Mama Doni's Jewish Holiday Party

This delightful DVD for children—starring Parents Choice award-winning entertainer Mama Doni (Doni Zasloff Thomas), a dynamo of energy and talent—focuses on three Jewish holidays marked by rituals, good food, bonding time, music, and fun, with Doni and musical partner Eric Lindberg contributing bluegrass versions of holiday favorites. For Chanukah, Mama Doni wisely begins with a kids' game: a dreidel circle with gelt (chocolate coins) in the middle for the winner, which is followed by a cute film about trying to use gelt as real money in stores, after which Doni explains the story behind Chanukah. Next up is Passover, which Doni suggests is about freedom—including the freedom to be oneself. Doni notes that Passover includes housecleaning, shopping for kosher foods and leavened products, putting together a Seder plate, and—for youngsters—making matzo pizza. The third segment, which centers on the Shabbat (or weekly Sabbath), features more tunes, dances, and stories, along with a simple recipe for making challah. Bundled with a bonus audio CD featuring 13 songs, this engaging children's title is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (T. Keogh)