The Contractualisation of the Relationship between the ḥazzan and the Community in the late Middle Ages

The aim of this paper is to highlight the emergence of the cantorate in the late Middle Ages. By cantorate is meant the framework of the ḥazzan`s professional activity in the community that employs him, regulated in a contractual manner. Rabbinic literature is the main source for knowledge of the relationship of the ḥazzan and the community, especially through sheelot u-teshuvot. This literature shows that the contractual relationship does not necessarily result in the issuance of a contract and a commitment may be formulated orally and before witnesses. However, the first written contracts appeared in the Middle Ages. They defined the prerogatives of the ḥazzan, his rights and benefits, and offered him job security—despite the rabbis` displeasure. This paper is based on various contracts presented from a diplomatic perspective, in order to identify typical formulas and their transmission.