Shneur Wilhelm makes preschool prayer CD
By Kaplan Tuttlebaum
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Shneur Wilhelm, the 19-year-old son of Portland's Rabbi Moshe and Devora Wilhelm, has created what he believes is the first Jewish prayer CD for preschoolers.
Called Zalmy W on the CD, Shneur Wilhelm recorded "My Teffilah: Davening for Preschoolers" in Brooklyn, N.Y., with music and recording by Benshimon Studios.
Zalmy's voice is full of heart and soul as he sings the 10 songs, including many basic prayers such as the Sh'ma. His pronunciation of both the Hebrew and English words is so clear that preschoolers should be able to learn the words easily.
In addition to the prayers, the CD includes a short song about famous Talmudic scholar Rabbi Akiva that translates a sophisticated scholarly message to a level with meaning for preschoolers.
Wilhelm said that people in Chicago; Vancouver, B.C.; New York; and Massachusetts have expressed interest in the new CD and have told him that they believe it is a needed resource.
"I love dealing with kids," said the young recording artist, who was in Portland for Passover during a break from his yeshiva studies in Brooklyn. "One way to attract preschoolers is through song."
"The songs were chosen because they are sung throughout the English-speaking world," he said.
Wilhelm is joined in some of the songs by 13-year-old Achiezer Langsam of Brooklyn, with instrumental accompaniment provided by Fitch Benshimon.
Wilhelm said the idea for the CD came from a group of parents and teachers at Maimonides Jewish Day School.
"I spoke to people in other places and everyone said it was necessary for the children and that children would gain from it," he said.
Wilhelm said that Portlander Aki Fleshler assisted him with the concept. "He's always been helping me with singing, and when the CD came up he was instrumental, giving me ideas on how to sing properly for children."
"Fitch Benshimon has produced many CDs and he told me he is very proud of this one," said Wilhelm of the man who recorded the CD in his studio.
The CD is now available in Portland at the Everything Jewish store at 6684 SW Capitol Highway. Wilhelm said Judaic stores in Los Angeles and New York also have expressed interest in stocking the CD.
