Smartstart: I suggest starting with Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory — in addition to the basics of music theory, it has a detailed chapter on how to compose good melodies. An easier way to compose a song is to find a chord progression you like (there’s even a website full of Jewish song chords), and keep playing it while you start singing, until you come up with a melody you like. Alternatively, you can come up with words (whether it’s something you came up with yourself or some Torah quote — the latter is what chassidic singer-songwriter Yosef Karduner does), and then try to find a chord progression and melody that fits it well. If you don’t already know how to play chords on a guitar or keyboard, learn how — it’s not that hard.
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