Echad Means One

A setting to share as we prepare to share the Sh'ma, the central prayer of Jewish life and (per Dr. Emily's doctoral research on Tot Shabbat) the most commonly recited prayer in Tot Shabbat services, included by 98% of leaders surveyed.

The lyrics walk through a built-in movement teach: "My God, point to self. Is your God, point to partner. And your God, maintain point to partner. Is my God, point to self. Our God, high five with two hands. Is echad, one finger behind the back. Echad means one, finger high in the air." The song is designed to introduce the concept of Sh'ma alongside whatever traditional melody the community already uses.

What's included:

Lead sheet PDF with melody line, chord symbols, and lyrics in English and Hebrew transliteration. Original composition by Dr. Emily Aronoff, copyright 2012. Suitable for guitar, ukulele, or piano accompaniment.

Best fit:

Songleaders, music specialists, cantorial soloists, and music-reading grown ups working with kiddos roughly ages 3-10. Lands at Tot Shabbat, family Shabbat services, religious school, and any prayer service that includes the Sh'ma. The partner movements build relationships among participants and give every age a way into the prayer.

Delivery: Instant PDF download. Print-friendly.

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Looking for teaching notes, video demo, and developmental scaffolding by age? This song lives inside the SFK Support Squad library alongside 250+ other vetted songs.