Kumzits

Kumzits (קומזיץ) is a compound-word in Hebrew derived from the Yiddish words קום (come) and זיץ (sit). The word is used to describe an evening gathering that Jews partake in. Everyone sits together, be it on the floor or on chairs, and sings spiritually moving songs. In order to establish a certain ambiance the lighting is often low and candles are primarily used, or if taking place outdoors it is usually around a campfire. If it is not Shabbos then there will usually be musical instruments, such as guitar or violin. An orator will usually tell short inspirational folk-stories between songs. Originally the word was coined by the Biluim, despite the opposition of some who preferred to use the more distinctly Hebrew שב-נא "please sit" or Persian/Arabic טוזיג "Tozig" (via the Talmud), the word has since stuck and is used by both the religious and secular public.

Times

Often, a kumzits will take place after the Sabbath, and as such some erroneously use the term interchangeably with Melava Malka. When a kumzits takes place Friday night, it is often called an "oneg shabbos" (a Hebrew phrase meaning "Sabbath pleasure").

Songs

Generally, slow, moving songs are sung during a kumzitz. Songs composed by Shlomo Carlebach are very popular, as well as songs by the more recent Jewish singing group Dveykus. If the kumzits takes place on Shabbos, songs with a Shabbos theme can be sung. If the kumzits is held on Rosh Chodesh or near the date of another Jewish holiday, songs associated with that holiday can be sung. Here is a partial list of the more popular kumzits songs:

• Kad Yasvun Yisroel
• Achas Sha'alti Mei'eis Ha-shem
• Haven Yakir Li
• Acheinu Kol Beis Yisroel
• Na'ar Hayeesee Gam Zakanti
• Ani Ma'amin Be'emuna Sh'leima...Bevias Hamashiach
• Al Tira Ki Ya'ashir Ish
• Al Tira Mipachad Pis'om
• Shifchi Kamayim Leebeich (Carlebach)
• Rachem B'chasdecha Al Amcha Tzureinu
• V'atah Bunim Shiru Lamelech
• Eelan Bama Avarechicha
• Kol Haolam Kulo Gesher Tzar Me'od
• Tov Lehodos Lashem
• Vezakeini Legadel (Boruch Levine)
• Mee Ha'ish Hachafetz Chaim
• Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh
• V'liyurashalayim Eercha B'rachamim Tashuv
• L'ma'an Achai V'rei'ai (Carlebach, popularized in English as For the Sake of My Brothers and Friends)
• Unuh Hashem Kee Anee Avd'chu
• L'mikdashech Tuv
• V'na Al Taztricheinu
• Pischu Li Sha'arei Tzedek (Carlebach)
• Barcheinu Aveenu Kulanu K'echad (Carlebach)
• Gam Kee Eileich B'gei Tzalmaves
• Yehee Shalom B'cheileich
• In A Vinkeleh Shteit
• Lulei Sorascha Sha'ashu'ai (Carlebach)
• Eliyahu Hananavee (Carlebach)
• V'na Al Tatzricheinu (Shwekey)
• Im Eshkacheich Yerushalayim
• Kol Biramah Nishma (Shwekey)
• Lakol Z'man Va'eis (Dveykus)
• Hinei Anochi Sholei'ach Lachem Es Eliyahu Hanavi (Dveykus)
• Ani Ma'min...Hu Levado Breh Umanhig