Shalom Sesame Selected Press (Spring 2011)

Selected Press Clippings
Spring 2011
The Muppet Beit Midrash
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http://www.thejewishweek.com/print/14573
Published on The Jewish Week (http://www.thejewishweek.com)
Home > The Muppet Beit Midrash
The Muppet Beit Midrash
Twelve new episodes of ‘Shalom Sesame’ reveal a changing Israel — and cater to a full
spectrum of American Jews.
Shira Vickar-Fox
Special To The Jewish Week
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The human cast of
“Shalom Sesame.”
Messages about
“pluralism, coexistence,
modernity behind the cute
‘Sesame’ characters"
Slapstick goes far with the young set. The first episode of the new “Shalom Sesame” collection
opens with Anneliese van der Pol, star of “That’s So Raven,” on a flight to Israel. The klutzy
flight attendant —everyone’s cute and furry blue pal Grover — serves falafel to Anneliese and a
falafel ball ends up on her curmudgeonly seatmate’s head.
The same uptight muppet, who is dressed in a suit, appears in “Chanukah: The Missing
Menorah.” This time, the offending object on his head is a latke.
Both scenes drew peals of laughter from my esteemed viewing panel ranging in age from 14
months to 5 years. Asked about his favorite part, Coby Shulman, 5, of West Orange, N.J.,
responded, “When the latke fell on his head.”
After nearly 25 years, the creative minds at Sesame Workshop have developed 12 new,
slapstick-laden episodes of “Shalom Sesame.” The new series is aimed primarily at the
American market to educate viewers here on basic Judaism and life in Israel. Viewers will
recognize some of the characters from the long-running television series and the familiar
“Sesame Street” style — using short skits, musical numbers, animation, colorful puppets, and
real-life footage to entertain while subtly educating the audience.
6/3/2011 11:36 AM
The Muppet Beit Midrash
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http://www.thejewishweek.com/print/14573
But, said Shari Rosenfeld, vice president of international project management for Sesame
Workshop, “a lot has changed [since the first round of Shalom Sesame]. The marketplace has
changed as well as the reality of life in Israel. And there’s such a paucity of quality educational
resources serving the young Jewish population.” Topics in the “Shalom Sesame” series include
the Jewish calendar, Hebrew language, holidays, Jewish ethics and values and Israel.
Gone is the 1980s Kippi Ben Kippod, the friendly neighborhood porcupine, and in his place are
multi-ethnic characters, a website, and future YouTube channel. “Kids and families are no
longer only consuming television as their main media diet so the Internet is key,” said
Rosenfeld.
The human and muppet cast tries to represent the diversity within Israel. Furry friends include
Mahboub, a musical Arab-Israeli boy; Avigayil, a spunky Israeli tot; and the Israeli grouch,
Moishe Oofnik, who appeared in the original series. The flesh-and-blood residents of Rechov
Sumsum (Sesame Street), where the show is set, are a cross-section of the Israeli population.
There’s Boris, a teenager from Russia; the nature-loving Lemlem from Ethiopia; Kobi, the
antique dealer who wears a crocheted kipa; and the bubbe on the set, Shoshana. And there’s
no room for politics on Rechov Sumsum.
“What’s interesting to me are the deeper messages that hide behind the cute ‘Sesame’
characters and childlike dialogue — messages about pluralism, coexistence, tradition,
modernity, and more—which are probably depicted too subtly for children to grasp
independently but are ripe for further exploration through well-developed activities and lessons,”
wrote Shira Hammerman in an e-mail. “I see a lot of potential here.” Hammerman is a doctoral
student in education and Jewish studies at New York University and a mom from my viewing
panel.
Although the literature states the target audience is ages 3 to 8, the familiar characters (such as
the Count, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie) and engaging methods of storytelling appeal to viewers of
all ages. “We see our primary target audience as the most minimally engaged because we see
‘Sesame’ is such a unique tool for reaching out and presenting some of this content,” said
Rosenfeld.
In a nod to the adult viewership, plenty of celebrities make lighthearted cameos. There’s Ben
Stiller, dressed as a wedge of cheddar, singing the virtues of cheese. In the forthcoming
Passover episode Jake Gyllenhaal finds the afikomen in his shirt pocket and in another one
Cedric the Entertainer tells a riddle, “What has a lot of dough, is braided and is worth waiting all
week for?” (The answer: challah.)
“The challenge was we really wanted lots of different kinds of people to feel comfortable while
they watched,” said Rabbi Leora Kaye, the U.S. content adviser for “Shalom Sesame” and
program director at Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan. “We know the Jewish continuum is so
different. It includes people who are really observant and people who aren’t Jewish. That
automatically means you have to be pretty fluent in lots of different types of languages.”
For instance, one of the topics mulled over like rabbinic scholars in Talmudic debate was how to
define a mitzvah. “To some people a mitzvah is a commandment and to other people a mitzvah
is an obligation,” said Rabbi Kaye. The word choice was extremely important so an unaffiliated
Jew could grasp the concept while not alienating an observant one.
The end result is an adorable “Mitzvah: Impossible” skit with Agent Grover choosing to accept
his mitzvah mission of visiting Avigayil when she is sick. In the segment a mitzvah is defined as
6/3/2011 11:36 AM
The Muppet Beit Midrash
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http://www.thejewishweek.com/print/14573
“a rule from the Torah that teaches us how to behave and be good to one another.” This video
clip and many others, including games and educational resources, can be found at
ShalomSesame.org. The site was launched in December and will eventually contain a wealth of
related content for parents and educators, according to Rosenfeld. The developers want
“Shalom Sesame” to be used as an outreach tool for educational organizations and
synagogues.
“Teenagers, young adults, adults, older adults all find it engaging and really charming, and it
speaks to them,” said Rosenfeld. “I think that’s the power of ‘Sesame Street’ in general and we
really tried to translate that into ‘Shalom Sesame’ as well.”
This month features the release of three new DVDs including one for the often-neglected
holiday of Tu b’Shvat, titled “Grover Plants A Tree.” The two others are “Shabbat Shalom,
Grover!” and “Mitzvah on the Street.” Every six weeks or so another two episodes will be
released culminating in a boxed set available in the fall.
“Whether you look at Torah or Talmud or Midrash it’s always about telling a story, and ‘Shalom
Sesame’ is just another way of telling the story,” said Rabbi Kaye. “There’s a narrative and a
visual text, and you can learn from it.”
Read more: Education & Careers
Education & Careers
Copyright 2010 The Jewish Week
Source URL (retrieved on 06/03/2011 - 11:36): http://www.thejewishweek.com/special_sections/education_careers
/muppet_beit_midrash
6/3/2011 11:36 AM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/15/jake-gyllenhaals-shalom-sesame_n_836009.html
Jake Gyllenhaal's Sesame Street Appearance (VIDEO)
First Posted: 03/15/11 11:44 AM Updated: 03/15/11 03:19 PM
Read More: Entertainment, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jake Gyllenhaal Sesame Street, Jake Gyllenhaal
Shalom Sesame, Sesame Street, Shalom Sesame, Television, Tv, Entertainment News
Jake Gyllenhaal has many talents. Hiding things may not be one of them.
The "Source Code" star made a guest appearance on "Shalom Sesame," a version of Sesame
Street produced to introduce Hebrew and Jewish culture to Jewish children. He was explaining to
viewers about the Afikoman -- the piece of matzoh hidden for children on Passover.
Turns out he's not so "super" at hiding things. But that's for the kids to revel in finding out.
WATCH:
[video clip]
http://perezhilton.com/2011-03-15-jake-gyllenhaal-on-sesame-street-shalom
Home >> TV News , Jake Gyllenhaal >> Shalom Sesame With Jake Gyllenhaal!
Shalom Sesame With Jake Gyllenhaal!
Filed under: TV News > Jake Gyllenhaal
Um, if you don't think Jake Gyllenhaal is adorable after this, your heart is either cold or you're
Taylor Swift. (We haven't heard a song about him yet, therefore, she is not over him fully!)
[Video clip]
Check out Jake in his latest TV gig - Sesame Street ! (above)
So much cuteness! So much cuteness!
Tags: adorable, cuteness, Sesame Street
Jewcy Interviews: Sesame Street's Grover by Jacob Harris | Jewcy.com
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http://www.jewcy.com/family/jewcy-interviews-sesame-street-grover
FAMILY
Jewcy Interviews: Grover
By Jacob Harris / April 27, 2011
The following is by far the most exciting and important celebrity interview we have ever scored: Grover.
Granted, he is my favorite Sesame Street character, and I am the proud new father of a two-and-a-half month
old baby boy, but still – I challenge you to think of a more timeless living subject. Naturally, I compiled a list
of the 300 or so most important questions I have always wanted to ask Grover. How has he sustained his
fame? How often does he wash his fur? What did he do for Passover this year? How come the 1983 LP
“The Best of Grover” has seven songs on the first side and eight on the other? Did he realize how mind
boggling that was to someone who was just learning to count when he recorded it? The list goes on…
When I was informed that I unfortunately would not be able to hang out with Grover for the full week I had
requested, I decided to focus on Grover 2011. Enjoy!
Jacob: Who is your favorite celebrity?
Grover: It is so hard to choose a favorite when I have met so many nice and wonderful people at Sesame
Street and Rechov Sumsum. You know who was really funny? Jake Gyllenhaal. He hid the Afikomen and
then forgot where he hid it. Sounds like something your cute and furry pal Grover would do, no? At least we
are both loveable.
Who was the tallest celebrity you met?
I would have to say my new friend Amar’e Stoudemire is the tallest celebrity, maybe even the tallest person I
have ever met! Amar’e and I played some hoops in The Arbor at Sesame Street! I am pretty sure I surprised
him with my sweet moves. Look out New York. Here comes Grover, baby!
Grover shoots hoops with Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire
Were you surprised he/she was so tall?
6/2/2011 12:27 PM
Jewcy Interviews: Sesame Street's Grover by Jacob Harris | Jewcy.com
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http://www.jewcy.com/family/jewcy-interviews-sesame-street-grover
I was very surprised! And Amar’e was impressed by my beautiful and luxurious blue fur. Wouldn’t it be funny if
I was his height and he had my color fur?
Speaking of which, how tall are you?
It is not the size of the monster that counts. All that matters is that I am very cute, very furry, and very blue. I am
a monster of perfect proportions!
If you could have dinner with any celebrity couple, who it be and why?
I would have dinner with Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs and I would take them to my favorite place, Charlie’s
Restaurant. And seeing as how I also happen to be a very talented waiter, I would take the pleasure of serving
us myself! I know they are allergic to chicken and shrimp from when they last visited Sesame Street so I will
be sure to keep them away.
Has Super Grover ever met Superman?
Hmmmmm, that is a good question. Super Grover has never met Superman, but I am sure that if we do meet,
we will have a lot of super important, super-secret things to talk about.
Do you follow any celebrities on Twitter?
You can check me and my furry and feathered friends out in all our 140 character glory, coming to you live
from Hooper’s Store. Being a waiter, a superhero, a global traveler and a loveable monster takes up a lot of my
time so I have not had time to peruse other pages yet.
Shalom Sesame is now available on DVD. Check out awesome new clips on YouTube.
All images used by permission, TM and © 2011 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved.
6/2/2011 12:27 PM
American Jewish World
APRIL 15, 2011
Pesach fun on Rechov Sumsum
By ERIN ELLIOTT BRYAN
Community News Editor
Today’s episode is brought to you by the letters hei and mem, and the number arba.
SISU Home Entertainment has released the latest volumes in its Shalom Sesame (Shalom
Sumsum, in Hebrew) series on DVD. Volume 7 is titled “It’s Passover, Grover,” and features the
furry blue monster as he gets ready for the first seder at Shoshana’s house in Israel. But trouble
arises when Shoshana realizes she doesn’t have the maror. What will they do?
Together with his friends, Anneliese Van Der Pol and fellow monster Avigail, Grover must find
some fresh horseradish in time for the seder — even if that means asking Moishe the Oofnik
(similar to Oscar the Grouch), who lives in a trash can and likes to eat rotten fish casserole.
Like all Sesame Street episodes, this one includes a lot of other pieces that are interspersed
between scenes of the main story. There is footage of children singing Passover songs and
retelling the Passover story; animations about Hebrew letters; and an appearance by actor Jake
Gyllenhaal, who talks about finding the afikomen. There are also two pieces about minority
families in Israel — one Ethiopian and one Moroccan — that describe the different traditions
they celebrate during Passover. And there’s a delightful musical number titled “Matza in the
House,” which is sung to the tune of “Master of the House” from Les Misérables. The song is
included as a sing-along on the DVD’s extras. The Shalom Sesame series packs a lot into this
26-minute episode. It’s fun, colorful and a great way to introduce Passover to the littlest
members of the family. The 12-part DVD series is coproduced by Sesame Workshop, the
nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, and Israel’s Channel HOP!
For information, visit: www. sisuent.com.
“It’s Passover, Grover,” the latest volume in the Shalom Sesame series, is now available
on DVD from SISU Home Entertainment.
Newest DVD from the Shalom Sesame series is a delightful way to celebrate Passover
http://blog.beliefnet.com/homeshuling/2011/04/shalom-sesame-or-is-jake-...
Shalom Sesame, or, is Jake Gyllenhaal really Jewish? - Homeshuling
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My kids didn’t watch Sesame Street when they were little. But last year, they received the entire run of
the Muppet Show on dvd. So, it’s not surprising that their favorite parts of Shalom Sesame‘s It’s
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Jewish Judaism
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Passover, Grover feature those lovable, furry creatures. In this episode of the brand new series of
Shalom Sesame, the muppets, both veteran and new (or at least newly named, I’m not sure), search
all over r’hov soomsoom for some horseradish for the seder plate. The hunt involves a grandmother
who sounds suspiciously like Eva Gabor, an Oofnik (think Oscar, but without the green fur and
uni-brow), and a giant stinky cheese costume, which Grover dubs “a very sharp cheese ensemble.”
One of my favorite muppets, Count Von Count, also makes an appearance to, well, count. In Hebrew,
of course.
In addition to the always charming muppets, there’s a segment with a super-charming (I’d say hot, but
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In which I pretend to be a real author
Rapture, and my anniversary
I’m probably old enough to be his mother) Jake Gyllenhaal, as well as children explaining the story of
Stamp out hunger, stamp out sloth
the Exodus and singing the four questions, and explanations of a variety of familiar and less familiar
Grover learns (a little bit of) Hebrew
Passover traditions. (I had never heard of Mimouna before, but I’m dying to attend a celebration.) The
Mother’s Day – You can’t always get what you
show also effectively, but subtly, reminds us that Jews come in many colors and from many traditions.
want, but it helps to ask
Mother’s day giveaways for Jewish (or Jew-ish)
I received this DVD to review from the folks at Shalom Sesame. I can’t wait to watch the others. And
here’s a peek at the adorable Jake Gyllenhaal. Because he’s a lot cuter than Bonnie Franklin, who
appeared in the first season of Shalom Sesame, produced during the years I was teaching Hebrew
school in college. (Who’s she? If you don’t know, then unlike me you probably aren’t old enough to be
Jake’s mother.)
mothers
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Shalom Sesame DVD Review | Deal W ise Mommy |
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Posted by Anne at 5:40 PM
We are big fans of Sesame Street in our house and have been since both my
husband and I were kids! I always loved how Sesame Street showed other cultures
in their show. I love to learn about others and Sesame Street always did it in a fun
way! Take an adventure with Grover to Israel! You will learn all about the Jewish
Holidays, Traditions and culture (What a week this is for that too!). Shalom Sesame
is a DVD set create for little ones to learn all about the Jewish Culture! These DVD’s
are packed with tons of Hollywood Stars too!
Middle East meets West with some very special – and occasionally furry – guests in
Shalom Sesame, an “edu-taining” new series from the creators of Sesame Street
featuring American and Israeli celebrities Debra Messing, Achinoam Nini, Mira Awad,
Jake Gyllenhaal, Christina Applegate, Greg Kinnear, Debi Mazar, and other top name
talent arriving on DVD October 5, 2010 from SISU Home Entertainment.
Join lovable, furry Grover and celebrity host Anneliese van der Pol (That’s So
Raven, Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast) as they travel to Israel to meet new
people and learn new things in this 12-part DVD series co-produced by Sesame
Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, and Israel’s Channel
HOP! Designed to help bring the vitality of Jewish culture and tradition as well as the
diversity of Israeli life to American children and their families, each 30-minute, liveaction and animated DVD will focus on storylines drawn from Jewish cultural
traditions, highlighting lessons on Hebrew letters and words, unique sites in Israel,
and Jewish values.
Initial titles in the launch include “Welcome to Israel” and “Chanukah: The Missing
Menorah” and will be available nationwide on DVD October 5, 2010. Future titles will
be released beginning January 2011 and, through familiar and new Sesame Street characters, celebrities
and stories, viewers will learn about Jewish traditions, culture and holidays. Aspects of Jewish life such as
celebrating Shabbat, exploring Jewish values and mitzvot, and the Hebrew alphabet will be introduced, along
with holidays such as Purim, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
As with all Sesame Workshop series, Shalom Sesame is not just for television. This multimedia project will
also have a free website tailored for use at home and in school launching along with the DVD series. The
website www.ShalomSesame.org will feature content from the new Shalom Sesame in the form of activities
and games, videos, caregiver tips and activity suggestions for educators. Additionally Shalom Sesamethemed community outreach events will take place, bringing series content to families in Jewish communities
across the country.
“This all-new Shalom Sesame is designed to further enrich and engage Jewish children and foster their
Jewish identity,” says SISU Home Entertainment’s Haim Scheininger. “With a fresh new look, new celebrities
and new content, a whole new generation of viewers will be exposed to Shalom Sesame. Sesame
Workshop’s and SISU’s multi-platform approach is making Shalom Sesame one of the best resources for
Jewish education in the country.”
“Welcome to Israel” Synopsis:
Grover and Anneliese go to Israel! Join your favorite blue monster and his new pal as they begin to explore
this beautiful land. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget – full of fun, friends and flying falafel! Guest
appearance by Christina Applegate.
“Chanukah: The Missing Menorah” Synopsis:
It’s time to celebrate Chanukah in Israel! Grover’s bringing the latkes and all is well until Anneliese gets
caught in a game of tag with a chicken and loses her special menorah …just as Chanukah is about to begin!
Can her friends find the missing menorah in time? Guest appearance by Debi Mazar.
Bonus extras on each DVD include “Grover’s Monster Music Videos,” option for English sub-titles and sneak
peeks at all 12 titles in the series. Shalom Sesame DVDs will be available for a suggested retail price of
$14.95 each. To order, call 1-800-223-7478 or visit http://www.sisuent.com.
http://www.hadassahmagazine.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=twI6LmN7IzF&b=5698175&ct=912
7959
Columns & Departments
Cut & Post: Shalom Sesame, Boutique Kosher Hotels
Come and Play, in Israel!
Celebrate Purim this year with the lovable stars of the all-new Shalom Sesame. Be Happy, It's
Purim!, disc 6 in the series of 12 half-hour DVDs, features muppet Avigail learning about the
holiday’s hero, Esther, and all the residents of Rehov Sumsum dressing up in costumes.
Anneliese van der Pol hosts the shows, which are a follow-up to the beloved original series that
debuted in the 1980s and introduced American kids to Israel—and Oscar the Grouch’s Israeli
cousin, Moshe Oofnik. Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria makes a guest appearance for
Purim.
And Passover is covered in disc 7 of the new series: In It's Passover, Grover!, all the
horseradish has gone missing, and it’s up to the denizens of Rehov Sumsum to locate some
before the Seder. Jake Gyllenhaal guest stars.
Future episodes include Countdown to Shavout, The Sticky Shofar and Monsters in the Sukkah.
Looking for more "Shalom Sesame" fun? The show’s Web site,
www.shalomsesame.org, features several games, videos and art activities as well as e-cards.
"Shalom Sesame" was produced by Sesame Workshop and is being distributed by Sisu
Entertainment.
—Libby Barnea
Shalom Sesame, 2010, No. 6
Anneliese van der ...
Best Price $8.48 or Buy New $13.49
Midwestbookreview.com
Children's Bookwatch
Volume 21, Number 5 May 2011
5/3/2011
Shalom Sesame series
SISU Home Entertainment Inc.
340 W. 39th St., 6th fl., New York, NY 10018
$14.95 each www.sisuent.com
Two more installments in the Shalom Sesame DVD series further enhance this excellent,
educational introduction to Hebrew culture for young people ages 3-8, featuring beloved puppet
characters from Sesame Street. In volume 8, "Grover Learns Hebrew" (1560867086, 23 min.
plus 27 min. extras), Grover learns new words in Hebrew and befriends the Rechov Sumsum
family. An Aleph-Bet song is the highlight of this program designed to show viewers that
learning a new language can be fun! In volume 9, "Countdown to Shavuot" (1560867094, 26
min. plus 26 min. extras), viewers learn all about the Hebrew celebration of Shavuot, which
commemorates receiving the Torah. Counting down the weeks between Passover and Shavuot
can be a fun family activity! Both DVDs, and the entire Shalom Sesame series, is worthy of the
highest recommendation for its positive, informative content and their flair for making learning
about a different culture into pure fun.
http://midwestbookreview.com/cbw/may_11.htm