A loose translation: “You, my dudaleh (beautiful tune) you’re mine, happiness you are mine, happy you shall make me, although we find ourselves across the barrier”.
This niggun was sung by the Chossid Reb Yonah Kahan or Yonah Poltaver as he was better known, he was a great ba'al menagen and composed various niggunim one of them being the famous niggun “Sheha’shalom Sheloi..”
Originally from Poltava, he later moved to Nevel. The city of Nevel was a Chassidic town well known for its lively niggunim, but this specific niggun sticks out from the rest, as it would later take on special meaning and acted as a source of encouragement for Chassidim.
The niggun with words in Ukrainian is a metaphor describing the Neshomah’s descent into this physical world, where the Shechina is not revealed, and the Neshomah is deeply saddened. Before her arrival here she was a “Chelek Elokah Mimaal…” and merited to see revealed G-dliness. While here, she yearns for her previous heights and desires to rise and cling to Hashem. Looking at her surroundings, she feels lonely and searches for a source of comfort, and so she turns to the niggun - the “Dudaleh”. It is through this that the Neshomah finds solace for herself, with the knowledge that although it is on the other side of the “barrier” the niggun will help overcome her loneliness and she will be able to serve Hashem with joy.
The niggun begins slowly, on a sadder note, and then gradually quickens its beat ending as a lively dance.
After the Friediker Rebbe was released from prison the communists didn’t allow him to remain in Russia. Immediately after Sukkos 5688 (1927), the Rebbe departed for Poland leaving his beloved Chassidim behind. The situation then was very bad, religious observances were banned and many Chassidim were arrested and sent to unknown destinations. Contact with the Rebbe was almost impossible.
At this difficult time Chassidim Farbrenged often, encouraging one another to remain strong even in the face of hardships. It was this niggun that enabled them to express their feelings; they too were lonely, physically far from the Rebbe, yearning to be reunited with him. This niggun comforted them, allowing them to cope with those most trying times.
Reb Zalman Levin, a native Neveler, whose family included many ba'alei menagnim, describes: “I remember as a child attending these Farbrengens. After the assembled had their share of L’chaim, Reb Yonah would begin his niggun slowly amidst tears. As the niggun picked up its momentum, the Chassidim stood up vigorously danced on the table with tears still on their cheeks, but hope in their hearts; it was truly a beautiful sight to behold.’’