Tzoma Lecha Nafshi

There are thirteen niggunim that the Rebbe taught in the ten years from 5714 (1954) to 5723 (1962). They were usually introduced during the Simchas Torah farbrengens. Tzoma Lecha Nafshi, the first one, was actually taught at the Shabbos farbrengen on 28 Nissan 5714 (1954).

This poignant melody, describes the powerful thirst for spirituality that one feels when finding oneself destitute - the thirst that everyone, whether scholar or layman, feels on his or her own level.

Prior to teaching the niggun, the Rebbe explained the verse: “When there is a thirst for G‑dliness, the actual thirst for spirituality quenches, in part, the spiritual desire to connect to a Higher source, for as, the Ba'al Shem Tov, said, ‘In the place where a person’s will is, there he is found.'” As such, the one who thirsts to be in G‑d’s presence is already in fact there.

Composition of this song is attributed to the Alter Rebbe. The tune, reflecting the meaning of its words, expresses the craving of the soul for its Maker.