Sing Unto God a Newly Created Song

By Blaire Weinberg Our tradition tells us in Psalm 149, “Sing unto God a new song.” For 75 years, NFTY teenagers have shaped, written, and led songs that have allowed Reform Jewish teens to connect with Judaism in an entirely new way. NFTY musicians sit at the epicenter of Jewish music, experimenting with new takes on traditional songs and writing music that serves as the musical scores of Reform Jewish life. Through NFTY, more than 100,000 teenagers have connected with Judaism in innovative and meaningful ways, continuously pushing the boundaries of Jewish music. Since 1939, NFTY has consistently redefined the call to action found in Psalm 149. NFTY teen Blaire Weinberg of NFTY-Chicago Area Region is on the cutting edge of Reform Jewish worship in her capacity as a regional songleader. Last November, Blaire attended NFTY Nashir, a weekend of songleading training. The Nashir series brings together some of the best minds in Reform Jewish music, both teen and adult. Nashir weekends have taken place across the country in places such as Denver, Chicago, and White Plains. Through master classes, skill-building intensives, and teen-teaches, NFTY attendees leave equipped to facilitate prayer for their communities. Nashir is one of the most vibrant programs in the current NFTY portfolio, with more than 100 graduates who are making a positive impact on NFTY and their synagogue communities. When asked to reflect on her NFTY Nashir experience, Blaire remarked,

NFTY Nashir is one place to gain feedback. NFTY songleaders from around the country attend Nashir for a weekend filled with song, learning, and engagement. We are active participants in things we would usually be leading, like services and song sessions. Saturday morning services consist of Tot Shabbat services that progress into regular services, like growing up. Saturday afternoons are workshops on a myriad of topics, such as integrating secular music into song/services, and engaging reluctant participants. After every activity we discuss what went well and why, and figure out what can be improved. We get to practice the skills we have learned on Sunday mornings with the Sunday school students. And afterwards, we all bring home what we have learned: songs, techniques, friends, and memories.

Unlike her predecessors in NFTY songleading, such as Debbie Friedman and Jeff Klepper, who were masters of guitar, Blaire brings a unique musical flavor to her community through her violin playing. Blaire explained, “I songlead just like any other guitar player, but not. Jewish music has become more welcoming to other instruments, just like our people are not one to close doors to newcomers.” Blaire continued,

In the early days of Judaism, we chanted. There was no Mi Chamochah to be sung until we had been freed from slavery. There are the traditional chants such as the Amidah or V'ahavta. Over time, new melodies were written. Today, Mi Chamochah is one example. Each synagogue does not necessarily sing the same song of freedom. Open any Shirenu and there won't be fewer than six versions; from happy and upbeat, to mellow and slower; our songs are different.

NFTY has opened the door to the creation of new traditions and melodies, and under the leadership of teens like Blaire, NFTY will continue to expand the repertoire of the Reform Movement. Through her song “Shiru L’adonai,” Reform Movement songwriter Julie Silver offers her own translation of Psalm 149: Sing unto God all the earth a new song I will sing unto God a new song Sing unto God and we'll all sing along All the earth a new song unto God. For 75 years, NFTY has been the creator of new songs. These songs have allowed the Reform Movement to “sing unto God” in an ever-changing yet increasingly meaningful way. Through regional events and specialized programs like Nashir, NFTY teenagers are paving the future of the Reform Jewish landscape. Their voices, leadership, and musical talent are allowing a movement of over one million Jewish individuals the ability to truly “sing unto God all the earth a new song!” Blaire Weinberg is a junior at Buffalo Grove High School. She belongs to Temple Chai, attends URJ OSRUI during the summer, and songleads for NFTY-CAR (Chicago Area Region). She is an aspiring astrophysicist. Blaire was interviewed by Andrew Keene, past president of NFTY.