[HANASHIR:1844] RE: "cantor"

[Elizabeth Zoller <LizzieZ...>]

Does the same go for the word "chazzan?"  Is this just a literal
translation of (ordained) cantor, or does it refer to whoever is leading
the singing for a service?  I have had many people refer to me as a chazzan
(or chazzanit), though I, too, have not actually been ordained as a cantor.
When people ask specifically if I am a cantor, I never hesitate to explain
the schooling and that one must be ordained to have that title, that
technically I am a cantorial soloist, but I'm curious about the chazzan
distinction.  Can anyone clarify?  Thanks!

Liz