Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month in Croton-Harmon: A Lesson in Identity, Tradition, and Joyful Connection

In the Croton-Harmon School District, celebrating culture is a shared effort—one that brings together educators, students, and community members to honor diversity and deepen understanding. That spirit was on full display during Jewish American Heritage Month, with special experiences at both Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School and Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School.

At CET, music teacher Marlena Horton regularly integrates multicultural learning into her classes, reflecting the rich diversity of the district through music and storytelling. As part of this ongoing work, she invited community member and Board of Education trustee Neal Haber to speak with her students as part of Jewish American Heritage Month.

Mr. Haber shared the picture book Elijah’s Angel, a true story about an unlikely friendship between a young Jewish boy named Michael and an older Black Christian woodcarver named Elijah. Set in Ohio, the story gently explores themes of faith, identity, and mutual respect. When Elijah gives Michael a carved wooden angel, Michael hesitates—unsure if he can accept a Christian symbol. His parents encourage him to see it for what it truly is: a gift of friendship. Later, Michael gives Elijah a menorah, which Elijah proudly displays during Hanukkah.

Mr. Haber explained that Elijah was a real person—Elijah Pierce, a celebrated African-American folk artist born in Mississippi and the child of an enslaved person. In a personal connection to the story, Mr. Haber owns several of Pierce’s wood carvings, which he brought to class for students to see. He also shared that Jewish Americans come from a wide variety of backgrounds. “Jewish people in America took many different paths to get here,” he told the class, referencing his own family's roots in Germany, Hungary, and Egypt.

His message to students was clear and heartfelt: Take pride in who you are and your traditions, and show curiosity and respect for the traditions of others. “That’s really the heart of Elijah’s Angel,” he said. “Friendship, understanding, and respect for one another’s differences.”

To conclude the lesson, Ms. Horton introduced students to Klezmer music, a joyful genre of Jewish folk music with roots in Eastern Europe. Known for its lively rhythms and danceable melodies, Klezmer often features instruments like the clarinet, violin, and cimbalom. Students listened and danced to the vibrant music, embodying the spirit of celebration through movement.

On June 2, Mr. Haber extended the celebration to Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, where he visited two of Mr. Santiago’s music classes. There, he shared a classic Jewish folk tale: the story of the Golem of Prague, a mythical giant created to protect the Jewish community after they were forced into the ghetto. The students were captivated by the legend and its themes of justice and cultural preservation.

Following the story, Mr. Haber introduced the students to Klezmer music, sparking another lively classroom experience. Mr. Santiago guided students in identifying the instruments they heard—such as clarinet, accordion, and violin—and discussing the music’s tone and energy. The verdict? Students unanimously gave the music a rating of 9 or 10 out of 10, using words like “upbeat,” “happy,” and “cheerful” to describe it.

The excitement didn’t stop there. Students joined hands and learned to dance the hora, a traditional circle dance commonly performed at Jewish celebrations. While the footwork wasn’t perfect, the enthusiasm in the room was unmistakable. As Mr. Santiago put it, “They felt the energy.”

These joyful, community-driven experiences reflect the district’s broader commitment to cultural recognition and inclusion. By inviting community members into the classroom and connecting lessons to music, story, and lived experience, Croton-Harmon educators are creating meaningful opportunities for students to both celebrate who they are and honor the cultures of those around them.