haftalk

Haftalk is a modern term used in some Jewish communities to describe a short talk or sermon centered on the Haftarah portion read after the Torah portion on Shabbat or during holidays. The term is informal and not part of the official liturgy; it is commonly used in community bulletins, classrooms, and online content to distinguish this discussion from the broader Torah drasha or sermon.

Origin and purpose

The word haftalk blends Haftarah with talk, reflecting its function as a commentary or reflection on the Haftarah reading. Its purpose is to illuminate the themes of the Haftarah, relate them to the weekly Torah portion, and draw lessons for personal or communal life. Speakers may be rabbis, educators, or lay leaders, and the format can vary from a concise, lecture-style talk to a more interactive discussion.

Content and style

Haftalks typically explore historical context, literary features of the prophetic text, and how its messages resonate with contemporary ethical, spiritual, or social issues. They may draw on classical commentaries, Midrash, or modern scholarship. The tone ranges from inspirational to analytical, and the length is usually shorter than a full sermon, often designed to prepare listeners for prayer or to conclude a Torah study session.

Variations

Practice and terminology are not uniform across communities. Some groups simply refer to a haftalk as a Haftarah discussion or fuse it into the broader drasha; others maintain a distinct haftalk tradition as part of their Shabbat or festival programming. See also Haftarah and Drasha for related concepts.