The haftarah or haftorah (also haptara) (Hebrew: הפטרה; plural haftarot or haftorahs; "parting," "taking leave") is a text important to the moern observance of Judaism. It consists of selections from the Hebrew Bible (Tanach), specifically from the books of Nevi'im ("The Prophets"), and it is read publicly in the synagogue after the reading of the Torah on each Sabbath, as well as on Jewish festivals and fast days. The haftarah usually has a thematic link to the Torah reading that precedes it. When the haftarah is read in the synagogue it is sung with cantillation ("trop" in Yiddish, "trope" in English), and its related blessings are said before and after it.