Information AboutNigun |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT NIGUN | |
| jewish prayer and ritual texts | |
| jewish music | |
| hebrew words and phrases | |
| music genres | |
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A revival of interest in Jewish Music was sparked as part of Hasidism . Different Hasidic groups have their own ''nigunim'', often composed by their '' Rebbe '' or leader. Hasidim gather around holidays to sing in groups. There are also ''nigunim'' for individual meditation, called ''devekus'' or ''devekut'' (connecting with God) ''nigunim.'' These are usually much slower than around-the-table nigunim, and are almost always sung without lyrics. The Baal Shem Tov , founder of Hasidism, spoke of ''devekus nigunim'' as “songs that transcend syllables and sound.” Several tunes attributed to him are still used today. Some ''nigunim'' originate from non-Jewish sources. Hasidic Jews, based on a practice of their founder Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov , have adapted anthems and even folk songs, ascribing them with a new spiritual dimension. For example, Chabad Hasidim have adopted the French tunes of '' La Marseillaise '' and '' Napoleon ’s March '', as well as Russian or German drinking songs as a part of their Liturgy . Many Hasidim believe that these songs, in their secular forms, are in spiritual exile. By adapting them to liturgical forms, they are “raising Holy Sparks” according to the teachings of Rabbi Isaac Luria ’s system of Kabbalah . The process continues to this day, with new ''nigunim'' emerging from time to time. REFERENCES Pinson, DovBer, ''Inner Rhythms: The Kabbalah of Music'', Jason Aronson, Inc. 2000. Excellent chapters on the history of Jewish music, the various types and uses of Hasidic nigunim, etc. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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