Neil Sedaka

I knew I had a remarkable voice, but I was embarrassed because it was so high. But when I sang at my bar mitzvah, the rabbi was in tears. He said to my parents, 'He must become a cantor in the synagogue,' but my mother said, 'No, he's going to be a concert pianist.

American Musician

Jacky Rosen

I have a wonderful synagogue, fantastic rabbi and cantor and membership, and they just enrich my life every day, and I learned so much from helping to grow our synagogue, grow our membership, and meet the needs of such a diverse population.

American Politician

Derek Walcott

Look at Allen Ginsberg. In poems like 'Kaddish' and 'Howl,' you can hear a cantor between the lines. It's fully alive, and I think that's what's missing in modern poetry. It's too dry and cerebral.

Poet

Alan Dershowitz

In my neighborhood, everyone had an opinion on the local cantor. You didn't go to a synagogue to listen to the rabbi's sermon. You went to listen to the cantor. It was like a concert.

American Lawyer

Sholom Aleichem

When have you ever heard of a cantor or any artist turning anyone down when he is strongly urged to perform?

Russian Writer

Jerry Leiber

Listen to any cantor, any good hazan, sing and you can hear a little bit of Ray Charles going on.

A cantor, when he starts singing, it's like rain - once it starts, it's hard to stop.

Cantor often refers to the lead singer responsible for hymns and psalms in Christian churches.

Church Role

Cantors are typically well-trained in music and may conduct the choir.

Musical Expert

The presence of a cantor often indicates a formal or traditional church service.

Liturgical Presence

In Judaism, a cantor is a central figure in synagogue services, often with specialized training.

Jewish Tradition

Cantors in synagogues chant prayers in Hebrew, showcasing their vocal artistry.

Hebrew Chanting

A cantor in Judaism is more than a singer; they are often seen as a spiritual guide.