Customer Reviews

Shalom Sesame: Welcome to Israel

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Welcome to Israel is the initial title of a new 12-DVD series "Shalom Sesame", by the creators of the widely beloved educational program Sesame Street. "Shalom Sesame" is meant to introduce viewers to Jewish customs, holidays, traditions, and culture. In Welcome to Israel, furry muppet friends and Anneliese van der Pol explore and learn about the beautiful country of Israel. Though especially ideal for youngsters age 3-8, Welcome to Israel is enjoyable for the whole family, featuring pleasing songs, breathtaking photography, and amazing fun facts. 28 minutes plus 22 minutes extras. Also highly recommended is volume two of the "Shalom Sesame" series, Chanukah: The Missing Menorah (28 minutes plus 22 minutes extras).

I was disappointed in this DVD and have no desire to see it multiple times. But who cares? My 3-year-old loves it and is now counting in Hebrew! I loved the original Shalom Sesame, but the new one is much more appropriate for the preschool age group. Pros: No Elmo, and Grover is the primary muppet. Things are simple enough for young children to enjoy. The residents of Rechov Sumsum are a joy and not condescending. I enjoyed seeing the Arab muppet and gorgeous Ethiopian-Israeli resident Lemlem. Cons: Annelise van der Pol is loudly saccharin. Hebrew words are presented with extreme American accents. No Kippy the porcupine (actually this might be a pro for some!). Each 20-something minute episode gets its own DVD (wasteful/expensive!), and you have to watch the commercials every time. In this first 20-something-minute episode, there are a full 3 sketches that have nothing to do with Israel or Judaism. Nice sketches, but why? I am looking forward to (my child) enjoying future episodes.

We love these DVDs! We had gone to a promotional event at our local Jewish Community Center and saw one episode and loved it. We are now trying to collect them all. They are perfect for Jews of any denomination. I love that my children are learning about Israel, holidays and Hebrew from the makers of Sesame Street and with the great characters from it! I would recommend for any Jewish family!