We can share this Chirstmas Day with Shabbat, look the Sabbath candles glowing before us as a reminder of the light we wish to bring into the world, and look at the Christmas lights in our neighborhood and see them as a sign of those around us who, too, are looking to bring more light into a darkened world.
In order to talk of the role of the Hazzan or Cantor, one must speak about the role of public prayer.
Cantor Erik Contzius is a versatile baritone, a creative composer, and a dynamic performer. His Jewish repertoire is eclectic, ranging from the highly classical (performing the Ernest Bloch "Sacred Service" in Bulgaria, Canada, and Israel) to traditional hazzanut (appearing on the stage of the Stardust Ballroom at Kutsher's Hotel in the Catskills), to dynamic vocal jazz (touring with the Afro-Semitic Experience!). Cantor Contzius' compositions have been performed by cantors and choirs across the United States and can be heard on his album, "Teach My Lips a Blessing."