The Lower School Celebrates Jewish Heritage Month With Klezmer Music

Poly’s Lower School came together on May 5, as students, faculty, and families gathered in Founders Hall for a lively celebration of Jewish Heritage Month. Spearheaded by Floriane Siegel, Suzie Arther, and Jaclyn Ryan, Poly faculty members of the Lower School Jewish Heritage Month Committee, the event was designed to be both educational and uplifting, shining a spotlight on Jewish identity through the universal language of music.

At the heart of the celebration was a special performance by Mostly Kosher, a well-known Los Angeles-based klezmer band that has played stages including Disney’s California Adventure. Their interactive performance introduced students to traditional klezmer sounds—joyful, emotional music with deep roots in Ashkenazi Jewish culture—blended with modern adaptations that got everyone dancing together.

“We were just trying to think about what we could do that would feel very joyful,” said Second Grade Teacher Floriane Siegel. “Because sometimes, Jewish history is not so joyful. A lot of our heritage months have been centered on music, so we thought—what better way to celebrate than with klezmer?”

The idea took off when First Grade Teacher Jaclyn Ryan mentioned her cousin, Stephanie, occasionally sings with Mostly Kosher. That connection helped bring the band to Poly, and the committee crafted an entire educational experience around the performance. A pre-assembly presentation on klezmer music helped students understand its cultural significance and musical elements before seeing it come to life.

“It was just really special for our students to feel so seen,” said Floriane. “My own daughter said, ‘This is just like a big celebration of being Jewish.’ And at a school where there's a small Jewish population, that meant a lot.”

Beyond the performance, the committee developed a Jewish Heritage Month choice board, offering students opportunities to explore different aspects of Jewish identity, from traditions and values to literature and food. Jewish-themed books related to music were featured in classrooms, encouraging deeper reflection and discussion.

Another highlight was the recent modern and inclusive K-12 Passover Seder. Held potluck-style and attended by both Jewish and non-Jewish families, the event brought the community together in meaningful conversation and celebration. Guests shared food, stories, and warm greetings—many discovering for the first time that other families in their school community were also Jewish. 

Last year, the committee introduced Panther Pod lessons focused on Tikkun Olam—the Jewish principle of repairing the world—where students explored ways they could make a difference in their own communities. Building on that foundation, this year’s celebration embraced music as a unifying theme, with plans for future DEI programming to explore other cultural identities through food, art, sports, and more.

Rose J. ’35 put it best: “I have never felt so Jewish since the assembly!” Her joy, echoed by many others, captured the spirit of the month—a celebration not just of heritage, but of belonging.