The 2003 movie “School of Rock” is one of those things I file under “not really Jewish but feels really Jewish.” You know what I mean? The story is not Jewish, nor is Jack Black’s character Dewey Finn. But in the movie’s 109 minutes, Black essentially plays a version of himself the whole way through, in all his hilarious and unapologetically Jewish glory. (If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, listen to Jack Black sing this cover of “Chad Gadya” and tell me it wouldn’t fit perfectly on the “School of Rock” soundtrack.) Still, every time I rewatch “School of Rock,” I feel slightly disappointed that there isn’t a whole lot of Jewishness for me to revel in.
Until now.
Recently, actor Rivkah Reyes, who played bassist Katie in “School of Rock” when they were 10, took to TikTok to share an extremely Jewish behind-the-scenes moment from the movie. In the now-viral clip, Rivkah, now 30, jokes about meeting Sarah Silverman (who played Patty Di Marco) on set and how it affected their sexuality. However, the caption adds a really interesting context.
“She came into the classroom and asked if any of us were Jewish,” Rivkah wrote, adding, “and when I raised my hand she pointed at me and said, ‘You’re one of the chosen ones. Never forget that.'”
@rivkah.reyes she came into the classroom and asked if any of us were jewish and when I raised my hand she pointed at me and said “you’re one of the chosen ones. never forget that” schoolofrock wlw queer
Take that, Miranda Cosgrove! (Just kidding.)
As a Jewish fan, it’s nice to know that there was a sense of Jewish community on the set so many years ago — albeit a seemingly intense one. With the 20th anniversary of “School of Rock” approaching in October and a reunion confirmed by Jack Black, my fingers are crossed for more behind-the-scenes and possibly Jewish content coming soon.
