Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

With gratitude, I join in welcoming our visiting High Holy Day Chazzan, Cantor Lipa Glantz, from Israel. I am grateful to our friends at Adath Israel and, in particular, to Cantor Alex Stein, who initiated the shiduch. For many years, Cantor Glantz led the parallel service during the High Holy Days at Adath Israel.

We look forward to sharing Selichot with Adath Israel in a few weeks. This past June, our two synagogues shared an on line rabbinic dialogue with me and Rabbi Adam Cutler. Now, we look forward to two renowned Cantors inspiring us with Selichot and the upcoming High Holy Day season. I personally rejoice when multiple synagogues can celebrate Jewish life together.

Cantor Stein and I have been friends for many years. He and Cantor Glantz too have known each other for a long time. We at Beth Emeth are blessed to know that we will have superb Cantorial service over the upcoming High Holy Day season.

In Jewish tradition, one finds different terms for the one who leads a prayer service. Baal Tefila, a master of prayer, signifies one who has mastered the Hebrew and Nusach, musical mode, of the service.

Shaliach Tzibbur, emissary of the community, signifies that the prayer leader represents us and advocates for us before God. This person brings us together as a sacred congregation.

Chazzan, which defines a professionally trained Cantor,  has had many meanings over the ages. In the Talmud  a Chazzan, was one who oversaw many tasks in the synagogue, likened to the role of a Shamash in many shuls today.  In the Bible, Chazzan meant a visionary. Just a few weeks ago, on the Shabbat preceding Tisha B'Av, we read the Prophetic words, "Chazon Yeshiahu - The vision of Isaiah." For me, the Chazzan - Cantor is a visionary who emulates spiritual ideals.

The classic criteria for a Chazzan include piety, morality, being acceptable to the community, a pleasing voice, praying from the heart and soul, and more.

Thus, I am pleased to share with you the upcoming sacred season at a "Glantz - Glance." We extend Baruch Ha'Ba, a cordial welcome, to Cantor Lipa Glantz for the duration of the High Holy Days.

Rabbi Howard Morrison