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.