On Thursday, Oct. 30, YULA—Girls Division students attended a Culture Club event highlighting the richness of Persian Jewish heritage with traditional customs, historical insights, and a trivia session.

“Culture Club is about teaching people in school about their classmates’ cultures,” said Chaya Kohanbash (‘26).

“Not many people know the customs and traditions of those around them, so we wanted to help break down the stigma and biases surrounding their culture for those unfamiliar with it,” she said.

Guests had Sadaf tea and Persian cookies while Kohanbash and Michal Kosh (‘26) presented and explained various Persian symbols and their cultural significance. Students learned about Nowruz (the Persian New Year), as well as a variety of family-centered traditions that have been preserved across generations.

Kohanbash also shared “the story of how my parents and Michal’s came to America.”

The event emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural identity while adapting to life in America.

Among the attendees were Ms. Steinborn, Rabbi Dr. Hecht, and many students who wanted to learn more about the community’s diverse backgrounds.

In an interview about her impression of the event, Ms. Steinborn shared, “Chaya and Michal portrayed Persian culture as very family-focused. They emphasized the community’s resilience through stories of families fleeing Iran after the war and revolution, and they highlighted how traditions like festivals and family meals remain positive and central.”

In the future, Culture Club aims to highlight many different backgrounds within the school community.

“We also want to teach people about other cultures,” said Kohanbash.

On Dec. 24, for example, the club hosted Yaelle Shaye to speak about Mizrahi culture, where students enjoyed traditional Mizrahi snacks while learning about customs and traditions unique to that community.