Song Lean On Me By Bill Withers: Song Analysis

Upon admission into Genesis, I hope to bring engaging and relatable services. I know that many of peers find it hard to connect with the traditional prayers and services. My leadership and time in BBYO has given me opportunities to participate in and lead services for teens.

One of the most engaging ways to lead a service its to incorporate music. Modern songs that most people know the words to are chosen to supplement traditional services. These songs should have a connection to the prayers. For example the song Lean on Me by Bill Withers can relate to the relationship many Jews have with God or the relationships of the Jewish community. These kinds of musical services are often done at Jewish summer camps as well, with the traditional camp

songs and are loved by everyone who participates.
As president of my BBYO chapter, I work with the Judaics chair to plan services that will connect with the young Jewish women of the chapter. I established our chapters traditional of having a yearly female empowerment shabbat. At this program we discuss Jewish women role models such as Lily Rivlin, Golda Meir, and others. We also look at the gendered language in the translations of the prayer we are reading. I think this service is particularly important because as young women and Jews it is often hard for us to feel that our leadership and role in society and community is important.
Additionally, last summer I attended BBYO summer program Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC). There, I experienced some of the most interesting and creative services I have ever participated in. One was a DIsney themed morning service, connecting the positive lessons of those movies to Jewish values. Another of our morning services was a meditation service. I feel that creative services would enhance the engagement of participants at Genesis.
I hope that while attending Genesis I could implement engaging, creative, and relatable services to other Jewish youth. Moreover, I hope that through this, I may contribute to their meaningful connection to Judaism.