Inkredible Kids

HELLO THERE!

Welcome to the world of InKredible Kids! Here’s where we encourage every kid to believe in their own inkredibleness! I am Morah Tziri, and I will be your hostess for the following interviews with Tehillim Army guests who are role models for us in so many ways!

Now, a little bit about me! You might know me from the wildly popular InKredible Kids podcast, where we meet InKredible Kids from all over the world! Or maybe you’ve seen my educational videos, where I bring you along to discover new places and ideas! And of course, I love connecting with you all on our live Tehillim Army Zoom programs, where we join together with tefillah, inspiration, and pure fun. I truly believe that every child is “inkredible,” and I want to help you discover all the amazing things you can do.

I am so excited to be able to bring these interviews to you, in partnership with our friends at Thank You Hashem!  We will be speaking with people who use their unique talents to bring light into the world. They show us that no matter who you are, or what your talents are, you can make a positive impact. So, get ready to be inspired!

ZEVI SAMET

Zevi Samet is a basketball star who plays for the Yeshiva University Macs, known for his amazing three-point shots. Hailing from Monsey, New York, he balances his dedication to basketball with his studies and faith, showing that you can excel in sports while staying true to your values, and inspiring many along the way. 

Morah Tziri: Zevi, you’re often called the “team rabbi” on your basketball team. That’s a unique title! Tell us 
about it.

Zevi: It’s awesome! We’re a team with guys from all different Jewish backgrounds, and they respect my Yiddishkeit. They ask me questions, and it’s cool to be a leader, both on and off the court. We spend, like, seven hours together every day, so it’s a real brotherhood.

Morah Tziri: How do you balance those intense basketball schedules with your Torah learning?

Zevi: I’m a schedule fanatic! I write down everything. I wake up super early, when my body is fresh, to practice basketball. Then, it fuels me to learn. I can’t learn for 15 hours straight, so basketball is my mental break. But I also go to sleep early, so I can wake up early. It’s about maximizing every minute.

Morah Tziri: You’re super disciplined! What advice do you have for kids who dream of playing sports at a high level?

Zevi: It’s dreams plus action! You can dream all you want, but are you using your free time wisely? Are you playing video games, or are you practicing? You can’t control the results, but you can control your effort. And remember, leave the rest up to Hashem — siyata dishmaya is key!

Morah Tziri: Share a story from your childhood that shows how you overcame challenges.

Zevi: Okay, so, I didn’t get accepted to the high school I wanted. I was home the first few days, feeling like a total “nebach,” while all my friends were in school. And although I made the basketball team my first year, but because I wasn’t good enough, I didn’t get any playing time. But I used that rejection as fuel! I told myself I’d work harder than anyone expected. And, you know, I had crazy ADHD, so sitting still was a challenge. But I worked through it. Now, looking back, I know that I proved to myself and others that I could achieve more than they initially thought.

Morah Tziri: That’s an incredible turnaround!

Zevi: Yeah, it shows you can turn any setback into a comeback.

Morah Tziri: Let’s switch gears to Pesach! Do you have a favorite Pesach memory?

Zevi: Definitely! When I was a kid, my mother created a whole “Mitzrayim” experience. During the makkos, there were fake frogs everywhere on the table! It was like a real show. But really, my favorite part was just being with my whole extended family. We tried to relive the Mitzrayim experience and feel like we were actually there. And every year we try to bring the story to life.

Morah Tziri: Thanks, Zevi! Your story is full of inspiration and great lessons.

RAV GAV

Rabbi Gav Friedman, or Rav Gav, is a really energetic teacher who loves to talk about Jewish ideas. Rav Gav teaches at a place called Aish HaTorah in Yerushalayim, and he travels all over the world giving fun and interesting talks.  He has a way of making big ideas easy to understand, and he uses lots of humor, so people of all ages enjoy listening to him. 

Morah Tziri: Rav Gav, what’s the most important lesson you think kids should know about Yiddishkeit?

Rav Gav: That Hashem loves them and is always thinking about them. 

Morah Tziri: I love that! It’s like the ultimate parent.

Rav Gav: Exactly.

Morah Tziri: You make Torah lessons so engaging! What’s your trick?

Rav Gav: I teach things I’m passionate about. If I’m excited, 
the audience gets excited too.

Morah Tziri: Tell us about a Torah story you love to teach.

Rav Gav: The story of Yosef HaTzaddik forgiving his brothers. They were so ashamed and afraid he would take revenge, but Yosef explained it was all from Hashem and he held nothing against them. This was despite being thrown into a pit…

Morah Tziri: Yeah, it brings new meaning to being “in the pits!” That’s a powerful message about working on our middos. Can you share something from your childhood that kids could learn from?

Rav Gav: This is something I don’t think I have ever shared, but I think it’s important. I was bullied as a kid. You know, there’s an expression, “hurt people, hurt people.” Sadly, it’s often true. People who are hurt tend to hurt others. But you have a choice. I could have become bitter and mean, but I decided to turn it around. I wanted to change “hurt people, hurt people” to “hurt people, help people.” I chose to build people up instead of tearing them down. It’s important for kids to know that even if they’re going through a hard time, they can choose how they respond. They can choose kindness.

Morah Tziri: That’s amazing. I’ve seen how you treat everyone with respect. You make everyone feel like a million dollars.

Rav Gav: Everyone deserves to feel valued. No one is too important to interact with others. We should all try to make time for each other. I get the privilege of speaking around the world, and I try my hardest to give everybody the respect that they deserve no matter who they are.

Morah Tziri: Let’s talk Pesach. What’s a cherished Pesach memory?

Rav Gav: I have two. First, my first private family Seder was during COVID, and it was incredibly special. Second, last year, I shared a tefillah from Bergen-Belsen inmates who longed for matzah.

Morah Tziri: How did that impact your Seder?

Rav Gav: It was very emotional. Before eating matzah, we read their tefillah. You know, during the Seder, sometimes we just go through the motions, eating matzah without really thinking. But reading that tefillah changed everything. It transformed our experience. We went from thinking, “Oh, we have to eat matzah,” to realizing, “Wow, we get to eat matzah!” It was a shift from obligation to opportunity. That’s something we should all strive for — to see mitzvos as opportunities.

Morah Tziri: That’s a beautiful lesson. Thank you, Rav Gav, and have a beautiful Pesach!

SHLOMO LEVINGER

Shlomo Levinger is a clever magician who loves to amaze audiences with his tricks! He’s known for his fun and engaging performances, where he makes things disappear and reappear, and performs other incredible illusions. He uses his magic to entertain people of all ages, bringing smiles and wonder wherever he goes.

Morah Tziri: Shlomo, what’s your favorite magic trick to perform?

Shlomo: Anything I’ve worked hard on! But I especially love mind-reading tricks, where I figure out personal information someone is thinking about.

Morah Tziri: That’s spooky! What’s the secret to a great magic show?

Shlomo: It’s all about the performance! The trick is the least important part. Connecting with the audience is key. Humor, energy, and relatability are what make a show memorable.

Morah Tziri: You know, I’ve heard you say you’ll teach people a trick, but then you just end up doing another trick! I know a good magician can’t reveal his secrets!

Shlomo: (Laughing) That’s right! But seriously, it’s not just about the tricks. It’s about how you present them. It’s about making people feel something. I want people to walk away saying they had a great time, not just wondering how I did the tricks. I want them to feel like I’m one of them.

Morah Tziri: You’re right, you always seem to be having a good time, and the audience does too!

Shlomo: Exactly! It translates.

Morah Tziri: I remember seeing a video of you doing magic in a bungalow colony grocery store!

Shlomo: Yeah, that was just me being me! I try to relate to everyone, even athletes. I involve the audience by asking them who they want to see on stage. It makes the show more personal.

Morah Tziri: How does your Yiddishkeit influence your shows?

Shlomo: I’m proud to look like a Jew. It makes me memorable, and it reminds me to make a Kiddush Hashem. There’s no reason for me to feel ashamed to dress like a proud Jew. Our hallmark was that as Jews in Mitzrayim even, we didn’t change our dress. I do shows for all kinds of crowds and many athletes (like I just got back from performing for the Yankees). People telling me that I am making a Kiddush Hashem helps me remember to keep doing just that.

Morah Tziri: Tell us something about the kid version of Shlomo Levinger that our kid readers can benefit from hearing.

Shlomo: Everyone has challenges. Use them as opportunities to turn things into something great. When I was around 13 or 14, at the beginning of high school, I needed a new hobby to distract myself. That’s when I really got into magic. I never thought it would become my career, but it did! So, don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing your dreams. People will try to bring you down, but don’t listen to them.

Morah Tziri: What’s a cherished Pesach memory?

Shlomo: My first Pesach married! It was cool to experience a different family’s traditions. And it was in Orlando, which definitely helped!

Morah Tziri: Sounds like a magical Pesach! Thanks, Shlomo!

THE SHNITZEL GUYS

Donnie and Yitzy, the hilarious “Shnitzel Guys,” are a dynamic duo who bring laughter and fun to parties and events! These lifelong friends, who’ve been buddies since the second grade, have a natural talent for entertaining, and their biggest joy comes from making kids smile. Together, they create unforgettable experiences with their lively performances, proving that friendship and fun go hand-in-hand. They are well known for entertaining at events, and particularly at Bar Mitzvahs, almost every night of the week.

Morah Tziri: Hi Donnie and Yitzy! You guys always bring the best energy! What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you during a show?

Donnie: Okay, so when we started, we were magicians, and we wore the craziest costumes! One time, we were doing a big show with lots of kids, and we had this table with all sorts of funny ingredients for a magic trick – eggs, baby powder, ketchup, everything! The table was wobbly, and an egg fell and made a mess. Yitzy slipped on it and fell! Then, all the ketchup and mustard and baby powder fell too! It was a total disaster!

Yitzy: And then Donnie tried to help me up, and he fell on top of me! We were sliding all over the place!

Donnie: We stopped for a minute, but everyone was having so much fun! The kids were laughing so hard! It was the funniest thing ever! That’s when we realized we should make our show more about comedy!

Morah Tziri: That’s amazing! So, how do you come up with your funny routines now?

Yitzy: It’s mostly by accident! Like, we were at a Bar Mitzvah and started singing “Yankee Doodle,” and it turned into this whole funny routine! You know the possuk, right?

Morah Tziri: “Yankee Doodle went to town, riding on a pony…”

Yitzy: Exactly! But then it says, “Stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni!”

Donnie: And that’s where things get weird. What does “macaroni” mean?

Yitzy: And why would Yankee Doodle call a feather “macaroni”? Does that make any sense?

Donnie: Not really! Imagine you put 
a feather in your hat and said, “Look, it’s macaroni!” People would think you’re silly!

Yitzy: But why would he call his hat macaroni? It’s even less logical!

Donnie: We start asking the kids these questions, and they get so confused! “Is it the feather? Is it the hat? Is it the pony?” And that’s how we turn it into a funny routine. We get everyone thinking and laughing about this silly song. It’s all about getting everyone involved and having a good time!

Morah Tziri: (Laughing) That sounds hilarious! Now, how important is it to you to make sure everyone celebrates being a Yid with joy?

Yitzy: Is that even a question?! It’s super important! We think the best way to connect with people is through joy!

Donnie: Yeah! It’s like, if you’re not enjoying being Jewish, you’re doing it wrong! We love making people happy. We get such a high from seeing kids smile!

Morah Tziri: That’s wonderful! Now, I have a question for each of you. Donnie, if you could tell us about yourself as a kid, what would you share?

Donnie: I was a very shy kid. I didn’t like talking in front of people. But I loved juggling and magic! I think it’s important for kids to know that even if you’re shy, you can still do amazing things! You just need to find something you love and have good friends to support you.

Morah Tziri: That’s great advice! Yitzy, what about you? 

Yitzy: I was very sick as a kid, and I was around many different types of Jews through Chai Lifeline. They brought volunteers and organized events, so I met kids and adults from all sorts of backgrounds. I saw that Achdus is about respecting our differences and coming together as one family. And you know what else? It’s about sharing joy!

Morah Tziri: That’s so inspiring! Okay, the last thing: Share with us one thing about Pesach that stands out for you.

Donnie: Every year we do makkos in our house and we hock it out. You know, we do a lot of prep for our kids. We do a lot of costumes and a lot of like, you know, action and, getting the kids very involved, and we make decorations. We both do that. We really get into it. We actually put out a list out of new ideas every year before Pesach for people to make their Seder come to life!

Morah Tziri: I love that! Thank you both for sharing with us! You guys are truly InKredible!

JOEY NEWCOMB

Joey Newcomb is a super energetic singer and songwriter who makes Jewish music that’s really fun to listen to. He writes catchy songs that get everyone dancing and singing along. He travels around to perform at different events, sharing his joyful music and spreading happiness wherever he goes.

Morah Tziri: Howaya, Joey! Thanks so much for chatting with us. We’re so excited to have you on InKredible Kids!

Joey Newcomb: Howaya, Morah Tziri! I’m really happy to be here!

Morah Tziri: So, Joey, you’re known for your amazing music and how much fun you bring to events. Can you tell us, what made you want to become a singer and perform in front of crowds?

Joey Newcomb: Well, it’s funny, I never really planned on being a singer! I wanted a job in kiruv actually. I always loved playing guitar, and I enjoyed making music and farbrenging with my friends. It was always about connecting with the people. Then, one time, at a Chanukah party with some friends from kollel, Doni Gross’s brother, Yitzi, heard me playing. He told me his brother was looking for someone to play at a Sheva Brachos, and asked if I’d be interested. I’d never done anything like that professionally before! I said “Yes,” and then I had to figure out how to make it happen! I literally went searching around my house, and found this old, small guitar amp and a dusty speaker, and figured out how to stick a microphone in there. It was mammish a heimishe setup! I went to the Sheva Brachos, and we had so much fun! Then, the next night, someone who had been at the Sheva Brachos called me and asked me to play at their event! Word just spread from there… Turns out, in many ways, I now do kiruv on a much larger scale — and the Aibishter had it all planned out for me! 

Morah Tziri: Wow, that’s amazing! It sounds like the world really needed your music. You know, sometimes, people are looking for something more natural and relatable, someone who just brings joy and kedushah in the most authentic way. You were like the answer to that! You have such a fun and unique style. Which leads me to my next question: What advice would you give to kids who love music, whether they sing or play instruments? 

Joey Newcomb: I’d say, go for it! Music is such a powerful way to express yourself and make others happy. If you love it: play, sing, create! But remember, it takes practice and hard work. Don’t give up if it’s tough at first. And if you like playing guitar, even if everyone else is doing it, the more guitarists at a kumzitz, the merrier!

Morah Tziri: That’s great advice! And you can even play the guitar backwards! That must have taken a lot of practice.

Joey Newcomb: You know, the truth is, once you get good enough at guitar that you don’t look at the guitar when you’re playing at it, then you can do that. The hand positioning is the same, it just looks different!

Morah Tziri: That’s awesome! How does it make you feel when you see kids and adults enjoying your music?

Joey Newcomb: It gives me so much energy! It makes me want to create even more music and do more for the world.

Morah Tziri: Now, let’s talk about young Joey! Can you tell us a bit about yourself as a kid?

Joey Newcomb: Okay, get ready for this! I was definitely the “class clown.” I loved making people laugh, sometimes a bit too much! I even got in trouble a few times. But I was always nice to people! I just loved making them smile.

Morah Tziri: That’s so interesting! What advice would you give to kids who feel like they have the urge to be a “class clown”?

Joey Newcomb: Ahhh — the heiligeh avodah of the class clown! Here’s what I think: Your personality is a gift! It’s not about stopping being funny, but about using that energy in a positive way. You know, like, the Aish Kodesh says, if you find something about yourself, even if it feels like a problem, it’s not there for nothing! Like, if you’re a “clown,” don’t try to stop being funny. Instead, find a good “avodah” for it. Be a clown in a hospital, make people laugh!

Morah Tziri: Wow! That is the most refreshing outlook for kids to learn about! Okay, last question. Since this is our Pesach issue, what’s your favorite Pesach memory?

Joey Newcomb: Hmm… I remember one year, I was probably 12 years old. I stood on a chair and said the “Mah Nishtanah” in Chinese!

Morah Tziri: In Chinese? That’s amazing! How did you learn Chinese?

Joey Newcomb: I taught myself! I even used to order food in Chinese at restaurants. And you know, my father really got a kick out of it! He was so excited about my crazy ideas, and I think that’s why I always felt comfortable being myself.

Morah Tziri: Wow, that’s inkredible! Joey, thank you so much for sharing these stories with us. It was so 
much fun!

Isn’t it amazing to hear about all these awesome Tehillim Army guests? Want to see them live? Then join the Tehillim Army!

Every Thursday at 6 PM EST, kids from all over the world join together to say Tehillim for Am Yisrael. It’s an “InKredible” gathering that started right after October 7th, and we’re going to keep it going until Moshiach comes!

Imagine: saying Tehillim with thousands of friends, playing fun games, winning cool prizes, and being part of something super special!