Facts in Judaism
Do You Know Which Hasidic Dynasty Composed the Most Niggunim?
One special Hasidic dynasty's rebbes and followers have composed over 4,000 melodies. In addition to their sacred texts, the rebbes of this dynasty wrote sheet music for many niggunim that remain well-known throughout the Torah world today.
(Photo: Yaakov Naumi / Flash 90)Have you heard of the Modzitz Hasidic dynasty? Even if the name doesn't sound familiar, you probably know one or two niggunim composed by the dynasty's rebbes.
Rabbi Israel Taub, founder of the dynasty, was a prolific composer in addition to being a Torah scholar with great reverence for Hashem. He composed hundreds of niggunim throughout his life. His son went even further and composed approximately 1,500 niggunim. The subsequent grandchildren also composed quite a few. Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, grandson of the first Rebbe, composed approximately 700 niggunim, most of which are recorded and preserved at the Institute for Documentation of Modzitz Niggunim. From time to time, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu would surprise his followers by playing new niggunim for them while leading the prayers.
Today, many people sing these well-known melodies without knowing that they belong to the Modzitz Hasidic dynasty. Currently, there is a special institute dedicated to documenting the dynasty's niggunim. Rabbi Ben Zion Shenker is a renowned composer who has released dozens of albums featuring the dynasty's niggunim over the years.
