Teen Musical Prayer & Song Composition Workshops

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

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!

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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