At APJCC Preschool, we believe that music is more than just a fun activity, it’s a powerful tool for building community, fostering creativity, and connecting with culture. Last year, we are honored to be one of five Bay Area preschools selected to take part in a special pilot program led by Music by Heart, a non-profit music education organization founded by Israeli musician and educator Lior Ben-Hur. Supported in part by Early J, this initiative brings innovative musical experiences directly to our classrooms.

In addition, our faculty had the pleasure of learning from Lior himself. Through hands-on workshops, we explored how to bring playfulness, creativity, and joy into musical learning using the Cousins Like Us framework—a unique musical storytelling program. This approach encourages children to engage with music in a playful, interactive way, helping them develop both musical skills and social-emotional awareness.

Cousins Like Us is designed for families and emphasizes cultural exchange between Israeli and American Jewish communities through music and storytelling. By integrating songs, stories, and rhythm-based activities, the program fosters connections across generations and encourages children to explore their cultural heritage in a fun and meaningful way.

We are thrilled to bring these experiences into our classrooms, enriching our curriculum with music that inspires curiosity, creativity, and connection. At APJCC Preschool, every note played and song sung helps children build confidence, joy, and a lifelong love of learning.