haphtarah
Very LowSpecialized/Technical
Definition
Meaning
A selection from the Prophets read in synagogue services after the reading from the Torah.
The liturgical practice or the specific portion of prophetic scripture designated for reading on the Sabbath or holy days in Jewish worship.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in the context of Jewish liturgy and religious scholarship. The word is sometimes used metonymically to refer to the act of reading the passage or the person who performs the reading.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. British English is more likely to use the alternative spelling 'Haftarah' or 'Haphtara'. American Jewish publications frequently use 'Haftarah'.
Connotations
Same religious/liturgical connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both UK and US English, used almost exclusively in Jewish contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The haphtarah is read [after the Torah portion].[Someone] was called up for the haphtarah.The haphtarah [for this week] is from Isaiah.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Called to the haphtarah (an honor in the service).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, or Judaic studies papers discussing liturgy.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of Jewish religious communities.
Technical
Core term in Jewish liturgical practice and rabbinic literature.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He will haphtarah this Shabbat.
- She haphtarahed beautifully last week.
American English
- He is scheduled to haftarah at the service.
- She haftarahed from the book of Jeremiah.
adjective
British English
- The haphtarah reading was melodic.
- He prepared his haphtarah portion.
American English
- The haftarah reading was poignant.
- She studied her haftarah trope.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The rabbi explained the connection between the Torah portion and the haphtarah.
- After mastering his Bar Mitzvah Torah portion, David began practicing the intricate melodies for his haphtarah.
- The choice of haphtarah for Tisha B'Av, drawn from the book of Jeremiah, underscores the thematic gravitas of the day's liturgy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Happens after Torah' -> Haphtarah is the reading that happens after the Torah reading.
Conceptual Metaphor
A companion piece (the Prophets accompanying/completing the Law).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гафтара' (less common transliteration); more standard Russian is 'гафтара'. It is not a general term for 'reading' or 'prophecy'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Haphtara' without the 'h' at the end.
- Confusing it with the Torah reading itself.
- Pronouncing the 'ph' as an 'f' sound (correct) versus a 'p' sound (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'haphtarah'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Torah is the core scripture (the Five Books of Moses). The Haphtarah is a selection from the later Prophetic books (Nevi'im) read afterwards.
It is traditionally read by a member of the congregation, often a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebrant, who is called to the Torah for that honor.
No. 'Haftarah' is a very common alternative spelling. 'Haphtarah' is a transliteration that reflects the Hebrew letter 'tav' with a dagesh (dot).
No, it is primarily read on Sabbath (Shabbat) mornings, festivals, and fast days, not on regular weekdays.