By COLlive reporter
Very few Chassidim stood there that night of 5716 (1955), listening to the Rebbe sing a niggun. Nor would you expect too many people to be standing there, at four o’clock that morning of Simchas Torah, for the Rebbe’s unexpected reentrance into the courtyard where Hakafos had come to an end only a couple of hours earlier.
Yet those who stood there witnessed an unbelievable scene. The Rebbe stood and taught the small audience a brand new niggun, “Darkecho Elokeinu.” That night, or very early morning, and during the Farbrengen the following day, the Rebbe would explain the niggun; how the words of the Yom Kippur t’filah had become attached to a seemingly upbeat song.
Like so many special moments, this moment, surprising and unannounced as it was, still remains relatively unknown, alive solely in the memories of those who were there and in the imaginations of those inspired by these memories.
But while there is no recording of this moment in the way of film (indeed, it was Yom Tov) and little recording in the way of collective memory, this niggun, like other niggunim taught similarly in the Simchas Torah mornings of years that followed, is a niggun familiar to all.
If only the story would be as well-known as the niggun…
NEW PRODUCTION
Last year, an event hosted by Lubavitch of Philadelphia featured the debut of an all-original production of music and film, “The Rebbe’s Niggunim: Songs of the Inspired Soul.”
A string quartet, assembled by violist Yonoson Rothman, played six original arrangements by Israel Edelson of niggunim taught by the Rebbe, with each arrangement introduced by a short film, produced by yuvla|media and ZalmanG Productions, that conveyed its message, painted its background, told its story.
In an era when most programs are accustomed to the incessant buzz of smartphones on this evening the hall was host to an audience that was quiet, mesmerized, moved.
“I wanted to share with a wider audience that moment when I heard the story of these niggunim for the first time, to relive that color of imagination, that breathing of something from the past that is still very much alive,” says Bentzi Avtzon of the Lubavitch Center of Philadelphia, director of the production.
“Judging from the audience’s response, I think this only proves there is nothing more powerful than a story that comes alive,” he says.
For the very first time, “Darkecho: On a Milk Crate,” part II of this six-part production, is being published for the public’s view. The painting of the Rebbe was done by Rivka Siegel Krinsky.
This production has been made available to other Chabad Houses. Whether for a self-standing program, or an Evening marking Gimmel Tammuz, this production is original, impressive and inspirational, and is now available to be yours for a modest fee. To make an inquiry please contact [email protected] or 718-687-2654.
What a zchus that you were there! I think, though, that if you look closely at this incredible painting, the ones without beards are younger bochrim.
I was expecting the music to be more upbeat. When I hear the niggun sung, it is usually more lebedik.
The picture of the rebbe is incredible,Rivka!
Thank you for giving us the information from the old days.
To be honest, i was amazed that someone who was alive all the way back then could write on the internet!
I seem to remember that it was the first niggun the Rebbe taught.
Thanks
I was one of the fortunate ones to have been there but I don’t remember the Rebbe looking as serious as he does in this amazing painting and most of the Chasidim there had beards
Watch Out! This work is just the first of many from one of the most creative minds out there!
Amaizing
Every time I hear that he is involved in something, it always comes out beautiful.
Wish he would do more stuff…
This production is genius…. on the one hand so deep and real and other hand so easy to watch and appreciate… on so many levels.
Even the narration is wonderful
Amazing video!!!!!
Beautiful painting. It transports you to that moment in time, and that is true art. Keep up the impressive work!
http://www.rivkasiegel.com
Amazing! Truly inspiring and moving!
thanks for sharing. so amazing
Spectacular painting and video.
Wow. This is amazing. Can’t wait to see more for the rest of the Rebbe’s melodies.
In those days there were no plastic milk boxes.
The milk box was made of wood.
If it was used for glass (yes glass..) milk bottles, there were metal separations between the bottles.
Amazing and original painting of the Rebbe!