Finding New Hazzanim
At the beginning of the 21st century, the Cantors
Assembly has identified the recruitment and training of a new
generation of hazzanim and non-professional "Ba-aley Tefillah" as a
most crucial need of the Jewish community in the coming years. At
the present time, 20 hazzanim per year are graduated from the major
training institutions combined. The Cantors Assembly's recruitment
program is aimed specifically to reach talented and dedicated young
men and women who can be convinced of the beauty and value of a
career in the service of Jewish worship. The Assembly's aproach is
two pronged: to introduce promising students to the cantorate as a
career through seminars at Hebrew High Schools and College
campuses; and to provide financial aid to those students who enter
the H.L. Miller Cantorial School of the Jewish Theological Seminary
in New York.
Learn To Lead Services
The Cantors Assembly has published an acclaimed
series of "musical siddurim" edited by Hazzan Pinchas Spiro to help
lay people learn to lead many services. These are available for
weekday, Shabbat morning, Shabbat afternoon and High Holy Days.
Cassette tapes, together with the clearly published music are
available from our on-line store or by contacting our Cantors
Assembly office. Many regions of the country sponsor workshops
where lay people can learn skills for leading some services with a
local hazzan. Speak with a Cantors Assembly member in your area for
more information.
Placement Services
The Cantors Assembly facilitates the search for a
new hazzan for congregations of all sizes. Our primary work is
with congregations of the Conservative Movement, and our Placement
Service is offered in conjunction with United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism. While our Placement Service is primarily for
congregations seeking a full-time hazzan, we also work with
hazzanim and congregations who seek service on a limited basis. In
addition, we serve congregations who are searching for a hazzan for
the High Holydays. More information about
Placement is available from the Chair of Placement and Human
Resources, Hazzan Robert Scherr: 413-597-4885, rscherr@williams.edu. Our
Placement Office is staffed by Ms. Martha Kelly, 330-864-8533, or
at caplacement@aol.com.
How To Join
The Cantors Assembly is the
professional organization of full-time Hazzanim and is affialted
with Conservative Judaism. To receive an application form one
should contact the Cantors Assembly office E-mail:
CAOffice@aol.com Prospective members
must be at least 27 years of age and a graduate of a recognized
school of Cantorial studies or have served a synagogue in a full
time capacity for at least 5 years. A written and oral interview
will examine the candidates knowledge of traditional nuschaot,
cantillation, music, Jewish ritual and practices important to a
hazzan. Cantors may join our "Intern" program for mentorship while
they are preparing to complete the examinations. For more
information about membership please contact Hazzan Jeffrey Myers
516-541-0740 hazzanjsm@aol.com
Ambassador
Program
To assist smaller congregations that cannot afford a
professional hazzan, we have established our Ambassador Program.
Some members, particularly retirees, are available for a one time
visit at no cost to the congregation, other than for travel and
lodging. They are available to lead services, teach and advise in
educational and musical programming. Contact our chair: Hazzan
Howard Shalowitz by phone at 314-721-6966 howard@shalowitz.org
.
Barcheinu (Healing Prayers)
Each week members of the Cantors Assembly collectively
recite all 150 Psalms and then chant a prayer (Mi Sheberach) on
behalf of those who are ill. If you know of someone to add to our
prayer list e-mail their name to our office
CAOffice@aol.com
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Cantors Assembly
