T

he rarefied atmosphere of the Yamim Noraim, a blend of awe and longing and intense prayer, is closely tied to the solemn tunes and the stirring words. The power of a niggun to awaken our hearts is a blessing which comes into its own at this auspicious time of year.

Which song or niggun creates that special Yamim Noraim feeling for you?

Author and educator: Rabbi Nachman Seltzer

MBD’s “Vehayah Bayom Hahu” — composed by the previous Skulener Rebbe and originally recorded on Pirchei’s first record back in 1964 — can really bring a person into the Yamim Noraim mode. The arrangements are simple — a lot of piano — and you can really feel the song and almost see the vision. Hillel Paley’s “Ochila LaKeil” is a natural power source, whether for davening or any time you want to access the mood. And on Yom Kippur, Yigal Calek’s “Emes Mah Nehedar” is a classic that shakes the beis medrash.
But the tune that epitomizes Yamim Noraim for me is the powerful nusach of the Kaddish leading into Mussaf, when the entire congregation, poised and ready to daven this key part of the day’s avodah, joins the chazzan and sings in a glorious crescendo “Baagala u’b’zman kariv, v’imru… Amen!”

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 726)