As part of its Better Together program, the BPY eighth grade students were joined by seniors for a day on Broadway. Everyone was mesmerized by the Yiddish production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Prior to the performance, Jordan Hirsch, a BPY parent and member of the orchestra met with the students to explain why the performance is in Yiddish and how the Yiddish language developed. This gave the students insight into life at the time. This meeting also prepared them to get the most out of the performance.

In the show, there is a focus on the importance of preserving tradition. The play also highlights the complexities of relationships and the challenges of antisemitism. It was very impactful to watch this powerful show with the seniors. From generation to generation there are many similarities in our experiences and the students and seniors each found personal takeaways from the story. One of the seniors was proud to share that her mother came from the town that the story is based on. Another senior was thrilled to see the play since she helps put on a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” each summer. She felt that it was so much more moving in Yiddish. The students shared that it was so powerful even though they don’t speak Yiddish. The acting was excellent and truly brought the characters to life.

After the performance, students were treated to a Q & A with the cast and musicians. The students asked about the challenges of performing in Yiddish, choreography questions and questions about what it is like to be a performer on Broadway. Some of the musicians who joined them shared some trade secrets. The music plays such a vital role in telling the story.

This trip was a wonderful way to connect with the seniors and a meaningful way to highlight how traditions play such a vital role in their daily lives.