Voices of Israel in Song

JCA Shalom

Overnight

Yifat Mukades

This music-based activity introduces campers to well-known Israeli songs that express core cultural values. Campers will explore a lyric, listen to the song, reflect on its meaning, and write their own verse that builds on its message.

music, songs, culture, values, lyrics, game

Israeli Music and Culture

Campers will be able to:
•    Interpret selected phrases from Israeli songs and explain their meanings.
•    Express personal reflections and create a new verse inspired by an Israeli song.
•    Articulate how music reflects core Israeli values or emotions in a group discussion

Older units (12-14 year olds)

30-80 campers (by unit)

•    Hat for lyric slips
•    Printed lyric slips (at end of write up)
•    Speaker
•    Markers and paper for lyric writing
•    English translation of lyrics for campers to read (at end of writeup)
•    Mimaamakim/From the Depths
•    Michtav Leachi/Letter to My Brother
•    Hazman Oseh et Shelo/Time Does What it Does
•    Yom Shishi/Friday
•    Anachnu Lo zrichim/We Don’t Need
•    Inyan Shel Zmal/A Matter of Time

Program leader

Flexible location. Outdoor or indoor, able to use speaker for music

I.    Introduction                             5 minutes
II.    Song Phrase Draw                        15 minutes
III.    Creative Lyric Writing                    15 minutes
IV.    Conclusion and Sharing                    10 minutes

I.    Introduction                                 5 minutes
Facilitators begin by asking: “Who knows any Israeli musicians?” Campers share
answers. Then, a short explanation is given about the role of music in Israeli society,
including how it reflects emotions, identity, and national values.

II.    Song Phrase Draw                            15 minutes
Each group draws a song lyric phrase from a hat. The facilitator reads the phrase aloud and shares its English translation. They play the corresponding song, then facilitate a short discussion on what the phrase means, what the song is about, and what cultural or emotional themes it represents.

III.    Creative Lyric Writing                        15 minutes
Campers are divided into two smaller groups. Each group chooses one of the lyrics they discussed and writes a new verse for the song. Their verse should connect to the meaning of the original line and reflect what it means to them.

IV.    Conclusion and Sharing                        10 minutes
Campers share their new verses and discuss which lyrics or songs they connected to the most. Facilitators close the activity by summarizing the power of music to tell stories and build identity.

JCA Shalom Music Program Resources PDF