Portal:Music
What is a Niggun?
A niggun is a Chassidic melody, usually wordless, that holds a central place in the Chassidic tradition. Chabad niggunim (plural) are composed either by various Chassidim or, in some cases, by the Rebbeim themselves. In Chassidic life, the niggun is more than just a song; it is a powerful tool in one’s divine service, serving as a path to elevated consciousness and inner transformation. The significance of the Nigun is highlighted by the teaching of the Alter Rebbe that “If words are the pen of the heart, then music is the pen of the soul” As such, there are many varieties of Niggunim,each reflecting a different emotional state in one’s service of G-d. Chabad niggunim are characterized by their measured tempo, elongated movements, and rich inflections. These musical elements are intended to express deep contemplation and inner emotional awakening. Chabad niggunim are considered unique, even in comparison to other forms of Chassidic music. There are 346 officially recognized Chabad niggunim, along with approximately 300 additional unofficial ones. These niggunim are generally wordless, as they are viewed as expressions of spiritual and emotional states that go beyond what can be conveyed through language. In Chabad thought, melody is seen as operating on a higher level than speech, capable of expressing what words cannot. As a result, most Chabad niggunim do not contain lyrics. During prayer, a Chassid often engages in deep reflection on G-dliness, based on the teachings of Chabad Chassidus. When a concept is fully internalized, it may stir an emotional reaction. The Chassid becomes aware of his spiritual state and develops a yearning to draw closer to holiness. This emotional experience can lead to the spontaneous expression of a melody, either quietly and inwardly or with greater intensity and passion. The purpose of this musical expression is to transcend the material and reach for a higher spiritual existence.
Nichoach
Nichoach (Hebrew: ניח"ח), an acronym for Nigunei Yisrael Chassidei Chabad ("Melodies of the Chassidic Jews of Chabad"), is an organization established by the Rebbe Rayatz, for preserving and publishing Chabad niggunim (melodies). The project was led by Rabbi Shmuel Zalmanov, a gifted musician, who compiled the Sefer Haniggunim (Book of Melodies) and produced a series of recordings encompassing the core repertoire of Chabad melodies. He worked under the close guidance of both the Rebbe Rayatz and the Rebbe MH”M A review committee was formed, consisting of senior Chassidim and yeshiva alumni familiar with the original melodies, including Rabbis Moshe DovBer Rivkin, DovBer Haskind, Yochanan Gordon, and others. They reviewed and authenticated 175 melodies, aiming to restore them to their original form. The melodies were sung in a traditional Chassidic style and transcribed by music notation expert Yehoshua Weiser, under the supervision of the committee.
Choir of the Mitteler Rebbe
The Mitteler Rebbe’s Choir was established by the Chassidim of the Mitteler Rebbe (Rabbi DovBer Schneuri) around the year 5574, shortly after he assumed the leadership of Chabad. The Rebbe was personally involved in directing the choir and gave specific instructions regarding their performances. The choir’s primary role was to sing and play music in the presence of the Rebbe during farbrengens and public events, such as Chanukah candle lightings and the Lag BaOmer outings to the fields. At special times—especially when seeking to inspire joy and spiritual arousal—the Mitteler Rebbe would summon the choir, sit by the window, and listen to their melodies while watching the horses run outside. In addition to performing, the choir also composed new niggunim, significantly expanding the Chabad musical repertoire during this period. The main composer was the Chassid Reb Peiva Zhabner. The choir was divided into two sections: one focused on vocal performance, while the other played musical instruments, typically accompanying the singing on weekdays.
Yuf Aleph Nissan Niggunim
Chassidim in the Chabad-Lubavitch community have a longstanding custom of singing niggunim (melodies) incorporating verses from the Rebbe’s kapitel (chapter) of Tehillim (Psalms) in honor of his birthday on Yud Alef Nissan (11th of Nissan) and throughout the year. This practice originated from the Rebbe’s instructions over the years, encouraging the singing of niggunim with lyrics corresponding to the kapitel of either the Friediker Rebbe or the Rebbe himself.
Examples of such niggunim include “Vechol Karnei Reshaim” in the year 5714 (1954) and “Tzama” in 5725 (1965). By 5730 (1970), Chassidim began pairing words from the upcoming kapitel with pre-existing niggunim. The Rebbe strongly encouraged this practice, which the Chassidim understood as an endorsement to continue annually.
In 5742 (1982), Rabbi Feitel Levin composed a new niggun starting with the words “Harninu L’Elokim.” The Rebbe accepted this composition, marking the beginning of a tradition where many Chassidim would submit new niggunim each year. The melody most embraced by the community would be sung at farbrengens (Chassidic gatherings) throughout the year.
As the number and variety of compositions increased, a committee was eventually established to select the annual niggun. The chosen melody would be officially introduced at the Yud Alef Nissan farbrengen and subsequently sung at all farbrengens until the following year.
Niggunim of the Rebbeim
Singers and Composers