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The Power of a Niggun and the Danger in Tampering with our Tunes

There is a frightening story recounted by the Maharil, which is cited in halachah by the Rama. It emphasizes that one should not deviate from the customs of the city, even regarding the tunes (niggunim) or liturgy (piyut) recited there. The Maharil relates that he served as the Shaliach Tzibbur for the Yamim Noraim in Regensburg, using the tunes customary in the town of Austreich. However, he was troubled when the congregation in Regensburg chanted the tune for the Haftarah in the same way as the town of Rynus. During the Mussaf service, the Maharil chose to include a piyut authored by Rabbeinu Ephraim to honor him, as he was buried in Regensburg. The congregation’s leaders objected, stating their custom was not to recite that piyut, but the Maharil insisted, believing the local custom should honor Rabbeinu Ephraim. Tragically, the Maharil’s daughter died on Yom Kippur, leading him to comment that her death resulted from his decision to change the city’s customs.

Changing or replacing the traditional tunes and liturgy in shul is not a matter to be taken lightly. Altering the classic tunes for the Yamim Noraim, such as those chanted for Kaddish, Borechu, HaMelech, Kol Nidrei, and L’Dovid Mizmor, may go against the rulings of the Maharil and the Rama. While the Maharil recognized the seriousness of changing a customary tune, he did not provide a specific source or rationale for why a tune should remain unchanged. This raises important questions: What is so significant about a niggun that it should not be altered in the context of tefillah? Can new tunes be introduced into davening? Can nigunim be changed if the congregation wishes? These questions, along with many others regarding tunes, piyutim, tefillah, and minhag, will be addressed in “The Making of a Minhag.”

The resounding tune of the Chazzan and congregation chanting Kol Nidrei heralds the arrival of Yom Kippur. Although we are accustomed to Kol Nidrei serving as the opening prayer for this holy day, its content—a plea to annul vows—raises questions about why it is chosen to start the holiest of days. This chapter will explore the emergence of Kol Nidrei on Yom Kippur evening, its significance, and the strong opposition to its recitation.

The text of Kol Nidrei is not mentioned in the Mishnah, Gemara, or any Tannaitic or Amoraic sources. Its first appearance can be traced back to the period of the Geonim, with some attributing its origins to an enactment by the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah. The practice was established to ensure that one’s nedarim (vows) would be annulled before Yom Kippur, yet the connection between nedarim and Yom Kippur, as well as the controversy surrounding its institution, warrants further analysis. See “The Making of a Minhag” for a comprehensive examination of this tefillah.

One of the most joyful days on the Jewish calendar is Simchas Torah, dedicated to celebrating the completion of the Torah with the reading of the last parashah, V’zos HaBerachah. Many customs surrounding this occasion are designed to enhance its joy. Although some of these customs may be halachically questionable throughout the year, they are permitted on Simchas Torah. For instance, dancing with the Sifrei Torah, which is generally prohibited on Shabbat and Yom Tov, becomes an accepted practice. Additionally, while the halacha typically discourages adding individuals to be called up to the Torah, on Simchas Torah, all men and boys under Bar Mitzvah are called up. Unlike regular practice, where Torah verses are not repeated, V’zos HaBerachah is recited multiple times until everyone receives an aliyah. Furthermore, many halachic authorities allow two individuals to recite the blessings simultaneously or have one recite while the other listens, practices not usually observed throughout the year.

A surprising custom of Simchas Torah is the reading of V’zos HaBerachah on Simchas Torah evening during Maariv. Since the Torah is not usually read publicly in the evening, and the Gemara does not mention a special reading for this occasion, this custom needs clarification. While the joy of completing the Torah accounts for multiple readings on Simchas Torah day, the reason for the same reading on the preceding evening remains to be explored. When did this custom develop, and do all communities observe it? These questions, along with other aspects of the custom, will be addressed in “The Making of a Minhag.”

Another intriguing custom is the absence of Birkas Kohanim (the priests’ blessing) in the Diaspora. In the Diaspora, Birkas Kohanim is included during the Chazzan’s repetition of the Mussaf Shemoneh Esrei on Yom Tov. The Torah instructs Kohanim to bless Bnei Yisrael, but it does not specify how often this blessing should occur. The Shulchan Aruch rules that a Kohen violates three positive biblical commandments if he fails to perform Birkas Kohanim, provided he does so at least once a day. Given its significance, why is Birkas Kohanim not part of daily davening, and why is it limited to Yom Tov in the Diaspora? What is the source of this custom, and when did it begin?

The custom of not reciting Birkas Kohanim daily in the Diaspora dates back over seven hundred years, to the period of the Rishonim, who questioned and suggested reasons for its development. While they offered explanations that were codified by the Rema, efforts were made by Gedolei Yisrael to reinstate Birkas Kohanim in the Galus. How can we understand the cessation of Birkas Kohanim, and what potential exists for its reinstatement? Why do Sephardim practice Birkas Kohanim in the Diaspora while Ashkenazim do not? These questions, along with broader discussions about changes in halachah and minhagim, will be explored in “Making of a Minhag.”

Rav Walter Sefarim: 20% off with Code “RABBIWALTER” on Feldheim.com: https://bit.ly/RWalter

Sefarim Seforim Chatter Podcast: The Making of Minhagei Yomim Nora’im (with Rabbi Moshe Walter) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkuATwyRXtM

YU Torah Page: https://www.yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Moshe-Walter

Shayla of The Week Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rabbi-moshe-walters-podcast/id1507843039

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rabbi-moshe-walter

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