Iris Moran and Liora Goren recognize how hard it can be to maintain Jewish identity when you’re raising children in a secular environment. Finding the time and resources to nurture this bond can be challenging.
That’s why these Israeli business partners launched a nonprofit digital platform that makes Jewish-themed crafts projects accessible and timely for families like theirs.
They call their online shop and virtual community Oy Joy – a name, they say, “celebrates happiness and Jewish spirit in a playful, memorable way.”
Oy Joy offers games and activities “to make learning Hebrew, celebrating Jewish holidays and embracing Jewish heritage both fun and impactful,” says Goren, who lives in Modi’in.
Moran, 55, and Goren, 49, met a few years ago through Goren’s work as a marketing consultant and Moran’s need for guidance in starting an Etsy shop. She had left a high-tech job to spend more time with her four children.
“We immediately connected and started dreaming about ways to make a meaningful impact on Jewish families abroad,” Goren says.
As Israelis, they believe that the unity of the Jewish people makes us all stronger. “We realized we share a strong passion for Jewish heritage and a deep understanding of the challenges largely secular Jewish families face abroad in staying connected to their identity and traditions,” says Moran, who also lives in Petach Tikvah.
Oy Joy’s digital subscription focuses on families with young children, ages three to 12. “Every month, members receive original printable activities – designed by us – that focuses on Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, Bible stories, Israeli culture and shared family experiences,” Moran says.
The activities are age-appropriate, beautifully-designed and require minimal prep. “They can be printed at home and enjoyed together as a family,” Goren says. “We focus on creating educational, engaging content that brings Jewish heritage to life.”
The materials are designed to be “accessible, affordable and sustainable – no shipping, no waiting, just instant access,” Goren says.
Passover offered many creative opportunities for OyJoy. The company offered printable decorations of pyramids and Exodus characters for the seder table. An Exodus table runner presented a colorful, multi-page printout that tells the Passover story and turns the seder table into an interactive learning experience. A coloring Haggadah also engages kids during the seder.
For a flat fee of $19.80 a month, families get unlimited access to a members-only content area on the Oy Joy website. There they can download content related to an upcoming Jewish holiday or a general Jewish them, Moran says.
OyJoy also offers an educational tier for teachers or schools that wish to use the content in classrooms.
The duo also hosts virtual meetings that include a guided DIY activity. “The children are so excited to connect with fellow Jewish children, share their experiences and work together,” Moran says. Collectively, the Diaspora children can learn Hebrew and the Israeli children can practice English.
The partners create everything, from the educational concepts to the visual design, Goren says. “We’re hands-on with every step in the process.”
They have been working closely with Jewish educators. A focus group of 20 educators from the U.S. and Europe tested their materials and provided valuable feedback.
The content is primarily designed for English-speaking families, but always includes basic Hebrew with complete English translations, thereby introducing Hebrew in a gentle and engaging way.
The content and community connect to Oy Joy’s overall mission.
“Our goal is to reach Jewish children in the Diaspora and provide them with meaningful opportunities to connect with their culture and roots, fostering pride in being Jewish,” Moran says.
Visit OyJoy at www.oy-joy.com
