In a Jewish bar or bat mitzvah service, the person who leads the congregation’s sung prayers is called a chazzan.
The chazzan, also known in English as a cantor, leads or assists with the musical parts of Jewish worship. The role can include chanting prayers, presenting traditional melodies, and helping the congregation follow the service. At some bar and bat mitzvahs, the celebrant also leads selected prayers or sings parts of the service.
The chazzan’s role differs from that of the gabbai, who organizes Torah honors and reading logistics. It also differs from the sofer, a trained scribe who writes sacred scrolls and other ritual texts.
The title comes from the Hebrew word hazzan, historically associated with a synagogue attendant or leader. Pronunciation and spelling vary in English, including chazzan, hazzan, and cantor.