Megillat Eichah

The Megillat Eichah course teaches the mournful melody chanted on Tisha B'Av phrase by phrase, for readers who already know Torah or Haftarah trope. It also covers the melody for each chapter's last verse, the chapter 3 melody some communities use, and the blessing before the reading.

When is Megillat Eichah read?

Megillat Eichah, the Book of Lamentations, is read on Tisha B'Av, at night as the fast begins. Many communities read it again the next morning.

How is the Eichah trope different from Torah trope?

Megillat Eichah uses the same trope marks as the Torah, sung to a mournful melody of its own. Some communities chant all of chapter 3 to a special melody, its 66 short verses sung in repeating groups of three.

Where else is the Eichah melody used?

Many communities chant most of the Haftarah for Shabbat Chazon and for Tisha B'Av morning in the Eichah melody, and the Haftarah course teaches it. Some verses of Megillat Esther that tell of its saddest moments are chanted in it too.

Can I try the Megillat Eichah lessons for free?

Yes. Trope Symbols, the first lesson, is free for everyone and shows every mark used in chanting Megillat Eichah. The blessing before the reading is free to read too. Its audio, and the lessons from Etnachta phrases on, need a TropeTrainer subscription.