Collection
A collection of source sheets explaining prayers, often with YouTube videos of different musical versions.
Sheets
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Personally Connecting to Shir HaMa’alot (Psalm 126)Ways to connect with the words of Psalm 126, plus some musical versions
Personally Connecting to Birkat HaMazonA sheet giving background and posing questions to help connect with the basic parts of Birkat HaMazon, plus musical versions!
Personally Connecting to Kabbalat ShabbatQuestions to help find personal meaning in Kabbalat Shabbat, plus musical examples
Al HanisimA sheet about the Chanukah prayer “Al Hanisim”, along with 5 explanations for why we celebrate for 8 days and light lights. Musical samples are included.
Personally Connecting to YigdalAn examination of Yigdal with background, discussion questions, and musical examples, plus basic Biblical and Rabbinic sources for Jewish philosophy
V'haya Im Shamo-a: A Prayer for Tu B'shvat?Examining Tu B'Shevat, the 2nd paragraph of the Shema, and the confluence thereof
Making Friday Evening MeaningfulExplanation of Shabbat evening rituals, with both basic and deeper explanations.
David Schwartz•1256 Views•February 7, 2022•Angels,Exodus,Shalom Aleichem,Shabbat,Sam Glaser,Ephraim,Eishet Chayil,Candles,Blessings,Fiddler on the Roof,Washing,Salting of the Sacrifices,Menashe,Birkat Kohanim,Blessing,Parental Blessing,Amen,Hands,Priestly Blessing,Kiddush,Friday Evening,Wine,Hamotzi,Motzi,Washing of the Hands,Cantor Neil Schwartz,Mikdash Me’At,Jacob's Blessing,Creation,Blessing Children,Grape Juice,Rituals,Salt,Challah,Grapes
Personally Connecting to Ahavat Olam and Ahava RabbaA deep-dive into "Ahavat Olam" and "Ahava Rabba", including musical versions
Hashiveinu: From Tisha B’Av to Torah ServiceA basic overview of Tisha B'Av, with a focus on the Hashiveinu line at the end of Eicha. It also includes musical examples of Hashiveinu and Etz Chayim.
Personally Connecting to the M’ein ShevaThis is a sheet about the mini-repetition of the Shabbat evening Amidah, complete with questions to find personal connection as well as musical examples.
Eilu D'varim: A Shiur for Which There is No ShiurAn unpacking of "Eilu D'varim"
David Schwartz•4595 Views•February 3, 2021•Eilu Devarim,Kindness,Brides,Peah,Needy Bride,Loving-Kindness,Safam,Raayon,Bikkurim,Torah Study,Action,Bikkur Cholim,Dead,Gemilut Chesed,Eilu d'Varim,Prayer,Making Peace,House of Study,Study,Talmud Torah,Tzedakah,Study vs Action,Hachnasat Orchim,Talmud Torá,Liturgy,Death of Moses,Lashon Hara,Honoring Parents,Beit Midrash,Shacharit,Disciple of Aaron,Kol B'Seder,Peace,Attending the Dead,Rei'ayon,Appearance,Tefila,Kibud Av V'Eim,G'milut Chasadim
Guide to Friday Evening Services (1 page)This is a sheet that can be printed to help visitors feel welcome in synagogue on Friday evenings. It can be copied and modified to fit other synagogue's needs.
Haftarah Machar Chodesh: A 3-Act StoryA set of questions to think more deeply about Haftarah Machar Chodesh, plus a Readers’ Theatre version.
Personally Connecting to HavdalahA sheet with questions to personally connect to Havdalah - also musical versions and the sources for each verse before the blessings.
Safam LyricsLyrics of Safam songs pulled from their website
Exploring Kol NidreiA look at Kol Nidrei, including why the Ashkenazic and Sephardic versions are different.
Ashrei - A Guaranteed Spot in Heaven?Questions to inspire personal connection to Ashrei, plus different musical settings.
David Schwartz•2915 Views•October 15, 2021•Debbie Friedman,Psalms,Heaven,Neila,Dead Sea Scrolls,World to Come,Peri Smilow,Shacharit,Afterlife,Yeshiva Boys Choir,Yom Kippur,Morning Prayers,Liturgy,Generosity,BimBam,Mincha,Ashrei,Pesukei D’Zimra,Torah Service,Prayer,Neilah,Afternoon Prayers,Psalm 145,Poverty,Nusach
Personally Connecting to HallelA look at Hallel with reflection questions and musical versions
David Schwartz•571 Views•December 12, 2022•Liturgy,Yom HaAtzmaut,Sukkot,Shavuot,Pesach,Safam,Debbie Friedman,Hallel,Chanukah,Prayer,Passover
Personally Connecting to Psalm 27Questions and musical examples to deepen a personal connection to Psalm 27 and “Achat Sha’alti”
Mi ChamochaAn examination of “Mi Chamocha” from a social justice, musical, and liturgical set of lenses.
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David Schwartz
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