With a Song in my Heart

I love teaching. I love it because I learn so much every day. I learn about and from the children. So, although I am the teacher, I am afraid I am actually a student in disguise.

Children of all ages inspire me. (Yes, generation X and millennials included!)

Give yourself a gift. Watch children for no other reason than the pleasure of the activity. You will soon discover they are brilliant problem-solvers, (in their own ways) genuinely giving of themselves, authentic and honest, and perfect at sizing up adults, weeding out the ‘fakes.’ They derive pleasure knowing they’ve made you happy.

They do not know from chuchmas (tricks) yet.

Years ago, I taught third grade. These beautiful children were migrant workers’ children. Many did not have shoes. When I asked a well-known discount store to donate shoes for my class, we were forced to keep them in the children’s cubbies, to insure they were not sold by their destitute parents. Some had clothes that were obviously hand-me- downs from someone much larger or smaller than themselves.

These children and their families moved wherever the work took them. Some were only in my class for as long as the picking season lasted. It was challenging for them to learn, what with attending more than two schools a year, sometimes more.
I was forced to think and create outside the elementary school box.

They loved music, loved to sing and dance. So, I taught within the treble and base notes. Think about it: 4/4 notes, ¾ notes, whole notes. Then there are the keys: A B C. Let us not ignore all those words to learn to read.

Before I got to the middle C, and without realizing what I was up to, I began my songwriting ‘career’. (Career in the broadest of terms!)

Over the years that I’ve been at the Marcus Jewish Community Center, 40 and counting, after leaving Camp Alterman (formally Camp AJECOMCE) and joining the Weinstein school at the Marcus JCC, I have once again been inspired to create songs that are informative, fun and powerful. It is so fun – as the children would say. I would, of course, say so MUCH fun.

Sometimes while I am driving along 400, while keeping an eye out for officers of the law, I am singing into my phone my newest creation. When I get to work, I sing along with the messages I alone have sent. I will, at times, pick up my messages to find three of the four are me singing to me. Do not judge until you’ve tried it.

America’s Got Talent contestants need not worry, believe me.

With permission from the editors of our always-inspiring newspaper, the Atlanta Jewish Times, I am sharing a song or two with you. You will recognize the tunes from your childhood. Have fun, keep a song in your heart, and keep dancing.

I’m a Mitzvah Kid
(To the tune of “Dayenu”)

Every day I do a Mitzvah
Every day I do a Mitzvah
Every day I do a Mitzvah
I’m a Mitzvah kid!

Being kind, sharing my toys,
taking care of other people
I’m a Mitzvah kid!

Hashem loves Mitzvah kids
Hashem loves Mitzvah kids
Hashem loves Mitzvah kids
I’m a Mitzvah kid!

Our Jewish Home
(To the tune of “This Old Man”)

In my home
I do have
Lots of Jewish things to share
Like a dreidel, kippah and mezuzah
Lots of Jewish things to share

In my home
I do have
Lots of Jewish things to share
Like Shabbat candles and a chanukiah
Lots of Jewish things to share

In my home
I do have
Lots of Jewish things to share
Like bagels, matzah and a kiddush cup
Lots of Jewish things to share