Shalom Sesame: The Land Of Israel

"Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Rechov Sumsum?" In case you haven't guessed, Rechov Sumsum is Sesame Street in Hebrew, and this delightful program introduces viewers to Sesame Street Israeli style. Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, together with actress Bonnie Franklin, are the hosts for this primary introduction to the land of Israel. The cameras visit Haifa (Israel's largest port city); Masada, site of the oldest synagogue in the world, and, of course, Jerusalem. Along the way there's lots of singing and dancing, and even grouching (courtesy of Moishe Dobnik, the Israeli Oscar). Viewers get a taste of the Hebrew alphabet and count to ten. And even adults will appreciate Perlman's open-air concert at Caesaria, a vast arena named after Caesar, where some 2,000 years ago people came to enjoy "violence instead of violins." An excellent introduction for young children to another culture, which features a guaranteed hook: the magic of Rechov Sumsum (or, Sesame Street). Highly recommended. Other titles in the series are: Tel Aviv, Kibbutz, The People of Israel, and Jerusalem. (Available from: Baker & Taylor Video, 8140 N. Lehigh Ave., Morton Grove, IL 60053.)