DEBBIE'S SONG by Ellen Leventhal

CONGRATULATIONS Jennifer Cowan!!!  You are the winner of a copy of THE NOTE WHO FACED THE MUSIC by Lindsay Bonilla!  Thanks for tuning in to  PBJamz!

Ellen Levanthal and I talk music, books, writing, and more!

Join Ellen and I as we talk legacy, light, persecution, music, and writing, among other things.  We had a lovely conversation!  We invite you to learn more about Debbie Friedman and how she changed jewish music. Also, Ellen and I talk about her writing process, and what's coming next for her, 

DEBBIE'S SONG: The Debbie Friedman Story by Ellen Leventhal, illustrated by Natalia Grebtsova 

Ellen's words and Natalia Grebtsova's beautiful illustrations bring Debbie Friedman to life -- her superpower of music, her passion for creating worship music that was engaging, her commitment to her life's work, her perseverance in the face of adversity.  With strong and beautiful language, Debbie's voice is heard again through the pages of this gorgeous book.   Her heart shines in each line. Published by Kar-Ben publishing.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

This Jewish (Hebrew) alphabet song by Debbie is a great way to introduce to kids that, not only are there different languages, but some of those languages use different alphabets.  It's a fun song with lots of uses in the classroom or with your family or homeschool.

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics

• Learn more about Hebrew and Jewish culture
  • Highlight and focus on the Jewish/Hebrew vocabulary.
  • Discuss Judaism and its basic tenants
  • Discuss Jewish culture and their major holidays
  • Use the Hebrew alphabet song to learn the Hebrew alphabet
  • Learn a few Hebrew words (colors, counting, etc.)
• Similes -- Find and discuss the similes in the book. Why did the authors choose those similes.
• Debbie tried to create music to include all kinds of people, but some people didn't like that.  Why?  What did they do and say to show they were unhappy?  How did Debbie show determination/perseverance?
• Features of text (bold print, font style and size, layout of text, etc.)
• Strong verbs (bubbled, rumbled, tumbled, etc.)
  • Scavenger hunt for strong verbs
  • Write sentences with strong verbs
  • Add strong verbs to students' own writing

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers

1. Compare traditional Jewish songs with Debbie Friedman's Jewish songs.
2. Use Debbie's Aleph-Bet song to learn the Hebrew alphabet.
3. Tap out steady beat or create a rhythm activity to go along with one of her songs.
4. Hanukkah unit:  "The Latke Song" "Light the Menorah" "The Driedel Song" etc.  Explore Hanukkah through Debbie's music.
   
5.  Compare various versions of Debbie's songs (ie, Miriam's Song has been done by a number of artists.) Compare/contrast different versions (instruments, tempo, vocals, style, etc.)
6. Use scarves for artistic interpretation for one of her songs or divide students into groups and give each one a different Debbie Friedman song to come up with a scarf routine.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye

1. The book talks about Music as Debbie's superpower.
   1. Do you agree with that statement?  Give text evidence to support your answer.
   2. If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
2. Debbie loved singing with her bubbe (grandmother)
   1. Write about something you enjoy doing with one of your grandparents.
   2. Write a letter from Debbie to her bubbe, telling her how much she enjoyed making music with her.
3. If you've ever moved far away from a life you loved, write about how that felt.
4. Write about a musical experience that made you happy/brought you joy.
5. Write about a worship experience you've had (synagogue, mass, etc.) and how it felt to be part of it.
6. "That didn't stop her." appears several times. 
   1. Write about a time when you were determined and didn't let challenges stop you.
   2. Write about someone in your life with great determination.
   3. Write about a time you should have been MORE determined.
   4. Write a letter to Debbie explaining how much you admire her determination.
7. Why does the author compare Debbie's experience with a roller coaster?
8. Debbie turned prayers into songs.  Write about whether you think that's a good idea.  
9. Write the five most interesting facts you learned about Debbie Friedman.

Writing Tips from Ellen Leventhal

1. Find a critique group (or two) with people you know are there to help you. The advice of critique buddies is invaluable.
2. Read A LOT of books in your genre, take advice from critique partners, but develop your own voice.
3. Don’t be afraid to change your story. Sometimes the best things come when you look at your story from a different angle.
4. Enjoy the process. The road to publication is super rocky for many of us (for me, for sure!), but don’t let the business of publication suck the joy of writing and storytelling out of you.
   
5. Step back when you need to.

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

• A YouTube playlist full of Debbie Friedman's music and more
• A Pinterest board with many songs, quotes, facts about Jewish holidays & celebrations, basic Hebrew alphabet & colors, etc. 
• Kiddle page -- facts for kids about Debbie Friedman

PBJamz Snack -- 

These lovely hamentaschen are a snack for Purim, related to the biblical story of Esther.  You can find the recipe here.  (MELISSA KAYE APTER on the blog https://jamiegeller.com/​)
And you can find out more about the history and significance of the hamestaschen here.

Guest Links and Giveaways

​Ellen Leventhal is an educator and writer in Houston, Texas.
She taught in a Jewish school where Debbie Friedman’s music could
be heard as she walked down the hallways. Ellen is the author
of several picture books as well as short stories and poetry. Her
favorite thing to do is visit schools and share her love of literacy
and the importance of having a dream. To learn more about Ellen,
go to www.EllenLeventhal.com.

Ellen Leventhal's website --
FB
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To purchase DEBBIE'S SONG from Amazon
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Ellen has graciously agreed to give the winner of this giveaway a choice of:

• A Zoom visit (school visit or Ask Me Anything session for a pre-published author)
• A copy of DEBBIE'S SONG

Leave a comment below to be entered into a drawing.