Mah Nishtanah? Don't Ask.

Yes, we've already started buying Passover groceries (it was completely unplanned, we just happened to be at the grocery store, and we just happened to walk down the right aisle, and I just happened to freak out and buy gobs of gluten-free food), so I think it's time to start posting Passover videos.

This one, in particular, is hilarious, and it features the illustrious @benjilovitt. I sure hope this year's seders to more smoothly than this one ... (h/t to Batya at me-ander)


Also: My post about the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire is coming up, I promise. And stay tuned to Kosher.com for a gluten-free Passover piece by ... me!

Jewish Agencies and Viral Videos

There have been a lot of Jewish organizations and agencies putting out videos lately in attempts to fundraise and connect Jews. Many of them have been downright embarrassing and excessively inappropriate (think: Jewish Portland "Do you do it?" video and its porno music) and others have garnered mixed reactions (think: AJWS video featuring lots of non-Jews talking about the good works of AJWS).

This all makes me wonder: Why are Jewish organizations rolling out these videos? Are they resulting in $$ returns? Are they effective? Is the backlash worth it? And, most importantly, did they show it to anyone before releasing it to the wolves?

Thus, I give you a representation of an Jewish agency that has put out a hilarious, short, concise, and what I think is effective video. Hats off to JTA for getting it right.

"It's Shabbos Now"

This video makes me ... really, really really ... want to be in Israel. I'm sure it isn't even filmed in Israel or anywhere near Israel and it doesn't really say anything about Israel, but, it sings to me. Hat tip to Life in Israel for this.

Happy Birthday Gilad Shalit ... the world-over we're praying for you.

Shabbat shalom!