Hazzan

/ˈhæzən/ noun

Definition

A cantor in a Jewish synagogue who leads the musical parts of religious services and helps guide congregational prayer.

Etymology

From Hebrew 'ḥazzan' (cantor, leader of prayer), a term used in Judaism for centuries, referring to someone who makes melody or leads liturgical singing in the synagogue.

Kelly Says

The hazzan's role requires mastery of incredibly complex musical traditions—they must know hundreds of different melodies and their variations across different Jewish traditions (Ashkenazi, Sephardic, etc.), making them living repositories of musical-spiritual heritage.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.