Napoleons March

This march is remarkable for its joyous, rhythmic character. It was played in 1812 by the armies of Napoleon when they crossed the border near Prussia in their invasion of Russia. The Alter Rebbe had left his native town of Liadi when the armies of the enemy were approaching. He asked that the march be sung for him and, after a moment's contemplation, designated the march as a song of victory.

It is traditional with Lubavitcher Chassidim to sing Napoleon's march at the conclusion of the Ne'ilah service on Yom Kippur, before the sounding of the Shofar.

The singing of this melody symbolizes the victory of the Jewish people over "Satan" and that their prayers have been accepted and they are assured of a Happy New Year.

Music notes courtesy of Kehot Publication Society and Chabad Melodies by Eli Lipsker and Velvel Pasternak.

The content on this page is copyrighted by the author, publisher and/or Chabad.org, and is produced by Chabad.org. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further, provided that you comply with the copyright policy.

Now Playing...

	Napoleons March
This march is remarkable for its joyous, rhythmic character (3:01)
Related Subjects: Music; Song (28), Nigun (109)

More Audio

	Atoh Bechartonu
This melody is composed of two distinct, yet related, melodies. The soft, tranquil tones at the beginning express the unburdened way of life of the righteous. In contrast, the stormy, raging tones of the second melody express the deep feelings of remorse of the repentant one Play (3:17)

	Vesomachto
This lively tune of three stanzas is sung by Chassidim during the holidays Play (3:05)

	Nigun Hakofot
A spirited rhythmic march in three sections, sung on the holiday of Simchat Torah Play (1:53)

	Avinu Malkeinu Medley
1. Avinu Malkeinu 2. An'im Zemiros 3. Ki Anu Amecha Avinu Malkeinu, Our Father our King; An'im Zemiros, I sing songs and melodies I will weave; Ki Anu Amecha, We are Your people and You are our G-d. Play (8:20)

	Darkecho Elokeinu
The text is from the hymn of a recited during Selichot. The melody brims over with penitence and joy of the spirit Play (2:23)

	Ki Hinei Kachomer
A song of three stanzas with a musical charm all its own usually sung without words Play (3:10)

	Yaale
Sung in three sections in which we beseech the Almighty for mercy and express our faith in His eternal grace Play (3:26)

	VeNislach
This melody is sung during the Holiday services of Yom Kippur Play (4:38)

	Ovinu Malkeinu
This soulful melody is divided into three parts. The first, wordless, elevates the singers to a deeply spiritual mood. The second expresses yearning for the Divine, while the third is a declaration of faith in the help of our Father and King. Play (1:58)

	Oleinu
Play (2:07)