The Niggun Born of a Broken Engagement

The Pittsburger Rebbe’s melodies are sung around the world. Chassidim relate the story behind the niggun Yismechu HaShomayim.

The Rebbe was always involved in the fight against assimilation. One day a Jew from Florida came to him and cried that his daughter was engaged to marry a non-Jew. The Rebbe was so moved and distressed that he pledged to stop at nothing to cancel the harsh decree. He flew to Florida and, against all odds, used every means at his disposal until, in an almost supernatural way, the marriage was cancelled and the decree averted.

When the Rebbe returned to Ashdod, he thanked Hashem for the success of his efforts. As an expression of thanks he composed the well-known niggun for Yismechu HaShomayim, which is still sung among Pittsburger chassidim and others who appreciate heartfelt Yiddish songs.