Contact: LTheodore@urj.org, 212-650-4154
April 6, 2016, New York, NY - The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), in partnership with BimBam, will offer the Shaboom! series of children’s videos on ReformJudaism.org, the URJ’s flagship educational website reaching more than two million visitors annually. As the first website to approach Jewish life, practice, learning, culture, and social justice from a modern Jewish perspective, ReformJudaism.org is constantly introducing engaging new content that everyone can enjoy.
Beginning on April 6, ReformJudaism.org will feature Shaboom!, the brand new, innovative animated web series that combines the best elements of children’s television with wisdom from Jewish tradition. The series teaches Jewish values that are considered universal values to 4-to-7-year-olds through magic, comedy, and silly songs. ReformJudaism.org will offer discussion guides and additional resources related to each episode’s theme for parents and educators to help children get the most out of each lesson.
“The Shaboom! series helps make it fun for our youngest learners to explore Jewish stories, values, and ideas – particularly the important practice of tikkun olam, or social justice,” said Cathy Rolland, URJ Director of Engaging Families with Young Children. “Each 11-minute video provides a simple, age-appropriate, and positive influence on kids’ behaviors and attitudes. These videos are great conversation-starters, both for families of young children tuning in at home, and for the Reform movement’s network of professional early childhood educators to share with their students.”
The first episode of the 10-part series is about hachnasat orchim – welcoming guests. Other episodes offer creative approaches to the topics of visiting the sick, gratitude, justice, respect, taking care of the earth, saying I’m sorry, and peace in the home.
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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 adept and agile, 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 most powerful force in North American Jewish life, with almost 900 member congregations and work that inspires 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.
