Menorah Pledge Principles as Songs

March 1, 2021
Ava Caiati

Port Washington, New York, United States

Class of 2023

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Citizenship: “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
As the Menorah Pledge Principle for citizenship emphasizes devotion to our beloved country of Israel, “Stand by Me” relates to this principle of being loyal and by someone’s (in this case Israel’s) side forever.

Jewish Heritage: “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
It is written in the Jewish Heritage Menorah Pledge Principles: “we shall aim to become imbued with an understanding and love of our Jewish culture so that we may be a conscious part of the people from whom we stem.” This statement can be compared to “All You Need Is Love,” by filling ourselves with love for our Jewish heritage.

Community Service: “The Void” by Kid Cudi
At the end of “The Void,” one of my favorite songs by Kid Cudi, he assures his fans that everything is going to be ok, quoting the lyric: “It's gon' be okay I promise you.” Just as Kid Cudi is offering his fans going through tough times some hope, community service and giving back to the community helps give hope and opportunity to so many people who need it.

Philanthropy: “Ripple” by The Grateful Dead
“Ripple” emphasizes the support and comfort music brings everyone around the world. Recognizing that being able to comfort and help others is a blessing, just as The Grateful Dead views the sharing of music, is so important.

Inter-faith relations: “I Promise” by Radiohead
In this song, commitment and devotion to one’s partner are described, just as we should learn to respect and assist our neighbors as mentioned in our Interfaith relations principle.

Tradition: “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean
A song tradition I have whenever I need a comfort song or a song to chill to, I turn on “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean. Tradition is such a comforting feeling, especially in a Jewish setting as the Tradition Principle mentions.

Good Sisterhood: “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce
Beyonce sings about the power of girls in this song, which illustrates the strength and power of the B'nai Brith Girls and the sisterhood of our order!

Prayer for World Jewry: “Where Is The Love?” by Black Eyed Peas
This song exemplifies a desire to return the world to a place with equality, fairness, love, and humanity. Relating back to the principle of Prayer for World Jewry, I pray that a world without discrimination and antisemitism is a world that Jews will see.

Health: “Praying” by Kesha
If we are observing the mental health aspect of our new principle, Health, “Praying” is such an inspirational song. Kesha expresses learning self-respect and letting the dark weight off your shoulders by opening up and sharing your truth.

Here are all the songs if you would like to listen!

Ava Caiati is a BBG from in Nassau Suffolk Region who loves BBYO.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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