What is "hazzan"

n. (context Judaism English) a Jewish cantor in a synagogue

A hazzan or chazzan ( ħazzān, Yiddish khazn Ladino hassan) is a Jewish musician, or precentor, trained in the vocal arts who helps lead the congregation in songful prayer. In English, this prayer-leader is often referred to as cantor, a term also used in Christianity.

Hazan, Chazan, Chasen, and Khazan are alternative spellings of Hazzan. See also Hassan (surname). Khazan is a transliteration from Russian of the last name Хазан, typically of Russian-Jewish descent. People with the name Hazan include:

• Abraham Chazan (1849–1917), Breslover rabbi
• Adeline Hazan (born 1965), French politician
• Al Hazan, American musician
• Alon Hazan (born 1967), Israeli footballer
• Louise Hazan (born 1979), British environmental campaigner
• Marcella Hazan (born 1924), Italian writer
• Nachman Chazan (1813–1884), Breslover rabbi
• Naomi Hazan (born 1946), Israeli politician
• Samuel Hazan (born 1983), Israeli footballer
• Yaakov Hazan (1899–1992), Israeli politician
• Yehiel Hazan (born 1958), Israeli politician