Traditional Karaite Torah Cantillation
Each week, in synagogues around the world, Jews read a portion of the Torah. Each portion is called a "Parashah," and it is customary to read the Parashah with a tune that matches the cantorial marks in the text of the Torah. These cantorial marks are called the "Te'amim" or "Ta'amei Ha-Mikra."
The te'amim also play another important function; they group words of the Torah together so that the meaning is clearer. In general, the te'amim are divided into three types of marks: (1) marks that link a word to the words that follow; (2) marks the separate a word from the words that follow; and (3) marks that stand alone. In general, Karaites and Rabbanites understand these three types of te'amim to play the same functions.
Below you can find a recording of the traditional Egyptian Karaite cantillation of the Parashat Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27). Be sure to grab a book with the te'amim to follow along.
The te'amim also play another important function; they group words of the Torah together so that the meaning is clearer. In general, the te'amim are divided into three types of marks: (1) marks that link a word to the words that follow; (2) marks the separate a word from the words that follow; and (3) marks that stand alone. In general, Karaites and Rabbanites understand these three types of te'amim to play the same functions.
Below you can find a recording of the traditional Egyptian Karaite cantillation of the Parashat Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27). Be sure to grab a book with the te'amim to follow along.
Leviticus 19
Leviticus 20
