Online series on Jewish values to premiere April 6
"Shaboom!," an innovative, animated web series premiering this spring from nonprofit BimBam, combines the best elements of children's television with wisdom from the Jewish tradition to teach everyday values to children through magic, comedy and silly songs.
Each of the 10 children's episodes is accompanied by a separate video for parents that delves into each episode's value, explaining "what's Jewish" and instilling in parents the knowledge and confidence to model the values for their children.
The 10-part series launches Wednesday, April 6, with the theme of "Hachnasat Orchim" (Welcoming Guests).
"We are bringing what we love about great kids' entertainment to Jewish education," said Sarah Lefton, executive director of BimBam. "We listened to parents when they told us that they want Judaism that goes beyond the holidays. What they care about is getting through the everyday and raising mensches - great people.
"'Shaboom!' shares strategies for bringing the family closer together and for promoting courage, kindness, gratitude and other social and emotional learning that is key in early child development."
Each episode of "Shaboom!" features the "magical sparks" Gabi and Rafael who work to fix the world, while focusing on that episode's theme. After episode one, other themes include "Hakarat Hatov" (Gratitude), "Kavod" (Honor or Respect), "Bal Tashchit" (Taking Care of Nature), and "Ometz Lev" (Courage of the Heart), among others.
"'Shaboom!' is a jolt of energy into Jewish family education, and it's an especially major step forward for Jewish media content," said Cathy Rolland, director of Engaging Families with Young Children at the Union for Reform Judaism, which is helping to promote "Shaboom!" through its network of Early Childhood professionals, who will be sharing it across hundreds of ECE centers throughout North America.
"This is a phenomenal vehicle to reach our youngest learners and their families and positively influence their behaviors and attitudes."
Along with the URJ, other major partners include the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, JCC Association, Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the PJ Library Alliance and InterfaithFamily, among many others. They are all helping to share and build upon the series.
BimBam also is working with Jewish organizations around the country to organize local screenings of "Shaboom!" episodes for families, including two Chicago organizations, Mishakan Chicago and Interfaith Family Chicago, which have events scheduled from 3-4:30 p.m. in Wheeling Sunday, April 10 (location given upon RSVP); 9:30-11 a.m. Sunday, April 17, at the Heller JCC, 524 W. Melrose St., Chicago, with Mini Mishkan Chicago providing free Passover crafts and activities; and from 11 a.m. to noon April 17 at North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe.
Email jenniferf@interfaithfamily.com for information or to RSVP. Deadline to RSVP is Sunday, April 3.
"'Shaboom!' meets families where they are, and draws them into the joy of Jewish life," said Maxine Handelman, USCJ Early Childhood Education specialist. "The videos give kids a cool, fun entry into being Jewish in their everyday life, and they give parents the foundation to make the experience richer for the entire family."
For information, visit www.Bimbam.com.
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