CONTEMPORARY JEWISH PIYUT, ZEMIROT, NIGUN, PIZMONIM, BAKASHOT
Explore the rich traditions of Jewish liturgical music, including piyyutim, zemirot, nigunim, pizmonim, and bakashot. Explore their historical significance, cultural impact, and the distinctive melodies that enrich Jewish religious practices. Discover the importance of these musical forms in synagogue services, festive celebrations, and community gatherings.
Introduction To Jewish Traditional Music
Jewish liturgical music is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of tradition, spirituality, and cultural expression. At the heart of this musical heritage are piyyutim, zemirot, nigunim, pizmonim, and bakashot—each representing a unique aspect of Jewish worship and communal life. Piyyutim, or liturgical poems, have been sung in synagogues since Temple times, enriching the prayer experience with their profound themes and poetic beauty. Zemirot, often sung during Shabbat meals, bring families together in joyous celebration, while nigunim, with their repetitive melodies, foster a sense of spiritual connection and emotional ecstasy within the Hasidic community. Pizmonim add a festive flair to religious ceremonies, praising God through traditional songs, and bakashot serve as heartfelt supplications during Shabbat mornings. This article delves into the significance and history of these musical forms, highlighting their enduring impact on Jewish identity and religious practice. Join us on this journey through the melodies that resonate deeply within the Jewish soul.
WHAT IS A PIYUT OR PIYUTIM?
Most piyyutim are in Hebrew or Aramaic and follow various poetic schemes, such as acrostics that follow the order of the Hebrew alphabet or spell out the author's name.
Many piyyutim are familiar to regular attendees of synagogue services. For example, the best-known piyyut may be Adon Olam ("Master of the World"), often attributed (though likely incorrectly) to Solomon ibn Gabirol in 11th century Spain. Its poetic form features a repeated rhythmic pattern of short-long-long-long (the so-called hazaj meter), making it beloved and frequently sung at the conclusion of many synagogue services, after the ritual nightly saying of the Shema, and during the morning ritual of putting on tefillin. Another well-loved piyyut is Yigdal ("May God be Hallowed"), based on the Thirteen Principles of Faith developed by Maimonides.
In the Chassidic world, a Nigun or Niggunim are often added to some piyyutim.
WHAT’S A NIGUN?
A nigun (ניגון) is a Hebrew word for "tune" or "melody" (pl. nigunim). It is a form of Jewish religious song or tune sung by groups, characterized by vocal music that often includes repetitive sounds such as "Bim-Bim-Bam," "Lai-Lai-Lai," "Yai-Yai-Yai," or "Ai-Ai-Ai" instead of formal lyrics. The word nigun derives from the root word neginah.
What is a Neginah or Neginot?
Neginah (נגינה) refers to the art of producing or playing music using a tool designed for this purpose. Menagen Musika means to play music or melody. Neginah creates a sound that produces a melody. The term NEGINAT (נגינת) often appears in the title of Psalm 61, indicating "to the chief musician upon Neginah" (Neginot in plural refers to musical instruments).
Neg'inot (נגינוֹת) are songs with instrumental accompaniment, often found in the titles of Psalms (e.g., Ps 4, Ps 6, Ps 54, Ps 55, Ps 67, Ps 76) and indicate stringed instruments. This term encompasses all stringed instruments, whether played by hand, like the harp and guitar, or with a plectrum. It includes those instruments referred to in the A.V. as "harp," "psaltery," or "viol," and "sackbut," as well as general descriptions like "stringed instruments" (Ps 150:4) and "instruments of music" (1Sa 18:6).
NAGAN AND NAGANIT
נַגָּנִית - נַגָּן
CHABAD CHASSIDIC NIGUNIM / NIGGUNIM
Nigunim of the Chabad dynasty are admired across Hasidism for their intellectual depth. Chabad Hasidic thought seeks to articulate Hasidic philosophy through philosophical inquiry, evoking inner emotional ecstasy. Chabad writings discuss two types of Hasid: the practical Oveid (from the word "to serve God" - Avodah) and the intellectual Maskil (from the word "to intellectually study" - Haskalah). Both unite in the mystical fervor of Hasidism, with the Oveid focused on practical action and the Maskil seeking deeper understanding.
The second Rebbe of Chabad, Dovber Schneuri, distinguished between mainstream Hasidic "enthusiasm" and the Chabad aim of intellectually created "ecstasy." Enthusiasm expresses itself in emotional exuberance, reflected in emotional nigunim, while ecstasy is an inner emotional perception, often restrained in outward expression. The meditative nature of many Chabad nigunim reflects this.
Notable Nigunim:
- Niggun Shamil
- Niggun of Four Stanzas
- Tzomah Lecha Nafshi
- Hachanah Niggun
- Anim Zemirot
- Stav Ya Pitu
- Hu Elokeinu
WHAT IS A ZEMER OR ZEMIROT?
Zemirot or Z'mirot (Hebrew: זמירות; Yiddish: Zmiros; Biblical Hebrew: Z'miroth; singular: zemer/z'mer) are Jewish hymns, usually sung in Hebrew or Aramaic, but sometimes in Yiddish or Ladino. The best-known zemirot are those sung around the table during Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Some Sabbath zemirot are specific to certain times of the day, such as those sung for the Friday evening meal, the Saturday noon meal, and the third Sabbath meal just before sundown. In some editions of the Jewish prayer book (siddur), the words to these hymns are printed after the opening prayer (kiddush) for each meal. Other zemirot are more generic and can be sung at any meal or sacred occasion.
Many zemirot's words are taken from poems written by various rabbis and sages during the Middle Ages, while others are anonymous folk songs that have been passed down through generations. The themes generally focus on the Sabbath or specific holidays.
Melodies vary significantly among Jewish communities, as local tunes and styles evolve to suit the same liturgical poems. One famous hymn, Adon Olam (Ruler of the Universe), has been set to countless tunes. Jews of different backgrounds enjoy sharing various versions when gathered around the Sabbath table, and new tunes continue to be composed for ancient lyrics. However, it is rare for new zemer-type lyrics to be written.
The term zemirot is used by Spanish and Portuguese Jews to refer to the sequence of psalms in the morning service, known to other communities as pesuke de-zimrah.
Mizmor (מִזְמוֹר) refers to a psalm (sacred song) or hymn collected into one book of the Hebrew Bible. To Chant, it is mostly known from the Psalms (Mizmor Le David)
ROOT WORD: זמר
- Infinitive: לְזַמֵּר (lezamer)
- Present: מְזַמֵּר (mezamer)
- Past: זִימֵּר (zimer)
The Baqashot (or "bakashot," Hebrew: שירת הבקשות) are a collection of supplications, songs, and prayers sung by Sephardic Syrian, Moroccan, and Turkish Jewish communities for centuries, typically on Shabbat mornings from early dawn. These services usually occur during the winter months, from Sukkot through Purim, when nights are longer. The Baqashot services can last three to four hours, with the Ades Synagogue in Jerusalem being a center for the Syrian practice today, and communities in Ashdod and Montreal being central to the Moroccan practice.
History
The custom of singing Bakashot originated in Spain around the time of the expulsion but gained momentum in the Kabbalistic circle in Safed during the 16th century. Bakashot likely evolved from the tradition of saying petitionary prayers before dawn, spread by followers of Isaac Luria. With the rise of Safed Kabbalistic doctrine and the advent of coffee consumption, which allowed devotees to stay awake, the singing of Bakashot spread to Mediterranean countries and became customary in communities across Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Rhodes, Greece, Yugoslavia, Egypt, Turkey, and Syria.
Pizmonim (Hebrew: פזמונים, singular: pizmon) are traditional Jewish songs and melodies sung to praise God and learn aspects of traditional religious teachings. They are performed during religious rituals and festivities, such as prayers, circumcisions, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and other ceremonies. The term likely originates from Hebrew words such as Zman and Zmanim (meaning "time"), referring to serving God at specific times or occasions.
Pizmonim are considered extra-liturgical, distinct from piyyutim, which are hymns printed in prayer books and integral to the service. Similar songs sung in the synagogue on Shabbat morning between midnight and dawn are known as Bakashot (שירת הבקשות), derived from the Hebrew word Mevakesh (to look for, to seek, to supplicate).
Geographical Background
Pizmonim are traditionally associated with Middle Eastern Sephardi Jews, though they relate to Ashkenazi Jews' zemirot. The best-known tradition is linked to Jews descended from Aleppo, with similar traditions existing among Iraqi Jews (where the songs are known as shbaḥoth, praises) and in North African countries. Jews of Greek, Turkish, and Balkan origin have similar songs in Ladino, associated with festivals and known as coplas.
History of Pizmonim Texts
Many pizmonim texts date back to the Middle Ages or earlier, with references from the Tanakh. Some were composed by poets like Yehuda Halevi and Israel Najara of Gaza. While some melodies are old, others may be based on popular Middle Eastern music, with lyrics composed to fit the tunes. A prolific composer of pizmonim was Hakham Rephael Antebi Tabbush (Aleppo 1830?-Cairo 1919), regarded as the founder of the tradition in its current form. His pupils, notably Moses Ashear in New York, exported the tradition to Syrian Jewish communities in the Americas.
Pizmonim are composed for special occasions, such as weddings and bar mitzvahs, by cantors in the past and present, including Ezekiel Hai Albeg, Gabriel A. Shrem, Eliahou Menaged (a student of Tabbush), Rabbi Raphael Yair Elnadav, and others. Most pizmonim are in Hebrew, with some in Judaeo-Aramaic or Judaeo-Arabic.
Mizrachi Jews Singing in Beit Keneset (Synagogue)
Makamat (Maqams)
All pizmonim can be classified under different Maqams (musical modes), with about ten in common use. Maqam ajam, resembling a Western major scale, contains many holiday melodies. Maqam hijaz, corresponding to the Phrygian dominant scale, contains many sad melodies. Maqam sikah (or sigah) includes many three-quarter-tone intervals and is used for Torah cantillation. Maqam saba is used for circumcisions.
Origins of Tradition
The tradition's origins are rooted in rulings by the Geonim discouraging the use of piyyutim in core parts of the prayer service. These rulings were taken seriously by the Kabbalistic school of Isaac Luria, leading to the elimination of many hymns from the service. To preserve these beloved hymns, the custom of singing them extra-liturgically developed. The original pizmonim collection consists of hymns from the old Aleppo ritual (published in Venice in 1560) and hymns from the Sephardic service by Yehuda Halevi, Solomon ibn Gabirol, and others.
Further pizmonim were composed and added to the collection over the centuries. This practice arose partly due to a Jewish prohibition against singing non-Jewish songs, especially Arabic songs. To bypass this, many composers wrote new lyrics to existing melodies.
Liturgical and Non-Liturgical Use
During typical Shabbat and holiday services in the Syrian tradition, pizmonim melodies are used as settings for some prayers, with a rotation system ensuring the maqam suits the holiday or Torah reading theme. Each week, a different maqam is assigned to the cantor, corresponding to the Torah portion. A pizmon may also be sung in honor of a person called up to the Torah, chosen to allude to the person's name or family.
Quiz on Contemporary Jewish Piyut, Zemirot, Nigun, Pizmonim, and Bakashot
Multiple Choice Questions
What is a piyyut?
- A) A type of musical instrument
- B) A Jewish liturgical poem
- C) A Hebrew prayer book
- D) A Jewish holiday
Answer: B) A Jewish liturgical poem
Which of the following is a well-known piyyut often sung at synagogue services?
- A) Yigdal
- B) Adon Olam
- C) Hallel
- D) Kaddish
Answer: B) Adon Olam
What is a nigun?
- A) A Jewish holiday
- B) A Hebrew word for "tune" or "melody"
- C) A type of prayer
- D) A collection of psalms
Answer: B) A Hebrew word for "tune" or "melody"
The term "zemirot" refers to:
- A) Jewish hymns typically sung during Shabbat
- B) A type of prayer service
- C) A Jewish festival
- D) A collection of biblical texts
Answer: A) Jewish hymns typically sung during Shabbat
What is a pizmon?
- A) A Jewish musical instrument
- B) A traditional Jewish song sung to praise God
- C) A type of prayer recited on Yom Kippur
- D) A Hebrew word for "sacrifice"
Answer: B) A traditional Jewish song sung to praise God
What are bakashot?
- A) A type of Jewish melody
- B) A collection of supplications and prayers
- C) A musical instrument used in synagogues
- D) A festival celebrated in the spring
Answer: B) A collection of supplications and prayers
True or False Questions
True or False: Piyyutim are primarily written in English and French.
Answer: False
True or False: The melodies of zemirot can vary greatly among different Jewish communities.
Answer: True
True or False: Nigunim often include formal lyrics in their performances.
Answer: False
True or False: The Baqashot services are typically held during the summer months.
Answer: False
Short Answer Questions
What is the primary purpose of pizmonim?
Answer: The primary purpose of pizmonim is to praise God and learn aspects of traditional religious teachings during religious rituals and festivities.
Describe the difference between piyyutim and pizmonim.
Answer: Piyyutim are hymns printed in prayer books and integral to the service, while pizmonim are extra-liturgical songs sung during various religious occasions and rituals.
What is the significance of the Chabad nigunim in Hasidic tradition?
Answer: Chabad nigunim are admired for their intellectual depth and aim to articulate Hasidic philosophy, awakening inner emotional ecstasy, uniting practical action and deeper understanding within the Hasidic community.
Name one notable nigun from the Chabad tradition.
Answer: One notable nigun is Niggun Shamil.
What is the historical origin of the Bakashot tradition?
Answer: The Bakashot tradition originated in Spain around the time of the expulsion and gained momentum in Kabbalistic circles in Safed during the 16th century, spreading to various Jewish communities across the Mediterranean.
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