Definition: In Judaism a cantor, also known as a chazzan or hazzan, is the person who leads the congregation in prayer. Cantors play an important role in Jewish religious life because music is an important part of Jewish prayer services.
Kinds of Cantors
Some cantors are simply people from the community - with good moral character and knowledge of the prayer service - who volunteer to lead the congregration in prayer. In small synagogues, a rabbi might also fulfill the role of cantor. In larger synagogues, skilled and trained cantors are often hired and paid.
Professional Cantors
A variety of cantorial schools often degrees for people preparing for a career in the cantorate. Professional cantors are ordained clergy.
These cantors work together with synagogue rabbis to lead and educate members of the congregation. The primary role of these cantors is to lead prayer services. If the synagogue has a choir, the cantor will work with them. In addition, professional cantors are generally charged with teaching members of the congregation how to participate in prayer services and read from the Torah. In this role, they often prepare children for their bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies and teach adult education classes. Furthermore, professional cantors will often perform pastoral duties such as conducting weddings and funerals.
Kinds of Cantors
Some cantors are simply people from the community - with good moral character and knowledge of the prayer service - who volunteer to lead the congregration in prayer. In small synagogues, a rabbi might also fulfill the role of cantor. In larger synagogues, skilled and trained cantors are often hired and paid.
Professional Cantors
A variety of cantorial schools often degrees for people preparing for a career in the cantorate. Professional cantors are ordained clergy.
These cantors work together with synagogue rabbis to lead and educate members of the congregation. The primary role of these cantors is to lead prayer services. If the synagogue has a choir, the cantor will work with them. In addition, professional cantors are generally charged with teaching members of the congregation how to participate in prayer services and read from the Torah. In this role, they often prepare children for their bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies and teach adult education classes. Furthermore, professional cantors will often perform pastoral duties such as conducting weddings and funerals.