Shooby Doob Shloimy in the SA Jewish Report

By Paula Slier

AT long last, a much-needed niche in the Jewish children's market is being filled. Shopby Doob Shloimy is a cool, religious kid, a friend to children all over the world who delights with his music, songs and stories.

"You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy him although he has the ability to bring Jewish values, thinking and philosophies to a level where children understand them," says Mark Samowitz, the Shooby Doob Shloimy character. Samowitz wrote the music and is well known for his chazonis, compositions and performances.

He's joined by Helen Heldenmuth, who, after a career in theatre, television and on stage, has returned to where she started- teaching and directing children's drama classes.

"I'm inspired by my grandchildren. Children need something they enjoy. There's so much out there for the secular market in terms of kids' songs.

"I really feel there's a need for children's songs with Jewish value. Songs that have rhythm, beat and a message," says Heldenmuth who is responsible for writing, directing and producing the lyrics and scripts.

"You always hear children humming pop songs whose words they don't understand. From my years of teaching, I've learnt that one only learns through enjoyment. Each Shooby Doob Shloimy songhas a clear message and without the kids realising it, they absorb core Jewish beliefs."

The two are in the final stages of production as Samowitz is due to fill in as the chazon of the Perth Hebrew Congregation during the coming High Holy Days.

Each of the songs on the CD, cassette or videotape addresses an important Jewish philosophy or belief. Between them, the songs educate about the importance of treating others "as one would like to be treated oneself" what it means to walk in the "way of Hashem", and which character traits people should look to acquire, refine and perfect.

Shooby Doob Shloimy also has many friends, among them "Marvel Mensch" the cartoon character that teaches about sharing and caring. "The words are in English and are directed at children from both secular and observant homes. By learning the songs, children learn their understanding," points out Heldenmuth.

"The tunes are different to other religious tunes because they are contemporary. Judaism needs to be tangible to children. Shooby Doob Shloimy is a modern Jewish character who teaches and moulds children in ways they can understand, relate to, and put into practice."

The first live Shooby Doob Shloimy show will be performed in November and is being choreographed by Vicky Friedman. The majority of the children taking part attend Heldenmuth's drama classes and will also appear on the video. The character is being marketed in England, America and Australia. '"

"It's as if it was all there waiting to do. I simply gave Mark the words and the lyrics just flowed. I really do believe these songs are inspired," says Heldenmuth.