Page "Hazzan" Paragraph 5

Even in the oldest times the chief qualifications demanded of the hazzan, in addition to knowledge of Biblical and liturgical literature as well as the prayer motifs ( known as " steiger "), were a pleasant voice and an artistic delivery ; for the sake of these, many faults were willingly overlooked.

The hazzan was required to possess a pleasing appearance, to be married, and to have a flowing beard.

Sometimes, according to Isaac of Vienna ( 13th century ), a young hazzan having only a slight growth of beard was tolerated.

Maimonides decided that the hazzan who recited the prayers on an ordinary Sabbath and on week-days need not possess an appearance pleasing to everybody ; he might even have a reputation not wholly spotless, provided he was living a life morally free from reproach at the time of his appointment.