lexicons.
- Pronunciation: Mispronouncing the final 'h' as silent or heavily aspirated.
- Using it as a general term for any reading.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary linguistic origin of the word 'haftarah'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Torah refers specifically to the Five Books of Moses. The Haftarah is a selection from the later books of the Prophets (Nevi'im), read after the Torah portion.
Traditionally, it is chanted by a single reader (often a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebrant), who also recites special blessings before and after the reading.
It serves to conclude the scriptural reading service, provides a thematic link or commentary on the weekly Torah portion, and incorporates the teachings of the prophets into the liturgy.
These are different transliterations from the Hebrew (הפטרה). 'Haftarah' reflects a more modern academic transliteration, while 'Haftorah' reflects Ashkenazi Hebrew pronunciation influences. 'Haphtarah' is an older English transliteration.