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?

Avraham Fried

“I’d choose the ‘Poltava Niggun.’ For me, that captures the longing of the neshamah as it wishes to be closer to Hashem.”

The “Poltava Niggun” was composed by the tzaddik and chassid Rav Yaakov Morechai Bespalov, rav of Poltava, Ukraine. Rav Yaakov Mordechai would rise at midnight and spend hours preparing himself for morning prayers.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 717)