Cantor
The cantor (Hazzan) leads the congregation in religious service and ceremonies. Prerequisites are a good voice (mostly tenor or baritone) and training in liturgical chanting (Hazzanut) which includes a specific singing technique. A cantor needs to be familiar with liturgical chants and prayer melodies – traditional as well as those customary in their community. Cantors frequently direct the synagogue’s choir. In small communities they often also fulfil the functions of a Shochet and a religious teacher.
Cantors of St. Pölten
1899–1921: Philipp Wilhelm (Wolf Feibusch) Rabinowitsch
1921–1924: Leopold Glück
1924–1933: Bernhard Zimmerspitz
1933–1938: Leopold Glück