The Process of Compiling T’fillot (Services)
Meeting #1
This meeting should include the RCVP, service participants and the Youth Advisor.
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Decide on a date for the T’fillah (service) (if it is not already decided) and confirm with the Temple staff and clergy.
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Announce the service to the rest of the youth group and in the Temple bulletin at least one month beforehand.
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Songleaders - many Youth Groups believe having Songleaders enhance the T’fillah. If you plan to have a songleader at your T’fillah, make sure you contact them well in advance and give them enough time to prepare.
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Themes - Some youth groups enjoy weaving a theme into their T’fillot. They can provide continuity for the community, but they can also be very distracting and sometimes detract from the service atmosphere.
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Brainstorm with those interested in helping to compile the T’fillah, if you decide to use a theme – stick with it!
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Find readings and songs that reflect your theme and relate to the prayers. (Be sure they are meaningful and avoid “My favorite color is blue” or “I love the summer” because they really have nothing to do with the T’fillah)
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Remember to choose songs that are known throughout the congregation and that are appropriate for the T’fillah (i.e.: don’t choose a song welcoming Shabbat if your T’fillah is during the week)
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Do not substitute readings for important prayers (see T’fillah Outlines)
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Let participants choose parts – encourage everyone to take part in T’fillot
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Determine the date for the next meeting
Meeting #2
- Put the pieces together in the form of a T’fillah
- Readings, songs, Torah/Haftarah portions, etc.
- Watch out for too many consecutive readings
- Estimate the length of the service
- Have a Rabbi (or other qualified person) review the T’fillah for appropriate songs, readings & prayers BEFORE you make copies!
Formatting the T’fillot:
- Be sure to use versions of prayers and songs with transliterations and translations for those who don’t yet know them (you may have to type it out yourself)
- Clearly indicate “congregation” and “reader” for responsive readings
- Make sure every participant has a copy of the T’fillah ahead of time with their part clearly marked
- Keep a master copy of the T’fillah with each participant’s name next to their part – be prepared to step in or have the Rabbi step in incase the participant is not there.
Rehearsal
- Make sure participants know where to sit and when to do their part
- Make sure to review the songs and versions in the T’fillah
- Run through the entire T’fillah
- Read through every reading and Hebrew prayer
- Torah reader read from the scroll at least once before the T’fillah
NOTE: Use your imagination to enhance the service but be sure that the participants are not distracted from prayer. Be sure your creative piece is not seen as a performance, but as an expression.
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