The popular song “Kiddush,” recorded by Sruli Lipshitz this past summer, has that slow, reflective tune and classic words that make it seem like a niggun from decades ago. The words “Lomir machen Kiddush oif der gantzer velt” are a pronouncement of our intent to sanctify the entire world on Shabbos — almost like Kiddush itself.

Composer Avrohom Mordche Schwarz says that he and Lipshitz originally came up with the first part of the song, which uses the Aramaic words of the introduction (in nusach Sfard) some people say before Kiddush on Friday night (“Veyaisai lanu ulechal nafshasana china vechisda verachamei…”). “Then, I recalled that one year in Uman, someone proclaimed, ‘Mir geit machen Kiddush oif der gantzer velt [We’re about to make Kiddush for the whole world].’ Apparently the Ribnitzer Rebbe used to say this before making Kiddush on Friday night. This picture came into my mind, together with the words ‘Ki vo shavas Keil.’ The tune followed naturally, and Sruli recorded it right away.”

Schwarz says that “It’s a zechus to be part of the moiradig preparations for Shabbos, and to help bring people to an elevated Shabbos feeling.” He also recounts that one chassidishe bochur who had left mitzvah observance said that when he heard the song, it stirred the beginning of his return to keeping Shabbos after an extended fall.

When asked about his favorite kumzitz niggun, singer Levi Falkowitz responded: "A kumzitz singer has to understand the crowd and what they are into, and songs also change every season. One kumzitz option I love is “Lomir Machen Kiddush." I’m connected to both the composer and the arranger, and I liked the song the second I heard it. It feels almost like we’re building a monument to Shabbos, sharing Shabbos with the world."