A cantor or leader of liturgical chanting in a Jewish synagogue; the person who leads the congregation in prayer and song.
From Hebrew חַזָּן (hazzan), meaning 'overseer' or 'cantor.' The word has been used in Jewish tradition for over a thousand years to describe this important religious role.
A hazzan isn't just a singer—they're trained in complex liturgical traditions where every note and inflection carries religious meaning developed over centuries; it's one of the most technically demanding roles in religious music.
Traditional Hebrew religious leadership role historically restricted to men. The masculine form 'chazan' (cantor) and feminine 'chazanit' reflect gendered religious hierarchies where women were excluded from formal liturgical roles.
Use 'chazan' for any gender cantor, or specify 'chazanit' for self-identified women. Alternatively, 'liturgical leader' or 'cantor' avoids gendered language.
["cantor","liturgical leader","hazzan (gender-neutral transliteration)"]
Women have historically served as choral leaders and musicians in Jewish communities even when barred from formal chazan roles; contemporary denominations increasingly recognize women chazanim in formal positions.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.