Dr. Emily AronoffA Jewish Improv Echo Song for Building Musical Confidence & Community
Inspired by Psalm 96
A First for My Family
This is the first song I’ve ever recorded in the studio with my daughters—Talya, Shir, and Libby.
And I’m still a little misty-eyed about it.
As a Jewish educator, songwriter, and songleader, I’ve dreamed for years of creating music with my kids—not just for them. This project is a milestone I’ll always remember.
Recording Shir Chadash – A Song That’s New with them was pure joy: playful, unscripted, and full of heart. Below, you’ll find a songleader’s guide, the full lyrics, modeling tips, and a way to download the lead sheet to use in your own classroom, community, or home.
What is Shir Chadash?
Inspired by Psalm 96’s call to “Sing to God a new song,” this interactive echo game empowers participants to lead, create, and connect through spontaneous music-making.
It’s ideal for:
- Tot Shabbat & Jewish early childhood settings
- Family services and community jams
- Musical moments at home, in camps, or religious schools
Why This Song Matters Today
In a world increasingly mediated by screens, we’re losing something sacred: the joy of making music together in the moment.
Shir Chadash revives that spirit. This game fosters:
- Deep listening
- Leadership through music
- Playful risk-taking
- Connection through co-creation
It’s a kumsitz-style antidote to isolation—a celebration of community through sound.
How It Works: Structure + Modeling Tips
Section A – Together
Shir means song, Chadash means new
A song of praise – Shir Halelu!
Shir means song, Chadash means new
“I’ll” [insert name] sing first, then you sing, too
Section B – Taking Turns
Improvise!
Each participant creates a four-beat melody.
The group echoes it back.
Facilitation Tip:
Explain and model what “improvise” means:
“It means to make something up—right now—with your voice! Just like when we play pretend with toys, we can play pretend with our voices and create new sounds and songs.”
Invite a co-leader (with a heads-up!) to go next. That brave adult moment shows kids it’s safe to be silly and bold.
Community Connection Through Music
Shir Chadash isn’t just about echoing—it’s about attunement.
When we improvise together, we’re not just singing—we’re building trust. We’re saying: I hear you. I see you. I’ll sing it back.
These tiny moments of musical leadership are huge. They help participants feel seen, validated, and connected—not just musically, but socially and spiritually, too.
Whether you’re leading a class of preschoolers or sitting in a family circle at bedtime, this song can become a ritual of joy and belonging.
Want the Lead Sheet and Karaoke Track?
I’d love to send you the Shir Chadash lead sheet & Karaoke track.
Download Shir Chadash Lead Sheet + Karaoke Track
A Song That’s New inspired by Psalm 96
You’ll also get access to more music and resources designed to uplift your community through song.
A Note of Gratitude
Thank you for showing up—for your learners, your communities, and your own creative spark. When you sing a new song with your students or your children, you’re shaping something sacred.
Keep listening. Keep echoing.
Keep singing a new song.
P.S. Love this kind of resource?
Check out Songleading for Kiddos—my self-paced online course that helps Jewish educators and songleaders create joyful, developmentally appropriate music experiences for children ages 0–10.
