Shlosha Tzo’akim Ve’Einam Ne'enin [“Three Scream and are not Answered:” A satirical poem poking fun at Chazanim and their choirs in Germany and Poland]

(MUSIC).

circa

Germany?

1800

Hebrew Manuscript on paper, written in a neat Askenazic hand. The writer seeks to remain anonymous due to fear of retribution from the "masses of the lower classes."

A masterfully witty poem abounding in unusual plays on words and Biblical and Talmudic expressions. Among many humorous observations of the Cantor: "Their voices are pleasant to one who has no ears ("oznayim"), their appearance is beautiful to one who has no eyes ("einayim"), gratification is as vinegar is to teeth ("shinayim"). The writer describes the Chazan as having no comprehension of the meaning of the prayers, taking musical influence from circus clowns, whose harmonies "Tzoakim ke'achas, ke'ilu ochazim hakadachas" (scream in unison as if the plague has taken hold of them). In contrast, praised are the sophisticated Chazanim of the Italian, Persian and other Sephardic schools, whose melodies are tranquil and enunciation is clear and correct