FEINSINGER, JOSHUA

FEINSINGER, JOSHUA (Shaye; 1839–1872), Russian ḥazzan. Born in Lithuania, Feinsinger was taught singing by his father, himself a ḥazzan. After completing his musical training, he became chief ḥazzan in the Polish town of Leczyca. In 1868 he was appointed chief ḥazzan in Vilna. Possessing a phenomenal voice and originality of expression, Feinsinger became famous as one of the greatest ḥazzanim of the mid-19th century. His most notable compositions were for the Yoẓer\>\> prayers for the Sefirah Sabbaths.