Cantorial Ordination Curriculum

Three Paths to Ordination

You may choose from three Cantorial Ordination tracks:

• The five-year, full-time CANTOR-EDUCATOR PROGRAM (CEP) combines musical studies with education courses in the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education; graduates earn a Master of Jewish Education in tandem with ordination and qualify to fill roles such as Hebrew school principal, community life director and teacher.

• The four- or five-year, full-time CANTORIAL ORDINATION PROGRAM gives students the opportunity to choose courses in their areas of interest, including focused study of Jewish texts and liturgy; graduates earn ordination plus a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies with a concentration in Jewish Sacred Music.

• The RAV-HAZZAN PROGRAM, offered by School of Jewish Music and the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, is a comprehensive course of study leading to dual ordination as a rabbi and cantor; the integrated curriculum enables students to complete both programs within a condensed time frame.

All ordination programs begin with a year of Mekorot. Under the supervision of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College, cantorial students join with beginning rabbinical students to immerse in the study of Jewish life and practice, Hebrew language and texts, both classical and modern. Students who enter the ordination programs with advanced standing may qualify to complete their course of study within a shorter time frame.

Course of Study

Cantorial coursework includes classes in the history of Jewish music, choral conducting, musicianship, liturgy and the prayer book, vocal performance, nusach (prayer-song), cantillation (vocalization of sacred texts), song-leading, contemporary liturgical music and composition, as well as professional training in religious leadership and pastoral counseling. The program includes voice lessons and coaching by Boston’s finest teachers, as well as an opportunity to participate in Shir Tzion, SJM’s cantorial student ensemble, and the renowned Zamir Chorale of Boston, artists-in-residence at Hebrew College.

A Musical Learning Community

Each week, you will join together for a community meeting to experience guest lectures, master classes and performances, as well as participate in group discussions and shared problem-solving. During shacharit and mincha prayer services, you will gain experience leading prayer and reading Torah. You may also choose to participate in SJM’s weekly, open, hevruta-style (partner study) Bet Midrash for the study of nusach and cantillation with faculty coaches.

Internships

As part of your course of study, you will observe and assist a professional cantor in a synagogue or other appropriate setting. In the fall semester, you will spend most of your time shadowing your mentor. During the spring semester, you will have time on the pulpit and be observed by and receive feedback from your cantor-mentor.