Teen Musical Prayer & Song Composition Workshops

Bring in an awesome Post-B'nai Mitzvah or Hebrew High Program that teens will love.

Students work together with Rory Michelle to write an original song based on Jewish text or liturgy -- that may even become part of your community's repertoire!
FROM STUDENTS:
​I don’t think I thanked you enough for the truly amazing songwriting elective that you put together this time around. I’m extremely grateful that I got to spend my last year of religious school doing something that means so much to me and hopefully my future (making music) and learning more about Judaism than I ever knew before.
 - Lea R., 10th grader at Tiferet Bet Israel, Blue Bell, PA
FROM EDUCATORS:
It has been a distinct honor working with you. Your creativity brings out the best in my high school students. It was clear to me, by their enthusiastic participation, they got a great deal from this project. I intend to do this again next year. Meanwhile, !בהצלחה [Good luck!]
- Buzz Bray, Kesher Academy Teacher, Tiferet Bet Israel, Blue Bell, PA
Students collaboratively choose and study a Jewish text then compose a song, musical prayer, or set a liturgical piece to music based on the text, then share their composition at a service or event or through a music video.

How it Works

  • Students choose a Jewish text (you determine their options, from the Megillah to Shabbat liturgy and beyond).
  • We dig into the text as a group, in traditional paired (chavruta) learning, and/or retranslating it together from the original Hebrew.
  • Students set goals for their composition based on what they learn from the text 
  • Students compose a song, musical prayer, or set a liturgical piece to music as a group, starting with the text.
  • Students prepare their composition for inclusion in a service or event OR we create a music video.​

More details

  • Workshops are typically 8 sessions long, held once weekly for 50 min to 2 hours.
  • Multiple modules can be added together for a longer program (eg. text study/lyric writing, arranging & orchestration, preparation for presentation, recording, and/or music video production can be designed as sequential workshops).
  • Can be done in person, virtually, or both.
  • If you have particular needs, let Rory Michelle know - timing and other aspects can be customized to your program.

Watch the Magic

Benefits

  • ​Project-Based Learning for deep engagement
  • Focus on meaningful encounters with Jewish text
  • Team-oriented for building positive connections with peers
  • Easy for you to offer impactful program teens will be excited for
  • Share-back with your community (during a service/event or through a music video) included
  • Teens gain confidence through collaboratively completing and sharing a big project, get to bring their authentic selves and use their creativity, and ultimately deepen their relationship with Judaism, Jewish text, and your community
  • Teens exploring future aspirations work and learn with a professional artist/musician
  • It's FUN!
Other ideas we can play with:
  • Keva vs. kavannah - how do we make sense of route/routine/fixed and spontaneous, improvised prayers?
  • What's the purpose of this prayer? Someone wrote it - why? And why might we write our own prayers?
  • What kinds of things do the rabbis of the Talmud suggest that are worthwhile and not so much to pray for? How does that inform our personal prayers?

Get in touch below to plan your workshop today

This workshop is available for:
- Religious schools (including Post B'nai Mitzvah and Hebrew High programs)
- Summer Camps (sleep away and day camps)
- Jewish Day Schools
- Community Centers and more!

The workshop can also be adapted for elementary (K-6) students as well as for adults.
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