Colel Chabad has released the third installment of Nafshi Live, the music video series highlighting the niggunim sung at the annual Nafshi events. This release features acclaimed singer Alex Clare, performing the soulful niggun Kol Dodi.
The timing of this release is intentional: today is Chai Elul, the birthday of the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad Chassidus and of Colel Chabad, as well as the composer of this very niggun. Chai Elul is also the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement.
The Niggun Kol Dodi captures the essence of Elul. Hashem is always calling out to us — “פתחי לי אחותי רעייתי יונתי תמתי – Open for Me, My sister, My beloved, My dove, My perfect one” — but in Elul this call takes on a special closeness. As the Alter Rebbe taught, this is the time of “HaMelech Basadeh” — when the King leaves His palace and comes into the field. There, among ordinary people, He greets each of us with warmth, inviting us to let Him into our lives.
Kol Dodi gives voice to this moment. It is the sound of Hashem’s longing for a relationship with us, and the soul’s yearning to respond. The niggun embodies the central theme of Elul: “Ani LeDodi VeDodi Li – I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”
Nafshi is the premier Yud Tes Kislev event, arranged annually by Colel Chabad in honor of the Alter Rebbe. Known as the Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus, Yud Tes Kislev marks the Alter Rebbe’s release from prison and the spreading of Chassidus. Through Nafshi — and now the Nafshi Live series — Colel Chabad continues to share the inspiration of Chassidus through music and song.
Founded in 1788, Colel Chabad is the oldest continuous tzedakah organization in Israel, providing food security, medical aid, and social support to thousands across the country.
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Thank you. Alex sings from the heart. So sincere. Inspiring.
thank you Alex you sing so nice keep up the good work