Hazzan

A hazzan (/ˈhɑːzən/; Hebrew: [χaˈzan], lit. Hazan) or chazzan (Hebrew: חַזָּן, romanized: ḥazzān, plural ḥazzānim; Yiddish: חזן, romanized: khazn; Ladino: חזן, romanized: hasan) is a Jewish musician or precentor trained in the vocal arts who leads the congregation in songful prayer. In English, this prayer leader is often referred to as a cantor, a term also used in Christianity.

The person who leads the congregation in a public prayer is called the sh'liaḥ tzibbur (Hebrew for 'emissary of the congregation'). Any person is called a sh'liach tzibbur while they are leading a prayer. However, the term hazzan more commonly refers to someone who has special training in leading prayers, or who is appointed to lead prayers on a regular basis in a particular synagogue.

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