Napoleon’s March
It is the custom in many congregations to sing the melody known as “Napoleon’s March” at the conclusion of the holy day.
Our victory march
When fleeing from the Napoleonic Wars, the Alter Rebbe inquired as to what tune the French army had marched to when they crossed the Russian border. After it was sung to him, the Alter Rebbe commented that the melody is one of ‘victory’ and then entered into a deep state of meditation (‘Shtark FarD’veikus’). After a long time, he returned from his meditative state and finished his words, ‘...but Didan Natzach – ultimately the victory will be ours!’ (Parshas Chukas-Balak 5749; Hivaaduyos p.11, in the subnote to footnote 83) [The march was thereupon incorporated as a Chabad Niggun symbolizing victory over the forces of impurity – Ed.]
