What is this Creative Service?
So this Reform Jewish Movement encompasses a concept called creative worship.  NFTY has been the frontrunner of creating these creative worship experiences, namely through the creative service.  The purpose of these creative services is to bring prayer and worship to a different level for the participants.  We can sit through the same service time after time (and of course that can have deep spiritual meaning!), but the creative service aims to find a different route to lead to spiritual meaning whether it be a connection to God or a new found understanding in prayer, Judaism, and/or life.  Sometimes this can mean trying new things, sometimes it may mean exploring the old things deeper and in a new way—it’s up to you!  Doesn’t sound like an easy job, huh?  Well this can mean anything from a change in tune to dancing through services to taking your shoes off.  Your mind is the limit!  As you’re thinking, here are a few areas to consider:

Theme
A theme is not required for writing a creative service, but in many ways it can focus the T’fillah experience and allow to dig deeper in the idea you may be exploring.  In choosing a theme, one must remember to make the theme pertain to the time and place.  For instance, don’t choose “Teen Struggles with Judaism” to be a theme at a service for your whole congregation—you’re bright you must get the picture.  In addition, it is a lot better to choose a more specific theme than a theme like “Happiness” or “Friendship” (but of course you could take those themes a step further and they would be great).  It’s a good idea to choose a theme that you are interested about and also that your committee/participants will be interested in.  When you are passionate about a subject or certain method of worship, it shows.  That’s the passion that is contagious.  That’s the passion that can inspire others to have a spiritual worship experience. 

Readings
Readings are one of the best ways to make the connection between a prayer and the theme.  Readings also add a personal trademark to the service as well, making it one-of-a-kind, and making it a reflection of your (or your group’s) Jewish thoughts.

So how do you do it? Make it one-of-a-kind?  First, be warned that readings have great power, and can ruin the meaning of a service just as easily as it can amplify it.  DO NOT put readings in a service just because they sound nice—they should pertain to the theme of the service or the idea of a prayer.  Otherwise, the reading can distract from the prayers and the main idea of the service.  In a nutshell, readings are meant to enhance the service and the prayers, not to distract from them.  Keep this in mind as you compile your service.

There are an infinite amount of ideas you can plan your services around already out there to add some cognitive spice to the service!  You can use music, books, magazines, the internet...the possibilities are endless.  I’d suggest that if you have a theme or idea, start with the dictionary.  By looking up words and knowing their precise meaning, it’s usually a starting point that can tell me what I’m looking for.  The source of the reading may be powerful in the service, whether it be the words from an ancient prophet to a modern scholar to the fresh views of a fellow NFTYite.  All may have powerful messages and profound impacts, but in different ways. 

It might be a good idea to avoid readings that have already been said and services that have already been done.  As great as stories by Dr. Seuss and Chicken Soup for the Soul can be, it has been done!  We have heard these tales time and time again and while it may bring a classic mood to the service, it might be better to try something else.

Of course, as all things Jewish go, there is an exception to the rule.  We as Jews hold true to tradition, and if repeating a reading every service is something that your TYG always does, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  Tradition is a key part in creative services as well, and we must remember the traditional base that we bounce our creativity off of.  While it may be nice to introduce a new reading, outlook, or tune, the service should still be recognized as a service.  For instance, if I were to do a service made up purely of new tunes that no one knew, people may not connect. 

There are a few places where readings really shouldn’t be placed.  Don’t put readings between the Shema and V’ahavta, as they are part of the same text.  In addition, the prayers in the Amidah should all be said without a break, so it’s also not the best place to insert a reading.

The only way to create a totally perfect reading is simply to write it yourself.  The only person who can write exactly what you want is you, and the creative service is a great opportunity to share your work.  After all, it must have taken something to get you this RC job, right?  Just try it.  They don’t bite.  Reading what is yours can come out a lot more meaningful than something someone else has written—it says everything you want to say exactly how you want to say it.  Although it may seem hard at first, just start writing!  You never know your capabilities until you try, and even then you may continue to surprise yourself. 

Setting
A tone can be created when deciding the location, seating, lighting, etc.  For example, sitting in straight, forward-placed chairs can create the mood of a formal service while sitting in a circle may be a little informal, but also give a new sense of community. At the same time, make sure to decide where the service will take place, how bright will the lights be, any decorations, and where the service leaders will stand. These all impact the service in more ways than you would realize.  Lately, I have truly liked services in a circle with NFTY, although the service tends to run more smoothly when there is someone up in front leading it.  Consider the people taking part in the service, the amount of people, and how comfortable the people are with the prayers and with each other.  Last summer at camp when our group was leading a service, we had a whole team devoted to the setting, and while most of the time this component of the service is overlooked, that team created a truly holy prayer space.  Test some different things out and see how they work!

Also, as a little tip, I would recommend having someone at the door to greet people as they walk into the room (if it’s in a room) and someone to hand out prayer books.  This makes people feel welcome and adds a sense of community .

Music
“Music speaks louder than words, it’s the only thing that the whole world listens to.  When you sing, people understand.”  Make sure the tunes are appropriate to the service, but they can truly be used as a tool to enhance the meaning of the service.  Some kids like NFTY services simply because they connect with the melodies.  Similarly, in the Chasidic movement, a number of chants and melodies were created to make prayer a more mystical experience.  Make sure your tunes fit in with the mood of the service, and don’t be afraid to try a new melody (although don’t overload them with too many at once).  Even so, it feels great to ease into a NFTY service singing that melody you know all to well.  Also, who is up front singing may have a great impact on the service.  Make sure that the songleader/cantor isn’t performing a concert, but at the same time make sure people are guided in song.  It’s a hard balance, but trust your judgment.  When done correctly, music can truly enhance the beauty and meaning of a service.