Pick Your Tune

T

he centuries-old, holy niggunim that are part of the Chabad heritage seem to carry the very spirit of the chassidus: introspective and elevating, with a joy that comes from true spiritual connection. Some niggunim were written by venerated chassidim of centuries past, while others were either composed or adopted by the Chabad rebbes themselves_— but all have been transmitted from generation to generation with great care for their authenticity, and remain vibrant and sung until today. With such a rich and varied selection, what’s your personal favorite Chabad niggun?

Shlomo Simcha

“My favorite is the powerful, slow, ‘Anim Zemiros.’ Chabad chassidim don’t actually say Anim Zemiros as part of davening, but many years ago the Rebbe taught a beautiful niggun for it. He told the story of how chassidim came to shul the morning after Yom Kippur to find a chassid still dressed in his tallis and kittel, fasting, eyes closed, still singing this niggun of ‘cleaving and yearning’ from the night before.”

Each year after hakafos on Simchas Torah, the Lubavitcher Rebbe would either teach a new melody or reintroduce an old one. He taught this niggun to the chassidim on Simchas Torah in 1961.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 717)