Kumzits

Kumzits (Yiddish: קומזיץ‎) is used to describe a musical gathering that Jews partake in. Everyone sits together, be it on the floor or on chairs, and sings spiritually moving songs. 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 the Jewish Sabbath then there will usually be musical instruments, such as guitar or violin. An orator will usually tell short inspirational folk-stories between songs.

Among Slonimer Chassidim, a similar gathering is called a "zitzen", which is Yiddish for "sitting", is conducted by the Chassidim after the Rebbe's Tish, without the presence of the Rebbe.

It is a compound word in Yiddish composed of קום‎ (come) and זיץ‎ (sit). Originally the word was coined by the Biluim. Despite the opposition of some who preferred to use the more distinctly Hebrew שב-נא‎ Shev-na "please sit" or Persian/Arabic טוזיג‎ "Tozig" (via the Talmud), the word has stuck and is used mainly by the religious but sometimes also the secular public.