What is the cost of TropeTrainer™ software? .
There are five options for purchasing the software:
1. Single Parsha Version: Includes a single parsha with all training materials US$59.95
2. Megillot Version: All five megillot: US$59.95
3. Standard Version: All Torah and Haftarah including holidays. US$114.95
4. Deluxe Version: All Torah and Haftarah including Megillot : US$139.95
5. TropeTrainer™ Lite available only with the barmitzvahbooks.com book and CD package. US$59.95

I already own a previous TropeTrainer™ software , will I have to pay for the new version?
The new version of TropeTrainer™ software is an upgrade with major new features. Existing users will be able to upgrade for $24.95 (plus handling). Kinnor software currently provides same-version updates for bug fixes and minor changes at no charge.

What new features are included in TropeTrainer™ software version 4?
Several new features have been added, including integration with Apple iTunes, which allows users to create audio files from TropeTrainer software and send them directly to their iPods (or other mp3 players.) Users will also be able to create audio CDs to play in their car. Other features include an improved computer voice, and the ability to play piano sounds behind the voice for enhanced usability. Click here for more details.

Our synagogue has a large B'nai Mitzvah class. Can we get a bulk discount for TropeTrainer software?
With the exception of the TropeTrainer™ Lite package, Yes! Software discounts begin with as few as 3 copies, and your discount will increase at higher quantities. TropeTrainer™ Lite is available exclusively from barmitzvahbooks.com and is subject to a different pricing structure.

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Is TropeTrainer™ software is suitable for Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform congregations?
The key is customization! TropeTrainer™ software allows the user to select annual or triennial Torah cycles in either Israel or the Diaspora. Additionally, in the custom reading section the user selects only the book, chapter and verses needed for a daily or Shabbat reading.

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I lost or damaged the CD. How much is a replacement?
Replacing a lost Version 4 CD costs US$15.00 plus shipping. Version 2 and 3 CDs are no longer available -- upgrade to Version 4 would be needed.

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How long does it take to get TropeTrainer™ software?
Individual orders received before 1 p.m. will be shipped the same day if possible. Bulk orders may take up to two weeks to assemble and ship. We offer several different choices for shipping, from standard mail to overnight courier.

I sing the trope differently from my friend. Can TropeTrainer™ software work for both of us?
Yes! TropeTrainer™ software contains over a dozen different styles of trope for Torah and Haftarah, including the Reform standard Avery-Binder. It is likely that one of the systems matches your custom.

Whose voice is chanting the Torah and Haftarah in TropeTrainer™ software?
TropeTrainer™ software uses state-of-the-art computer generated speech synthesis for chanting rather than a recorded human voice. This solution offers a huge number of options for listening such as: The style of trope; the type of Hebrew pronunciation; pitch range (tenor, baritone etc.) with half-tone adjustments; and speed of the chanting. No other Torah/Haftarah software can offer these advantages.

Can my voice be added to TropeTrainer™ software?
Unfortunately, no. (see above question/answer).

I really like the software, but my congregation likes my voice on CDs of Torah and Haftarah readings. What should I tell them to convince them to use TropeTrainer™ software?
TropeTrainer™ software is the most flexible and consistent way for a congregant to learn to read Torah. Consider the challenge if you are a soprano and your congregant is a baritone. TropeTrainer software can easily match the pitch and range of the studentís voice. What happens if you record the reading, and then the congregant wants it faster or slower? TropeTrainer software can be adjusted to the studentís preferred pace. And TropeTrainer software never gets laryngitis or catches a cold!

How much are the books?
There are three options for purchasing books:
1. Book only: US$25.00
2. Book with a plastic CD holder (holds 2 CDs): US$27.00
3. Book with Trope Trainer Liteô (includes CD holder): US$59.95
Please call or email for Canadian and foreign pricing options.

Our synagogue has a large B'nai Mitzvah class. Can we get a bulk discount?
Because each book is individually custom-made and personalized, there is no discount for large orders. However, ordering more than one book at a time will usually save some money on shipping.

How is it possible that the B'nai Mitzvah books are suitable for Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform congregations?
The answer is customization! When you order books for your synagogue they will be customized for the traditions of your congregation. This includes Torah and Haftarah text, Blessings, Trope, Kiddush, as well as other elements.

A student lost his book; how much is a replacement book?
Replacing a lost book costs US$15.00.

How long does it take to get the books?
Typically, it takes four weeks from the time you place your order until you receive the books. Small orders and single replacement books can usually be made more quickly. Very large orders, or orders with many additional customizations may need more time. Please call or email if you have questions about the timeline for your books.

What is the difference between the Bar-Mitzvah book and the Bat-Mitzvah book?
Nothing. The books are identical, except for the words Bar and Bat.

Our synagogue has several weekday morning and Rosh Chodesh B'nai Mitzvah. Do you have a book for these types of ceremonies?
Yes! The weekday/Rosh Chodesh edition includes the weekday Torah reading as well as the Chatzi Kaddish following the reading. It also has a different introduction that refers to the weekday service.

Our synagogue has several Shabbat Mincha / Havdalah Bínai Mitzvah. Do you have a book for these types of ceremonies?
Yes! The Shabbat Mincha edition includes the Torah reading as well as the Havdalah ceremony. It also has a different introduction that refers to the Mincha/Havadalah service.

Why do I need these books? Couldn't I just print my own text from a Hebrew word processor or photocopy from a Tikkun?
You could print Tanach text from a Hebrew word processor, or photocopy from a Tikkun but that would not nearly reach the level of usability that the books have. The Torah and Haftarah texts in the books have been edited to conform to the Breuer standard. They also contain distinct kamatz-katan and shíva-na vowels, and the verses are numbered with English numbers rather than Hebrew letters. The books also include many supplemental materials, English explanations and instructions, and are professionally coil-bound with plastic covers for a durable and attractive package. Besides, educators have more important things to do than edit text at a computer, or stand over a photocopier!

What is TropeTrainer™ software?
TropeTrainer software is used in conjunction with a teacher to help teach Torah and Haftarah chanting. Visit http://www.kinnor.com.

What is TropeTrainer Lite Software?
TropeTrainer Lite is a special version of TropeTrainer software, available exclusively from barmitzvahbooks.com. It contains only the Torah and Haftarah text that the student will read, and matches the text that appears in the book. Students who intend to read Torah or Haftarah after their Bar/Bat-Mitzvah can later upgrade to a full version of TropeTrainer software.

We plan to use your books and TropeTrainer™ software. Are there any differences in the Torah and Haftarah texts?
The Bar/Bat-Mitzvah books and TropeTrainer™ software are both edited to conform to the Tanach text edited by Rabbi Mordechai Breuer O.B.M. There are only two differences between the books and software: First, the books do not show the k'tiv version of words in the Haftarah, only in Torah. TropeTrainer™ software shows both. Second, the books use the modern spelling of Yírushalayim with a yud between the lamed and mem-sofit. TropeTrainer software uses the traditional spelling with no yud.