Chanting the Hebrew Bible: The Complete Guide to the Art of Cantillation Hardcover – Unabridged, June 25, 2002

I have not read the entire book yet (it will probably take me a few years), but it has won my trust and admiration. I am reading it in two ways: from start to finish (slowly) and as a reference book. Each time I read a few pages, I gain insights into cantillation, Tanakh, and Hebrew grammar. In fact, this is a beautiful way to study Hebrew: through close analysis of the structure and trop of individual verses. Over the course of the book, the author reveals the logic and art of cantillation; whoever reads the book gains much more than a skill. I look forward to many years of reading and rereading this book.

I had purchased Jacobon's Student Edition. I would buy it again. But you cannot have the student without the teacher. Likewise, you cannot have the Student edition without the teacher's edition. If I were only going to buy one of these it would be the teacher's edition. It is much, much more comprehensive and explains the workings of the te'amim in much more detail. (The te'amim are the grammatical markings which, when learned, direct the reader/chanter on the flow of the text by grouping words and phrases with each other). It is for the serious student as it represents an education which will take several years of serious study with or without formal instruction. I myself am hoping for formal instruction to be used with this book. In the meantime I study on my own, but I would be lost without this book. If you are serious, patient, and persevering in your studies, I recommend you buy this book.

This is truly an amazing book. Even if you do not read Hebrew fluently, it can help you in many ways, there too. Not easy and not always simple... nothing good ever is, but this book belongs in the library of anyone who is serious about Hebrew, the Tanach or Torah (which is my specialized area of study), and learning to chant as well as read properly. It is all about diction! A very specialized diction. If you love reading Torah, - Get this book! You want to be a Cantor - Get this book. This is not an abbreviated course - this is the real thing and it is complete with a CD of sound tracks that accompany the lessons. It is a delight just to read the anecdota!

Joshua Jacobson has authored what can only be described as a monumental and encyclopedic work on this subject. It is by far the most complete tome ever printed in the English language on Torah cantillation, and possibly in any language. No student of Ta'amei HaMikra should be without it--it's worth the purchase price for the bibliography alone! As a major bonus, the sections on dikduk (Hebrew grammar) and pronunciation are amazingly complete and easy to understand. I found answers here to nagging questions that I had, for example the dispute over "kodashim" versus "kadashim", and why a sh'va following a conjunctive shuruk is silent (answer: it's a "sh'va meracheif"). I believe that this massive (965 pages) work is destined to become the standard reference for courses taught in biblical cantillation. If you teach bar/bat mitzva students, are just interested in the subject, or have any need for a comprehensive reference book on Ta'amei HaMikra, do not hesitate to acquire this one.

This is a great reference for cantillation. Some of the melodies he includes are similar to the ones I learned or that are used in my synagogue; others are not similar at all. I haven't had enough time to really take it all in, but I've photocopied frequently referenced parts and put them in a folder that I can carry with me when I'm preparing for readings.

I got this book to find out about more on how the accent points where used on a verse to verse basis. I got a whole lot more, with history, and a thorough presentation of examples and explanations. For anyone looking to better their knowledge of TNAK study, they should consider this book at sometime for a complete reference.

What a compendium of knowledge! Written in easy-to-understanding language with lots of practical exercises for thorough learning.

Outstanding for anyone who reads Torah frequently and is interested in the intricacies of chanting Torah.

Wow - so comprehensive. Jacobson's scholarship shines through in all of around 1000 pages.

It's a remarkable book indeed. Much better than what I ever expected!And it arrived in wonderful conditions.