Two of our favorite things are Jewish values and….music! This week, we’re combining the two. We are focusing on some of our favorite Jewish values, and linking the music we think of when we talk about these values. Our Spotify playlist with this music is linked at the bottom of this post.
Trustworthiness – Emunah
- Be honest. Be reliable – follow through with what you promise and let your words match your actions.
- Amanda’s Pick: Honesty by Billy Joel
- Marissa’s Pick: Trust in Me sung by Selena Gomez
Respect – Kavod
- Treat others as or better than you would want to be treated. Be open-minded and accept the differences of others. Be considerate of the feelings of others.
- Amanda’s Pick: Respect by Aretha Franklin
- Marissa’s Pick: Stronger by Britney Spears
Responsibility- Achrayut
- Do what you are supposed to do. Be accountable for your choices and actions. Remember, actions speak louder than words.
- Amanda’s Pick: Louder than Words by Jonathan Larson, sung by the Original Off-Broadway Cast
- Marissa’s Pick: We Weren’t Born to Follow – Bon Jovi
Fairness – Tzedek
- Stand up for others and for what is just. Work to create an equitable society. Be generous with your time and resources.
- Amanda’s Pick: Shed a Little Light by James Taylor (Maccabeats Version)
- Marissa’s Pick: The World Will Know from Newsies
Caring/Kindness – Chesed
- Be compassionate. Spread optimism and happiness. Do nice acts for others and use words that nurture positivity. Encourage others to be their best selves.
- Amanda’s Pick: Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw
- Marissa’s Pick: Beautiful by Carole King (Broadway version by Jessie Mueller)
Community – Kehillah
- Get involved in your community. Join an organization that speaks to you. Stay informed. Practice your right to vote. Be a kind neighbor. Be respectful of the needs of those around you.
- Amanda’s Pick: What the World Needs Now Is Love sung by Broadway Stars
- Marissa’s Pick: Get on Your Feet by Gloria Estefan
Repair the World – Tikkun Olam
- Be aware of how your actions affect the world around you. Recycle. Conserve water. Use reusable bags! Be aware of where the things you purchase come from, how they’re made, and who they support. Establish a healthy balance of giving a receiving with the world – plant a tree when you cut one down.
- Amanda’s Pick: Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell (Counting Crows Version)
- Marissa’s Pick: Colors of the Wind sung by Vanessa Williams
Honorable Mentions
- We’re All in This Together from High School Musical
- Seize the Day from Newsies
- I’d Rather Be Me from Mean Girls
- Oh What a World by Kacey Musgraves
Our Jewish values are so universal that you can find them throughout everything in our society. Even in not Jewish-specific songs.
What songs would you add? Let us know!
Love,
Amanda & Marissa
