On Sunday, November 18th, the students and I took time to look at their next Torah trope assignment.  Now that we have fully covered the first three trope clauses: Etnachtah, Sof-Pasuk and Katon, the students are ready to chant their second portion: Genesis 32 4-7.

Their assignment is to chant the Hebrew text with trope, this is due on Sunday, December 6, 2015.  We discussed multiple ways to approach this assignment, including:

• Dividing each verse into trope clauses and mark a line showing the division
• Practice reading the Hebrew text in each clause (3-4 words)
  • If reading the Hebrew is difficult, break each word into syllables
  • Focus on a few words a day, 1-2 trope clauses at most
  • Identify any words that repeat, such as names
• Once each clause has been practiced in a verse, try reading the entire verse
• Color-code the trope clauses (Sof-Pasuk is pink, Etnachtah is yellow, and Katon is green)
• Practice chanting the trope of each clause on its own, then string the clauses together into a verse
• Use the trope hand signs as you practice
• Read the Hebrew text, while using the hand signs
• Slowly put the Hebrew and trope together (make sure your trope helps you emphasize the proper syllabic stress)
• Pause after each trope clause (where the strong mafsikim or separators are)
• Chant the Hebrew with the Trope and practice, practice, practice 🙂

Students had the opportunity to work on this assignment in class, but will also need to practice and work at home.  Please come prepared to chant your portion on Sunday, December 6.