I have always had a soft spot for music. The melodies and words that take your breath away. But sometimes I don’t think people thank the music enough.

I can vividly remember each artist, album, and song that got me through certain moments throughout my life. Billie Eilish’s “Happier than Ever” during middle school hardships, ABBA’s Knowing Me Knowing You during my first major breakup, Zach Bryan’s Sarah’s Place to get me out of a Major Sophomore Slump, and most recently, Tyler the Creator's newest album to get me through the death of my grandmother. I can picture myself lying on my bathroom floor, listening to each song with the same salty tears rolling down my face. Each of these artists and songs holds special lines and emotions that resonate with me and that’s what makes music so special.

Over the summer, I had the privilege of attending BBYO’s summer program, Kallah. To be honest, I was nervous going away from my usual sleep-away camp for the first time. I didn’t know many, but I was even more nervous I couldn’t participate in services. This is where I was proven wrong. In the first morning prayer, I was exposed to the same prayers I had known my whole life, but with either similar melodies or completely different ones. I knew what words were being said and what they meant, but with an entirely different tune. Judaism is so special because you can be anywhere in the world, with a different melody, but share the same ideas. The power of prayer stretches beyond its words and into its melodies. 

I truly have realized the power of music in our world. All of the songs I have listed may hold a different meaning to you but still impact you. I encourage you to look for the same patterns.

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