Question: What are the requirements to be a proper baal tefila (leader of prayer services / cantor), and can you provide the sources for your answer? Thanks!

Answer: The main requirement for someone to lead the services is that he should be acceptable to the congregation. He must also be over the age of Bar Mitzvah, male, and must know how to pray. Apart from that, the most important requirement is that he should conform to the expectations of the community.

The precise wording in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 53:4) is as follows: “He should be free from sin; not have anything bad said about him, even in his youth; he should be modest and acceptable to the congregation; have a pleasant voice; and be accustomed to read Torah, Prophets, and Writings [i.e. the Bible].”

Discuss this with your local Rabbi and/or the other members of your synagogue.

I hope this answer helps!

Rabbi David Sedley