Re: Decantor

[richard_wolpoe <richard_wolpoe...>]

By the Way, the author of the Gesher hachayim - Tukachinksy (sp?) refused 
to  sue the title Rabbi on his Matsevo - and then he relented saying 
nowadays anybody can call themselves rabbi.  Franky, I don't see the big 
deal in using the titel, especially if one is functioning defacto in the 
position.  however, one should be careful to not misrepresent themselves 
with regard to certification.  In other words, if a Cantor is a graudate of 
a seminary or conservatory, then it's fine to say so, otehrswise the 
"cantor" in question should regard himself as an "amateur" or otehrwise 
uncertified one.  Nevertheless, if he functions as a cantor, his IS a 
cantor in my book.

If it walsk liek a kathka, and quakcs liek a katchka...

Chag Someyach!

Richard Wolpoe


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Decantor 
Author:  <jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org > at tcpgate
Date:    12/24/97 2:41 AM


B"H Munich

I hope that unqualified individuals would not call them Hazzan. 
> 
> Cantor Sheldon M. Levin
>

Hm. And the rest of us Ba'alei Tefilla were praying fervently that 
the Reform might stop allowing unqualified individuals
to be called "Rabbi"! 

Comparatively, this "Cantor" controversy is harmless.

But isn't anyone else in this group bothered by the strange habit 
of self-anointed Cantors (or cantors, doesn't matter to me), who 
often try to supplant traditional rabbinical authority?

Idelsohn writes about how Eastern European cantors in the last century 
tried to
expand their power, position (and, of course, salary) to be EQUAL
to the rabbis - typical power politics at the expense of "art"! - and 
were ultimately unsuccessful. Are we to witness the same vanities 
progress into the next century as well? 

"Hey, Cantors! Respect is earned, not demanded or proclaimed! 
Just like the rest of the human race!"

Sure, be proud of your accomplishments - privately! But please stop trying 
to foist petty
music-school inferiority complexes on the rest of the kehilla!

In the old days, in small communities, people were chosen to lead 
congregational prayer
based on their individual PIETY, rather than the "sweetness of their 
voice". It's only with
the advent of competitive architecture, competitive membership rosters, 
competitive cantors
and the like, that musical virtuosity had somehow become superior to being 
spiritually virtuous.

Can we can the Cantors, please?

Next thing you know, the Gabbai, the Ba'al Koreh, the Ba'al Tkiah, the 
Shamash,
the Ba'al Psicha, the Mohel, the Schohet, the Am ha'Aretz, and everyone 
else
who serves their Creator will Demand Respect! And THEN where would the 
world be?

Please change your tune...

Happy Hanuka!

Alex Jacobowitz