A Hasidic Jew is a member of a Hasidic Jewish community, which are centered around a Rebbe, or Hasidic community leader. Hasidic communities are often tight-knit and insular; they maintain specific customs that impact many aspects of life such as dress, language, song and education. Nigunim, or wordless melodies, are powerful melodic songs. Often simple and repetitive, the song helps the singer reach an elevated, transcendent state. Some nigunim are slow and brooding, while others are raucous an