World’s foremost hazzan has died

The renowned synagogue cantor Naftali Herstik died yesterday at the age of 77. The funeral took place today in Ra’anana, Israel.

Born into a Hungarian dynasty of traditional prayer leaders, Herstik served for 30 years as chief hazzan of the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem. He set up an academy where most of today’s leading practitioners trained, and where his sons continue to teach.

Herstik was regarded as the supreme authority on central European Ashkenazy melodic liturgy.

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