B"H

There is a word commonly used here in Hebrew, called "Chazzan," and which is popularly translated as "cantor." This word has come to take on different meanings with different communities in Israel, depending on the "Chazzan's" function in the synagogue. In Europe, for example, where the "Chazzan" was often a salaried post – as it is today in the Israeli military – and his duties would also include reciting the prayers at weddings and funerals, memorial services, etc., besides leading the congregation in prayer, the English
language has adopted the word "CANTOR" to represent our Hebrew word. The incumbent was expected to have formal vocal training, taken
either at a "Chazzanut" seminary or at an opera singers' academy in Italy. Special qualifications were demanded, especially for those who officiated on the High Holy Days, such as piety, being married, and familiarity with the liturgies.

Yet, in Yemen, where he had far more responsibilities, (e.g., acting solely as Shaliah Tzibbur during the Musaf prayer on Rosh Hashana and Kippur, as well as on the morning of the first Festival Day of Passover, and Shavu'oth, as also on the seventh day of Sukkoth, known as Hoshanna Rabba. He would also call upon others to officiate as Shaliah Tzibbur, whether on week-days or on the Sabbath, and would, himself, carry out the case bearing the scroll of the Law on Mondays, Thursdays and Sabbath days. He opens with the liturgical verses of "Hamehulal," (found only in Yemenite liturgies) and with "Nishmas" (נשמת) on Sabbath days, and decides who leads the congregation in Selichos during the month of Elul, and during the ten days of repentance), the "Chazzan" was called by them 'Aqil, meaning "wiseman." In Hebrew, the word "Chazzan" (חזן) comes from the root "Chaza," (חזא) or "one that sees." Hence, a better translation for this word might be: "overseer."

Not even the Rabbi of the congregation had the power to take way the responsibilities invested in the "Chazzan." Rather, the Rabbi would only lead the synagogue in reading Qiryas Shema, by opening with "We'ahavta, etc." (ואהבת), and "Wehu Rachum, etc." (והוא רחום), and in the daily Psalm. The Rabbi would also give lessons in the synagogue, from either the Torah or Gemara, or from both, as well as from Halacha, and generally exhort and encourage his congregation to continue attending the lessons.

The "Gabbai" (גבאי), or sexton, had the function of collecting the vows from the people, which, in Yemen, usually consisted of oil for the lamps. He would also buy what was needed for the lamps (wicks, etc.) as well as purchase books, and was generally concerned with cleaning the synagogue.

Even with all the responsibility conferred upon the Chazzan, the Rabbi and the Gabbai, no one received a paid salary for his services. All this was done voluntarily.

David Ben-Abraham