cantor (hazzan)

The precentor, or one who intones/chants/sings the synagogue liturgy. Especially in the modern era, this usually implies a "professional" artist as distinguished from a lay precentor, (ba’al t’filla — "master of prayer"), even though the latter must also be fully expert in the intricacies of appropriate and required modes and tunes, but not necessarily musically or vocally trained. Bona fide cantors in the modern era are institutionalized clergy with pastoral functions as well, co-equal with rabbis and part of a "dual clergy" unique to Jewish practice. The cantor’s function, whether professional or lay, is required for synagogue services.

(The term cantor is not to be confused with the German Kantor, meaning church choirmaster.)