Here is a basic demo of the Trope (cantillation marks) used on Haftorah Audio:
There are several variations of trope used in different synagogues, and no trop is more “correct” than the others. On Haftorah Audio we have chosen a fairly common system of trop that is standard in many communities.
** While it can be tempting to start learning your Haftorah by trying to memorize the melody of the entire text, it is MUCH better and easier in the long run to take the time to learn the actual trop first. Then you will be able to apply the trop to your haftorah text and be able to chant any haftarah in the future.
Instructions: Those honored with an aliyah are called up to the Torah either by their Hebrew name or the title of the aliyah itself (ie., Koheyn, Levi, Shelishi, etc). Once you are called up, you ascend the bimah and take your place in front of the Torah scroll.
The Torah reader (or ba’al koreh) will point to the place on the scroll where he or she will begin reading. Take the tzitzit (fringes) from a corner of your Tallit and touch them to the place where the Torah reading begins. You then bring the tzitzit to your lips as an expression of love for the Torah. Holding onto the atzei chayim (the Torah handles), you recite the first blessing. The Torah reader will then chant the Torah portion.
After the Torah reader has completed the reading, take your tzitzit and touch them to the place where the Torah reading ended. You then recite the second blessing. The gabbai will instruct your where to stand, and he/she will then make the misheberach prayer honoring you for taking the Torah aliyah.
The Torah Blessings are available for digital download (mp3 audio) via the iTunes Store
(See track #1)
