Niggun

Niggun (usually Nigun ; pl. Niggunim / Nigunim; Hebrew : ניגון; Yiddish : Nign) is a Hebrew expression for melody . Usually the term refers to religious songs and melodies sung by groups. The melodies are often without any text or words, although meaningless syllables like "bim-bim-bam", "na-na-na" or "ai-ai-ai" are often used. Sometimes Bible verses or quotations from other classic Jewish texts are sung repeatedly in the form of a niggun. Niggunim are largely improvisations , although they can be based on a theme and are stylized in form. Niggunim can be sung as a lamenting prayer as well as having a cheerful character.