[HANASHIR:9119] Re: Kol Nidre

[Chazzzan <Chazzzan...>]

it is not a question of the musicality of Kol Nidre, or any other piece.  The 
idea is that the Shaliach Tzibor -- the congregation's representative and 
leader -- should have the proper kavanah -- intention & belief -- as he or 
she sings the prayer.  Sure, a non-Jew or a non-believing Jew can give an 
awesome, operatic performance, but will he or she FEEL the meaning of the 
prayers and help the congregation reach that level?

In many Orthodox congregations, the only person who can lead prayers and 
services is one who is Shomer Shabbos -- Sabbath-observant -- and otherwise 
Torah-observant.  That is especially true of the person who reads the Torah 
portion.

I am trying to understand the practice of hiring non-Jews to "perform" in 
High Holy Day choirs.  Are they actually going through some kind of 
repentance process during this period? Or is it just another performance gig 
for them\? 

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