The History Behind the Famous Rostover Niggun in Chabad

Rabbi Sholom Dovber, son and successor of the Rebbe Maharash, founded Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim in Lubavitch. It was the first Yeshiva to offer a comprehensive program in the ways of Chassidism, combining in-depth analysis of Talmud, intensive study of Chassidic philosophy and exacting spiritual refinement. In 1899, a number of students formed a group to learn Niggunim. Their voices would resonate through the Yeshiva on Shabbos afternoons. In 1916, with the city of Lubavitch in the path of the advancing German front, the Rebbe Rashab, moved with his family and the Yeshiva to Rostov on-the-River-Don. During his last years in Rostov, he would sing this soul-stirring Niggun on Shabbos and festivals. It is thus known as “The Rostover Niggun.” Years later, it would be sung in preparation before the Rebbe would deliver a Chassidic discourse.