7+-+Services


 * __ S __ERVICES**


 * ACTIVITY IDEAS:**

Personal connections through the word ** שְׁמַע **- the command for us to hear/listen

1) During services, before you say the שְׁמַע, quietly say “ שְׁמַ ע [//insert-name-of-student//]”. Do this with each student’s name in turn, looking at each one when you say his or her name. When you have said everyone’s name, including your own, say “ // Sh’ma Yisrael // ” (use a gesture that indicates you're referring to everyone in the room) and begin the שְׁמַע

When // t’fillah // is over, ask the students how they felt hearing their names after the word שְׁמַע, which means “hear” or “listen.” Stress that we are all part of the people, Israel. Just as the שְׁמַע puts into words our faith in the oneness of God, the שְׁמַע also voices the unity of the people Israel.

Saying the שְׁמַע in various ways to see how it feels 2) At various services, position worshipers to recite שְׁמַע in different ways such as standing or sitting, with eyes covered or not, etc. When services are over, ask for feedback, perhaps thumbs up (like it), thumbs down (didn’t like it as much) or thumb to the middle (no strong opinion). Open a discussion.

3) Before saying שְׁמַע, quietly make the sound of a שׁ , saying "shhhh" quietly. Then, hold up three of your fingers on one hand (thumb, forefinger and middle finger), creating the shape of a שׁ . Ask participants to do what you are doing (i.e., holding up three fingers and saying "shhhhhh," softly). Put your hand/fingers over your eyes so your eyes are covered - then, say the שְׁמַע . //Based on teachings in the video, "Shema by Rabbi Korngold,"// []When services are over, ask for feedback, perhaps thumbs up (like it), thumbs down (didn’t like it as much) or thumb to the middle (no strong opinion). Open a discussion.