Kumzits
Encyclopedia
Kumzits is a compound-word in Hebrew derived from the Yiddish words קום (come) and זיץ (sit). The word is used to describe an evening gathering that Jews partake in. Everyone sits together, be it on the floor or on chairs, and sings spiritually moving songs. In order to establish a certain ambiance the lighting is often low and candles are primarily used, or if taking place outdoors it is usually around a campfire. An orator will usually tell short inspirational folk-stories between songs. Originally the word was coined by the Biluim, despite the opposition of some who preferred to use the more distinctly Hebrew שב-נא "please sit" or Persian/Arabic טוזיג "Tozig" (via the Talmud), the word has since stuck and is used by both the religious and secular public.
, and as such some erroneously use the term interchangeably with Melava Malka. When a kumzits takes place Friday night, it is often called an "oneg shabbos" (a Hebrew phrase meaning "Sabbath pleasure").
are very popular, as well as songs by the more recent Jewish singing group Dveykus. If the kumzits takes place on Shabbos, songs with a Shabbos theme can be sung. If the kumzits is held on Rosh Chodesh
, songs with a Rosh Chodesh theme can be sung. Here is a partial list of the more popular kumzits songs:
Times
Often, a kumzits will take place after the SabbathShabbat
Shabbat is the seventh day of the Jewish week and a day of rest in Judaism. Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until a few minutes after when one would expect to be able to see three stars in the sky on Saturday night. The exact times, therefore, differ from...
, and as such some erroneously use the term interchangeably with Melava Malka. When a kumzits takes place Friday night, it is often called an "oneg shabbos" (a Hebrew phrase meaning "Sabbath pleasure").
Types of Songs
Generally, slow, moving songs are sung during a kumzitz. Songs composed by Shlomo CarlebachShlomo Carlebach
Shlomo Carlebach , known as Reb Shlomo to his followers, was a Jewish rabbi, religious teacher, composer, and singer who was known as "The Singing Rabbi" during his lifetime...
are very popular, as well as songs by the more recent Jewish singing group Dveykus. If the kumzits takes place on Shabbos, songs with a Shabbos theme can be sung. If the kumzits is held on Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh or Rosh ḥodesh is the name for the first day of every month in the Hebrew calendar, marked by the appearance of the new moon. The new moon is marked by the day and hour that the new crescent is observed...
, songs with a Rosh Chodesh theme can be sung. Here is a partial list of the more popular kumzits songs:
- Kad Yasvun Yisroel
- Achas Sha'alti Mei'eis Ha-shem
- Haven Yakir Li
- Acheinu Kol Beis Yisroel
- Na'ar Hayeesee Gam Zakanti
- Ani Ma'amin Be'emuna Sh'leima...Bevias Hamashiach
- Al Tira Ki Ya'ashir Ish
- Al Tira Mipachad Pis'om
- Shifchi Kamayim Leebeich (Carlebach)
- Rachem B'chasdecha Al Amcha Tzureinu
- V'atah Bunim Shiru Lamelech
- Eelan Bama Avarechicha
- Kol Haolam Kulo Gesher Tzar Me'od
- Tov Lehodos Lashem
- Vezakeini Legadel (Boruch Levine)
- Mee Ha'ish Hachafetz Chaim
- Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh
- V'liyurashalayim Eercha B'rachamim Tashuv
- L'ma'an Achai V'rei'ai (Carlebach, popularized in English as For the Sake of My Brothers and Friends)
- Unuh Hashem Kee Anee Avd'chu
- L'mikdashech Tuv
- V'na Al Taztricheinu
- Pischu Li Sha'arei Tzedek (Carlebach)
- Barcheinu Aveenu Kulanu K'echad (Carlebach)
- Gam Kee Eileich B'gei Tzalmaves
- Yehee Shalom B'cheileich
- In A Vinkeleh Shteit
- Lulei Sorascha Sha'ashu'ai (Carlebach)
- Eliyahu Hananavee (Carlebach)
- V'na Al Tatzricheinu (Shwekey)
- Im Eshkacheich Yerushalayim
- Kol Biramah Nishma (Shwekey)
- Lakol Z'man Va'eis (Dveykus)
- Hinei Anochi Sholei'ach Lachem Es Eliyahu Hanavi (Dveykus)
- Ani Ma'min...Hu Levado Breh Umanhig