[HANASHIR:4539] Re: HANASHIR digest 725

[Hazzanatu <Hazzanatu...>]

Dear Susan and others asking -

1)  The text of V'Shamru does originally come from the Torah: Exodus 
31:16-17.  It is found immediately in the parasha "Ki Tissa" immediately 
after in-depth descriptions of the portable Tabernacle (Mishkan) and before 
the incident of the golden calf.  If you ever want to find out where you can 
find a prayer text whose origins were biblical, there are a number of 
Siddurim that cite the biblical passages.  The most obvious source is any of 
the Art Scroll Siddur Series, which also gives lots of midrash/interpretation 
and traditional prayer directions.  However, if you are not comfortable with 
the Orthodox bent of this series, you can consult the Conservative Siddur Sim 
Shalom, which also identifies biblical citations.


2)  It is true that "Trop" preceded "Nusah."  However, the most basic 
difference between Trop and Nusah is that Trop (officially Cantillation) is a 
system of markings to aid in the reading/chanting of certain sacred texts.  
This system enables the reader to properly phrase, accentuate the words and 
chant the sacred text.  The same system of markings is used for all public 
readings of sacred text, but the melody varies depending on the circumstance. 
 There are 6 different melody systems: regular Torah reading (Shabbat, 
weekday and festivals); High Holy Day Torah reading; prophetic (Haftarah) 
readings;  Eicha/Lamentations on Tisha B'Av; Megillat Esther on Purim; and 
the three remaining Megillot/Scrolls - Shir Ha-Shirim/Song of Songs, Ruth and 
Kohelet/Ecclesiastes which are read on the three festivals - Pesach, Shavuot 
and Sukkot respectively.

Nusah, on the other hand is a term for traditional modes and motifs (patterns 
of notes/combinations of notes) which are applied to sections of the liturgy. 
  A mode is a collection of notes in a certain order.   Each service of the 
day (Shacharit, Minha, Ma'ariv) may traditionally use one or more modes 
depending on the calendar - weekday, High Holy Day, Shabbat, Festival, etc.   
Unlike a scale, a mode is not necessarily step-wise, can go beyond the 
ocatave, have jumps, and can vary above and below the octave.  The musical 
motifs within the mode are really what characterizes its sound.  For example, 
 parts of the Shabbat morning service,  which are traditionally chanted in 
"Ahava Rabba" mode may sound entirely different from parts of a weekday 
Ma'ariv (evening) service which may also be chanted in the "Ahava Rabba" 
mode.  This is because the characteristic motifs are different.  


Lastly, for those asking about cantorial programs.  There is an excellent 
program near Philadelphia, at Gratz College, for those not able to choose a 
seminary setting.  You can study either full or part time, and you will 
certainly be trained in these traditional areas.  Contact Dr. Marsha Edelman 
, dean of students and head of the music department at Medelman (at) 
Gratz(dot)edu(dot)

Sorry my lesson went on so long.  I hope it helps somebody!

Hazzan Arlyne Unger

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