Hazanim

Hazanim (singular hazan; also transliterated hazzan) are cantors in Jewish worship. The term designates a person who leads the congregation through prayer by singing and chant. Hazanim are found in many Jewish communities, including Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi congregations. Their duties center on the musical and liturgical components of the service, though the exact responsibilities vary by community.

Typical duties include leading the service’s musical portion, chanting prayers with proper cantillation, and directing any choir or musical group. Hazanim may announce or read portions of the Torah and lead blessings, especially on Shabbat, festivals, and High Holy Days. In many communities the hazan is a professional cantor, while in others the role may be filled by a lay leader trained in cantorial skills.

Historically the office has ancient roots in Jewish worship, with formal cantorial practice developing in the medieval and early modern periods. In the modern era many synagogues have established cantor education through cantorial schools and programs within the movement-based seminaries, producing professional hazanim who serve congregations or pursue concert and recording work.

Musical practice varies by tradition. Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi communities preserve distinct liturgical melodies and performance styles, reflecting regional and diasporic heritage. Hazanim thus contribute to the diversity of Jewish liturgical life.