Rast - راست

Rast is the first maqam in the arrangement of the Oriental maqamat and therefore represents a beginning. The word 'Rast' sounds similar to RAS, the Arabic word for head. As a result, we use Maqam Rast in the prayers for when we begin a new Humash as well as the Shabbat Afternoon Service because that is the first time the upcoming perasha is read.

On the Shabbat when the first perasha of each Humash is read, Maqam Rast is employed. Therefore this maqam is applied for Shabbat Bereshit, Shemot, Vayiqra and Bemidbar. Although we read about Berit Milah in Shemot, the idea of commencement of a new book takes precedence, especially since this was a postponed Berit Milah. Perashat Bemidbar is usually Shabbat Kalah, the Shabbat prior to Shabuot, therefore some use Maqam Hoseni. In the event that it is not Shabbat Kalah, then Rast is employed. Perashat Debarim is always Shabbat Hazon, the Shabbat prior to Tisha B’Ab; therefore Maqam Hijaz is used instead of Rast. This maqam should also be used the Shabbat immediately after Passover.

Rast tetrachord: starting on C