KOVETZ 1 • TISHREI 5781 Be Active, Navigating and Activate the Sea of the 04 Others ’s Torah A Letter to Talmidei What’s the difference HaYeshivos between & Sefer HaSichos? Why are some volumes of Likkutei Sichos so large and others thinner? How many kinds of letters from the Rebbe are there? Become acquainted with the Rebbe’s vast Torah 22

16 What’s Wrong with Not Chassidishe Music? Sholom Jacobson explains the 12 power of song

Editor: The Leader Of Levi Liberow The Free World Managing Editor: 06 Shraga Crombie Director: Ma’anos of the Rabbi M.M. Hendel Rebbe regarding Rabbinical Advisor: Rabbi Yaakov Chazan Ten Minutes of the dissemination of the Sheva Mitzvos Published by: Unstoppable World Center B’nei Noach to Greet Moshiach Sobbing 744 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11213 Short Stories of Rosh HaShana with the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach פותחין Be Active בדבר Activate Others A Letter to מלכות Talmidei HaYeshivos

This letter is from the series of the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach's first Michtovim Kloliyim, written prior to Rosh Hashana of 5711. This one was is specifically addressed to yeshiva students and outlines their unique responsibilities.

B”H, The First Day ofSelichos, 5710 because study leads to deed. However, if a particular mitzva cannot be carried out by To the Students of the Yeshivos: May others — for example: if a person knows Hashem’s blessing be upon you. that his words will be heeded more, or Greetings and Blessings! if what others are doing does not suffice for With the sanction of the learned the mitzva in question — then he is who head your yeshivos, I would like to obliged to interrupt his study, perform address myself to you — my dear friends, the mitzva, and only then return to his students of the yeshivos — in particular, in study. addition to my letter of Chai Elul. In the days of the approaching month The happy privilege with which of Tishrei, the month during which every Divine providence has enabled you to be Jew is obliged and privileged “to renew his counted among those whose portion in deeds and improve his deeds,” it is the task A facsimile of the original letter as it appeared in 5710; note that it life is Hashem’s Torah, and the unique of every yeshivah student to gird himself wasn't published on the Rebbe's stationery, perhaps since this was characteristic with which Hashem has with ever-increasing vigor: still prior to the Rebbe officially accepting the nesius endowed young people, giving them (a) In avoda that relates to himself: to unusual strength and energy — these rouse himself in true teshuva, accepting all, is an extensive campaign in every for you I shall transform the attribute of two gifts charge you with a distinctive upon himself the yoke of Hashem’s appropriate manner — that all Jewish stern justice to the attribute of mercy.’” responsibility: to stand in the forefront sovereignty, the yoke of studying the boys and girls, children and adolescents, of those who are active, and who activate From one who blesses you and who Torah with the fear of Heaven, and the should be given an authentically Jewish others, in giving spiritual tzedaka to joyful fulfillment of the mitzvos; seeks your blessing — that we all be education (chinuch hakasher) in the time- those who are poor in understanding, inscribed and sealed for a good year, (b) In avoda that relates to others: dispensing this tzedaka with a generous honored traditions of our people, without to bring close those who need to be eye and an open hand. compromise. Menachem Mendel ben Chana brought near, and to lend strength to Schneerson Our Sages have stated decisively: The those who need to be strengthened — “The Holy One, blessed be He, said to positive commandment of studying in the avoda of teshuva, in the study His people: ‘If you better your ways, I shall Son-in-law of the Nasi, his holy Torah is superior, in itself, to the of Torah, and in the fulfillment of rise from the Throne of Judgment and honor, Our master, mentor and Rebbe זצוקללה"ה, נבג"ם, זי"ע, הכ"מ ;(other mitzvos. It is considered their equal the mitzvos. What is called for, above take My place on the Throne of Mercy; (of Lubavitch ARE OTHER RELIGIONS COMPATIBLE WITH SHEVA MITZVOS

The Rebbe’s edits on a press release following the victory in the Supreme Court regarding :(the constitutionality of public Menorahs in Sivan 5749 (1989 מענות The Leader of :The press release read בכתב יד The Free World Dissemination of the We are pleased with the Court’s decision and are not surprised at its ruling... The“ קודש Sheva Mitzvos B’nei Noach founders of this country believed in G-d. They came here to escape the religious persecution of governments ... they hoped to establish on these shores a life where people would enjoy religious freedom and worship G-d freely each in accordance with his or her beliefs. SHEVA MITZVOS B'NEI NOACH - THE ROLE OF THE NATIONS The Rebbe crossed out the line:“ each in accordance with his or her beliefs” and wrote [confidential — חשאי which stands for=] ח :why it must be omitted An answer from the Rebbe from17 th of Menachem Av 5722 Christianity is Avoda Zara, which is contradictory to the seven laws of the children (of Noach, which is not the case with Islam, (1 במענה לשאלתה הטעם שאין על בנ"י להשתדל לגייר את או"ה [=אומות העולם] - (however, the Christians of today [are just keeping to the] actions of their fathers (2 לכאו"א יש לו תפקידו בעולם וסדר הנהגתו ע"פ תורת ה': לבנ"י תרי"ג מצות, או"ה - ז' מצות ב"נ [בני נח] ופרטיהם רק נשמות מעטות (במספר) ביותר תפקידן גם ענין הגירות In response to your question as to why Jews shouldn't try to influence gentiles to convert: Every individual has their mission in this world and the order of his conduct is based on Hashem's Torah: for Jews, it is adhering to the 613 Mitzvos and for the nations of the world it is adhering to the Seven Mitzvos of the sons of Noach and all their details. Only a select few (in quantity) also have the mission to convert. EVEN GENTILES ARE COMMANDED IN SETTLING THE WORLD PUBLISHING A BOOKLET ABOUT SHEVA MITZVOS

An answer to a woman who asked about what to advise a couple that never got along R'‘Hillel Dovid Krinsky asked the Rebbe about publishing a booklet about Sheva and are considering divorce: Mitzvos Bnei Noach. The Rebbe responded: באם ימצא מומחה בזה (נוסף על הצד ההלכתי - בסגנון שלא ירגיז את הנכרים וגם יתאים שגדול השלום וכו' ובזה מעלת בעלי שכל (כי להחריב ר"ל - יכולה גם בהמה וכו') ואפשר להאמת - שלכן בספק - לא להו"ל) שנתחתנו שלא כדמו"י [=כדת משה וישראל] ולכן עליהם לתקן זה [If you will find an expert in this matter (who besides [for being knowledgeable המדובר (תחלתו) גם בנוגע לנכרים שמצווים בישוב העולם in the halachic aspect of this matter - is an expert in the sense of knowing how to That great is peace etc. and it is in this that is the advantage of intelligent beings have this publication written in a style that will not provoke the gentiles and at the (because to destroy r'l - an animal can do as well etc.) and it is possible that they did same time will be faithful to the truth of Halacha etc. therefore [i.e. being that the not marry k'das Moshe v'Yisrael [i.e. in accordance with Torah law] and therefore it conditions are hard to meet] if you are in doubt -- do not publish it. is incumbent upon them to rectify this... What is stated here (the first part) pertains even to gentiles who are commanded in settling the world...

MOMENT OF SILENCE

In 5743 (1943), the Rebbe launched the “Moment of Silence” campaign to institute a moment of silence and reflection as a vital part of education in public schools, so that children will be able to contemplate the fact that the world has a Creator and a Higher force to whom we are all accountable — “a seeing eye and a hearing ear.” Below is an excerpt of an English letter to which the Rebbe added: In present situation a moment of silence; HAH TOMIM 11 HE JUST STOOD AND and could he just come for Rosh Hashana to hear the Rebbe’s tekios. LOOKED The Rebbe’s reply was: Believe me, R’ Yosef Goldstein a’h related that he during the tekios I think about the was in 770 during the nesius of the Rebbe shluchim more than about those who are Rayatz and carefully observed the conduct crowded around the bima. of his son-in-law, the Rebbe: “During the tekios, the Rebbe stood ALL ARE WELCOME motionless and one saw no expression on his face. He stood on the side and just Before Rosh Hashana 5739, after the looked at his father-in-law, the Rebbe Rebbe’s heart attack at the beginning of the Rayatz.” year, the secretaries and gabbaim wanted to make certain limitations regarding the size of the crowd during tefillos and tekios THE FIRST TIME so it wouldn’t be as stuffy. In Elul 5712/1952, R’ Shmuel Zalmanov When the Rebbe found out, he spoke and R’ Zalman Gurary entered the Rebbe’s about it at a that took place on room and asked him to blow the shofar motzoei Shabbos Netzavim. He said, “I do that Rosh Hashana, as was the practice of not know what they are planning – when the Rebbeim. it comes to those matters associated with The Rebbe said that he did not know how to blow. R’ Gurary said, “It’s a chochma and not a skill; how could the Rebbe not There was silence in the shul know this chochma?” Then the Rebbe agreed, saying he wanted to learn with R’ and the only sound was the Zalmanov what the Rebbeim would sing Rebbe. Everyone felt they to themselves before the tekios. were in a different world, rebbedrive.com That year, in addition to the Rebbe that the Rebbe was trying saying the verses before and after the to split the heavens in a tekios, he recited the brachos and blew way that was far beyond the peace of soul and body, without pushing When the Rebbe heard this, he silenced the first tekia; he left the remaining tekios and without all those things that are the the speaker and said everyone should pass for R’ Mendel Tenenbaum. norm. opposite of order of holiness as well as that by and he added that this would only which is the opposite of the non-order of strengthen his health. At the end of the WHO DOES THE REBBE holiness. distribution, the Rebbe repeated that all THINK ABOUT? those who refrained from passing by until DON’T SPARE THE REBBE then (since they were concerned for his The shliach, R’ Berel Baumgarten the gabbaim, selling seats etc. I don’t mix health) should stand on line and receive once wrote to the Rebbe that he yearned in; that’s their job. But obviously, when That year, with the intention of wine from him. to receive permission to be with the it comes to the Torah reading, maftir, protecting the Rebbe’s health, someone Rebbe during the tekios. He said he tekios, they will allow everyone to enter, announced that they should not all pass by TERRIFYING TEARS was committed to being in his place of with no limitations, both on the first the Rebbe for kos shel bracha that would shlichus in Argentina the rest of Tishrei and second days of Rosh Hashana and take place on motzoei Rosh Hashana. The tekios of 5734 were remembered clearly, whoever enters will do so with by all who were present for they were

12 HAHATOMIM HAH TOMIM 133 unusual as compared to other years. The procession also attracted reporters That year it was announced that the Before the reading of the haftora, the “After the Rebbe covered the packages and photographers from the secular Rebbe did not want Chassidim to be Rebbe looked to either side and behind of pidyonei nefesh and the shofaros with media who came to see the captivating present when he went for Tashlich. “Just him and asked R’ Mendel and R’ Asher a tallis, a terrible cry was heard,” said spectacle. One could see that it bothered as when the Rebbe makes kiddush in his to come closer. someone who was there. “In that first the Rebbe to be photographed on Yom house it is a private matter, so too for A year later, in 5726, after the haftora, instant, some may have thought it was Tov and sometimes he tried to conceal Tashlich.” the Rebbe asked whether R’ Asher was the cry of a child who decided just then his face. Throughout the years, this was one of there and asked that he stand on the to cry, but then they realized it was the the few events where Chassidim were not platform. R’ Asher hesitated about going Rebbe. It was a powerful wailing that MAKING AN IMPRESSION surrounding the Rebbe aside from a few up and after arranging the shofaros and defies description, about ten minutes of of the secretaries, Rashag, and ten senior handkerchiefs, the Rebbe asked once terrible nonstop crying. The shliach, R’ Zalman Posner related Chassidim. again whether he was there. Only then that in 5702, when the first procession “There was silence in the shul and the did he start the tekios. took place, he was still a boy. Being an only sound was the Rebbe. Everyone felt American child who was used to “well- EVERYTHING IS HERE In 5727, the Rebbe said that all the they were in a different world, that the mannered” behavior, this procession Chassidim who left Russia should stand Rebbe was trying to split the heavens in Erev Rosh Hashana 5711 there was still made him uncomfortable and he would around him for all the tefillos, especially a way that was far beyond the norm. Even no built over the gravesite of the Rebbe lag behind, at the end of the procession. during the haftora and the blowing of the his face during the tekios and the way he Rayatz and the Rebbe stood for hours shofar. Before the Torah reading, they said the pesukim were frightening. When they returned to 770, an in the rain. When he finished reading announced that all those who left Russia American Jew impeccably attired in the pidyonei nefesh, it was very late. “During the verses preceding the tekios should stand on the platform and during holiday dress approached him, took there were two paragraphs that the Rebbe When all of those who had come the two days of Rosh Hashana, before the his arm and demanded, “Why are they said while sobbing, ‘al yaashkuni zeidim’ were about to leave, they discovered tekios, the Rebbe looked around to see singing?” and ‘ala Elokim b’terua.’” that the gate of the cemetery (near the that they were all in place. “I stammered. I barely got out anything ohel) was already locked. The Rebbe said, It should be noted that the Yom Kippur The next day, when the Rebbe saw besides ‘Rosh Hashana’ and ‘Tashlich.’” “Everything is here, a minyan etc. We just War began a few days later and we lost that not all of them were standing on the The man still grasped the boy’s arm and he lack a shofar!” thousands of men. platform he began looking around to find said, “Here, deep inside,” pointing at his After attempts at getting a key failed, them. heart, “I have a spark,” and he walked off. the Rebbe walked the entire length of the IMPRESSIVE After saying the verses, the Rebbe cemetery to the main gate where they said that the children of the Russian PROCESSION boarded the bus and returned to 770. TASHLICH CHANGES immigrants should come up too, and Starting in 5702 and throughout the The big procession that took place each he said that R’ Berel Futerfas and R’ early years of the nesius, Chassidim would year on the way to Tashlich began in 5702 I WILL COME TO YOU Mordechai Chein should come up on go to the Botanical Gardens for Tashlich. and ended in 5727. At the end of that year, the platform, as the Rebbe searched the There were years that the Rebbe said They went in an impressive procession in Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka said to Rabbi crowd for them. that the Chassidim who had just left which they walked in two straight lines, all Shneur Zalman Gurary that the long walk Russia should stand near him during the When they hesitated about going up, singing, with the Rebbe leading the way. was a strain for the Rebbe and she wasn’t tekios. This began in 5725. the Rebbe said sharply, “If they cannot For the entire length of the pedestrian pleased about it. come to me, I will go to them.”When he It was shortly after the arrival of R’ island along Eastern Parkway, traffic R’ Gurary hired a drilling company that saw R’ Berel Futerfas he motioned with Mendel Futerfas and R’ Asher Sossonkin would stop as the Chassidim crossed while dug in the yard behind the library to see his finger for him to come up. All that from Russia. After the Rebbe went to the people all around watched in curiosity. whether they would find water. Water was time, it was apparent that the Rebbe was bima used for the Torah reading, before The police escorted the procession with found a few days before Rosh Hashana, not pleased by the delay in their going up his aliya, he asked that they stand near great honor. and a well was set up near 770. to the platform. him.

14 HAHATOMIM HAH TOMIM 155

אגרות קודש לקוטי שיחות

in he Rebbe’s letters are printed in the In the later years, when the Rebbe's לקוטי שיחות is “A Collection The Rebbe gave the name לקוטי שיחות he meaning of These schedule couldn't allow the time to .אגרות קודש T30 volume set of .תשכ"ז TOf Talks”. These are Sichos that the answer so many letters, he would usually .תשל"ח as a Kuntres on a specific include just the letters until מגיה Rebbe was it became a weekly seder besides תש"ל In topic from the weekly Parsha or Yom Tov. answer briefly to a and The letters include deep explanations תשל"ב) a few breaks in the middle can be a letter which was לקוטי שיחות Sometimes a Sicha in Sichos were coming out from the in Nigleh and Chassidus, answers .(תשל"ה compilation of up to four times the Rebbe sent to him with on questions in emuna, direction in תשנ"ב Rebbe before every Shabbos until spoke about the same topic from over a 20 a sentence or two Shlichus and Chinuch, and letters of .פרשת ויקהל year span! (sometimes even the encouragement to any Jew who is תשל"ג-ל"ד In The Sicha is totally rewritten to be one one word). These .the having a hard time מגיה Rebbe was topic that could be learned on its own with answers are called Sichos in Loshon .מענות countless notes and references. There are three kinds of letters from Hakodesh. These the Rebbe: There are Sichos make up In addition to letters in a private Hebrew and Yiddish, there – מכתב פרטי volumes volumes 10-14. From 1. A 39 letter written to a specific are also many letters תשמ"ו until תשל"ה in Likkutei Sichos. the Rebbe had the person or group of in English which were sichos prepared .people on a personal or published separately תשח"י In in Yiddish again the Rebbe began to be communal matter which many Chassidim ג' תמוז volumes 15-29), After) old sichos about מגיה .the Rebbe returned again to is connected to him תשמ"ז and in the weekly Parsha before write to the Rebbe and place Loshon Hakodesh (volumes 30-39). ;אגרות קודש a the letter in the – מכתב כללי - פרטי every Shabbos as an aid 2. A letter which was sent out often one will find a clear — הוספות would have ליקוט for the Bochurim who Usually, the went to teach Chassidus mainly letters of the Rebbe that people to many people usually in answer on the page to which in shuls. These sichos are agreed to publish. Every volume has in the regards to an upcoming he opened to that often the first 2 volumes . back these letters which are published not Yom Tov or the like, to leads to great miracles! chronologically, but according to topics. These weekly booklets which the Rebbe added weren’t yet known as Likkutei Sichos, rather The sichos were prepared by the members a post script addressing .who also took care of private issues ועד להפצת שיחות of the .לחזור בבתי כנסיות תוכן ענינים בדא"ח as printing and sending the sichos worldwide. a “general – מכתב כללי the Rebbe did so again for another 3. A תשכ"ג In letter” which the Rebbe ,ליקוט year and these comprise the next two Chassidim are still awaiting the new in the treasures addressed to "every קאך volumes. but until then we must the Rebbe has already given us. the Rebbe began reciting Sichos Jewish person wherever תשכ"ה In the first eight. he may be” which began מגיה explaining Rashi and was and תש"י to come out in were written every year מגיה Over the next few years the Rebbe was

Sichos at random times. All the sichos from before Rosh Hashana and are found in volumes 5-9 תשל"ב to תשכ"ה Pesach, and occasionally of the set. for other occasions. ספר המאמרים ספר השיחות

the Rebbe began תשמ"ז this In - דברי אלקים חיים is called מאמר הוספות t times the Rebbe too many means that when a Rebbe says a to recite less maamorim, but and they became A מגיה would be old maamorim מגיה A maamar, the Shechina is talking out of his began to be a certain sicha he a separate book mouth! in honor of Chassidishe Yomim Tovim until השיחות recently said, and in called .תשנ"ב which has When the Rebbe says a maamar, everyone ספר the earlier years add מלוקט and notes. 12 volumes from stands. The maamar is These came out in six volumes of מראי מקומות .ספר המאמרים - ,said with a special tune .תשנ"ב until תשמ"ז These sichos came out in booklets with the and is a very spiritual The last three volumes are comprised of The rest of the appear in Rebbe’s Shaar Blatt experience. The maamar some ,ספר המאמרים which are the various sets of ,נ"ב– תשנ"א the sichos of in a print format, and later went into the usually discusses deep sichos in which the Rebbe describes the arranged by the years and other according of the Likkutei Sichos. inyonim in Chassidus הוספות special time we are in – the time of the to the parshiyos. and Kabbalah. Geula, and what is required of us in order ,תשמ"ח and more particularly in תשמ"ז In באתי לגני All the the Rebbe began to farbreng every week, to live with Moshiach. Many learn these The Rebbe began to ma'amorim the sichos to sichos every week again and again. They write down his maamorim מגיה after which he would be (which were see facimile of maamar) .דבר מלכות be published in the newspapers are also known as said every Yud — one week in Yiddish for the Ki sisa 5711), but due to lack of time he Highlights of these sichos were compiledp Shevat until Algemeiner Journal and didn’t continue to do so, and like the came (תשמ"ח הגהגאולה in the famous book תשנ"ג in .בלתי מוגה one week in Hebrew for sichos, most came out which is the first book ,בשורת the . out in a special .volume set 2 מגיה the Rebbe approved that the Occasionally the Rebbe would be be attached a maamar which would come out in a מלך המשיח Due to this, title there were to his holy name! kuntres.

שיחות קודש _ התוועדויות

set of 50 volumes! A new edition is being שיחות קודש the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach and have them printed and disseminated תש"י ince Sbegan to Farbreng often on Shabbos throughout the world. published, with all the sichos retyped, many (at least every shabbos Mevorchim) and sichos that were missing restored, with an" – "בלתי מוגה" are called שיחות These Yom Tov. references and diaries added. unedited transcript”, because the Rebbe appear in תשמ"ב-תשנ"ב who had not checked it over and it would not The hanachos of - חוזרים After the Farbrengen the !set of 43 volumes תורת מנחם - התוועדויות listened intently and “recorded” the appear with the Rebbe’s Shaar Blatt or the Sichos in their mind – would repeat the Kehos logo. There is another series in the making with the same name that includes all the sichos מניחים Rebbe’s words. After Shabbos the תש"י-תשמ"א The hanachos of the years .translated to Hebrew תש"י-תשמ"א transcribers) would write them down of-) were printed (mostly in Yiddish) in the

Question: It is known that are different than other niggunim, and as such, their special quality is easily discernible. Still, it is hard to agree with the kana’us (zealotry) for Chabad niggunim exclusively and the dismissal of other niggunim. It’s one thing when it’s a farbrengen or davening, but what about in one’s free time – what’s the big problem with singing Jewish or Chassidic songs that add chayus and simcha to one’s avodas Hashem? Answer: The question can be considered a good, logical question as long as we are not aware of the inner significance of Chabad niggunim. When we learn about what Chabad niggunim are, even if we briefly peruse what appears in the writing of our Rebbeim, we will discover that the question is not a question.

Even within the earthiness and “FREE TIME IS NO materialism of the world, there needs DIFFERENT” to be the awareness of “Ein od milvado” (there is nothing but Him). Matters of First, let us take a look at the idea of holiness and G-dliness pertain not just separating between the time for learning, to a specific time and place, to a beis davening and farbrenging and one’s medrash when learning and davening. free time. This approach is somewhat They need to encompass a person all the reminiscent of the approach of the time. maskilim, “Be a Jew in your home and a man when you go out.” As long as you Actually, specifically those times and in than other niggunim, this advantage will concealment relative to oneself and a are in the dalet amos of Torah and tefilla, those places that are not bound by rules not change in our free time. revelation to others. That is regarding in your private home, conduct yourself from the hanhala of a yeshiva or peer thought and speech, but with negina – as a Jew, but when you go out to the pressure, are the time and the yardstick MUSIC – QUILL OF THE that is the language of the soul and its to see whether these ideas are ingrained revelation. world, when you come in contact with SOUL the gashmius of the world, you can forget within us in a deep and truthful way. Do Sefer HaSichos 5709, p. 278: a bit about the Creator, relieve yourself we live with it, is it part of us, or not so What is the uniqueness of a niggun and There are various niggunim. There a bit of the “heavy yoke,” and live like a much. Is it something only superficial and what is its place in the hierarchy of the are foolish niggunim in which he taps normal person. peripheral? powers of the soul? I will quote some short his foot and claps his hands but it’s excerpts from the Rebbe Rayatz: Our Rebbeim fought to the extreme When something is firmly fixed within nothing. It’s without an inner content. against this approach as we know what the someone, then it makes no difference Sefer HaSichos 5697, p. 221: But there are niggunim pnimiyim, along Rebbe Rayatz said when he came to the whether he is at home or at work, at shul the lines of “Rebbi Meir would sing (in Negina is the language of the soul. United States, “America is no different.” or on the street. prayer) with all kinds of song." In the maamar V’yodaata 5657, the Yiddishkeit and Chassidishkeit are not Here too, if the advantage and the province of the Old Country; they are difference between thought and speech Sefer HaSichos 5702 p. 122: preciousness of Chabad niggunim are is explained. The letters of thought are a relevant even to the America of today. Language is the quill of the heart and understood to be incomparably greater revelation to oneself and a concealment song is the quill of the soul. When you from others. The letters of speech are a

242 HAHATOMIM HAH TOMIM 255 hear a niggun you can discern whether quite weak, they did not know whether wild) or the words of the song (secular If one ought to be careful about reading it is a “filled” niggun or an “empty” he could tolerate the surgery. or of holy content) but on the composer. something written by someone whose niggun. views are not in line with Torah, then Hearing this, he said they should wait all the more so must one be careful with Sefer HaSichos 5706 p. 52: until he sang and and became engrossed BEWARE “HIDDEN EVIL” music from such a person. in the niggun etc – we know that he A niggun shows a person what state It is known that everything a person was musically gifted, and in his great In Chassidus, there are things that are he is in, what state he should be in, and comes in contact with, even something deveikus in the sweetness and pleasure in the category of “hidden evil,” that a what state he could be in, that he can “external” makes an impact on man’s soul. of the niggun, he would not feel what person does not discern but whose effects attain, which is through the revelation of For example, eating. There are types of they were doing to him and then they are destructive. This evil can bring a the essence – the essence of the neshama. food that engender bad tendencies in could perform the operation without person down (and in a way, is even worse a person and the opposite. Clothing – A niggun is a doorway and gateway fear. than “revealed evil”), without a person what you wear affects you. We know that through which you can reach the state realizing it (see Sefer HaMaamarim 5704 That’s what happened. They waited Shabbos clothes help a person absorb the you should be in. p. 99). until he sang and became engrossed in holiness of Shabbos (as in the custom of Likkutei Dibburim vol. 3, p. 409: the niggun etc, and then they performed wearing silk which comes from a living I’m talking about things which, at Once … every Chassid had delight the operation and all went well. creature). Society – your environment first glance, do not seem problematic like reading a secular book (a book that and sweetness in a given niggun … when What greater tangible testament is makes a big impact on you. is not forbidden). All the more so with a he sang that niggun it disconnected him there than the fact that thousands of baalei The same is true for a niggun. Although niggun (see Sefer HaMaamarim 5699 p. from his simplicity and elevated him teshuva changed their way of life from it is only heard, its impact on the soul is 98 for the reason why a person can attain from a mundane state. one extreme to another with the power very powerful. “expiry of the soul” through hearing and Sefer HaSichos 5706 p. 47: Furthermore, as the Rebbe Rayatz not through sight). is quoted above, song is the quill of the The Alter Rebbe said: A niggun has This is why, one needs to be extra soul. A niggun expresses that which lies the ability to extricate man even from careful with those niggunim that are What greater tangible more deeply within the soul because the deepest mud. inspiring and moving, because a person testament is there than the when composing a song, the composer relates to a niggun and is influenced by it To summarize: A niggun is the quill of invests and expresses his soul. The inner fact that thousands of baalei more than by a niggun that does not move the soul. A niggun can remove a person workings of his soul are expressed within him that much. from the lowest place and lift him to the teshuva changed their way the movements of the music. It is not highest of places, which nothing else can of life from one extreme to merely like writing or speaking which accomplish. another with the power of a comes from man’s external soul garments LEVELS OF NIGGUNIM but from the inside; music is the language Specifically, it is important to discern niggun! of the soul. THE POWER OF A and be aware of the place that a given NIGGUN This is why one needs to be very careful niggun has within the hierarchy of about niggunim. Not just because of the niggunim as it affects the divine service There are some interesting facts from words or tune which can sound fine, of a person. From the lowest level to the which we can see how powerful a niggun of a niggun! There are many well known appropriate and even inspiring for avodas highest, they are: is, such as the story told by the Rebbe and touching stories that attest to this... Hashem, but mainly because a niggun 1-There are niggunim that are in the MH”M on Shabbos, parshas Shemini has something deeper that comes from At the same time, for the same reason, category of “niggun asur” (forbidden 5744: the soul of the composer and when the if a niggun comes from a problematic niggun), niggunim that according to composer is in a problematic “state” (to When the Modzitzer Rebbe was source, it can bring a person down Torah are forbidden to listen to. We don’t put it nicely), then this is expressed (often sick and went to Berlin to consult with because, it depends, to a great extent, need to describe them, just to emphasize in a hidden way) in his music. doctors, they told him he needs an not only on the style of the song (soft or that just as we need to be careful to avoid operation. However, since his heart was forbidden foods, forbidden speech,

262 HAHATOMIM HAH TOMIM 27 forbidden sights, so too, we need to be about avoiding listening to forbidden careful to avoid listening to this music. music! 2-There are niggunim that are in the Where there are different views in category of “niggun shoteh” (vacuous halacha as to whether a certain niggun niggun), [like the term “hadas shoteh” is forbidden outright or there may be which means devoid of halachic standing room to permit it, remember what the regarding the mitzva of the four species], Rebbe once said: From listening to such which includes most tunes and songs that a niggun, fear of heaven will definitely not have no “inside” and inner depth. They be increased! are empty, without particular meaningful content. IT DEPENDS ON WHOM (In this category are included niggunim YOU ARE TALKING one needs to beware of and to know what their source is, as we mentioned regarding ABOUT “hidden evil.”) Regarding a “vacuous niggun” there 3-There are niggunim that are in the is another point (based on the Rebbe’s category of “niggun memula” (filled response to a Chabad singer). There are niggun), niggunim with meaningful people for whom a “vacuous niggun” is content that contain, hidden within, a step up like those who are becoming some inner substance, like a niggun that religious. If such a person were to sing absorbed the warmth and enthusiasm of with passion the well-known “v’kareiv a Chassid as he davened or that was sung pezureinu” [not the one that was sung at at the Rebbe’s farbrengen. All Chabad times in front of the Rebbe], it is a step niggunim are included. up from where he was coming from, he is getting excited about the impending 4-There are niggunim in the category Geula etc. Previously he was listening to of “niggun mechuvan” (exact niggun), that which is forbidden and now he has those which are associated with our made progress. Rebbeim, niggunim whose every tone is exactly aligned with the most exalted But for a bachur from spiritual levels. whose entire world is one of holiness and G-dliness, a “vacuous niggun” is a big in the papers is so that even someone like their music does not reach the ankles It is important to emphasize that we step down for him. It depends who we that will know about Moshiach’s coming.] of a “niggun memula” or a “niggun need to have very clear lines between are talking about … mechuvan.” the forbidden and the vacuous. Even As for niggunim whose source is someone who still does not discern or feel [It’s like what the Rebbe once said, true, “ONE NEEDS TO KNOW unknown, even if we feel inspired by the special quality of Chabad niggunim the Alter Rebbe said “Moshiach will be WHERE IT COMES them, we ought to apply the rule “sit and even someone who does not discern written about in the newspapers,” but that FROM” and don’t take action, that’s preferable,” that which is absent in other niggunim, doesn’t mean our knowledge of Moshiach because it is very likely that the source is who will maintain that he is not “holding should come from there. We need to know Although “all Jews are presumed not good as we learn from the following there,” and niggunim from other Chassidic about Moshiach from the source, from kosher,” there are certain singers who incident. courts or the frum world in general, are sifrei Chassidus. Newspapers are for those went off the derech, in some manner or good enough for him, should remember who haven’t yet come in contact with another, and did so publicly. So one would At one of the , the Rebbe that in any case, he must be very careful Chassidus. The purpose of the publicity not need ruach ha’kodesh to understand asked one of the guests from Eretz Yisrael, that their music is problematic. Obviously, who was a well known baal-menagen, to

282 HAHATOMIM HAH TOMIM 29 sing a niggun. He sang an ancient niggun [There are tunes that our Rebbeim As for a niggun composed by a Rebbe, mainly niggunim sung for and by the that is sung in many Israeli communities elevated to holiness like the popular tune whose soul is invested in the movements Rebbe, should take first place in our lives. whose words speak of the Jew’s deveikus for “Ha’Aderes v’ha’Emuna.” Obviously, of the niggun, we cannot even conceive The story goes that the Rebbe found to the Shechina and the tune was also one only a Rebbe can do this. G-d forbid that of such a level. out about a wedding of Anash at which all of deveikus. However, to the surprise of people should think that anyone can do A niggun of the Rebbe is even loftier sorts of songs were played but not Chabad everyone, the Rebbe stopped him and this as the Alter Rebbe asks, “How can he than his words of Torah as it says in niggunim and the Rebbe said, “Why graze said, “One needs to know where it comes raise it up above when he himself is bound Likkutei Dibburim, quoting the Tzemach in foreign fields?” from,” and it was not sung again for the down below?”] Tzedek: Rebbe. The very fact that one is looking in When reviewing a dvar Torah you other places already shows that something Furthermore, we have singers who are THE GREATER POWER unite with the nefesh-ruach-neshama is lacking, especially when we don’t lack called “Chassidic singers,” who took tunes OF THE POSITIVE of the baal-ha’shemuah, and when you for Lubavitcher niggunim. There are from the goyim and put pesukim to them. sing a melody of the baal-ha’shemua you hundreds of nigunei deveikus, gaaguim, The tune remains in the nethermost pits Considering all the above, we unite with his chaya-yechida. simcha and rikud. So really, why look and obviously, a tune from an impure understand how worthwhile it is to try elsewhere? source won’t have positive effects. Rather and listen to Chabad niggunim and surely, There is another saying, also from the than take a person out of the mud and the niggunim of the Rebbeim, for a niggun Tzemach Tzedek: elevate him to kedusha, a tune like this that is filled and saturated with inner When it says in the Yerushalmi NECESSARY CAUTION gets him deeper into the mud. avodas Hashem we can readily project “Whoever says something in the name In our generation, with all of its to what heights it can raise the person. of the baal-ha’shemua should imagine as technological advances and “sound though the baal-ha’shemua is standing effects,” recordings of Chabad niggunim before him,” that is only “imagine” have been produced with all sorts of and “as though,” but when you sing his production techniques and background tune, then the baal-ha’niggun himself is voices. The producer does not necessarily actually there. stick to the original notes. Unfortunately, Action is the main thing: Try to listen he does with the niggun as he pleases. to recordings of Nichoach that were In a way, this is worse than listening produced with the Rebbe’s instructions to ordinary Chassidic songs since the and encouragement and which he listened innocent listener is confused and learns to himself; listen to recordings of ziknei the niggun wrong. Chassidim; and especially listen to It is, or at least should be, well known niggunim sung by the Rebbe himself. to what extent one should be particular about the exactitude of a Chabad niggun, WHY GRAZE IN FOREIGN specifically because of its holy origins and it shouldn’t be changed. The holiness of FIELDS? a niggun is like the holiness of Torah – it Another point that is important to depends on sticking to the source without emphasize is Chabad identity. As Chabad adding or subtracting. Chassidim who are connected to the There is nothing wrong with an Rebbe, it needs to be clear that these orchestra and choir (the purpose of the niggunim, with which generations of Nichoach choir back then was specifically Chabad Chassidim grew up, niggunim to produce the niggunim in an attractive with which Anash and tmimim went way), but that’s only fine when the beauty through times of mesirus nefesh, and is not at the expense of the original tune.

303 HAHATOMIM HAH TOMIM 31 לזכות הת' מנחם מענדל, חיה מושקא, חנה, שיינא ושניאור זלמן קרומבי

In Memory of

Harav HaChosid Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Ben Harav HaChasid Rabbi Ben Tzion 27 Elul Moras Mrs Rivka Bas HaRav HaChasid Rabbi Tzvi 29 Tammuz By her children Rabbi Shmuel and HaTomim Rabbi Yaakov Mordchai Spritzer

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