| When most people think of Judaica, they picture | | | | meet. For more than 30 years, the popular 613 Torah |
| sterling silver menorahs, Kiddush cups, Seder plates, | | | | Avenue series has enchanted children and adults alike. |
| and books, books, books. Of course, all of these items | | | | Each volume follows the main character, Chaim, in a |
| fall under the Judaica umbrella, but it's important to | | | | different environment, telling the story through |
| remember the Judaica products designed specifically | | | | alternating sketches and songs. 613 Torah Avenue |
| for children! From toys to books and media to | | | | features melodies from traditional Jewish tunes, in |
| decorated Yarmulkes, children's Judaica can be a | | | | addition to drawing from folk and modern music - |
| great way to get young people excited about their | | | | sounds like the perfect recipe for a diverse, |
| religion. | | | | educational experience in song! |
| Young children can beef up on their knowledge of | | | | As for DVDs, children of all ages love the Agent |
| Jewish traditions with simple and fun toys designed | | | | Emes series, which explores fundamental Jewish |
| just for them. For example, Aleph-Bet's magnetic | | | | concepts as encountered by the lovable title character. |
| board and letters are colorful, easy tools created to | | | | The first video, for example, follows Agent Emes as |
| familiarize children with the Jewish alphabet. Additionally, | | | | he tries to save Rosh Hashana from the evil Dr. Lo |
| Kidkraft produces plastic holiday dinners themed | | | | Tov, who has attempted to tarnish the ram's horns. |
| around typical Passover, Rosh Hashana, and Shabbat | | | | Children are on the edge of their seats as this |
| meals - allowing children to learn about Jewish | | | | compelling mystery unravels, all the while learning about |
| traditions while indulging in their love to imitate the | | | | shofar, kosher habits, and one of our religion's most |
| "grown ups." | | | | important holidays. |
| Books, DVDs, and music are likewise fantastic | | | | Another way to get children enthusiastic about their |
| resources to connect children with their faith. Some | | | | Jewish heritage is through their wardrobe. It's easy to |
| books are primarily informative, such as the Rabbi | | | | find a Judaica store stocked with hand-painted |
| Mordecai Plaut's text "6 Constant Mitzvos - A Young | | | | products featuring some of popular culture's most |
| Child's Guide to Faith and Belief," as well as "A First | | | | beloved characters. For example, children can attend |
| Book of Jewish Bible Stories" by Julie Downing. These | | | | temple wearing suede or velvet yarmulkes decorated |
| will help your child understand what it means to be | | | | with images of Bob the Builder, Batman, Scooby Doo, |
| Jewish, in both past and present contexts. For some | | | | Star Wars characters, and more. Or for something |
| lighter reading, consider Rebecca Klempner's "A | | | | less commercial, children's kippahs are also available |
| Dozen Daises for Raizy - A Shavous Story" and Yael | | | | with paintings of dinosaurs, trains, and even the flag of |
| Mermelstein's "A Car That Goes Far." Both of these | | | | Israel. Similarly, you can make wearing Tzitzits fun by |
| books provide whimsical stories that encourage | | | | selecting garments featuring the same whimsical |
| sharing and generosity. | | | | adornments. |
| Music is another outstanding aspect of children's | | | | So, next time you're shopping a Judaica store for a |
| Judaica, whether you plan to enjoy it as a family | | | | new Kiddush cup, take a moment to remember the |
| gathered around the stereo, or simply in the | | | | little ones at home. |
| background as you drive your children to a soccer | | | | |