6170 – Correct the Correct Pronunciation???
Q. Shalom Dear Rabbeinu Shalit"a. A Bar Mitzvah boy learning Parashat Toldot wants to know the correct pronunciation of בראשית כה כב.- ויתרוצצו הבנים בקרבה-. How should the word ויתרוצצו be read? I must add that in some Chumashim the first צ is with שווא, however, in other Chumashim, the first צ is with חטף פתח. He wants to know what is the accurate way to read it? Thanks.
A. Since in our days the printing of Sefarim follows the impressions of computerized printing machinery, I’m quoting an AI Overview on the above as follows:
The word ויתרוצצו (Genesis 25:22) should ideally be read as a shva na (vocal shva), which sounds like a short "eh" sound (vayi-tro-tze-tzu).
The variance you see between the shva and the chataf patach across different Chumashim stems from a precise historical system of Masoretic punctuation, yet both historical schools of thought point to the exact same pronunciation rule.
We may question why is it that the difference exists also within Jewish law (Halacha), after all Rabinical authorities and scholars generally view AI as a likely very useful, yet only a supplementary research tool for summarizing text or finding references quickly, but not for actually deciding Halacha at all. Since as we have written continuously on similar questions, there is a strong consensus that AI totally lacks da'at and human intention, mental awareness, empathy, and moral judgment, all necessary and essential for Halacha rulings.
As a result, authorities agree that AI overviews cannot replace human Rabbanim (poskim) for resolving complex spiritual questions or individual life situations and even most common Halacha decisions.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion as usual is that one should follow the tradition of his family and community and
read accordingly.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting, Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
Reviewed by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: November 13, 2026