The Role of the Cantor

Introduction

Share with children recordings of some of your favourite singers. Explain why you like their voices. Allow children to tell you about their favourite singers.

Main Activity

Visit www.virtualcantor.com and play some of the recordings featured there. How would children describe this singing? How does it make them feel?

Outline the role of the cantor using the Click-Me Tour of the Synagogue.

Learn a Jewish song, e.g. Shalom Chaverim (Words and the melody of this song can be found at songs-with-music.freeservers.com/shalom.html)

Extension

Role play a scenario in which a cantor is invited to become a pop singer. What might be his/her reaction? What might be the reaction or his/her family and friends?

Plenary

As a class, draft a job advert for a cantor.