In honor of the Alter Rebbe’s yahrzeit, Chassidic singer Simche Friedman released a stirring new release titled “Dich Alein,” born from a moment of inspiration at the Ohel in Haditch.

Just one month before the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine four years ago, singer Simche Friedman traveled to Haditch to visit the Ohel of the Alter Rebbe.

While standing in the shul adjacent to the Ohel, Friedman’s attention was drawn to the paroches, upon which was embroidered the famous saying attributed to the Alter Rebbe in a moment of deveykus:

“I do not want your World to Come, I do not want your Gan Eden… I want nothing but You alone” — “Dich Alein”!

Moved by the power of these words, Simche fit the holy text to the tune of a classic Chabad niggun, known as “Niggun Deveykus for Tefilos Shabbos” (Niggun #8 in Sefer Hanigunim), which is also attributed to the Alter Rebbe and the Rebbeim.

The track features musical production by Shmulik Sofer. Friedman also thanks his father, Rabbi Alter Eliyahu HaKohen Friedman, shliach in Tzfas, for his assistance, and in recognition of his love for this particular niggun.

Lyrics:

“Who do I have in heaven? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.”

Ich vil nit dein Olam Haba, (I do not want Your World to Come)

Ich vil nit dein Gan Eden, (I do not want Your Garden of Eden)

Ich vil nit dein Gan Eden HaElyon, (I do not want Your Upper Gan Eden)

Un nit Gan Eden HaTachton. (And not the Lower Gan Eden)

Ich vil mer nit az Dich Alein! (I want nothing more than You alone!)

AUDIO:

Credits:
Vocals & Concept: Simche Friedman
Musical Production: Shmulik Sofer
Graphics: Menachem Goldstein
Cover Photography: S.F.