PROJECTS
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They Played for Their Lives
Produced and directed by Nurit Jugend Produced and co-directed by Aaron I. Butler Illustrations by Ari Binus Edited by Aaron I. Butler and Andrew Kimery Music is a universal language that has the power to express what cannot be told or explained in words. Music composed or performed during the Holocaust provided people with a semblance of emotional comfort and distraction from their horrific reality: “Music gave us so much, to escape even for a few moments to a 'normal' world,” explains Greta, a survivor from ghetto Terezin. Though they could not escape from their physical reality, “Music allowed us a complete disconnect and emotional escape from the daily life”. |
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Faithkeepers
Director: Micah Smith Producer/Writer: Paula Kweskin Research Director/Associate Producer: Zach Sicherman Illustrations: Ari Binus Senior Animator: Eli Veffer Junior Animator: Sivan Felder In the Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity, Christians and other minorities are being violently persecuted, driven out and wiped out. Even their places of worship are being destroyed. Faithkeepers is an upcoming documentary film that features exclusive footage and testimonials of Christians, Baha’i, Yazidis, Jews, and other minority refugees, as well as a historical context of the persecution in the region. |
King David & Akavish the Spider by Sylvia Rouss
When a young shepherd boy aims a stone at a spider web, he little dreams it is the beginning of a lasting friendship, or that the small creature will one day save his life. Akavish the Spider makes a promise to David, which he keeps. But the greatest gift he gives is the knowledge that size and strength don't always win the day: by using your own special gift and your wits, anything is possible! It's a lesson for a king, and one that the future King of Israel will never forget...
When a young shepherd boy aims a stone at a spider web, he little dreams it is the beginning of a lasting friendship, or that the small creature will one day save his life. Akavish the Spider makes a promise to David, which he keeps. But the greatest gift he gives is the knowledge that size and strength don't always win the day: by using your own special gift and your wits, anything is possible! It's a lesson for a king, and one that the future King of Israel will never forget...
The Littlest Tree by Sylvia Rouss
This inspiring installment in the popular and award-winning, "The Littlest…" series by Sylvia Rouss proves that worth and character are not to be judged by outward appearances. The littlest tree in the forest triumphs as the villagers search for wood to build their new synagogue. While the sheer size and mocking attitudes of the massive trees surrounding our hero are daunting, he has faith and hope—plus a pure desire to be put to good use in the new synagogue.
This inspiring installment in the popular and award-winning, "The Littlest…" series by Sylvia Rouss proves that worth and character are not to be judged by outward appearances. The littlest tree in the forest triumphs as the villagers search for wood to build their new synagogue. While the sheer size and mocking attitudes of the massive trees surrounding our hero are daunting, he has faith and hope—plus a pure desire to be put to good use in the new synagogue.
Hayyim's Ghost by Eric A. Kimmel
A classic Jewish tale. Hayyim wakes up one morning only to find out that the entire town thinks he’s "gone to Heaven." But he’s still here! With the help of the Rabbi, Hayyim sets out to learn what really happened. A humorous "Kimmelesque" story that children and adults will enjoy. Eric A. Kimmel has written over 50 children’s books, winning The Caldecott and Children’s Choice awards, as well as The 2004 Storytelling World Award for The Brass Serpent and The National Jewish Book Finalist Award for Why the Snake Crawls on its Belly.
A classic Jewish tale. Hayyim wakes up one morning only to find out that the entire town thinks he’s "gone to Heaven." But he’s still here! With the help of the Rabbi, Hayyim sets out to learn what really happened. A humorous "Kimmelesque" story that children and adults will enjoy. Eric A. Kimmel has written over 50 children’s books, winning The Caldecott and Children’s Choice awards, as well as The 2004 Storytelling World Award for The Brass Serpent and The National Jewish Book Finalist Award for Why the Snake Crawls on its Belly.
Izzy Hagbah by J.J. Gross
The children in the synagogue listen wide-eyed to the tale of Izzy, King of the Hagbah, who was able to lift the Torah scroll more than 9 columns wide. Where Izzy came from, no one really knew, nor did he dress like everyone else when he came to synagogue. But one thing was certain: Izzy was driven by some mystical force to do the mitzvah of Hagbah like no one else in the world. As Izzy gets older, his strength begins to wane until, one day, something happens and the people in the synagogue witness a true miracle.
The children in the synagogue listen wide-eyed to the tale of Izzy, King of the Hagbah, who was able to lift the Torah scroll more than 9 columns wide. Where Izzy came from, no one really knew, nor did he dress like everyone else when he came to synagogue. But one thing was certain: Izzy was driven by some mystical force to do the mitzvah of Hagbah like no one else in the world. As Izzy gets older, his strength begins to wane until, one day, something happens and the people in the synagogue witness a true miracle.
Around the Shabbos Table by Seryl Berman
Did you ever watch children argue about where they want to sit - in the car, the classroom, or at the table? All are sure that one spot is the "best," so someone must settle for something less. Around the Shabbos Table demonstrates that there is always another way of looking at things.
The story starts one Friday night when Tova Leiba's brother is unhappy with his seat. Tova Leiba agrees to change places with him, as she is confident she can be happy there. And, thanks to her positive attitude, she does discover a hidden benefit to her new position at the table.
This happens again and again when Tova Leiba's other siblings want to switch, too! Find the advantage of each new seat as she makes her way... around the Shabbos table!
Winner of the 2010 Sydney Taylor Notable Books for Young Readers Award
Did you ever watch children argue about where they want to sit - in the car, the classroom, or at the table? All are sure that one spot is the "best," so someone must settle for something less. Around the Shabbos Table demonstrates that there is always another way of looking at things.
The story starts one Friday night when Tova Leiba's brother is unhappy with his seat. Tova Leiba agrees to change places with him, as she is confident she can be happy there. And, thanks to her positive attitude, she does discover a hidden benefit to her new position at the table.
This happens again and again when Tova Leiba's other siblings want to switch, too! Find the advantage of each new seat as she makes her way... around the Shabbos table!
Winner of the 2010 Sydney Taylor Notable Books for Young Readers Award
