More than perhaps anything else in the Jewish world, communal singing has the power to bring us together in prayer, celebration, and action. It is a central element of deepening engagement, and it can be a powerful draw for bringing new people into the community.

 

At the core of Sing Unto God's mission is supporting teen songleaders who want to be a part of building something bigger and better. The SUG Teen Songleader Fellowships invite young Jewish songleaders to develop their skills, deepen their knowledge of repertoire and communal singing technique, and build meaningful leadership and relationship opportunities in their congregations, camps, and communities.

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During the 2023-2024 school year we have been running a North American Fellowship, with 25 teens from across North America. Their learning is guided by expert songleader and teacher Deb Winter, with support from other guest experts from the field throughout the year.  We are grateful to clergy and donors who have helped to underwrite these programs.

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We have begun to plan seeds of regional cohorts in Cleveland, OH; in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast region; in the greater Southeast; and the Westchester/NYC area.

 

If you are interested in these cohorts or want to build one in your community, please contact us click here.

SUG songleaders learn so much more than how to be great performers. They learn how to collaboratively build and support strong, sustainable communities filled with song.
 

North American Fellowship

 

This prestigious, application-only, 8-month Fellowship for teens across North America included:
 

• A three-day retreat for in-person learning, November 3-5, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. During the retreat, organized by Program Director Deb Winter, Fellowship participants practiced their skills by leading worship services for the congregation and religious school music classes for the school at The Templ , receiving useful feedback from peers and professionals to aid their growth in real time. Room and board were  provided (in home hospitality), and travel subsidies were available.
   

• 8 virtual learning sessions, scheduled monthly from October through May on a Sunday afternoon/evening. Fellows continue to learn from subject experts on topics such as prayer and teen leadership, teaching new repertoire, pedagogy of leading music with different age groups, religious school music and strategy, working with adult clergy and professionals, how to memorize songs, how to choose repertoire, how to pivot and have "back-pocket" plans, and more.
   

• Support from a local, on-the-ground mentor. Each Fellow chose or was  assigned an adult mentor (clergy or educator) from within their local community, who provides leadership feedback, professional development and support throughout the year.
   

• A network of peer songleaders across North America. This Fellowship is an opportunity to build networks and friendships to last well beyond the Fellowship year, as Fellows grow with and learn from a group of like-minded teens who share a love of Jewish community and music.
   

• The development of professional relationships with connected Jewish community leaders and educators across North America and around the world who can be valuable contacts and resources on an emerging leaders career journey. 
   

Thanks to a generous underwriter, the cost of the North American fellowship was only $180.  This included the retreat in Atlanta, all of the zoom sessions, mentoring and support. Congregations or clergy often have funds to sponsor a teen's registration (it should benefit them as well!), perhaps families might pay, or additional support is available from Sing Unto God, if needed.