Max Wohlberg
Hungarian-American hazzan, composer, and scholar
Max Wohlberg was a multifaceted figure in the music world, serving as a hazzan, composer, and scholar. Born in Hungary, he later immigrated to the United States, where he became a prominent member of the Cantors Assembly, an organization founded in 1947. His involvement with the assembly was significant, as he held the position of president from 1949 to 1951.
Wohlberg's academic contributions were substantial, particularly in the realm of nusach, a subject he taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary. As a professor and head of the nusach department, he played a crucial role in establishing the cantorial school. Notably, Wohlberg was self-taught, yet he developed a comprehensive curriculum for studying nusach, which enabled him to produce scholarly research and educate numerous students. By 1977, over 100 graduates had benefited from his expertise, a testament to his dedication and impact on the field.