In this final episode of our Pre-Pesach series, we end off with the creator of That Jewish Moment - Sari Kopitnikoff. She is sharing some amazing and very creative ideas on how to prepare an incredible Seder for your children. Sari is an experiential educator, digital artist, educational performer, and content creator. She is passionate about creating books, games, activities, shows, and virtual challenges that bring Judaism to life. For the last decade, she’s taught elementary, middle, and high school, but her creativity and energy have reached beyond the classroom, bringing the sparks of Jewish life to all parts of the world. In 2014, Sari began That Jewish Moment, a colorful, meaningful, and heartfelt collection of drawings and programs that showcase the spirit and beauty of Jewish life. [00:00] Introduction to Sari Kopitnikoff [02:38] What inspired Sari to go into education [05:20] The beginning of Pesach workshops [07:15] Keeping kids on their toes – practical examples [09:14] Advice to parents on how to create an amazing Seder [12:10] The goals and themes to be focused on [18:20] The Seder in Sari’s home [22:05] The use of visuals – it doesn’t have to be perfect [23:47] How to make Haggadah text come alive [26:33] How to differentiate first and second night [28:38] Take off the pressure from the Seder [30:30] Installing emunah in your kids during the Seder [31:35] Keep expectations low This episode has been sponsored by jKaraoke, a great way to have good kosher family fun singing all of your favorite Jewish songs with karaoke. You can subscribe monthly from just $4.99 or yearly from $49.99, and in honour of their US launch, jKaraoke are now offering their best deal yet! Grab a yearly subscription plus a Karaoke Kit for just $99.99 plus use coupon JewsNextDor for an additional 10% off!! Check out jKaraoke.com today and let the fun begin!
How to prepare a joyous and educational Seder? What are some pro tips that can help parents? How to make sure all kids are involved and have a voice? Welcome to another episode of our Pre-Pesach series! We are having an amazing conversation with Mrs. Sharon Richter, or as some know her, Morah Sarah. Mrs. Richter has been the Lower School Associate Principal of Judaic Studies at Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy (SAR) since 2005. She began her career at SAR in 1986 as a Judaic studies teacher after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Judaic studies from Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University. She is known for her Parashat haShavua series and her inspirational “Spiritual Sparks” workshops. She is sharing some excellent tips on how to prepare for the Seder as a family, how to make the Seder educational, but also fun and joyous, and how to help your kids come out of the Seder with amazing memories and positive feelings. [00:00] Going into Jewish education [01:33] How to prepare for the Seder as a family [05:44] Practical tips and using props to convey the message [09:10] How to help parents become educators [15:15] Practical preparation – setting the table, feeding kids, bulletin board [18:07] Pro-tips for the Seder [21:17] Know your children and make sure everyone has a voice [27:54] The Sparks workshops [31:20] Final message [33:22] Recommendation for Haggadah This episode has been sponsored by jKaraoke, a great way to have good kosher family fun singing all of your favorite Jewish songs with karaoke. You can subscribe monthly from just $4.99 or yearly from $49.99, and in honour of their US launch, jKaraoke are now offering their best deal yet! Grab a yearly subscription plus a Karaoke Kit for just $99.99 plus use coupon JewsNextDor for an additional 10% off!! Check out jKaraoke.com today and let the fun begin!
How to prepare an exciting and educational Seder? What props and visuals to use to keep the kids involved? What does the Seder look like in Rabbi Weberman’s home? Rabbi Yechiel Weberman is known as the King of Pesach because of the awesome content he shares on his website - AwesomePesach.com. In this episode, we will hear some great advice on preparing an amazing and fun, but also educational Seder that will convey the right message and keep the kids involved and happy. [00:00] Background and coming into Jewish education [04:57] The goal of the Seder is to transmit the message [07:53] Telling stories about God’s love [11:58] It is essential to prepare for all aspects of the Seder [14:28] Using pictures and props to build up a story [16:36] How to involve older kids – asking questions [20:55] Tips for parents on how to lead the Seder [24:55] The Seder in Rabbi Yechiel’s home [30:10] Props and visuals to use to create an amazing experience [35:07] Reading Haggadah and making it alive [42:58] Having the Seder in a hotel [45:35] Final message *** This episode has been sponsored by jKaraoke, a great way to have good kosher family fun singing all of your favorite Jewish songs with karaoke. You can subscribe monthly from just $4.99 or yearly from $49.99, and in honour of their US launch, jKaraoke are now offering their best deal yet! Grab a yearly subscription plus a Karaoke Kit for just $99.99 plus use coupon JewsNextDor for an additional 10% off!! Check out jKaraoke.com today and let the fun begin!”
Welcome to another episode of The Jews Next Dor! Our guest today is Rabbi Paysach Krohn, mohel, author, and lecturer on topics related to ethics and spiritual growth. He is the author of the bestselling "Maggid" series of books for ArtScroll, inspired by the stories of Rabbi Sholom Schwadron, who was known as the "Maggid of Jerusalem". He also authored a seminal work on Bris Milah also published by ArtScroll. Rabbi Paysach Krohn shares powerful tales and practical tips to help you make your Passover Seder a truly meaningful experience. He narrates moving stories from his own life that will deepen your understanding of tradition and redemption. Learn how small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact through a heartwarming account of the Holocaust. Get creative ideas for engaging children of all ages through interactive storytelling. Walk away with impactful lessons on gratitude, resilience, and passing Jewish heritage to the next generation. This episode is filled with wisdom and emotion - don't miss out on enriching your Seder with these memorable stories! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:14 Preparing and finding a good story for Seder 03:44 Tips for parents to make stories more captivating 05:23 Charity and kindness during Pesah 15:05 The meaning of freedom for Jewish people 20:01 The story about a father and son in Auschwitz 23:52 Rabbi’s favorite part of the Seder 25:58 The story of a silver plate from a Nazi Germany 30:31 The importance of trusting HaShem 35:06 Turning suffering into positivity 39:29 The story of milk and wine 43:51 The importance of gratitude and servitude 46:03 A story about the spilled wine 47:50 Stories from Rabbi’s personal life 55:07 Letting children celebrate their own Seder 56:47 Parenting strategies: playing and talking 59:33 Jewish values and the story of $98,000 Follow us! Gen Aleph Website - genaleph.org Twitter - twitter.com/yairmenchel IG - instagram.com/parentingthejewsnextdor YT - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJewsNextDor/
How to maintain your family routine during Pesach? What to do with your kids during Pesach preparations? How to raise them to be independent and helpful? Welcome to another episode of our Pre-Pesach series! Our guest is Dr. Robin Akserlud, a Program Director at LIU-Brooklyn, Author of The My OT Journey Planner, and Developer of the My OT Journey Podcast. We are talking about a family routine and how to maintain it without stress during Pesach preparations. You will hear some great, insightful, and helpful tips on involving children in Pesach preparations, helping them to adjust to the change of their routine, and teaching them to be helpful and independent. Tune in to hear more! [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Robin Akserlud [02:30] The ideal family routine [05:16] The children strive on structure [07:45] How to maintain a routine during the Pesach period without stress? [11:25] How to prepare children for the Pesach and pre-Pesach activities? [19:05] Eating and sleep routine during Pesach [24:40] How to raise independent children? [29:17] Chores – be flexible and make it fun [34:50] How to enjoy activities with children without stress [37:40] Tips for pre-Pesach activities [40:45] Self-care and managing personal stress [42 15] Final words *** This episode has been sponsored by jKaraoke, a great way to have good kosher family fun singing all of your favorite Jewish songs with karaoke. You can subscribe monthly from just $4.99 or yearly from $49.99, and in honour of their US launch, jKaraoke are now offering their best deal yet! Grab a yearly subscription plus a Karaoke Kit for just $99.99 plus use coupon JewsNextDor for an additional 10% off!! Check out jKaraoke.com today and let the fun begin!
How should parents prepare for the Seder? What should be our goals when preparing the Seder? How to engage children of all ages? Welcome to another episode of The Jews Next Dor! In preparation for Pesach, we are talking to Yair Daar who has been a Jewish educator and administrator for the past 15 years and is currently working at Yeshivat He’Atid in New Jersey. He is also involved in the organization of Moshava Ba'ir summer camps and various workshops. Yair emphasizes the importance of creating a positive feeling around the Seder and presenting the story in a way that everybody can understand. He doesn’t have any specific rules but insists on good storytelling and supporting activities. It’s very important to release the pressure and have fun while spreading the message of the Seder at the same time. [00:00] Introduction to Yair and his background [01:22] The Seder workshops on Zoom [02:20] How should parents prepare for the Seder [07:20] Most important themes [09:00] Differentiating between younger and older kids’ experience [14:27] Use of storytelling to get the message across [18:30] Activities for younger and older children [20:00] Maslow's hierarchy of needs [21:18] Start the Seder with fun [23:03] Seder cards and asking questions [25:27] The first and the second Seder [26:55] Release the pressure and know your goal [31:50] Final message *** This episode has been sponsored by jKaraoke, a great way to have good kosher family fun singing all of your favorite Jewish songs with karaoke. You can subscribe monthly from just $4.99 or yearly from $49.99, and in honour of their US launch, jKaraoke are now offering their best deal yet! Grab a yearly subscription plus a Karaoke Kit for just $99.99 plus use coupon JewsNextDor for an additional 10% off!! Check out jKaraoke.com today and let the fun begin!
This week, in preparation to Pesach, we are happy to talk to Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky, the Principal of Judaic Studies at Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls. She is a mentor and advisor to alumni, a kallah teacher, and an adult lecturer. As an expert on Jewish education, she gives great educational workshops on Pesach. Mrs. Kaminetsky will share some excellent advice on how to create an awesome and fun learning environment at the Seder and make space for experiential learning and thoughtful and meaningful conversations. We’ll hear some amazing ideas and a lot of practical advice. [00:00] Mrs. Kaminetsky’s background and coming into Jewish education [02:40] The Seder and good teaching methodologies [07:28] Mrs. Kaminetsky’s organization of Seder [12:15] Advice to parents who are not educators [13:48] Helping teenagers engage in meaningful dialog at the Seder [18:51] Preparations for Pesach – creating themes [27:50] How to give everyone space and the use of visuals [30:50] How to make text come alive [35:58] How to transmit values to children [40:55] How to differentiate the Seder from other meals [42:26] Pesach workshops [47:10] Engaging children to ask questions [50:10] Final message *** This episode has been sponsored by jKaraoke, a great way to have good kosher family fun singing all of your favorite Jewish songs with karaoke. You can subscribe monthly from just $4.99 or yearly from $49.99, and in honour of their US launch, jKaraoke are now offering their best deal yet! Grab a yearly subscription plus a Karaoke Kit for just $99.99 plus use coupon JewsNextDor for an additional 10% off!! Check out jKaraoke.com today and let the fun begin!”
Welcome to another episode of The Jews Next Dor! We have the great pleasure of having as our guest today Rabbi Isaac Rice, Rabbi at Congregation Anshei Chesed in Long Island & Rebbe at SKA. He has recently published an innovative Haggadah called "The Night of Teaching" which provides a clear guide for parents and leaders to effectively convey the messages of the Passover Seder. In this episode, he shares insights from his unique Haggadah and discusses practical strategies for engaging children in the Passover story. 00:00 Intro 00:26 Introduction to Rabbi Isaac Rice 02:49 Preparing the Haggadah with scripts 07:39 Midrashim and telling the story 10:33 Using games to bring atmosphere to Seder 13:38 How to bring Midrashim closer to children 17:06 Keeping your Seder simple and engaging 23:44 How should parents give emunah to children 25:52 Using Rabi Isaac’s Haggadah 27:34 The final message Follow us! Gen Aleph Website - genaleph.org Twitter - twitter.com/yairmenchel IG - instagram.com/parentingthejewsnextdor YT - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJewsNextDor/
Welcome to another episode of The Jews Next Dor! Our guest today is Rabbi Dov Brezak a very important figure in the world of Jewish education today. He has gained his experience over the last few decades as a parent, principal, author, lecturer and consultant. His ground-breaking bestseller book, Chinuch in Turbulent Times with Artscroll, has gained worldwide acclaim. Rabbi Brezak addresses the specific challenges that parents and their children face in our turbulent times. His profound and gentle words of advice are vital for our day and age. Tune in to hear practical advice on parenting techniques for instilling strong values in children and effectively managing challenging behaviors through close relationships built on trust and unconditional love. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:50 When children are not accepting your morals 06:16 Understanding their feelings and showing them respect 13:33 Decreasing assertiveness, increasing commutation 18:48 The definition and roots of chutzpah 26:27 Help children want the right things 37:36 Different types of chutzpah 41:38 Become aware of how to parent today 44:04 Adjusting to different ages and stages of childhood 47:01 Is there a difference between boys and girls? 48:51 When something is extreme, you need intervention 54:37 Specific tools and techniques to help parents 59:23 Rebelling children – show them unconditional love 1:04:53 The final message Follow us! Gen Aleph Website - genaleph.org Twitter - twitter.com/yairmenchel IG - instagram.com/parentingthejewsnextdor YT - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJewsNextDor/
Welcome back to another episode of The Jews Next Dor! Our guest today is Mrs. Dina Schoonmaker, a member of the Michlalah faculty for over 30 years. She lectures internationally and gives vaadim for women. She is a popular speaker, relationship counselor, teacher, and an important and inspiring person in our community. We talk about understanding middos and discovering timeless parenting strategies for raising ethical, humble, and compassionate children. This insightful discussion shares practical tips on instilling values like honesty, respect, and patience through Jewish wisdom and spiritual modeling. Learn how to cultivate strong character in kids by focusing on their strengths and using encouragement over criticism. Walk away with concrete methods for developing morality in a positive yet impactful way. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:03 Showing value through praise 02:11 Torah values vs. morals and ethics 03:05 How to teach kids honesty? 08:39 Respect and self-respect 12:00 Empathy and COVID story 14:31 Exercise for understanding others 16:06 Patience and the ability to constrain discomfort 20:50 Confidence and overconfidence 24:22 The right setting for teaching children 26:48 Positive reinforcement 29:28 The final message Follow us! Gen Aleph Website - genaleph.org Twitter - twitter.com/yairmenchel IG - instagram.com/parentingthejewsnextdor YT - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJewsNextDor/