The Cantor

In the Jewish Worship the job of the Cantor is to convert a plurality of individuals into a unity of worship, that they might become a company of witnesses. They are not the mega-church giving a concert that entertains us, or at least moves us beyond boredom. The cantor is to be a master of prayer. They are not giving a recital, but are worshipping God in their song. If the cantor is doing this, worshipping in song, then our armor of indifference is pierced.

When you go to a concert and listen to the "Messiah" being performed, it may sound beautiful. You might be uplifted, and entertained. But did you experience the Holy, the Glory of the Unseen? Probably not. The performers might have no particular experience of the Holy. They sound notes and words. They perform. When a cantor is praying in song, you sense it. You are moved to sing too. You begin to feel a bond with others in the place of worship. Do I say mass or do I pray mass? People know. I know. God knows. When I am not praying the mass, I wonder if God is as bored as the people must be?