The Cantor The Rabbi was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the Shul building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular Cantor was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute Chazan wanted to know which selections of the Tefilla to chant and which not to chant. He also asked which melodies to sing, etc. "Here's a copy of the service," the Rabbi said impatiently. "But you'll have to think of something to sing after I make the appeal announcement about the finances." During the service, the Rabbi paused and said, "My dear, worthy congregants, Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected, and we need $14,000 more than we have allocated. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up." At that moment, the substitute Chazan started singing "The Star-spangled Banner." And that is how the substitute Cantor became the permanent Cantor.