Re: synagogue music - niggun and nusakh

[Rachel Heckert <heckertkrs...>]

As a semi-naturalized  member of the Brooklyn Orthodox community, which
branched off from the European refugee community in Williamsburg, I've
seen the following happening:  

"Nusakh" is actually used only to refer to the text used in prayer, not
the melodies and chants, which can sometimes be referred to as nigunim. 
However, the melodies for prayer in any one synagogue seem to be fixed
and traditional, and a number of them are shared across a wide range of
geographical ancestries.  

"Nigun" actually comes into its own during the singing around the Shabbos
table, and is actually quite fluid.  Nigunim from different traditions
may be sung, "modern" nigunim from tapes by someone like Abish Brodt or
Shlomo Carlebach may be used, and I'm sure some gifted people make up
their own.  The same melody may be used for more than one nigun, with or
without a good fit for the words.  Portions of the synagogue nusach may
also be sung, and the melodies may also be used for zemiros.  Of course
nigunim without words also appear.  Spontaneity, creativity and even pure
caprice come into play.  This is much different from the synagogue, where
precedent rules.

For those who don't "do" a traditional "Shabbos table," perhaps a
Saturday night "melave malkah," a Friday night dinner or some other
gathering could serve as a venue for rediscovering this type of Jewish
music.  Just as Judaism as a religion has never been confined to the
synagogue, so is the music involved in the world outside.  One suggestion
might be a communal meal or kiddush (even buffet style) after services in
which music would play a part.

Just my two cents.

Rochel Sara Heckert

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