Between Nusach and Niggun: The Chazzan’s Evolving Role ft. Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman

In this episode of Jewish Action: The Podcast, Rabbi Gil Student speaks with Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, founding director of the OU Women’s Initiative, about one of the Fall 2025 issue’s most buzzed-about articles. The conversation opens with the now-viral “cantorial controversy,” when Jewish Action accidentally printed the sheet music for We Wish You a Merry Christmas in an article about High Holiday chazanus. What began as an embarrassing oversight became an unexpected opportunity to reflect on mistakes, apologies, and humor in the season of teshuvah.From there, Gil and Adina turn to the larger questions at the heart of the article: how has the synagogue soundscape shifted from the grandeur of classical chazanus to more participatory styles of prayer, and what do we gain—and lose—in the process? Along the way they explore nusach, nigunim, silence, and the tension between performance and participation.Don’t forget to follow, rate and share this episode!