Dr. Emily AronoffSimchat Torah Songs for Kiddos
Simchat Torah is more than just the conclusion of the holiday cycle; it’s a jubilant celebration of the Torah and our undying connection to it. For our young ones, understanding the significance of this day can be beautifully and effortlessly conveyed through the universal language of music. If you’re on the lookout for the perfect ‘Simchat Torah songs for kids’ or ‘Simchas Torah songs for children’, you’re in the right place! I’ve carefully curated a list that will have both the little ones and the adults dancing and singing with joy. Let the scrolls unfurl and the melodies play on as we rejoice in the gift of the Torah.”
1. Roll It Back - Marc Rossio
Marc Rossio, AKA ‘The Marvelous Toy’, writes songs that exude energy and this tune is my most favorite. The circling movement of the fists to indicate that you ‘roll it back’ is key to enjoying sharing this song to its’ fullest potential! Since the Torah is read from a scroll, they must be ‘rolled’ back to the beginning so that we can start from Genesis. I love Marc Rossio’s simple song because it brilliantly lends itself to super fun dance gross motor practice that also helps participants understand the ritual associated with the holiday
I aim to include an appropriate echo song when I’m songleading a topically thematic session- it helps ensure that folks with no prior knowledge about the topic can participate entirely. This recording is particularly charming because it features Abbie’s kiddos and you can hear the love exchanged between them.
3. Little Torah
4. The Yad Song
This catchy tune from Eliana Light is the first song I remember learning from her. She was polishing the presentation at a conference. I believe it was a NewCAJE sometime in the 2010s and I still remember how I admired how thoughtful she was in asking for feedback as she selected the appropriate movements to accompany this song.
On Simchat Torah, we finish reading the Torah and start over. “Six Days to Make The World” by Lisa Baydush retells the very first story from the Torah, engaging children through hand motions and echo singing. Its’ simplicity makes it a favorite for Shabbat rotations throughout the year, as well as a perfect fit for Simchat Torah celebrations. I created a 6 Days To Male The World Printable Prop to increase engagement and enhance understanding, I hope you find it useful!
6. Man Gave Name to All The Animals
“Man Gave Names to All The Animals” is a lesser-known Bob Dylan tune inspired by the creation story in the book of Genesis, which we read during the Simchat Torah season. Listening to the Jason Mraz cover is a delightful experience, and sharing it with children through this beautifully illustrated picture book will help them connect with the story in a meaningful way.
“I Have a Voice” by Elana Arian is a contemporary Jewish tune that speaks to all ages and seasons (it is also great for Purim in honor of Esther). The bridge of the song, which is more suitable for ages 5 and up, is taken directly from the creation story, reminding us that we were created in The Divine Image.
8. Affirmations Song (with reflection)
While it may seem unconventional, the “Affirmations Song (with reflection)” by Snoop Dog connects directly to the concept that we are created in The Divine Image. After weeks of reflecting on our mistakes, this song encourages reflection on our holiness. As a call and response song, children can echo along while playing the recording. Hand mirrors can be distributed, asking children to look at themselves while repeating the words.
The song is a reminder that our reflection is God’s reflection too, and it can be paired with Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso’s “In God’s Name.”
9. Big Torah
I’ve used this admittedly cheesy recording strongly reminiscent of The Wiggles really successfully as a movement song- if you’ve got enough plush Torahs to share, then distribute those beloved stuffed scrolls and use this song for movement cues to help get pumped up for Torah dancing!
10. Rabbi Hillel's Golden Rule
I was commissioned to write a song for elementary school children based in the text:
“What is hateful to yourself, do not do to your fellow man. That is the whole Torah; the rest is just commentary. Go and study it.” (Talmud Shabbat 31a).
When I present this song, I sing the verses to the learners, explaining that this song tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end. I’ll share that it is about a student who went looking for a teacher who could teach the whole Torah while standing on one foot! Then, I’ll inform them that their job is to help me with the chorus- the part of the song that happens again and again- and that this song has an extra tricky element- that we are going to practice balancing on one foot as we sing it! I’ll have all the kids stand up, take a deep breath, find ‘their piece of floor’ (because they’re going to be wobbly and you don’t want them to knock each other out), and try to balance while I sing to them:
Treat other people
How you want them to treat you
This rule is golden
This rule is true (switch feet if the singers are struggling)
Don’t do to others
The things that would make you feel sad
Think about others’ feelings
You don’t know they day that they’ve had*Emily Aronoff, Rabbi Hillel’s Golden Rule
*I re-wrote this line post-production- it was originally ‘No matter if you’re happy or sad’.
Final Notes: Carrying the Joy Forward✡️
The joy of Simchat Torah is magnified when it’s reflected in the bright eyes and joyful voices of our children. With these 10 specially chosen songs, I hope to provide a vibrant and memorable soundtrack to your celebrations. As we dance with the Torah and pass on its teachings, let’s also pass on the tradition of song and celebration to the next generation. If any of these tunes become your child’s favorite or if you have personal experiences to share, please drop them in the comments below. Let’s keep the spirit of Simchat Torah alive with every note and every step.
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