Etta and Pauli began the program by asking participants to introduce themselves and to share what they were hoping to learn during the session. The answers varied from Cantors looking for new uses of Jewish music, educators hoping to learn innovative ways to integrate music into their lessons, and teachers looking to involve their musical students in their classrooms.

Mark Coup: Hello. My name is Mark. I teach 4th grade studies at my synagogue, Temple Emanuel of Tempe AZ. This program was a recommendation from my girlfriend, Nikki Johnson (who also teaches). I am not sure. I know she is on the email list.
Sara Wilson: Hi, I teach 4th grade at Hillel Academy of Tampa
Sara Wilson: no snow but still COLD lol for us at least
Mark Coup: It is cold today. Maybe 65 at the most. 65 is cold.... for AZ
Miriam Cantor–Stone: Hi everyone! I'm the disembodied voice - I'm Miriam, the Education Program Assistant here at JWA!
Mark Coup: I grew up in Chicago. I am acquainted with the weather.
Andrea Raizen: I'm in Dayton, OH. I am the Cantor/Educator at a Conservative congregation.
Abra Greenspan: Hi, I'm Abra Greenspan, Director of Learning at Congregation Etz Chayim in Palo Alto, CA. We are an independent congregation. In the middle of our Mission Statement, it says And we love to sing.

Then, Pauli played a recording of the Yiddish song Mayn Rue Plats sung by A Beserve Velt, a Yiddish choir, and, without showing the text, asked for participants to give their immediate reactions.

Abra Greenspan: sounds kind of churchy
Sara Wilson: it makes me feel calm... and a bit warm and fuzzy :)
Mark Coup: I find the tune calming.
Abra Greenspan: makes me feel like someone is cradling me
Sara Wilson: some parts are sung at a louder voice than others
Mark Coup: I am not a fan of choral music normally.

Once Etta pulled up the lyrics, we listened to the recording again while following along. Participants shared their new reactions.

Sara Wilson: ah now I feel kind of sad
Mark Coup: more of an impact having the words to read along with
Sara Wilson: definitely agree with that Mark
Mark Coup: I found I could focus more on the song with the words
Abra Greenspan: and when you get the words, it raises questions about who wrote this and why and when was it sung and what's it linked to
Mark Coup: love and loss, evokes emotions
Abra Greenspan: a young man has gone off to the city to work and has left behind his sweetheart; he doesn't know if he will survive to see her again. There is a longing for access to nature and beauty
Etta King: Lyrics linked here

Next, Pauli played a different version of the same song, this time by singer/songwriter Dan Kahn.

Abra Greenspan: has a more folk song quality to it
Sara Wilson: I think I like this version better.
Etta King: What do you like about it?
Sara Wilson: I can picture him sitting on a stool in the building writing/singing this
Abra Greenspan: I can imagine singing this with a group of teens
Mark Coup: Glad you found a contemporary piece. More of a connection adding the Yiddish and English
Andrea Raizen: a bluegrassy feel.
Sara Wilson: I think this version, sung by only one person, makes more personable
Abra Greenspan: around a campfire at camp or on a retreat...
Mark Coup: I can smell the machinery and earth scents
Abra Greenspan: reminds me of Dona, Dona, Dona
Sara Wilson: I can see that Abra
Mark Coup: I have always felt the arts are supposed to transport you somewhere else. This hit the mark

The participants discussed Yiddish songs that they loved, where they learned them, and how they might incorporate them into their classrooms and education programs.

Sara Wilson: through USY! :)
Abra Greenspan: or other camps!
Etta King: I learned them all in Habonim!
Etta King: Here's a great book for younger kids about this time period Abra Greenspan: We have an affinity group at Etz called Yiddish Choristers; I can imagine working with them to learn these songs and create lessons
Etta King: great idea!
Sara Wilson: I love Yiddish songs. I grew up listening to them in my house. I sing Tumbalalaika to my daughter. I find those lyrics quite beautiful

Etta suggested that participants take advantage of other music resources JWA has to offer.

Miriam Cantor–Stone: Jews, Music, and the Civil Rights Movement
Miriam Cantor–Stone: And here's a list of all the previously recorded programs we've offered

Etta and Paula also gave participants advice on how they might incorporate current events and music into their classrooms, especially for younger students.

Sara Wilson: My students are very immature. I am not sure how I can make the connection to their real life.
Etta King: Say more, Sara. Do you just mean that they might not have enough life experience yet?
Sara Wilson: yes and our community is very small so they are a bit sheltered when it comes to current events
Etta King: Got it. Perhaps when you are learning about an event or story, you could have them write it imagining they are characters?
Mark Coup: I always feel challenged finding enough "contemporary" pieces the kids will take more of an interest in. Do you have suggestions?

Pauli also discussed modern Yiddish artists and songs, and Miriam found one of Pauli's favorites, The Marching Jobless Corps! and Etta suggested participants listen to Alicia Jo Rabins, a singer and songwriter in the band Girls in Trouble.

Participants were excited to share their ideas as well as ask for further advice on programs and lessons.

Abra Greenspan: I am toying with the idea of presenting Yiddish culture as a Jewish “leader” meaning that it has influenced the direction of Jewish life and identity; Having access to these songs and these ideas seems like a good resource to help me clarify my thoughts and articulate it to others
Etta King: Sounds awesome!
Sara Wilson: Our Judaics teacher would love that!
Mark Coup: My focus right now is Israel. Not so much Torah. Do you have suggestions?

Before finishing, Etta invited participants to join us next month for our third online learning program of the year, which features Twersky winner Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen and her award-winning lesson plan.

Abra Greenspan: thanks
Sara Wilson: Thank you!
Mark Coup: Thank you
Andrea Raizen: Thanks
Miriam Cantor–Stone: Thank you all for coming!
Mark Coup: good night
Etta King: Good night!