Dr. Emily Aronoff10 Justice Songs For MLK Day
Are you a passionate educator in the Jewish community, eager to impart essential values of justice, compassion, and inclusivity to the young hearts and minds you nurture? Music is a powerful tool to engage and educate children in early childhood, elementary, or family education environments. In this blog post, I’m excited to share a curated list of 10 inspiring songs for young learners, focusing on themes of justice and social responsibility.
Join this musical journey that combines the history of seeking Justice in Judaism , as we explore these engaging songs. Eager to expand your repertoire and make big connections with little voices? Optimize your songleading skills and enhance your impact- please check out songleading for kiddos coaching or Songleading for Kiddos course.
10 Justice Songs for Jewish Education
As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and delve into the world of Jewish songs that promote justice, these melodies will help you create meaningful and memorable learning experiences for your students. Whether you’re a songleader, teacher, or parent, these tunes will serve as valuable resources to impart the timeless message of justice, equality, and kindness.
1) Get Up, Stand Up
Song by Bob Marley adapted by Cedella Marley
One of my all-time favorite stories, Get Up, Stand Up, is an incredible tool for sharing this iconic song with children. The familiar chorus—“Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight!”—immediately draws adults in, while the rewritten verses by Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella, make the lyrics relatable and age-appropriate for young
Lyrical books like this offer unique benefits when read or sung aloud. The rhythm and rhyme captivate children, making it easier for them to engage with the story and internalize its empowering message. Singing or emphasizing the lyrical flow encourages participation, builds emotional connection, and supports early literacy by highlighting patterns in language.
Get Up, Stand Up encourages children to think about standing up for what’s right, making it a powerful addition to this collection of justice songs.
2) Wavin' Flag
by K'naan
K’naan’s Wavin’ Flag is a song rich with history and emotion, deeply rooted in the artist’s Somali heritage. The lyrics of the chorus were the words of K’naan’s grandfather, a renowned Somali poet, and carry themes of resilience, hope, and freedom. While some lyrics of the song may be too complex for children, there are many elements to enjoy and explore, from its captivating melody to its powerful message of perseverance.
Sharing this song can engage both children and adults alike. Adults may recognize the tune from its popularity as a World Cup anthem, and when you introduce the incredible backstory, it helps them see it in a new, meaningful context.
Use scarves to help children connect with the song’s meaning and to encourage spontaneous rhythmic expression. Explain how flags often represent causes people care about, then invite children to imagine what their flag would say. As the song plays, encourage the children to wave their scarves like flags, moving expressively to the music.
3) If I Had a Hammer
by Peter, Paul, and Mary
This iconic song, made famous by Peter, Paul, and Mary, is a timeless anthem of justice, equality, and action. If I Had a Hammer calls for building a better, fairer world, making it a perfect fit for teaching kids about using their voices and tools to stand up for what’s right.
Engagement tip: Use “hammers”—AKA clean, unused crab mallets—as rhythm instruments. They’re perfect for engaging children in the beat of the song while adding a fun, hands-on element to the experience. I suggest a variety of movements to help children feel the rhythm in their bodies: tapping one mallet on top of the other, tapping side to side, crossing diagonally to the floor, or even tapping their toes. These actions not only enhance rhythm skills but also make the activity dynamic and interactive, ensuring everyone connects with the song’s powerful message.
4) Justice
by Emily Aronoff AKA Miss Emily
In 2015, I was commissioned to create two albums and tasked with writing songs about 24 Jewish values. One of those songs was inspired by the timeless lesson from Deuteronomy 16:20: “Justice, justice, you shall pursue.”
This particular song accompanied a book-based lesson plan titled Henry’s Freedom Box Teaches to Pursue Justice. Take a look at the lesson plan.
Lyrics:
Sometimes I think you’re hiding, Hearing news stories that are sad
Sometimes I wonder where you are, when I see bullies, I get mad
But then I remember each one of us has a job to do
Justice, I will find you. Justice, we will pursueCHORUS
We’re gonna find it, We’re gonna create it
Justice for all, We’re gonna’ make it
We’re gonna do what is right to try to make our world more fair
To be righteous people and show how much we do careI’m sad when I hear stories From our history, When people who were different Were treated unfairly
Some things have gotten better, but there is still more work to do
Justice, I will find you. Justice, we will pursueCHORUS
It might teaching others how to open up their mind
It might mean speaking up and being the person who reminds
Though we’ve solved some problems, there are problems that are new
Justice, I will find you. Justice, we will pursue
CHORUSTrack 4, Good Choices Volume 2
5) This Land is Your Land
by Woodie Guthrie
These verses reveal Guthrie’s vision of America as a land not just of beauty, but of fairness, belonging, and justice—a place where systemic inequalities must be addressed so that all can share in its promise.
For children, This Land Is Your Land offers an incredible opportunity to discuss big ideas like fairness, inclusion, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. While younger kiddos may love singing the familiar chorus and main verses, their grown-ups can explore the deeper meaning of Guthrie’s original lyrics, sparking conversations about justice and equity.
There was a big high wall there that tried to stop me
A sign was painted, said: “Private Property”
But on the back side, it didn’t say nothing
This land was made for you and me?
And another verse:
One bright sunny morning in the shadow of the steeple
By the relief office, I saw my people
As they stood there hungry, I stood there wondering
If this land was made for you and me..
6) Tikkun Olam
by Emily Aronoff AKA Miss Emily
Each one of us has incredible potential, and in this zipper song, we ask the children to consider their contribution to making the world a better place. Brainstorm with kiddos before you share the song to give them practical ideas- the examples will vary, based on the age of the children,
7) Lo Yisa Goy
This timeless song, often sung in Jewish and interfaith settings, carries a powerful message of peace. Its Hebrew lyrics, drawn from Torah (Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3), translate to:
“A nation shall not raise a sword against a nation, and they shall not learn war anymore.”
Though I’m unsure of the origin of this particular version, it’s one that many of my readers will recognize. Lo Yisa Goy can be presented in multiple ways—sung as a round, with elements of English, Hebrew, and Niggun (wordless melody). This versatility allows you to adapt the song for various ages and settings, creating a beautiful, layered experience that reinforces the universal yearning for peace.
Aaay Oooo, Ooo Aaaa
Lo yisa goy
El goy cherev
Lo yil’medu
Od milchamah. (x2)
English:
Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow;
Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead;
Just walk beside me, and be my friend;
And together we will walk in the way of HashemLo Yisa Goy- Isaiah 2:4
8) Building a Better World
This simple yet impactful tune encourages children to reflect on the ways they can help build a better world. The repetitive movements make it highly engaging for young learners, fostering both participation and thoughtful connection to the song’s message.
To enhance the experience, teach the ASL signs for the key “ingredients” of a better world: love, friendship, and peace. Incorporating these signs not only deepens the learning but also introduces an inclusive way of expressing these universal values. This interactive approach makes the song even more meaningful for children as they sing and move together.
9) We Shall Overcome
This powerful anthem of the Civil Rights Movement carries a timeless message of hope, resilience, and justice. I love sharing it with children through a this beautiful storybook, as it helps bring the song’s history and meaning to life. (For more amazing options, check out 10 Singable Storybooks for Kiddos).
This tune brings with it some emotional weight, so tread carefully.
Before introducing this song to kids, I recommend singing it all the way through yourself. This is always an important step when preparing to teach a song, but it’s especially vital with We Shall Overcome, as its emotional weight and evocative nature require familiarity to guide children through the experience thoughtfully and sensitively.
10) Tzedakah Blessing Song
by Emily Aronoff
It is a major pet peeve of many that many a Jewish child is taught that “tzedakah” means “giving money to poor people” as that is a very limited understanding. Incorporating the traditional blessing recited when giving tzedakah, this song emphasizes that tzedakah is about pursuing justice and kindness, not merely charity. Its echo format engages children, inviting participation and reinforcing the values of generosity and fairness.
Check out the Songleader’s Guide here.
If you’re looking to teach about MLK in a Jewish context, I highly recommend the book As Good As Anybody. It beautifully portrays the parallel experiences of a young Martin Luther King confronting racism and a young Abraham Joshua Heschel facing antisemitism.
The story goes on to describe how they marched and prayed together in Selma and demonstrates the strength that can be uncovered when all stand together. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel spoke at Dr. King’s funeral- their work and their relationship is an example of how I wish our world could be.
Recommended Reading:
Pursue Justice Through Song
Incorporating the power of music into your educational toolkit can leave a lasting impression on young learners. By using Jewish songs that emphasize justice and social responsibility, you’re not only teaching them about their heritage but also instilling values that will shape them into compassionate, empathetic individuals.
As you explore the 10 justice-themed Jewish songs shared in this blog post, remember that music has the ability to transcend language and connect hearts. Whether you’re using these songs for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as part of your Jewish education curriculum, or simply to inspire conversations about justice at home, your efforts are making a difference.If you’re eager to take your songleading to the next level and explore more ways to optimize your educational impact through music, consider my songleading coaching services. I’m here to support and empower you on your journey to creating meaningful learning experiences for the children in your care.
Thank you for joining us in the pursuit of justice through music. Together, we can harmonize the values of our traditions with the call for a more just and inclusive world.
