Creating and Facilitating a Choir for Youth and …ca-convention.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Special...Creating and Facilitating a Choir for Youth and Young Adults with Special

Creating and Facilitating a Choir

for Youth and Young Adults with

Special Needs

HAZZAN MIKE STEIN

TEMPLE ALIYAH, WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA

Welcome and Warm Ups

Set up room as a semi circle, so that all the students can see and

relate to each other.

There should be an aide for every 4 or 5 choir members.

Have choir books prepared with different color pages for each

section.

Always say hello, hug or whatever is appropriate in greeting each

member—each one should feel welcome, even if they are not

vocal!

Once everyone is seated, begin with a welcome song. We love this

one:

Welcome Song

Group:

Hello _________________

Shalom shalom

Tell me how are you ha-yom

Individual:

I’m fine thanks todah rabbah

Group:

We welcome you Baruch Haba/B’rucha Haba’ah

Warm Up Song

Put Your Finger On Your Earwords by Marc Spiegel / to the tune “If Your Happy & You Know It”

If you see I’m here put your finger on your ear (2x)

If you see I’m here and you want to make it clear

Put your finger, Put your finger on your ear, on your ear.

And If you’re wearin’ clothes put your knee on your

nose. (2x)

If you’re wearin’ clothes and we all are I suppose.

Put your knee, Put your knee on your nose, on your nose

And if your nose can smell make the sound of a bell

Ding Dong! (2x)

If your nose can smell and I’ll bet it does it well

Make the sound of the ringing of a bell. Ding Dong

Well let’s get up and stand and clap our hands (2x)

Let’s get up and stand. I think it sounds just grand

When we all get up and stand and clap our hands.

Let’s take our hands and reach down and touch the ground.

(2x)

Let’s take our hands and reach down. It’s the best way that

I’ve found

When you want to reach down and touch the ground.

I don’t know why but let’s reach for the sky. (2x)

I don’t know why. I hope none of you can fly.

But let’s reach way up high for the sky, for the sky.

Now very quietly scratch someone’s back and let ‘em

scratch yours. (2x)

Scratch someone’s back. Don’t make it an attack.

Just scratch and let them scratch back.

Now as the rhythm goes tap your toes. (2x)

As the rhythm goes as the music flows

Keep time by tappin’ your toes.

Spoken - “Now let’s do it all!”

Finger on your ear. Knee on your nose.

Sound of a bell. Tappin’ your toes.

Reach for the sky. Then touch the ground.

Scratch someone’s back. Clap your hands …. And sit down!

Warm Up Exercise 1: Breathing

Begin with asking one of the students to count for you.

Count, 1, 2, ready go—continue counting 1,2,3,4

Students raise arms from an “attention” position and breath in

through the nose for 4 beats until their hands are raised above their

heads.

Hold breath for four counts then lower hands breathing out through

the mouth making a slight sound.

If there is air left, let it out with a sound.- like Ahhh!

Warm Up Exercise 2: Vocalizing

Mama made me mash my m&m’s ( 5, 3, 4, 2, 3, 1, 2, 7↓, 1)

Raise and lower your hands according to the notes and point out

that you have made a set of stairs

Have them stop on mash –hold the note and conduct them

Have the members change the words to their liking—such as

“Daddy made me drop my duffel bag”

Warm Up Exercise 3: Vowels

Ay-ee-ah-oh-ooh (1, 3, 5, 3, 1)

Hold on to each of the vowels at different times.

Drumming

Drumming is extremely effective. I had one child who was not at all vocal, but

when he played the drum for each word he could say them. Use the Asher

natan lanu Torat met from the Eitz Chayim Hi song — then actually he was

able to say the blessing before the Torah at his bar mitzvah.

Have everyone practice playing the beat of their names. ie JaCob two beats

Be clear on when you start and when you stop. Hands in resting position or

drum sticks in resting position.

Start with having them repeat beats.

Then play together. Straight 1 2 3 4 then perhaps eighth quarter eighth half

note

Begin a song at that point — African songs are THE BEST such as Oseh Shalom!

Picking Repertoire

Obviously, Kabbalat Shabbat and Erev Shabbat melodies are always useful not just for

shul but for any occasion.

Songs about social justice, self esteem, gemilut chasidim resonate with these young

people. They stimulate conversation and inspire.

Don’t sell the group short. Figure out what they can handle and then bump it up a few

notches. But never abandon the simple and easy pieces.

Repetition is good as well as call and response.

Choose songs that they can add lyrics to.

Have music books with large print. Divide in to sections and use different colored paper

for each section or each song. Suggested sections are: Shabbat; Holidays; Torah;

Friendship and Peace

Some will never look up from their book—some will never look at them—but for the most

part they are a good focal point and make them feel comfortable.

Songs of ShabbatKABBALAT SHABBAT AND SHABBAT MORNING

Songs of Shabbat

My favorite Shabbat song is Ma

Yafeh Hayom by Isacchar Miron

We do hand movements as we

sing and then we sing “only using

our hands.”

Ma Ya-feh HayomBy Isacchar Miron

Ma ya-feh hayom

Shabbat Shalom

Ma ya-feh hayom

Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Shabbat Shalom



Shabbat Shalom

Songs of Shabbat

Heveinu Shalom Aleichem

Heveinu Shalom Aleichem doo op doo op

Aleichem Heveinu Shalom

Heveinu Shalom Aleichem doo op doo op

Aleichem Heveinu Shalom

Hinei ma tov u-ma-nayim shevet

achim gam yachad (oh baby!)

Hinei ma tov u-ma-nayim shevet

achim gam yachad

Songs of Shabbat

Psalm 150

Halelu halelu halelu

Halelu halelu halelu

Kol hanshema te-ha-leil-Yah

Halelu Hal-lu-Yah

Kol hanshema te-ha-leil-Yah

Halelu Hal-lu-Yah

Bei Ana Rachetz

By Craig Taubman

Bei bei bei ana rachetz

Vleeshmay kadisha kadishayakira

A na a na eimar tushbechan

Songs of Shabbat

Yotzer Or

Ba-ruch Atah

Adonai Eloheinu

Melech HaOlam (2x)

Yotzer Or uvorei choshech

Oseh shalom shalom \

oo-vo-ray et Ha Kol (2x)

Candle Blessing

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu

Melech Haolam

asher Kedushanu bmitzvotav

bmitzvotav

Vitzivanu vitzivanu lhadlik ner (3x)

Shel Shabbat

Songs of Shabbat

Shalom Aleichem

Shalom Aleichem malachei

ha-sha-reit

Malachei Elyon

Mimelech Malachei ham-lachim

HaKadosh Baruch Hu

Boachem l’shalom malachei ha

shalom

Malachei Elyon


HaKadosh Baruch Hu

Borchuni l’shalom malachei ha

shalom

Malachei Elyon


HaKadosh Baruch Hu

Tzaytchem l’shalom malachei ha

shalom

Malachei Elyon


HaKadosh Baruch Hu

Songs of Shabbat

Lchu neranana

Lchu neranana (3x) L’Adonai (2x)

Nareeya nareey ltzur yeeshaynu

Nkadma fanav b’todah

Yismechu

Yismechu hashamayim

V’tageil aretz

Yiram hayam (3x) umlo’o

Ro-me-mu

By Craig Taubman

Ro-me-mu Adonai Eloheinu

V-hish-ta-cha-vu l’har Kod-sho

Ki Ki ki kadosh

Adonai Eloheinu rom-e-mu

Ki Ki ki kadosh

Adonai Eloheinu rom-e-mu

Songs of Shabbat

Lcha Dodi

L-cha dodi likrat kallah (3X)

P-nei shabbat n’kabbalah

L-cha dodi likrat kallah

Sha-mor v'zakhor b'dibur ehad

hish-mi-anu eil ham'yuhad

adonai ehad ush'mo ehad

l'shem ul'tiferet v'lit-hilah.

Likrat shabbat l'khu v'nelkhah

Ki hi m'kor ha-brakhah

Merosh mikedem n'sukhah

Sof ma-aseh b'mahashavah t'hilah.

Bo'i v'shalom ateret ba'lah

Gam b'simha u-v'tzoholah

Tokh emunei am s'gulah

Bo'i khalah, bo'i khalah.

Songs of Shabbat

Oseh Shalom

(Abayudaya version)

O-seh shalom shalom bim-ro-mav

Hu ya-aseh sha-lom

Ya-aseh sha-lom (2x)

Avinu Malkeinu Ya-aseh sha-lom

Harachaman Ya-aseh sha-lom

Tzur Yisrael Ya-aseh sha-lom

HaKadosh Baruch Hu Ya-aseh sha-lom

Songs of HolidaysCHANUKAH, TU B’SHEVAT, PURIM, PESACH, YOM HA’ATZMAUT

Songs of Holidays

BANU CHOSECH

Banu chosech l’gareish

Be’yadeinu or va esh

Kol echad hu or katan

Ve’chulanu or eitan

Sura chosech ha-la’schor

Sura mipnei ha or

Sura chosech ha-la’schor

Sura mipnei ha or

Here we come to light the lights

Singing for these happy nights

Spreading warmth and spreading cheer

Candles burning far and near

Each of us is a little light

Burning with joy so bright

All together we’re a flame

Burning in freedom’s name

Songs of Holidays

MIRACLES AREN’T JUST MAGICwords and music: Debbie Friedman

Chorus:

Miracles aren’t just magic

They need people to help them along

Miracles aren’t just magic

They’re in everything we see

in everything we do

in everything we are

all life long

Have you ever noticed the flowers and the trees?

In the spring time we are blessed with the miracle of

new leaves. (Chorus)

Have you ever felt the goodness deep within your

heart?

When you are giving of yourself, you can help a

miracle start. (Chorus)

Have you ever stopped to think that your heart is

always beating?

Makes no difference if you’re standing up or if you are

sitting.

It just pounds and pounds and pounds

Every morning, noon and night

Now isn’t that a miracle, each beat brings us new life?

Candles burning far and near

Each of us is a little light

Burning with joy so bright

All together we’re a flame

Burning in freedom’s name

Songs of Holidays

Ocho Kandelikas

(Flory Jagoda)

Una kandelika, dos kandelikasTres kandelikas, kuatro kandelikasSintyu kandelikas, sej kandelikasSiete kandelikas, ocho kandelas para mi

Hanukah linda sta akiOcho kandelas para mi (2x)….chorus

Muchas fiestas vo fazerKon alegriyas i plazer (2x)….chorus

Los pastelikos vo kumerKon almendrikas i la myel….chorus

Songs of Holidays

PLANT A TREE ON TU B'SHEVAT

© 1991 Mike Stein

CHORUS

So....Plant a tree on Tu b'shevat

B'Tu b'shevat ta aytz

Cause when you plant a tree on Tu b'shevat

You make the world a better place

VERSE 1

Trees are important they help us breathe

They hold the soil so it won't leave

Some trees bear fruit for people to eat

Trees provide shade from the summer heat………..CHORUS

VERSE 2

There's a tree of life for you and me

It's called our Torah aytz chaim hi

Planted thousands of years ago

Still today we watch her grow………….CHORUS

VERSE 3

Now trees are needed for things we make

Like houses and brooms and wooden rakes

But for every tree that we cut down

Let's plant another one in the ground…………..CHORUS

BRIDGE

So say happy new year and remember without fail

That every Jewish boy and girl should plant a tree in Yisrael

Songs of Holidays

ANI PURIM

Ani Purim, Ani Purim

Sameach Um’Va’dei’ach

Halo Rach Pa’am, Bashana

Avo Li’hita’rae’ach

Yi Li Li...

I am Purim and I come

Great fun & laughter bringing

Just once a year I visit you

To cheer you with my singing

Yi Li Li...

Hurrah Purim, Hurrah Purim

We love your merry drumming

and if we had our way Purim

each month you would be coming

Yi Li Li...

Songs of Holidays

CHAG PURIM

Chag Purim, Chag Purim

Chag Gadol la’Yeledim

Masechot Rashanim

Z’mirot Rikudim

Hava Na’Risha Rash Rash Rash (x3)

B’raashanim

Purim day, Purim day

What a happy holiday!

Wear your mask! Wear Your crown!

Dancing all around!

Here go the groggers,

Rash Rash Rash (x3)

On This Holiday!

LA KOVA SHELI

La-kova sheli, shalosh pinot,

Shalosh pinot la-kova sheli.

V’im lo hayulo shalosh pinot,

Lo haya zeh ha-kova sheli

Songs of Holidays

PESACH A LA MANO

aman aman aman aman aman

el dio bendicho mazda mazal



Purim purim lano

Pesach pesach a la mano

For eight days we eat unleavened bread

To help us remember from Egypt we fled!





Purim purim lano

Pesach pesach a la mano

We clean our homes from door to door

finding hametz, that’s our chore

Songs of Holidays

Yerushalayim HayafaJerusalem the BeautifulBy Hazzan Mike Stein and Rabbi Ralph Dalin

Yerushalayim hayafa

Yerushalayim habira

Yerushalayim hak’dosha

Yerushalayim ir David

Perched atop a mountain ridge

A city built of stone

Her streets are paved with history

Since David’s time our home

Since David’s time our home……chorus

The Holy Temple here was built

By Solomon the king

Thousands of years later still

Her praises we do sing

Her praises we do sing………..chorus

Again our nation’s capitol

As in days of old

David’s city now rebuilt

Jerusalem of gold

Jerusalem of gold…………chorus

Songs of Holidays

Nolad’ti LashalomBy Uzi Chitman English by Shimon Gerwitz

Ani nolad’ti el hamanginotV’el hashirim shel kol ha-m’di-noteNolad’ti la-lashon v’gam la-makomLa-me’at le-hamon she-yo-sheet yad la-shalom AH------------

CHORUS (2 times)Ani nolad’ti la-shalom she rak yagia

Ani nolad’ti la-shalom she rak yavoAni nolad’ti la-shalom she rak yofia

Ani rotze ani rotze lih’yot k’var bo

Well, I was born to sing, about the things I love,Like brotherhood and peace,‘Cause that’s what we all dream of I’ll sing about a land I’m proud to call my own And every time I sing, I know I’m not alone. AH-----------------------

CHORUS (2 times)Ani nolad’ti la-shalom she rak yagia

Ani nolad’ti la-shalom she rak yavoAni nolad’ti la-shalom she rak yofia

Ani rotze ani rotze lih’yot k’var bo

Songs of Holidays

Im Tir'tzuBy Debbie Friedman based on the

words of Theodore Herzl

Im tir'tzu, im tir'tzu

Ein zo a-ga-dah, ein zo a-ga-dah

L'hi’yot am chof-shi b'ar-tzei-nu

B'er-etz tzi-yon vi-Yeru-sha-la-yim

If you will it, it is no legend.

To be a free people in our land,

in Zion and Jerusalem.

Songs of TorahETZ HAYIM HI, TREE OF LIFE, MIRIAM’S SONG, L’CHI LACH,

HACHNASAT ORCHIM

Songs of Torah

Etz Hayim Hi

Asher natan lanu Torat Emet

the Torah of truth YOU planted it

Inside of us forever

when we lie down and when we rise

the words of Your Torah

Will sweeten our lives

Eitz Hayim hi lamachazikim ba

vtomcheha m'ushar

It's a tree of life if we hold fast

We'll find blessing

our joy will last

its ways are ways of pleasantness

and all its paths are peace

Lomdei Torahtecha lishma

laasok bdivre Torah

love of learning fills the soul

each day you start anew

When you embrace the wisdom

wisdom embraces you

Eitz Hayim hi lamachazikim ba

vtomcheha m'ushar

It's a tree of life if we hold fast

We'll find blessing

our joy will last

its ways are ways of pleasantness

and all its paths are peace

Songs of Torah

Tree of LifeBy Richard Silverman

Shalom, shalom (4x's)

It is a tree of life to them that hold fast

to it. And all of its supporters are happy.

Eits chayim hi l'machazichimba v'tov

cheha meushar

Songs of Torah

Miriam’s Song by Debbie Friedman

Chorus:

And the women dancing with their timbrels

Followed Miriam as she sang her song

Sing a song to the One whom we've exalted

Miriam and the women danced and

danced the whole night long

And Miriam was a weaver of unique variety

The tapestry she wove was one which sang

our history

With every thread and every strand she

crafted her delight

A woman touched with spirit, she dances

toward the light

(chorus)

When Miriam stood upon the shores and gazed

across the sea

The wonder of this miracle she soon came to

believe

Whoever thought the sea would part with an

outstretched hand

And we would pass to freedom and march to

the promised land

(chorus)

And Miriam the prophet took her timbrel in her

hand,

And all the women followed her just as she had

planned,

And Miriam raised her voice in song.

She sang with praise and might

We’ve just lived through a miracle,

we’re going to dance tonight

(chorus)

Songs of Torah

L’chi Lach music by Debbie Friedman

lyrics by Debbie Friedman and Savina Teubal, based on Genesis 12:1-2

L’chi lach, to a land that I will show you

Lech l’cha to a place you do not know

L’chi lach, on your journey I will bless you

(And) you shall be a blessing (3x) l’chi lach

L’chi lach, and I shall make your name great

Lech l’cha, and all shall praise your name

L’chi lach, to the place that I will show you

L’simchat chayim(3x) l’chi lach

(And) you shall be a blessing) (3x) l’chi lach

Songs of Torah

Hachnasat Orchimby Mike Stein

Chorus HACHNASAT ORCHIMWelcoming guests into our home Into our livesHACHNASAT ORCHIMMaking sureno one's ever alone

In the heat of the day Avraham stood Yes he stood at the door of his tent He lifted his eyes and he saw three men He said why don’t you come right in

He said just a minute God I’ve got work to do He said to the men please remove your shoes He washed their feet gave them food and drink They rested by the shade of a tree......chorus

Now these three men were angels of GodTo foretell the birth of Isaac Abraham’s sonIt goes to show that you never know At your door could be anyone.

So next time you’re in a hurry and you just don’t care About a person in need pretend they’re just not thereRemember Abraham on that hot desert day HACHNASAT ORCHIM is the way……chorus

Songs of Friendship and PeaceFOR MLK JR. BIRTHDAY AND EVERY OCCASION

Songs of Friendship and Peace

KOLOT TIKVAH SONGBy Mike Stein

Kolot tikvah voices of hope

We can do most anything

When we raise our voice to sing

Kolot Tikvah

In Hebrew that means

Voices of hope

The voice of our dreams!

We have joy and sorrow

Laughter and tears

We have faith that tomorrow

Our voices you'll hear

And that voice will reach deep

Deep inside your heart

As we open your eyes

To who we really are!!

Kolot tikvah voices of hope

We can do most anything

When we raise our voice to sing

Kolot Tikvah

In Hebrew that means

That our voices of hope

Become the voice of our dreams!

We are soft we are loud

We whisper and we wail

But we sing with one voice

We are klal yisrael


CIRCLE CHANTBy Linda Hirschhorn

Circle round for freedom,

Circle round for peace.

For all of us imprisoned,

Circle for release.

Circle for the planet,

Circle for each soul.

For the children of our children,

Keep the circle whole.

VE-ASU LI MIKDASH

Oh Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary

Pure and holy, tried and true

And in thanksgiving, I'll be a living

Sanctuary for you.

Ve-asu li mikdash

Ve-shachanti be-tocham

Ve-a-nach-nu ne-var-ech Yah

May-atah ve-ad o-lam.


SALAAM/WE SHALL OVERCOME

Od yavo shalom a-lay-nu (3x)

Ve-al koo-lam

Salaam

A-lay-nu ve-al kall ha-oh-lam

Salaam Salaam

We shall overcome

We shall overcome

We shall overcome some day

CHORUS:

Oh, deep in my heart

I do believe

We shall overcome some day

We'll walk hand in hand

We'll walk hand in hand

We'll walk hand in hand some day

CHORUS

We are not afraid

We are not afraid

We are not afraid some day

CHORUS

We shall live in Peace

We Shall live in Peace

We shall live in Peace some day

CHORUS

We shall overcome…………………….

Salaam

A-lay-nu ve-al kall ha-oh-lam

Salaam Salaam


ANI V’ATAH

Music: Arik Einstein & Micki Gavrielov

Ani v'atah,

neshaneh et ha'olam.

Ani v'atah, az

yavo'u k'var kulam.

Amru et ze kodem, l'fanai, zeh lo meshaneh.

Ani v'atah,


Ani v'atah,

nena'aseh mehatchalah.

Yihiyeh lanu rah, eyn davar, zeh lo norah.

Amru et ze kodem, l'fanai, "Lo meshaneh."

Ani v'atah,


You and I will change the world

Together we’ll show It belongs to all

Though it’s been said

Times before,

the time is right

You and I will chase away the night

You and I will end hatred right now

A world filled with evil we won’t allow

We will make changes

Hand in hand

Together we’ll stand

You and I will make them understand!!


B'TZELEM ELOHIMWords and music by Dan Nichols

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

We all got a life to live,

we all got a gift to give.

Just open your heart and let it out.

We all got a peace to bring,

we all got a song to sing.

Just open your heart and let it out. Yeah!

chorus:

When I reach out to you and you to me,

We become b'tzelem Elohim.

When we share our hopes and our dreams,

Each one of us, b'tzelem Elohim.

We all got a tale to tell,

we all want to speak it well.

Just open your heart and let it out.

We all got a mountain to climb,

we all got a truth to find.

Just open your heart and let it out. Yeah!

(chorus)

B'reishit bara Elohim.

B'reishit bara Elohim,

all our hopes, all our dreams.

B'reishit bara Elohim,

each one of us, b'tzelem Elohim.

Yeah! Yeah! (chorus)


LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH By Jill Jackson Miller & Sy Miller

Hebrew added by Mike Stein

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.


The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our father

Brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me

Let this be the moment now.

With every step i take

Let this be my solemn vow.

To take each moment

And live each moment

With peace eternally.


And let it begin with me.

Shalom ba’olam

v-zeh maht-cheel ee-tee

shalom ba’olam

shalom zeh teek-va-tee

a-vee-nu she-ba-sha-mayim

coo-la-noo a-chim

bo nee-laych be-ya-chad

Le-shalom anu chol-meem

(Repeat 2nd Verse)


ADAMA V’SHAMAYIM

A-da-ma v’sha’ma-yimChom ha-eshTzlil ha-ma-yimAni mar-gish zot b’gufiB’ruchi, v’’nish-ma-ti

Love the earth Love the sky Heat of fireDrop of water I can feel it in my bodyIn my spirit and my soulHeya heya heya ho

OLAM CHESED YIBANEHMusic and English lyrics by Rabbi Menachem Creditor

I will build this world from love...yai dai dai

And you must build this world from love...yaidai dai

And if we build this world from love...yai daidai

Then God will build this world from love...yaidai dai

Em D C D Em // Em D C D Em // G D C D Em // G D C D Em


Say Shalom My Friend!!

Hold the hand of the one next to you

Hold another hand and say Shalom My Friend

Hold the hand of the one next to you

Hold another hand and say

Shalom my friend!!

Give a high five to the one next to you

Give a high five and say Shalom My Friend

Give a high five to the one next to you

Give a high five and say Shalom My Friend

Shalom my friend!!


Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?


Hatikvah

Kol od balevav P’nima

Nefesh Yehudi homiyah

Ulfa'atey mizrach kadimah

Ayin l'tzion tzofiyah

Od lo avdah tikvatenu

Hatikvah bat shnot alpayim

L'hiyot am chofshi b'artzenu

Eretz Tzion v'Yerushalayim

L'hiyot am chofshi b'artzenu

Eretz Tzion v'Yerushalayim

More to ConsiderSAMPLE CLASS DISCUSSIONS, SONG INTRODUCTIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

Sample Class Discussions

Circle Chant:

What does it mean to circle around for Freedom?

For those of us imprisoned; what does that mean? do any of you feel sometimes like you are imprisoned?

Olam Chesed:

What does it mean to build the world with kindness?

Why does the song say if "I", then “you" then "we" and then G-d?

What does it mean to be partners with G-d?

Banu Choshech:

What does it mean to chase away darkness?

What is darkness?

Why is one light small and together we create a big flame?

What does togetherness and unity mean to you?

SONG: Circle Chant

DANIELLE: TONIGHT'S WORSHIP IS ABOUT FREEDOM.

SARAH: THE MAN WHO STOOD UP FOR FREEDOM WAS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING.

SIVAN: HE UNDERSTOOD WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE IMPRISONED BY HIS RACE.

SHAINA: I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE IMPRISONED BY MY DISABILITY.

EMILY: THIS SONG IS ABOUT THE STRUGGLE TO BE FREE

JOE: FROM DISCRIMINATION

BREEZY AND ZACH: FROM HATRED

EVERYONE: AND FROM THE BONDS THAT HOLD US BACK.

Song Introductions

SONG: Im ein kemach ein Torah, Im ein Torah ein kemach

It can be you It can be me It can be all the people all over the world

Lending, caring sharing hand in hand

If we don’t have Torah we don’t have food and we don’t food we don’t have Torah.

It’s like vise versa!

Sylvan: The Torah is just like eating. It is a way of life and we need to eat to live.

Joe: Sometimes God’s words come to us by eating—like on Shabbat we eat challah.

Shaina: It is feeding us knowledge and we’re all hungry for it. It is the most important thing

in the world—I should know I have been in school a lot.

Jake: When I’m in school I am fed by the knowledge. When it is time for lunch I’m not

hungry.

Danielle: Hand in hand means together the whole song is about together.

Song Introductions

Opportunities

Remember as you continue your rehearsal that it is always advantageous to be working towards a

performance. These young people LOVE to perform in a situation where being seen and heard is

their greatest attribute. Sometimes I literally cannot get them to leave the stage.

Use your choir for Shabbat services whenever possible. We have our Kolot Tikvah group sing every

fifth Shabbat, when we have our Gospel/Interfaith Shabbat, Shabbat in Israel and others. In the

curriculum are suggested pieces for them to perform. They will sing with such ruach that it will fill

the room with Shabbos joy.

Purim Carnival or any event such as a Gala that the synagogue is sponsoring.

Local Federation events, especially if they are funding you. Love for the children to sing at their

events—even if it is just the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah

Hanukkah Candle Lighting events—almost every town has one.

Local Festivals—find out who is sponsoring and inquire about getting your group to sing

Nursing Facilities are always looking for groups to entertain the residents.

Documents

Creating and Facilitating a Choir for Youth and …ca-convention.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Special...Creating and Facilitating a Choir for Youth and Young Adults with Special