[HANASHIR:15055] RE: cantorial certification

[Freedabet <Freedabet...>]

Dear Erik,

What about our colleagues (now almost all retired) who were Cantors before 
there was a School of Sacred Music?  What about Cantors serving Congregations 
affiliated with other Movements?  Do they not deserve the title 'Cantor'?

The movement toward 'college degree' programs for 'investiture' (Cantors are 
still not 'ordained' at SSM or JTS, right?) is only some 50 years old 
vis-a-vis Cantors.  True, these programs require a high level of knowledge in 
certain 
areas, but they too often seem to accept candidates less gifted in one of the 
primary halachic requirements to be Sh'liach Tzibbur -- a pleasing voice.

I agree with you that it is a Calling, but what do you suggest if one is 
Called other than as a full-time student through one of these instititutions?  
I 
attended the superb 3 year program at HUC-JIR-LA which covered nusach and 
sacred compositions taught by terrific Cantors (Samuel Radwine in my case, and 
previously taught by William Sharlin).  I did not receive any kind of 
certificate 
or recognition -- I merely learned a great deal about Hazzanut and about 
Reform Judaism.  Sadly, this program is not currently available.

As Judaism is not hierarchical, it is the Halachic responsibility and duty of 
each Congregation to elect its Sh'liach Tzibbur and confer upon him/her the 
title of Cantor or Hazzan.  


Michael







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