When Leffell began offering free virtual music classes for toddlers and preschoolers the very first week of quarantine in mid-March, they never could have predicted how popular it would become. Within weeks of launching, anywhere from 60-100 families were logging in for each class. As happy families spread the word to others within their social networks, new ones began to join from all around the US and even Canada.

The school now offers two 20-minute weekly classes: Jewish Holiday Music on Tuesdays and Shabbat Kids Music on Fridays. Both use singalongs and stories to teach preschoolers about Shabbat, the High Holidays, Passover, and Yom HaAtzmaut. Families are encouraged to be creative and silly, sometimes mixing imaginary pots of soup together or bringing beach balls and towels to celebrate summer. There’s even a Shabbat song sung by a dinosaur hand puppet which proved so popular that Leffell mailed one to every participating family. Families are thrilled to be able to share this meaningful experience and stay connected to one another and to the larger Jewish community.

The creative force behind this captivating experience is Lower School Minister of Music Amichai Margolis. Mr. Margolis’ energy, warmth, and enthusiasm are an extension of the classroom techniques he has honed over his 20 years teaching at Leffell. As Margolis shared, “By engaging our singers by name and welcoming them personally to each class, I feel that we’ve fostered a special kehilah, a community that comes together to celebrate the seasons, Shabbat and holidays, and even simple prayer.” Ivy G. Schreiber, who has been attending classes with her daughter, agrees: “The Leffell School’s virtual music class has been a bright spot during the pandemic. Amichai’s ability to engage and connect allows him to reach right through the screen to fill our home with his incredible energy and musical talent. My daughter sings his Jewish music all week long, and so do we!”