[1] In formal Jewish worship, a cantor is a person who sings solo verses or passages to which the choir or congregation responds.
[1] They often come from a long line of cantors in their family; born with a natural gift of singing with extensive vocal range.
The role of professional cantor is especially central in Reform and Conservative Judaism, where they serve as clergy in their congregations.
[3] A cantor goes through years of extensive religious education, similar to that of a rabbi, in order to become officially recognized as such.
Professional cantors are usually seen only in particularly large congregations or on special occasions, such as the High Holy Days.