What's Special About Hiring a Cantor?

Both rabbis and cantors are trained clergy with deep knowledge of Jewish ritual. There is no hierarchy here, just different kinds of training and emphasis. Oftentimes, deciding who should be your officiant is more a matter of how you connect with the person and less about their training.

That said, there are a few things that make cantors distinct, and for some couples, those differences matter in very practical ways.

Jewish weddings are imbued with musical elements, where key moments are elevated through song, adding a layer of emotional depth and tradition. The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) or the Priestly Benediction, for example—these moments were designed to be experienced through sound, rhythm, and melody.

When you work with a cantor, you are working with someone who is trained to both speak and sing. That combination allows the ceremony to move naturally between spoken language and music without feeling stitched together. It creates continuity and emotional pacing, which couples may not realize they are responding to until they feel it in the room.

The Seven Blessings are a good example of this. Many people consider them the “center piece” of the ceremony. The blessings carry theology, poetry, joy, memory, and hope. They are ancient, but they are also meant to feel alive.

While some rabbis sing the Seven Blessings, cantors spend a good amount of their training working specifically on this text—not just the notes, but the interpretation. Where to linger, where to lift the melody, how to allow space for the community to join in at the end without losing the integrity of the prayer. It is meant to be a collaborative performance that is neither rushed nor casual. That balance is part of a cantor’s expertise.

Cantors are also trained as performers and storytellers. That doesn’t mean less substance; it means crafting meaning through tone, pacing, and restraint. That training comes from music, where expression matters as much as content. It carries over into how I talk about relationships, commitment, and covenant.

This performance training is also helpful in very practical ways. Weddings are dynamic—filled with distractions, weather, movement, and emotion. A cantor is trained to read a room, adjust in real time, and keep people with them. That matters when you are standing under a chuppah with a large crowd and a lot of energy in the space.

Choosing a cantor is about selecting a specific skill set. Some couples want a ceremony centered on teaching and explanation. Others want one that leans more heavily on music, rhythm, and storytelling. Many couples want both, and that is often where a cantor feels like the right fit.

Ultimately, choosing between a cantor or a rabbi for your wedding is about aligning your ceremony with your personal journey and values, ensuring that this pivotal moment reflects who you are as a couple. Knowing the differences simply helps you choose the guide who will do that work in the way that resonates most with you.