Contacts:
URJ: Lauren Theodore, 212-650-4154
BimBam: Dan Cohen, 510-465-8294
APRIL 2, 2019 - ReformJudaism.org, the Union for Reform Judaism’s flagship educational website reaching more than three million visitors annually, will steward all digital storytelling content produced by award-winning digital studio BimBam beginning April 2.
Founded by Sarah Lefton in 2008, BimBam (founded as G-dcast) was inspired by her journey to become a self-educated Jew. Out of her frustration with her own low Jewish literacy, she started sharing her journey in animated videos that she posted online. Through the use of animation and live-action storytelling, BimBam and its groundbreaking content won numerous awards. The team traveled the country to inspire the next generation of Jewish content creators.
BimBam’s archives of more than 450 animated videos and other digital content will continue to be hosted on their YouTube.com/BimBam channel. Many of the videos already appear on ReformJudaism.org and ReformJudaism.org’s social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Going forward the ReformJudaism.org website and social media will continue to promote these assets to new audiences.
Sarah Lefton, BimBam’s Founder said, “We are extremely proud of the work we have produced and the mark it has left on so many people who use them to learn about and feel more connected to, and comfortable with, Judaism. Digital video is how the next generation learns, and we are so pleased that the URJ joins us in seeing the necessity for the Jewish community to have a smart long term digital strategy.”
With topics including Kids & Family, Judaism 101, and Torah & Texts, BimBam’s videos have received more than 22 million views. The material was created by leading talent from Disney, Pixar, Apple, and top Hollywood production companies in partnership with leading Jewish educators, rabbis, cantors, and musicians and even TV celebrities. In addition, Reform Jewish Community leaders like Rabbi Jonah Pesner and others have also contributed their expertise and talent.
“The BimBam library is rich, entertaining, and welcoming to everyone who wants to learn more about Judaism, and we’re honored that ReformJudaism.org will continue to keep the content available to the most people,” said Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President. “Many Reform educators, clergy, and creative artists contributed to these superb videos which are powerful tools and conversation-starters for all audiences including individuals of all ages and backgrounds, families with young children, and the Reform movement’s network of educators and youth professionals to share with their students.”
Among the many digital assets that will be hosted and available at ReformJudaism.org include:
- The original cartoon series Shaboom! made for 4–7 year-olds and their parents. Taught everyday Jewish values like welcoming guests, expressing gratitude, and visiting the sick, to tens of thousands of children.
- “Judaism 101” content for young adults – to help open the world of Jewish learning in an easy-to-consume and understand way.
- Content specific to Jewish life-cycle events, the weekly Torah Portion, and Jewish holidays.
Sarah Lefton, in speaking to the legacy of BimBam and its new home with ReformJudaism.org added, “We worked with over 5,000 Jewish educators in every setting to make our content available and to co-create new content. We were always committed to radical generosity in sharing our content widely through partners to maximize our reach. Now, with URJ stewarding this content, we are confident it will remain vibrant and part of the fabric of Jewish exploration in the years to come.”
ReformJudaism.org was the first website to approach Jewish life, practice, learning, culture, and social justice from an exclusively modern Jewish perspective. It is constantly introducing engaging new content including videos and podcasts that bring Jewish stories and lessons to life.
Like all of ReformJudaism.org’s extensive content, BimBam’s broad range of innovative videos imparts the wisdom of Jewish tradition and Jewish values, exploring Jewish holidays, life-cycle events, text study and more to help encourage its audience to make the world more whole, just, and compassionate.
To learn more, read the press release from BimBam.
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About the Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) builds community at every level—from the way we collaborate with congregations, organizations, and individuals to how we make connections across North America to advance contemporary and inclusive Jewish life. Providing vision and voice to transform the way people connect to Judaism, we help congregations stay relevant and innovative, motivate more young Jews to embrace Jewish living, agitate for a more progressive society, and foster meaningful connections to Israel.
Founded in 1873, URJ has grown into the largest and most powerful force in North American Jewish life, with nearly 900 member congregations and work that inspires, connects, and educates millions of people. Our legacy, reach, leadership, and vision mean that we can unite thousands of years of tradition with a modern, evolving Judaism to strengthen Jewish communities today and for future generations.
Visit us at www.URJ.org to learn about our social justice initiatives, camps and programs for young Jews, services for congregations and communities, and how you can work with us to create a more just, whole, and compassionate world. Enjoy related content at ReformJudaism.org and connect with URJ on Twitter and Facebook.
About BimBam
Watch something Jewish. BimBam uses digital storytelling to spark connections to Judaism for learners of all ages. www.bimbam.com
Media Contact
Lauren Theodore
