Trying to learn Torah cantillation

[librarygeek]

So here's the issue:

Torah tropes, cantillation, are taught via basically a different musical notation scheme, where a small symbol over or under the accented syllable in a word stands for a specific musical phrase. The Torah tutor usually provides a recording of the chanted verses as well. Yes, I can read silently Hebrew with vowel marks for almost complete comprehension, but I still mix up SAYING asher versus acher. I can read treble clef to play piano at least as well as Eighties pop ballads, my normal singing range.

I have both some neurological damage caused dyslexia, and my audio processing disorder files the tutor's vocal range in "input error", incomprensible.

Anyone have any ideas on how to get a specific plainsong type chant in my head, when I don't have vowels in the scroll to read from? Genesis 18:5-6 in Hebrew, if that helps anyone knowledgeable on specifics.

I'm getting desperate, and frustrated, and the tutor doesn't quite understand the neurological damage and learning disorders.

Edited: Ok, I tried something different this morning: hand writing each word using a skeletal Hebrew hand, as I listen to each word. It's working, but my hand HURTS. Have I mentioned dysgraphia as well? Sigh.

I think I'm going to try a Dremel to carve my verses in our scroll size on a small plaque after I finally finish this writing.

Comments

[gingicat]

So the part that's hard is not reading from the Chumash (do you use large print?) but from the Torah itself, which obviously can't be altered in any way and still be a scroll.

There must, at this point, be dyslexia-friendly study books with the Torah script on one side and the annotated text on the other. You would not be the first one to chant slowly enough to move the pointer along the Torah while following the printed book.

This is the system my workplace uses, in fact, Marion was our Hebrew reading specialist till health issues forced her to retire. http://www.cantoreducator.com/forsale/hiaf/

[gingicat]

Also, what is your vocal range? There are ways to digitally adjust a recording, and for two verses, could you memorize them?

(For easier reference later from mechon-mamre.org; unfortunately they don't have cantillation marked)

אַחַר תַּעֲבֹרוּ--כִּי-עַל-כֵּן עֲבַרְתֶּם, עַל-עַבְדְּכֶם; וַיֹּאמְרוּ, כֵּן תַּעֲשֶׂה כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתָּ. 5
And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and stay ye your heart; after that ye shall pass on; forasmuch as ye are come to your servant.' And they said: 'So do, as thou hast said.'
וַיְמַהֵר אַבְרָהָם הָאֹהֱלָה, אֶל-שָׂרָה; וַיֹּאמֶר, מַהֲרִי שְׁלֹשׁ סְאִים קֶמַח סֹלֶת--לוּשִׁי, וַעֲשִׂי עֻגוֹת. 6
And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said: 'Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.'

[librarygeek]

Remembering where you work, helped me think of some different ideas too. My Hebrew name is Aviva, I have been collecting haggadot for the Hag ha-Aviv for decades. ;-)

I'm hand writing my verses with the singing and repeating, and it seems to be working. If audio or text view isn't working, try kinesthetic means.

I had an ADHD kid 30 years ago when I was in high school and a Hebrew school teacher's aide, STOMPING his way through the prayers. No way he could remember sitting still. His little sister was almost blind, but great hearing. I gave her the tune of the first two words, and she could sing the rest of the prayer for me to initial the sheet. :-)

Thank you!

[librarygeek]

The links are WONDERFUL on that site. You are a tzaddik, a lamed-vavnik, and so is Marion! ✡️😇 You two have just saved a life, or at least what's left of my mind! 😁 You are worthy of being sealed for a better year, *just* on this, if I were asked! 💜💙💚

http://www.cantoreducator.com/ccafe/leyen/torahHaftarah/1Ber/04VayeiraTri1-1.shtml

Re: Thank you!

[gingicat]

Hardly one on the thirty-six, but very glad it helps!

Re: Thank you!

[librarygeek]

gingicat, does this still work?

You're practicing for tomorrow morning Shavuot.