2. A pop song with Christian lyrics… And a Jewish wedding song…

3. HallelujahErev Shel Shoshanim  Children could be encouraged to read/listen to the lyrics. Which ones have religious connotations?  Listen to the song without the lyrics – how does it make you feel? When do you think Christians may listen to it? Why do you think it is such a famous song and so many people enjoy it? Does the song only have religious meanings?  Are there any similarities between this and Hallelujah?  If this song had lyrics, what do you think the lyrics would be about?  When do you think Jewish people would listen to this song? Do you think it’s a celebratory song? What does it remind you of?

4. Using both songs, children could… Learn about tempo, rhythm, volume and song structure. Listen to the melody and write their own lyrics about something that they value or something that means a lot to them. This could have religious connotations or not. Learn about why music is important in different religions at different times. Religious songs or chants at funerals are going to be very different to wedding songs or celebration pieces. What would be the differences? How would the tempo, rhythm, volume and lyrics differ? Discuss the similarities and differences between the music of different religions – what instuments are used, where the lyrics originate from, who sings it (women, men, in choirs?).