RASHI, RAMBAM and RAMALAMADINGDONG

A Quizbook of Jewish Trivia Facts & Fun

Sesame Street

11/07/2021

Now that the Centers for Disease Control has approved vaccinations for children ages 5-11, Big Bird tweeted “I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it’ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy.” In response, Senator Ted Cruz wrote, “Government propaganda…for your 5 year old!” Big Bird has been a part of Sesame Street since the first episode in 1969. It has been speculated that the most “Jewish” characters on Sesame Street are Statler and Waldorf, the curmudgeonly critics in the balcony. What actual Jewish event has occurred on Sesame Street?

Big Bird by Selena N. B. H. is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A. In one episode of Sesame Street, Mr. Hooper showed pictures from his family album, including scenes of a family Passover seder, and then everyone sang Dayenu.

B. During a Christmas party in a December episode, Big Bird came upon Abby Cadabby, who was sitting alone and crying. When Big Bird asked her what’s wrong, she replied, “I’m Jewish. I don’t celebrate Christmas, so I’m afraid no one likes me.” Big Bird told her that everyone on Sesame Street is loved and he brought her back to the party, where she told everyone how she celebrates Chanukkah.

C. Sesame Street regularly teaches the alphabet by presenting examples of words that begin with each letter. One of these segments featured “S is for Shalom.”

D. In an episode featuring real children, Oscar the Grouch offered a cookie to a little boy who was wearing a yarmulke. The boy asked, “Is it kosher?”, and Oscar showed the boy the “OU” symbol on the packaging.

E. Sesame Street often educates about different cultures and religions. On a segment about Judaism and Yom Kippur, Kermit the Frog swung Big Bird over his head to demonstrate the Kapparot ceremony. Luckily, Bob intervened before the ritual slaughter occurred.

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