Canada Is No Longer Safe for Jews
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Before Mr. Rogers, there was Shari Lewis—a Jewish trailblazer, puppeteer, and spiritual seeker—whose beloved Lamb Chop helped generations of children find joy, identity, and the magic within.
Before there was “Mr. Rogers” and “Sesame Street,” there was celebrity ventriloquist Shari Lewis and her adorable cast of sock puppet characters–Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy and the much-loved Lamb Chop.
Watching the new documentary about the iconic children’s entertainer’s life, Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop, it’s evident the profound connection she had with each of their delightful personalities. With Lamb Chop in particular, it was if she had found a soulmate.
“I kept looking for God in my puppets,” she said during a recorded interview in the documentary. “I couldn’t find one until Lamb Chop…It was so clear I had found myself in myself.”
Shari was immensely inspired by her feminist/teacher mom, and her dad, Dr. Abraham “Abe” Hurwitz, who was a professor and founding member at Yeshiva University and also New York City’s official magician, putting on free shows for children.
“His name was Peter Pan the Magic Man, and I’m Peter Pan’s daughter,” Shari cheerfully explained. Throughout her life, her parents were strong influences in her life, offering guidance for both her personal and professional endeavors.
In the documentary, Shari described a loving childhood, growing up in the Bronx’s Parkchester neighborhood. Her cousin described her as “a diminutive Jewish girl, well-protected from the outside world within her school, within her temple, within her neighborhood.”
Her daughter Mallory told Aish.com, “My mom instilled a love of being Jewish in me. She was very proud of being a member of the Jewish race and made sure that I had that same feeling, which I have passed on to my son.”
In 1960, while still in her early 20’s, NBC gave the charismatic Shari her first national network show, “The Shari Lewis Show,” replacing “The Howdy Doody Show.” She quickly became a pioneer in television and changed the face of children’s entertainment, creating a playful, nonjudgmental world for fans of all ages, inviting her fans to be ‘the best version of ourselves we can be.’
“I have been very lucky to have had the privilege to create the documentary, and share the magic, imagination, music, puppets, ventriloquy, humor and an unstoppable personality of a woman who defied ageism and sexism!” enthused Emmy nominated director Lisa D’Apolito, whose last project was on the Jewish comedian Gilda Radner.
“Who could ask for anything more from their protagonist?” said D’Apolito, who agreed that Shari was “very proud” of her Jewish roots.
“As a director who mainly works on archival documentaries, which can take a long time to create, I have to be emotionally connected to my subject—I was inspired by Shari Lewis’ philosophy towards life. In many ways, Shari has been my ultimate teacher and I have learned important life lessons after being immersed in her unique and her unique and fascinating world.”
During her career, Shari produced many television specials which celebrated the Jewish holidays. Having worked as a producer on her mom’s shows, Mallory still feels a strong connection to her.
“The Hanukkah/Passover specials were Mom‘s proudest moments,” said Mallory. “She loved being the first to bring an awareness of Judaism to children on a nationally televised level and I have heard from many people that as a young Jewish child, Mom’s show meant so much to them! There is an excess of Christmas specials. My mom was proud to present ‘our side of the story.’”
Jewish “Saturday Night Live” star Sarah Sherman is also a passionate fan of Lamb Chop.
“‘Lamb Chop’s Play Along’ is the only show I can think about that had a Hanukkah special and not just a Christmas story, which meant a lot to me,” Sherman said in the documentary, mentioning the cute episode of “The Nanny” where Lamb Chop makes an appearance.
Shari also wrote over 60 books, “One Minute Jewish Stories,” all of which discussed various aspects about Jewish life.
”Mom loved the Jewish stories,” said Mallory. “She was very proud of being Jewish and loved the wisdom present in those stories. She managed to reduce what could be a long and rambling tale to its key points. As I became a parent, I really appreciated that as ‘just one more story’ was a nightly refrain.”
Following her mother’s passing in 1998, Mallory began appearing with Lamb Chop at live and televised events, entertaining at thousands of venues as varied as state fairs, performing arts centers, cruise ships and military bases around the world.
“Mom and I were best friends and it was my great honor to be her producer and to help her be her best self. Now I try to be my best self as a way to honor her. She leaves behind a legacy of a strong, smart, talented woman, an example of how if one believes in oneself and stays ready for success, success will ultimately come!”
Mallory said her mother gave her a great deal of good Jewish advice.
“My favorite is: ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!’ As an allegory to how do you handle a large project or overwhelming situation.”
As one of the first producers in television history, it’s no wonder that Shari’s puppet, Lamb Chop is part of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's collection and is featured in the "Entertainment Nation" exhibit.
very nostalgic article. Nice job!
Here I am almost 57 years old.. I remember sitting in the middle of the front room watching her and Lamb Chop... when Blazer, my dog, was alive (3 years lost) I would purchase him a lamb chop when I found one... when he passed he had over 15 of them... he's favorites were the smallest 2 inches and his biggest 1 foot long... at first I couldn't see a lamb chop in the store without crying because of missing him so... now, though it makes me smile...
Who can capture how sweet and endearing she was?
She's my cousin. 🙂 Distant. Aren't we all? 🙂
Another girl from the Bronx here, (the South Bronx to be exact!), but I wish to chime in on my love for Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop. Raised in an abusive home, Shari was a refuge for me, where things were more sweet and simple. I owe her those moments of sanctuary in a whirlwind of violence and instability. Thank you Shari, rest in peace.
They need to bring Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop back on television that was a great program and they taught us how to be proud of who we are ✡️🕎
I grew up watching her shows! I'm so proud that she showcased Jewish themes & holidays and that Lamb chops is at the Smithsonian! He should be!♡
I grew up with Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop and the whole gang... as one of 3 Jewish girls in our area North of Seattle we certainly were "different". I love this article and will now look for the documentary on her wonderful life. Thank you for this.
“Lamb Chop” was still airing when my daughter was a baby in the early 1990’s. It was very sweet.
I loved using puppets when teaching. There is no doubt that Shari & Lambchop were my inspiration. I loved her show when i was a little kid in the Bronx. (I went to Beth Jacob Beth Miriam). My students always remember my puppet shows on the Parsha, so in a way I became their Shari Lewis. Thank you Shari!
I loved Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop was just the best! No one like her - or her puppets. A close friend nicknamed me "Amychop" years ago and it still makes me smile.
I loved Lamb Chop and still do. Every time I see Lamb Chop I smile. I bought a Lamb Chop toy for my puppy and watched her play with it. It brings joy into my life.
I wonder what she’d think about Lambchop becoming a best selling dog toy easily destroyed by dogs..
I had heard Shari "came from the Bronx", but the Bronx is a large area. I grew up across the street from Parkchester in the 1960s. All my Jewish friends came from that neighborhood. Parkchester was my "second home". Many of the kids from Parkchester went to PS 102. My first Cub scout "mom" was Jewish. Always watched Shari on TV and marveled at her skill. She might have attended the Temple that was
on my street. I learned (as a Catholic) all about the Jewish faith/history/customs from my friends. It opened up another world to me. Interestingly, I learned that phrase, "How do you eat an elephant...." from my boss in Boulder Colorado. And I use it constantly when I have a large challenge to tackle. Those were innocent and simple days back then. I miss them. Lots of good memories.
I too came from The Bronx...attended Herman Ridder Jr. H.S. and was in the glee club with Shari Lewis (Hurwitz). When she "made it", she remembered her past and flew our music/glee club teacher, Mrs. Etta Morris to L.A. to be part of an interview...Ah memories...for whatever it is worth, I'm 92 years old and treasure the memories of my growing up years on Longfellow Ave. The Bronx....
My dad was from was from the Bronx (Macomb's Road, Popum Ave and thereabouts. It was a grand place to be with my grandparents and great aunts for a long time. Haven't been back for many years though. Lot's of good memories.Hearing references to it makes me smile. She was a classy woman.
Be well.