Torah Live is pleased to announce the release of the Teacher’s Version of our Jealousy: The Ultimate Drive Presentation. Available in our store now.

Relevance: Pirkei Avos for the 21st Century by Rabbi Dan Roth is now available in Kindle edition. Kindle ebooks can be enjoyed on Kindle readers and PC, Mac, iPad and iPhone. Get your copy now.

With gratitude to God, we are delighted to announce that Blessings: The Ultimate Acknowledgment (Teacher Version) is now complete. This informative, clear, and entertaining presentation provides over 6 hours worth of teaching material and comes with an instructor’s guide and workbook.

To receive a free sample of the presentation, please write to info@torahlive.com. The full version is available here.

Thank you to the following people for their generous support in making this presentation possible: Jeremy and Ruthie Finn, Alan and Yvette Goldberg, Philip and Suzie Goldberg, Jake and Devorah Greenberg, Peter and Janice Sugarman, Graham and Belinda Calvert, Ben and Natalie Rosenfelder, Daniel Lyons, Bruno and Karen Serfaty, Shulie and Ahuva Meyers, Danny and Tova Fluss, Berele and Tammy Morris.

Masada College in Australia just signed up for NINE Torah Live presentations: Kashrus, Blessings, Success, Mezuzah, Charity, Chanukah, Wealth, Sukkot, and Anger.

Lisa Cohen (Head of Kodesh) and Ryan Basserabie (Teacher) pictured above skyped with Rabbi Roth at midnight their time (!) to see samples of the Torah Live material.

“We want a program that will grab our students and this will grab them! It’s a real winner,” said Mrs Cohen. “We are excited to be first school in Australia to benefit from this amazing program.”

To find out about bringing the Torah Live to your school, write to info@torahlive.com

Curious to know how many people have benefited from the Torah Live presentations, I created a “Torah Live global tracker.” So far over 650 presentations have been given in over 100 cities worldwide (Berlin, Munich, Honolulu, Moscow, Cape Town, Sydney, Johannesburg, Melbourne Efrat, Jerusalem, Kfar Saba, Quebe, Toronto, Miami, Las Vegas….)

You can see the list of schools and organizations here (PDF). Many organizations signed up to use the Purim material but since it was shareware, I’m still not clear if they did or not, so if you think you should be (or not be!) on the list, please write to me at d.roth@torahlive.com

Here are some pictures from the reading of the megillah at Mathilda Marks Kennedy Jewish Primary School, with Torah Live Stunning Megillah slideshow.

Mrs. E. Chody, Jewish Studies teacher at the school, comments, “It was fantastic! Really added, thank you so much.”

Above are pictures of 350 students enjoying our Purim material in Aussie.

Ryan Baserrabie wrote, “The megilla went down brilliantly. i have never seen the kids so engaged and quiet. Inexplicable success. “

Will post more Purim pictures soon as I get them!
Dan

With gratitude to the Almighty, it gives me great pleasure to share with you the exciting news that Michael and Bettina Bradfield are sponsoring a multimedia Torah Live presentation in memory of Susi and Fred Bradfield on the topic of leadership.

Michael requested that we conduct market research to determine that there would be demand for such a presentation. The results of our research are posted above: NCSY (Birthright),UJIA, TRIBE, Meor, National Jewish Outreach Program, Aish, SEED, JLE, Maimonidies, and other major educational organizations all recommending the project.

Thank you Conrad Morris for the kind introduction.

If you have good ideas or sources on this topic, please e-mail me at d.roth@torahlive.com

Click the document below for full size version.

The Stunning Megillah is being distributed as shareware.
(First download, then pay.) Pricing is as follows:

-Private tutor license $14.95 (screening up to 5 people)
-Classroom teacher license $29.95 (this is per classroom, not per school. i.e. 3 teachers in one school = 3 licenses)
-Shul / outreach organization license $59.95 (limited to one location)
+The license is a lifetime license. No recurring yearly fees. Click this link to make the appropriate payment.

To download the presentation package:

Kindly fill out and submit the form below. Once completed, you will receive a download link to click.

(Just a heads-up, some web browsers might give a warning that the file is malicious because it is an “.exe”. You may safely ignore this warning.)

Click here for instructions for using the presentation package. (In case you need them later.)

In the Purim spirit, I’m sharing some (embarrassing!) bloopers and outtakes that were filmed during a recent Torah Live video shoot. Enjoy them!

By the way, I plan to be in London right after Purim (Mar 12,13, and 14) and hope to meet potential donors and train educators to use Torah Live material. If you can think of either, please let me know so I reach out to them and arrange to meet in person.

Wishing you and yours a very happy Purim! Rabbi Dan Roth and the Torah Live team.

The Torah Live Stunning Megillah, approved by Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits of the Jerusalem Kollel and Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and Rav of Agudath Israel of Madison, Brooklyn NY, will soon be available for quick and easy purchase via download. (See here for approbation)

Check back to this spot on Sunday evening to download. If you’d like to be notified when the Stunning Megillah becomes available, send an email to stunningmegillah@torahlive.com.

+Each slide will have the verse in Hebrew and English along with a picture (see sample above). There will be 167 slides (that’s how many verses there are!) and 42 pictures. (i.e. each group of 4 or 5 verses will share the same picture)

+To show the material during megillah you will need someone to press a button to move the slides along in sync with the baal koreh.

+Unlike Torah Live’s other presentations, the Megillah material will have NO video or animations, which would be too distracting during the Megillah reading. Just still images.

+The material will be available by digital download. (No time to send out discs). People wanting a physical disc as back up will be able to add $14.95 to their order. Please realize that they will only get it after Purim.

+If you are able to post the project on kiruv or shul lists, please do so.

+Anyone wishing to dedicate the project in honor or memory of someone, should write to sponsorthefuture@torahlive.com

+You will need a computer, projector and screen (or white wall) to project the images on to.

+The license will be a lifetime license. No recurring yearly fees. The price scheme is as follows:
-Private tutor license $14.95 (screening up to 5 people)
-Classroom teacher license $29.95 (this is per classroom, not per school. i.e. 3 teachers in one school = 3 licenses)
-Shul / outreach organization license $59.95 (limited to one location)

Haskamas for the project from Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits of the Jerusalem Kollel and Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and Rav of Agudath Israel of Madison, Brooklyn NY can be viewed here.

Anyone who sends decent pictures of the audience where the material was screened will receive a free Torah Live disc!

Purim Samaech!

The demand for the Megillah project has been pouring in. Over 30 schools and outreach organizations throughout the world – in Mexico, South Africa, Australia, England, Canada, and across North America – have expressed great interest in this necessary program – including the US Army Chaplin!

The final version will have the Hebrew text alongside the English and Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits of the Jerusalem Kollel as well as Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and Rav of Agudath Israel of Madison, Brooklyn NY, have given their whole hearted endorsement to the idea of screening visual aids during the Megillah reading.

“Holding the attention of the congregation for the duration of the entire Megillah has been a concern for centuries,” Rabbi Berkovits writes. “It is for this reason that four pivotal verses are read aloud by the entire congregation. The issue is even more pronounced when the Megillah is read for beginners – young and old – unfamiliar with the Hebrew text. Torah Live, known for its innovative approach to Torah education, has once again created a state-of-the-art production to keep one’s interest and follow the Megillah reading. Very much like the illustrated Megillas of old, the reading is accompanied by a most beautiful slide show of scenes from the Megillah along with the entire text in both the original as well as an English translation. I firmly believe that this visual aid will indeed succeed in helping so many who would otherwise find it difficult – if not impossible – to fulfill the mitzvah of Kriyas Hamegillah.”

Rabbi Reisman writes, “Paying proper attention to the Megillah reading is one of the most difficult mitzvos to perform. Halachah requires that the listener be attentive during the entire reading. This is always difficult, but all the more so for people who are not familiar with the meaning of the Hebrew text. I join with HaRav Yitzchak Berkovits in celebrating the Torah Live Megillah production, which will allow these individuals to follow the Megillah reading in a meaningful way. My dear friend, Rabbi Dan Roth has once again used his imagination and considerable talents to place Torah Live at the cutting age of Torah Chinuch.”

“This is truly exciting news for all outreach shuls,” Rabbi Yakov Vann, Rav of the Calabasas Shul just outside of L.A., said. “In many cases, this is the very first time that the entire congregation of men, women and children can follow along with the reader. This is really deserving of a shechiyanu!”

The material will PG be available for download on Sunday 4th March.

Prices and more information can be found in the post above.

All the best,

Dan Roth

We’re in a race against time….

Rabbi Yitzchak  Weinberger of Bergen County, NJ, called me recently with the following idea:

“I know this is last minute, but I have a great suggestion for you… Each year many newcomers come to the megillah reading on Purim and – not understanding a word of Hebrew – have no idea what is going on. They sit listening to the baal koreh for half an hour and do not understand a single word. For many, this is their first taste of Judaism and it does not exactly leave them thirsty for more.

“For years, I have wanted to produce high quality visual material that would be shown by outreach organizations while the megillah is being read to enable those who don’t understand Hebrew to enjoy the reading as well. When I read the Hamodia feature article about you and your amazing work, I thought, ‘If anyone can do it, this guy can!’”

We accepted the challenge and are working day and night to produce stunning slides that can be shown digitally during the megillah reading. Of course, once complete, educators may want to use material to show their classes in the days before Purim.

The material will be ready PG on Sunday 4th March – too close to Purim to start spreading the word about it then. I am therefore encouraging people to start spreading the word now and sign up ASAP.

Know a school or outreach organization that wants the material? Please write to stunningdigitalmegillah@torahlive.com

Chodesh tov,
Rabbi Dan Roth

PS: Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, world renown halachic authority and one of the spiritual leaders of the worldwide baal teshuva movement, has endorsed the idea of screening the material during the megillah reading with the proviso that this only be be done by outreach organizations. Each organization is encouraged to consult with their own halachic authority.

Nicky Newfield of South Africa, founder of Jewish Interactive with her husband Jonathan on a Skype call with Rabbi Roth. “We are excited to collaborate with Torah Live,” said Nicky, “as we are both passionate about making Torah alive using the 21st century technology.”

Want to share this special moment with you…

The mezuza presentation was given in Russian in Moscow by Sara Katz AND in Hebrew by Shmuel Rind to elementary school boys – both on the same day!

 Sara Katz sent me the following note via Skype:

I took the kids to Yad Eliezer to pack food packages for people in need. As you see from the pictures we all had a really great time and can’t wait to do it again.This got me thinking….

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to make a presentation on the mitzvah of chesed and loving your fellow Jew? We need it now more than ever!

It could include video interviews with people who have excelled in this field, as well as inspiring stories, fascinating sources, and ideas of how we can all do more.

Our team of highly talented animators, 3d artists, cinematographers, special effects artists, and script writers have a track record of producing original and very creative material.

Of course we need funds to make this happen and so I am turning to you for help. The cost of a Torah Live presentation is £18,000. You can see what other people have pledged and keep a tab of our fund raising thermometer here. Minimum pledge is $100.

The Sages tell us that those who cause others to do kindness are greater in some ways than those who do kindness themselves. Your contribution will inspire the 50,000 people who have benefited from our material to do more kindness.

Please let me know how much you can pledge towards this important project by clicking here or using the donate buttons on this page.

Warm regards,
Dan Roth
Founder, Torah Live

Join the growing team of partners in building a new Torah Live presentation on this most important and relevant of topics, Kindness. Send an email with your pledge commitment, or donate now here.

Current Total: £1,421

Our thanks to:

Graham Calvert – £500

Dan Roth – £500

YK Sofer Blog - $360

Issamar Ginzberg – $100

Yossie Weiss – $100

Goldberg Intl CPA Firm – $100

(Updated 12.02.12 | 11:00pm)

For the detail oriented folks, here’s the exact cost breakdown for creating this groundbreaking multimedia experience:

Multimedia Work

Cameraman – £737

Video Editing – £798

3D Modeling and Animations – £1,290

Flash Programming – £1,352

Graphic Design – £1,475

Sub-total – £5,652

Research and Development

Research – £1,690

Script Writing – £1,821

Sub-total – £3,511

Allocation of Fixed Expenses

Project Manager, Public Relations, Marketing Director, Secretary, Transportation, Telephone, Misc £8,486

Total per presentation – £17,649

What do you think? Please tell us in the comments section below, or shoot an email to d.roth@torahlive.com.

Rabbi Roth gave a presentation to Rabbi Nachum Zakon’s teacher training group and the feedback was astounding.

18 out of the 18 people present rated it terrific and as you can see from the smiles in the attached picture it was a huge success.

The guys said they got a lot of inspiration from seeing what one can achieve in the world of education and are excited to use the material themselves.

Terrific – it was really captivating very clear and visual. It was presented very professionally. Thank you!
- Yitzhok Weiss

Personal anecdote at the end was very inspiring and encouraging for young men in our situation. What hard work, creativity and help from Above can do in paving a career and making a difference.
- Yehuda Markovits

Highly interesting and entertaining, Very Geshmak
- Yisroel Meir Englard

Never seen anything like it!
- Avrohom Ebbing

Terrific – I really loved it, and was really intrigued! Where were you 20 years ago when I was a kid!?
- Rabbi Menachem Schwartz

Thanks for a great presentation!
-Baruch Rosen

Terrific, Amazing! captivating!
-Shragi Chafetz

Fantastic job. Thanks for exposing me to this.
- Yitzchok Kirzner

Terrific – Very interested in learning how
- Shmuel Mordechai Horowitz

Rabbi Mayer Friedman, principal of the Rabbi Jacob Joseph School of Staten Island, was visiting Israel this week and popped into the Torah Live headquarters (pictured above) to check out the material he has heard so much about. He enjoyed what he saw so much that he purchased 6 presentations: Blessings, Charity, Anger, Materialism, Mezuzah, and Pirkei Avos. To find out about licensing material for your school, write to info@torahlive.com.