What does hazzan mean?
A hazzan is a Jewish liturgical official whose traditional role includes leading parts of a synagogue service, chanting, and reading from the Torah or other sacred texts. The position is commonly associated with a distinctive musical function, but it has never been limited to singing alone: historically, some hazzanim also supervised aspects of synagogue administration or taught members of the community. In English, the word is most frequent in discussions of Jewish religious life, and alternative spellings such as hazan and chazan are also encountered. Its meaning can shift slightly with context, so “cantor” is often a close functional translation, while “synagogue reader” better describes one of the traditional duties. A hazzan is therefore best understood as a communal religious leader whose responsibilities may combine worship, musical performance, public reading, and institutional service.
nounA Jewish liturgical cantor who leads parts of a synagogue service, often reading from the Torah and other liturgical texts. Historically, the role could also include administrative or educational duties in the synagogue.
- A Jewish liturgical cantor who leads congregational singing, prayers, or readings during a synagogue service.
- A synagogue official who reads from the Torah or other liturgical texts and may historically also perform administrative or educational duties.
"The hazzan led the congregation through the evening prayers with a rich, resonant voice."
"The hazzan chanted the piyyut as the congregation entered the sanctuary."
"In the nineteenth-century account, the hazzan was responsible for both the service and the instruction of younger members of the congregation."
Hazzanim is the traditional and widely used plural; hazzans is also used in English.
"The two hazzanim shared responsibility for leading the festival services."
A hazzan is not merely a singer: in many communities, the role combines musical leadership with the public reading of sacred texts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hazzan
The English word hazzan comes from Hebrew ḥazzān, a traditional term for a synagogue cantor and reader. Its spelling reflects established Jewish usage, with hazan and chazan serving as alternate English forms. The responsibilities attached to the office have varied historically, so older descriptions may present the hazzan as a broader synagogue official rather than only a musician.
Related word forms
How hazzan is actually used
The term is especially associated with Jewish communities and may sound regional or historical outside them. Its exact duties vary by denomination, location, and period; it should not be treated as a general synonym for any church singer.
Easily confused with hazzan
Hazzan is the usual English spelling, while hazan is an accepted alternate spelling rather than a word with a different meaning.
Chazan is another established spelling of the same Jewish liturgical term, especially common in discussions of Sephardi and Mizrahi traditions.