November 9, 2022Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 15 - Nerd Mitzvah: A Rite Of PassageEthan reminds us that life happens in stages. In Judaism, we experience milestones like our b’nai mitzvah or religious school or summer camp. What rituals do nerd children have to look forward to? Listen if you want to learn how to best prepare for your own Nerd Mitzvah!00:00:38 Pirkei Avot 5:2100:04:56 The Milestones of Being a Nerd00:07:07 As parents, what nerdy milestones do you hope to cross off?00:15:10 Raising Pokemon Trainers of our own00:19:19 Welcoming a rising adult into nerd culture00:25:35 Coming of age rituals in a nerd medium00:32:26 Alternative B’Mitzvah in Judaism00:37:30 Kobayashi Maru and other unexpected ceremoniesThis episode is supported in part by Magnetic Shul, which is a tech-free, self-contained box with a synagogue background and magnets of the people and props we encounter at shul. The color sets invite children to play and create their own stories while at services or whenever MagneticShul is brought out. MagneticShul makes a wonderful addition to synagogues. MagneticShul is an educational tool used by all ages: free play, structured barrier games, stop motion animation, or just retelling the synagogue experience. For parents, MagneticShul is a wonderful tool for their children to discover the synagogue through developmentally appropriate play. It is portable and can be enjoyed both on the road, while driving or in the comfort of your own home or at synagogue. Ultimately, MagneticShul is where kids play to pray.MagneticShul is the brainchild of educator Justin Sakofs. The project was incubated through the PresenTense Global Institute with magnets produced in Israel, the tins are printed in China and assembled by the clients of Keshet in Chicago.To learn more about MagneticShul visit www.magneticshul.com or contact Justin at justin@magneticshul.com.Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-15-nerd-mitzvah-a-rite-of-passageConnect with us online, support us with a donation, email us directly, and more at www.torahsmash.com