Torah trope lesson
How to Chant the Etnachta Trope — Torah Cantillation Lesson
Etnachta is the Torah trope that marks the main pause in the middle of a verse — the cantillation equivalent of a comma or semicolon that splits the verse into two halves. This lesson teaches the Etnachta phrase: its symbol, its melody, and how to extend it as you add words.
What this lesson teaches
- Recognize the Etnachta symbol and where it sits beneath the word.
- Listen to the Etnachta melody.
- Chant the basic Etnachta phrase.
- Practice adding words leading up to the Etnachta.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Etnachta trope?
The trope mark that signals the main pause in the middle of a Torah verse, dividing it into two halves.
What does Etnachta sound like?
A descending, restful melodic phrase that signals the listener that the first half of the verse has ended.
Which word in a verse takes the Etnachta?
The word at the main syntactic break of the verse — usually near its middle — carries the Etnachta.
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