“Hazzan” derives from the Assyrian hazanu, meaning overseer or directions (Adler et al., n.d.). According to the Talmud, the hazzan historically oversaw the city, the court of justice, the Temple. Currently, due to the increase of communal worship in synagogues after the Temples’ destruction, declining use of the Hebrew language, and the removal of political authority, “Hazzans” colloquially refer to cantors who directs and performs the liturgical music and prayers.
- Adler, C., Schloessinger, M., Jacobs, J., & Kaiser, A. (n.d.). Hazzan. Jewish Encyclopedia. https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4276-chazan#anchor8