MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Reaching Uruguay's thousands of Jews one kid at a time. That's what Rochel Shemtov's initiative does through a series of fun-filled educational programs it brings to local schools monthly.
“Kids in Action” Brings Holidays to Life for Uruguayans
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Reaching Uruguay’s thousands of Jews one kid at a time. That’s what Rochel Shemtov’s initiative does through a series of fun-filled educational programs it brings to local schools monthly.
Every month for the past three years, Jewish Kids in Action has visited Jewish schools around the South American country with holiday-themed productions combining live action, video, comedy, music and games. It promotes an interactive style of Jewish learning, says Shemtov, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Uruguay, that leaves children hungry for more.
“They come to learn and live each holiday once a month,” she explains.
Just before Passover, for instance, Jewish children in Montevideo participated in a chocolate matzah factory. For Lag B’Omer, the early summer anniversary of the death of the 2nd century sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, Jewish Kids in Actions plans to take children on an eco-adventure outdoor activity.
All of the productions – which take place on Jewish school grounds, in neighborhood theaters, or at the Beit Jabad del Uruguay Shemtov operates with her husband, Rabbi Eliezer Shemtov – provide free entertainment to the students. The rabbi fundraises to cover the costs of the sometimes elaborate sets and to pay for actors.
fan
go shemtov’s!!