Words can convey just so much. But when we put them to music, we create songs that evoke emotions, provide mood, create immediate community, and help us to remember the meaning those words carry.

It’s not every day that we have an opportunity to create a work of such magnitude. But JWB Jewish Chaplains Council (JWB) – along with the Jewish War Veterans and the American Conference of Cantors – is sponsoring just such an effort with a contest setting the words of prayer to song.

JWB is asking that cantors, musicians, chaplains and others create “A Song of Service,” an original cantorial work based on the Prayer for the United States Armed Forces that appears in the new edition of the JWB Jewish Chaplains Council Siddur.

JWB encourages entrants to be creative. Whether inspired by the music of our tradition, popular song, or other musical genres, they should create something that reflects the pride and glory of our country, and that will uplift Jews across our nation.

The chosen cantorial rendition will become the official prayer for U.S. Armed Forces.

The entries will be judged by a national panel of cantors and Jewish military chaplains representing the three major Jewish movements in North America. The winning prayer will be offered to all synagogues affiliated with the Rabbinical Council of America, Central Conference of American Rabbis, and Rabbinical Assembly as the official prayer for our armed forces.

For additional information visit: jcca.org/what-we- do/jwb/a-song-of-service/

All rights to the winning composition will be retained by JWB Jewish Chaplains Council.