The world of niggunim and chassidus is in mourning with the passing of one of its greatest composers, Reb Yitzchok Ungar z”l of Vizhnitz, who passed away at the age of 86. His niggunim became timeless treasures in the chassidic world, sung at countless tishen, Shabbos tables, and yom tov gatherings around the globe.
Among his most famous compositions is the beloved niggun “Menuchah V’simchah,” along with hundreds of others that have been embraced by kehillos worldwide and woven into the very fabric of chassidic life.
Reb Yitzchok was a son of Reb Dovid Yosef Ungar. As a young boy, he gravitated toward the Vizhnitz court and quickly developed a close bond with the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz, who recognized his musical gift and would often request that he compose niggunim for the Yomim Noraim, Shabbosos, and mo’adim.
He married a daughter of Reb Yehoshua Zev Mechlovitz, a senior Vizhnitz chossid who resided in Haifa. Reb Yitzchok settled in Kiryas Vizhnitz, where he lived in close proximity to the Imrei Chaim and continued to compose niggunim that inspired generations.
Aside from his musical genius, Reb Yitzchok earned a livelihood as a sofer stam, with many seeking out his Sifrei Torah, tefillin, and mezuzos. He lived a life of humility and simplicity, raising his children in the path of Torah, yiras Shamayim, and deep emunah.
Davening at Beis Shalom, the Vizhnitzer shul near the community’s senior center, Reb Yitzchok was beloved as a baal tefillah, especially during the Yomim Noraim.
One remarkable story he shared only recently involved a dream following the petirah of the Imrei Chaim. In the dream, his Rebbe appeared and taught him a new niggun. Upon waking, Reb Yitzchok immediately recorded it. Just a few weeks ago, sensing his end was near, he revealed this dream and taught the melody to others for the first time.
According to those close to him, Reb Yitzchok composed approximately 1,500 niggunim over his lifetime.
After the passing of the Imrei Chaim and later the Yeshuos Moshe and Toras Mordechai, Reb Yitzchok remained deeply connected to the current Vizhnitzer Rebbe and was a constant presence at every event and tish.
In recent weeks, Reb Yitzchok’s health declined and he was hospitalized at Mayanei HaYeshua Medical Center. Surrounded by his family, he was niftar last night.
He is survived by his devoted wife, children, and grandchildren, all following in his path of Torah and chassidus. His sons include Rav Dovid, a mechanech; Rav Avraham, a noted askan; Rav Chaim Meir; and Rav Meshulam Faish. Among his nephews are the esteemed mashpia Rav Nachman Biderman and the Gaavad of Tchaba.
The levayah was held this morning at his home on Rechov Admor M’Vizhnitz and passed through the main Vizhnitzer beis medrash in Kiryas Vizhnitz.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com Israel}