Cantors: American Jewish Women

Work Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2021

Department

The Library

Keywords

Jewish women; American women; cantors

Abstract

Women’s vocal leadership in synagogue practice began when educated women served as zogerin (women’s prayer leader). In America, the idea of Jewish women singing religious songs became refracted into dramatic productions on the Yiddish stage. Starting in the nineteenth century, women participated in mixed choral and community singing, and some opera singers were called upon to act as cantors in important Reform congregations. Subsequently, new technologies allowed women “khazntes” to produce recordings or sing hazzanut (cantorial singing) on the radio. Although not considered professional cantors, some women began to lead worship services in synagogues. The Reform (1975) and Conservative (1987) movements began formally investing women as cantors, opening the floodgates of participation. Today a plurality of cantors in liberal movements are women.

Share

COinS