• Home
• About Us
• What they say about us
• See & Hear
• Seminars
• Resources & Links
• FAQs
• Information
• Fees
• Contact Us

Welcome to EAJL

A warm welcome to EAJL - The European Academy for Jewish Liturgy – dedicated to inspiring leaders of Jewish prayer.

The phenomenon of the birth of Jewish communities all over Europe, like a phoenix after the flames of the Shoah, has given rise to the need for these congregations to sustain themselves by accessing their often lost heritage. Chazanim (Cantors) and Rabbis are not affordable for most of these groups and unless they have lay people who are able to lead prayer services and life-cycle events, the cultural and religious necessities that bind community, they will find it difficult to sustain themselves and grow.

EAJL nurtures and inspires able individuals who seek to lead their groups in tefillah (prayer), by matching each of them with a professional cantor according to the tradition and language in which they wish to learn, who becomes their mentor.

Jewish prayerbook texts of the siddur and mahzor are embedded in their specific music. The teachers guide students along their spiritual journey and train them in the skills of traditional nusach (prayer chant) and melodies appropriate for each synagogue prayer service. Students can also learn biblical cantillations of different traditions. Each student chooses what he/she wishes to learn.

Individual coaching is supported by seminars with well-chosen scholars. Resources are reviewed constantly. Chazan Jaclyn Chernett, EAJL’s founder, together with the team of directors, works with the Cantors Assembly, the largest body of professional chazanim in the world, to ensure the best network of professional teachers.

 

Mentor Hazzan Alan Smolen (left) with UK Wing Commander and Jewish Chaplain Stephen Griffiths who was transported on EAJL's wings to learn Shacharit for Rosh Hashanah. For the full story click here.

 

	Why Nusach? Click on the picture to hear Chazan Jaclyn Chernett explain.
	EAJL/JMI SEMINAR 7th & 8th November 2007 / SOAS, University of London CHAZAN SOL ZIM - NUSACH L'SHABBAT See video here

 

Chazan, Hazzan, Cantor, Sh’liach Tsibbur (Messenger of the Congregation), Ba’al Tefillah (Master of Prayer), are all words that mean leader of Jewish prayer. A Chazan / Hazzan / Cantor is the title of a person who is qualified to do so.