What should be the chief chorister in the synagogue and what are the requirements for it

It so happened that different ethnic groups and peoples have their own beliefs. One of the oldest religions on the planet is Judaism. For the Orthodox, it is important to know about it, because the Old Testament became the foundation, the soil on which Christianity grew. Jewish churches are interesting to everyone: both interior decoration, and customs, and order of service. Prayers are performed here in a sing-song manner, and all present watch the leading singer in the synagogue leading the votes of the parishioners.

A simple crossword question

As the singer is called, what requirements to his person are presented and for what reasons he occupies his honorable position, every believing Jew is known. But with the name there can be difficulties, however, small, and for those who are far from the Jewish customs. Solving the crossword puzzle, you can come across a question about who is the main chorister in the synagogue. 6 letters usually contain the answer. The first thing that comes to mind is the "cantor". And the number of signs is as it should, and by sense, like, it fits, and the word is on the lips. In some cases this is the case, but it also happens otherwise. The fact is that the word "cantor" is borrowed from European usage and is used in Catholic churches and cathedrals by the Catholic clergy. Most often this post is called, especially if parishioners have better Yiddish than Hebrew. But when solving puzzles, it can be found out that the number of letters is not all. And, for example, the first one is "x". And what do you want me to do?

Synagogue Democracy

The orthodox Jew, orthodox, does not have any questions, he knows who the chorister is in the synagogue and how to properly call it. Khazzan - that's how it is! And six are six, but they are completely different, and the word sounds quite different. There is also one more name for the Jewish vocal performer of religious music - shliyah zibur, which in translation means "elected community". We should dwell especially on the true democratic character of the synagogue's way of life. All positions here are elective. And whoever sings better and who knows the Torah more fully, and whose life is considered more righteous - all this is decided by mishpuh, that is, the community of believing Jews. It is very honorable to become an Khazzan, although this position does not promise any material benefits.

Khazzan is 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. First, the voice must be strong, otherwise nobody will hear it. Secondly, hearing is necessary, because the loudest singing will not cause religious feelings, and maybe, quite the contrary, irritation will engulf the worshipers, which is unacceptable. Thirdly, outwardly this person should be what Russian people call good. If the chorister in the synagogue causes laughter (and Jews like to laugh), then it will not work. Beard is welcome. But this is all the data from the Supreme quality, and honor should also be earned. Righteous behavior, the absence of a scandalous reputation and the presence of a good one - these are the personal qualities that the chief chorister differs from the usual mediocre Jew. In the synagogue, this is strictly followed. It is best if the hazzan is already married - less temptations.

Synagogues: simple and choral

Synagogues are simple and choral. As is clear from the title, in large temples sing in chorus, and the requirements for the Khazzan are more stringent, so here they take the most-most remarkable, beautiful and vociferous. Another question is that it is easier to achieve a real and exceptionally deep prayer atmosphere in small rooms where few people are singing. This is an ordinary, small synagogue. The main chorister here can and quite quietly read the Aramaic texts in a sing-song manner, but many like this quiet and penetrating service more. In the choral synagogues, people sometimes go not for prayer, but to listen to beautiful music. For example, the Orthodox Sovereign Nicholas II paid tribute to the talent of Gershon Sirota, the famous Khazzan. All this is wonderful, however, as one religious Jew said, "I'm wildly sorry, but it hinders me from praying!".

Can a woman become an Khazzan?

No. Despite the general penetration of emancipation and feminism into all spheres of human life, the chief chorister in the synagogue is a masculine position. It is believed, and not without reason, that female vocals (especially beautiful) do not promote religious ecstasy, but, on the contrary, distract. Particularly orthodox Jews, quite seriously, say that even sinful thoughts arise. So not only to lead the main Khazzan party, but in general it is impossible to sing to women in the synagogue. In response to such discrimination, it can be argued that, in fact, it is rather a privilege, because ladies can listen to men, and as much as they like. They do not seem to have any extraneous emotions at the same time. So, at least, rabbis think.

The Perfect Synagogue

For millennia, the time is calculated during which Jews ask God for the restoration of the Temple of Jerusalem. Perhaps someday it will be erected, everyone who walks in the synagogue believes in it. Then, in the tenth century BC, beautiful melodies were played in the Temple on different instruments, and the Levites sang along with them. Music helps cleanse the soul, people have understood this for a long time. If we take the Temple of Jerusalem as a model, then the main thing in it will be the Khazzan, a person gifted spiritually, developed, knowing the Torah at the highest level. It's a personality, not just a singer, even the best. The parishioners live each note, echoing it not only with their voices, but with their souls, no matter how carefully each of them fulfills the Mosaic commandments. And after the end of service, every Jew, leaving the walls of the synagogue, bears in his soul a small, but warm flame of faith, rejoicing at the new day and tuned in to good.