Roles of a Rabbi and Cantor

Question 1

list 5 roles of a rabbi

Answer 1

• they study the Torah before leading the morning service
• They arrange and conduct weddings and funerals(rites of passages)
• They visit the sick and depressed and local schools and hospitals
• Comforts the family who have lost a loved one
• The Rabbi is involved in the social life of the synagogue
• They meet with leaders of the synagogue to discuss matters concerning the synagogue
• They say evening prayers and write the sermon for Shabbat services

Question 2

list 5 roles of a Chazan/Cantor

Answer 2

• he leads the congregation in singing
• he is a highly trained singer who may have to compose melodies
• a person who leads prayers in a synagogue
• undergoes training in voice production and technique and bible, prayer book and halachah to be able to chant the prayers on shabbat and festivals and to assist the rabbi

Question 3

importances of a rabbi

Answer 3

• he unifies the jewish community by organising social activities
• he ensures the synagogue is run appropriately by attending meetings with other leaders
• he prays for the sick and comforts the depressed when he visits them
• he ensures Jewish customs and traditions are followed by arranging funerals and weddings as well as conducting them
• he prays for people

Question 4

importances of a cantor

Answer 4

• he leads prayers and singing in a synagogue
• he composes melodies which tend to become standards in some synagogues
• he is the only one who assists in leading the congregation due to his voice production and techniques