maftir

Maftir is a term used in Jewish liturgy to denote the final portion of the weekly Torah reading. It is read aloud after the fourth aliyah and is recited by the person designated to read Maftir. The content consists of the closing verses of the current Torah portion, and the reading serves to conclude the Torah portion and to introduce the Haftarah, the prophetic reading that follows the Torah portion in the service.

In most communities, Maftir is a brief select passage, typically the concluding verses of the parashah. After Maftir, the Haftarah is chanted. The relationship between Maftir and Haftarah varies by tradition; on some days the verses chosen for Maftir are linked to the theme of the Haftarah, particularly on occasions when a special Haftarah is read (for example on certain Sabbaths or holidays). On ordinary Shabbatot, Maftir is read before the Haftarah as part of the normal sequence of readings.

Etymology and usage: The term Maftir comes from Hebrew, referring to the reader who completes or finishes the Torah portion. The role is distinct from the Haftarah itself, which is a separate reading from the Prophets, though the two readings are linked in the service.

See also: Torah reading, Haftarah, Aliyah, Parashah.