In today’s digital age, even the youngest children spend time watching videos online. Ensuring this content aligns with Torah values is paramount for many families, which is where Toveedo comes in. Toveedo is an innovative app and website offering a variety of educational and entertaining videos for Jewish youth in a safe, ad-free space.
Toveedo, founded in 2017 by Chaim Hershkowitz and his wife, Nechama, was born from a need they saw in their own family.
“We used to let our son watch videos on YouTube, but there was very little content that truly aligned with our values,” Chaim shared with The Jewish Link. “I have a background in marketing and PR, and as a kid, I loved puppetry. This inspired me to create our first video, ‘Mitzvah Boulevard,’ which is like a Jewish ‘Sesame Street.’”
The video was a success and led to the production of several DVDs, but Chaim and Nechama soon realized the potential of online streaming.
“Around 2017, we moved our videos online as a trial, offering a subscription service,” Chaim continued. “The response was overwhelming. People loved the idea of having year-round access to high-quality, scratch-free content without having to buy individual DVDs.”
Toveedo now offers a continuous flow of content, ensuring that children always have fresh, engaging videos to watch. The Herskowitzs’ team puts a tremendous amount of thought and work into every clip.
“Our goal is to create fun, exciting content that resonates with kids and their families,” Chaim continued. “To us, it’s not just about entertainment; it’s about enriching kids’ lives and reinforcing the values that are important to our community. We want families to feel confident that their children are watching content that supports their upbringing and mirrors the values they hold dear.”
Running Toveedo is a family affair. While Chaim and Nechama oversee the operations, they collaborate with an in-house team of animators and artists, as well as external content creators.
“We have two different avenues for our content,” Chaim said. “There are the videos we license and the videos we make ourselves. For the content we make ourselves, our team is incredibly passionate as well as talented. They put their heart into each project, and it really shows in the final product.”
Toveedo is designed for children aged 2-12, though Chaim said even younger kids may enjoy the videos. “Our content is created with the intention of balancing fun and education. “Twenty-five percent of each video is educational in nature. We believe kids absorb lessons better when they’re presented in an engaging way rather than through a traditional lecture.”
Some of the more popular shows on the site include “The Secret Room,” which is akin to the cartoons of CoComelon, and “Toodaloo,” which features fun adventures. “Dr. Schnitzel,” though, has been a favorite for many; his videos include entertaining science experiments.
“These shows are designed to capture children’s imaginations while teaching them important values and concepts,” Chaim said. “For example, ‘The Secret Room’ is meant to teach problem-solving skills, while ‘Toodaloo’ imparts lessons about friendship, kindness and perseverance. Kids also love ‘Dr. Schnitzel’ because it makes complex concepts accessible and exciting.”
The reception to Toveedo has been overwhelmingly positive since its inception, with the platform seeing consistent growth as more families discover it. For Chaim and Nechama, the journey has been incredibly rewarding.
“People appreciate the convenience and the constant availability of new content,” Chaim shared. “Nowadays we hear from parents who are grateful to have a safe, engaging option for their kids that reflects their values.”
Looking to the future, Toveedo aims to continue growing and introducing new shows.
“We’re constantly working on new ideas and content,” Chaim went on to say. “Our goal is to provide even more variety to keep our audience engaged and entertained. We hope you’ll check out our new stuff coming soon.”
For more information about Toveedo and to explore their content, visit their website toveedo.com.
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.
