It so happened that different ethnic groups and peoples have their own beliefs. Judaism is considered one of the oldest religions on the planet. It is important for the Orthodox to know about it, because the Old Testament has become the foundation, the soil on which Christianity grew. Jewish temples are interesting to everyone: the interior, and customs, and the order of service. Prayers are chanted here, and everyone present watches the parishioners in the synagogue lead the voices of the congregation.
A simple crossword puzzle question
The name of the singer, what requirements are presented to his person and for what reasons he occupies his honorable position is known to every Jewish believer. But the name may cause difficulties, albeit small ones, for those who are far from Jewish customs. Solving a crossword puzzle, one may come across a question about who is the main singer in the synagogue. 6 letters usually contains the answer. The first thing that comes to mind is the “cantor”. And the number of signs is as it should, and in meaning, it seems, fits, and the word is by ear. In some cases, this is true, but it can be otherwise. The fact is that the word "cantor" is borrowed from European life and is used in churches and cathedrals by the Catholic clergy. Most often, this position is called that, especially if parishioners are better at Yiddish than Hebrew. But when solving puzzles, it may turn out that the number of letters is not everything. And, for example, the first of them is “x.” And what do you command to do?
Synagogue democracy
The Orthodox Jew, orthodox, has no questions; he knows who the singer is in the synagogue and how, yes, it’s right to call him. Hazzan - that's how it is! And the letters are six, but they are completely different, and the word sounds completely different. There is another name for the Jewish vocal performer of religious music - sliyah qibur, which means “chosen one of the community”. One should dwell especially on the true democratic nature of synagogue life. All posts here are elective. And who better sings, and who knows the Torah more fully, and whose life is considered more righteous - all this is decided by the mishpukha, that is, the community of believing Jews. It is very honorable to become a hazzan, although this position does not promise material benefits.
Hazzan not born
The main singer in the synagogue is elected by the flock, but at the same time very serious demands are made on the candidate for this position. Firstly, the voice must be strong, otherwise no one will hear it. Secondly, you need a rumor, because the loudest singing will not cause religious feelings, and maybe quite the opposite, the irritation will embrace the worshipers, which is unacceptable. Thirdly, outwardly this person should be what Russian people call deanery. If the singer in the synagogue causes laughter (and the Jews love to laugh), then things will not work. Beard welcome. But this is all the data from the Almighty quality, and the honor also needs to be earned. Righteous behavior, the absence of a scandalous reputation and the presence of good - these are the personal qualities that distinguish the main singer from the ordinary ordinary Jew. In the synagogue this is strictly monitored. Best of all, if Hazzan is already married - less temptation.
Synagogues: simple and choral
Synagogues are simple and choral. As the name implies, in large temples they sing in chorus, and the requirements for the Khazzan are more stringent, so they take the most wonderful, beautiful and vociferous here. Another question is that to achieve a real and extremely deep prayer atmosphere is easier just in small rooms where a few people sing. This is an ordinary, small synagogue. The main singer here can even read the Aramaic texts in a low voice, but many like the quiet and soulful service. People sometimes go to choral synagogues not to pray, but to listen to beautiful music. For example, the Orthodox sovereign Nicholas II paid tribute to the talent of Gershon Orphan, the famous hazzan. All this is wonderful, however, as one believing Jew said, “I am wildly sorry, but it prevents me from praying!”
Can a woman become a hazzan?
Not. Despite the universal penetration of emancipation and feminism into all spheres of human life, the main singer in the synagogue is an exclusively male position. It is believed, and not without reason, that female vocals (especially beautiful) do not contribute to religious ecstasy, but, on the contrary, are distracting. Especially Orthodox Jews, in all seriousness, argue that even sinful thoughts arise. So, not only to lead the main Khazzan party, but even women should not sing in the synagogue. In response to such discrimination, one can argue that in reality it is rather a privilege, because the ladies there can listen to men just as much as they like. Apparently, they do not have any extraneous emotions. So, at least, the rabbis think.
The ideal synagogue
For thousands of years, the time has been calculated during which the Jews ask God for the restoration of the Jerusalem Temple. Perhaps someday it will be erected, everyone who goes to the synagogue believes in this. Then, in the tenth century BC, beautiful melodies were played on various instruments in the Temple, and the Levites sang along with them. Music helps to cleanse the soul, people understood this a long time ago. If we take the Jerusalem Temple as a model, then the main thing in it will be hazzan, a spiritually gifted person, developed, who knows the Torah at the highest level. This is a person, not just a singer, even the best one. Parishioners live every note, echo it not only with their voices, but also with their souls, regardless of how carefully each of them fulfills the Mosaic commandments. And after the end of the service, each Jew, leaving the walls of the synagogue, carries in his soul a small but warm spark of faith, rejoicing in the new day and tuning in to good.