Jewish Music and a Story

Today is the 3rd of Cheshvan. In honor of the yahrzeit of Rebbe Yisroel of Rizhin I thought I would share quote I like from the Rebbe on music. (Note: niggun = melody)

"Just as a mikveh purifies, so too does a niggun purify."

...and here is a story about the Rebbe that makes one think:

Once a man came to the Rizhiner and complained about his horrible disease, stating that his affliction interfered with learning and praying. The Rebbe put his hand on the sick man's shoulder and said, "How do you know, my friend, what is more pleasing to Hashem, your studying or your suffering?"

For more information see "The House of Rizhin: Chassidus and the Rizhiner Dynasty" by Rabbi Menachem Brayer