The world of English tapes for religious children is
relatively small. And in that world, some offer
entertainment, some Mussar, some learning, very few all of
the above. "Something Wonderful" is in the latter category
and fully lives up to its name.
This cassette includes ten original, upbeat songs in the
context of a class that plumbs the depths of
hashkofoh and mussar. Everything about this
tape, from its graphics on the cassette jacket, its lyrics,
melodies and dialogue, is optimisitc and cheerful without
being cliched or sappy. It is actually quite real, with
children expressing themselves naturally in a song about how
they really want to be good even though they sometimes
aren't.
The tape is geared towards kids aged 3-13 but Naomi says she
gets calls from adults who have told her that "Something
Wonderful" has encouraged them to work on their
middos and has uplifted them when they were
depressed. Several women have said they were inspired to do
a nightly inventory from the song of the same name which
expresses the complicated concept of reviewing your deeds as
presented in Mesillas Yeshorim by the Ramchal, in
terms kids can relate to. One woman says she plays it every
day.
The tape offers important messages. The theme of each song
is introduced by pleasant patter between the "Guest Teacher"
and the class. The title song, "Something Wonderful", starts
with "I have something wonderful inside of me, a gift that
Hashem gave me" -- a neshoma. The songs deal with
mature Jewish theological concepts in terms which are
chewable and digestible for young children. Concepts such as
the struggle between yetzer hatov and yetzer
hora, being a part of Hashem, loving your neighbor and
improving your character. As one teacher told Naomi, "This
teaches cheshbon haneffesh better than we do."
"Something Wonderful" has won critical acclaim from two very
prominent names in chinuch. Rebbetzin Tzipora Heller
says, "A unique tape that can touch your children's hearts
and minds and make your parenting easier, sweeter and more
successful. I highly recommend it."
Rabbi Zev Leff adds, "Very educational, very enjoyable and
very inspiring."
It is hard to be anything put positive and superlative about
"Something Wonderful." The tape promotes self esteem and a
positive attitude while showing respect for the way that
Jewish children grapple with important issues in their
lives. Optimism and self-esteem are qualities that are
getting more and more difficult to come by in our
increasingly dangerous and negative world.
The tape features the vocal talents of Leib Yaakov Rigler
and very catchy tunes. Naomi, who has a Masters in
psychology and has studied voice, piano, clarinet and
guitar, says she chose this particular musical mode because
"I grew up in New York and was exposed to secular musicals
in my youth. They have fabulous energy; they're very
positive, very upbeat and there's also a back- and-forth
motion." This creates a dialogue.
Kids love it, adults love it, teenagers may be the only
audience it isn't suited for, but they may outgrow their
pseudo sophisticate posture, with exposure, and come to love
it, too. This is, definitely, in any case, a family tape.
It's a tape in which kids learn to love themselves. The
songs are intelligent. "Kids are so smart, and they need to
hear `I love you'," says Naomi. "Their personae are set
early by age eight and they need to have the messages of
being loved, having respect for themselves and others. These
and other Jewish concepts have to be instilled early in
life."
According to Naomi, there was a lot of Hashgocha
Protis in making this tape come out as professional as
it is. She has a few new projects in the works that you will
surely look forward to. If this one is any indication, the
coming ones are sure to be Something Wonderful, too.
The tape is available in stores in Jerusalem and can be
ordered by writing M & M enterprises in America, POB 751103,
Forest Hills, New York, NY 11375, or by calling 718-793-7667
or 1-800-VIP-MUSIC.
You can speak to Naomi at 02-654-0089.
