Hear and experience Jewish music with newfound insight and understanding. This is the first in a series of nine modules that explores the beauty and diversity of synagogue music. Materials include background readings and recorded examples. An excellent resource for adult education and Ritual/Music/Leadership Committee study groups. The complete curriculum is available from the Union. One complimentary copy per congregation, please.

Developed by the Union for Reform Judaism and the American Conference of Cantors

Module #1: An Introduction to the Study of Jewish Music

"Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God…"
 

Goals

• Explore a selection of Jewish musical styles and genres by listening to a series of musical settings for Psalm 150
• Reflect on the messages communicated by the different musical settings of Psalm 150
• Begin to develop a vocabulary for reflecting on Jewish music and texts
• Explore the ways in which an understanding of the vast range of Jewish music enriches and enhances one's life as a Jew

Materials

• Flip chart and marker or chalkboard and chalk
• Pens or pencils
• CD player
• Four handouts:
  • Handout #1: Psalm 150
  • Handout #2: Questions for Text Study
  • Handout #3: A Listening Tool
  • Handout #4: Composer Biographies (These biographies should be distributed after the discussion of the various musical settings for Psalm 150 has concluded.)
     
• CD with 5 musical settings of Psalm 150 (MP3)
  
  • Halleluyah: Louis Lewandowski, Setting #1 (1.7 MB)
  • Kol Haneshama Tehallel Yah: Bonia Shur, Setting #2 (2.6 MB)
  • Kol Haneshamah: Michael Praetorius (adapted), Setting #3 (1 MB)
  • Halleluhu: Benjie Ellen Schiller, Setting #4 (1.9 MB)
  • Halleluyah: Debbie Friedman, Setting #5 (2 MB)

Resource for the Leader

The introduction to The Book of Psalms: A Commentary by Solomon Freehof, New York: UAHC Press, 1938, pp. 3-10

Lesson Plan

1. Introduction to the Course
2. Introduction to the Psalms
3. Psalm 150: Text Study
4. Musical Settings of Psalm 150
5. Conclusion