The haftarot (sg., haftarah) are the prophetic selections recited publicly on Sabbaths, festivals, and certain fast days after the required portion from the Torah (Pentateuch; Five Books of Moses). These communal readings developed as a component of classical Judaism—in both form and function. First and foremost, they are one of the three basic features of the ancient institution of the synagogue, wherein the sacred Scriptures were read aloud and interpreted. Primary among these features