The Tunes For Reading Torah and Megilla

Is the Ashkenazi kria of Shir Hashirim, Rus, and Koheles the same as Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Kria?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

The tune, also known as the “trop,” used for reading the Megillot are completely different than the tune for the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Torah reading.

So too, not all Megillot are read in the same tune. The book of Esther is read in a happy tune while the Book of Lamentations is read in a sad tune. In most congregations, the books of Kohelet, Ruth, and Shir Hashirim are read with the same happy tune.

With minor exception, there is one tune that is used for all Torah readings at all weekday, Shabbat, and holiday Torah readings throughout the year.

On Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur morning the Torah is read in a distinct tune, unlike the tune used for all other Torah readings throughout the year. So too, the one called to the Torah on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur also recites the blessings before and after the reading in this tune, as well. The Torah reading at Mincha on Yom Kippur is the same as the tune used throughout the year.

The Haftara, the reading from the prophets that follows the Torah reading on Shabbat and holidays, is always read in the same tune all year long.

Reading with the correct tune is extremely important. We are taught that Torah reading tune goes back to Mount Sinai. A proper reading along with the tune was also one of the enactments of Ezra. A Torah reading without the proper tune is not a true fulfillment of the requirement to read the Torah and is only permitted in emergency situations.

Sources: Nedarim 37a; Megilla 3a; Yalkut Shimoni, Yitro, 247,284; Chatam Sofer 6:86.