YOF Battle of the Bands

In honor of Hanukah, Yeshivah of Flatbush’s student government and many seniors planned a spectacular event, its Battle of the Bands competition, and was very pleased when Magen David Yeshivah and SAR accepted an invitation to participate.

The competition featured many bands performing for about 400 teens, faculty and parents, and stirred a lot of excitement among the students and the wider community. Each band performed one English song and one Hebrew song associated with Hanukah, fire or light. As the bands performed “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles, “Fireflies” by Owl City, and of course “Al Hanissim,” the packed house cheered and sang along.

High school teacher Shifra Hanon exclaimed, “People were dancing in the aisles! No,” she corrected herself, “rocking in the aisles!”

Adding to the excitement was the presence of The Maccabeats—the Yeshiva University a cappella group, whose song and video “Candlelight” was posted on YouTube for Hanukah, and received over three million hits as of mid-December. The Maccabeats were featured all over the major national media for their overnight success and four of the group members, Michael Greenberg, Mordechai Prus, Chanina Abramowitz and Chaim Horowitz are YOF graduates. Three of the Maccabeats joined the panel of judges for the competition.

After each competing band’s performance, the judges offered a critique, American Idol style. The bands’ styles, harmony, refinement and collaboration were all taken into consideration. SAR won the competition and Flatbush was runner up.

As a grand finale, The Maccabeats performed a mini-concert of five of their songs, including their hit “Candlelight” and “Lecha Dodi.” The crowd’s excitement was palpable. Everyone sang along to the lyrics they knew so well.

YOF alumna Lorraine Braha came to cheer on her old classmates and raved, “The Maccabeats’ performance was beyond exceptional. Their voices were breathtaking and unforgettable. Their version of “Lecha Dodi” spoke to the heart.”

Many people contributed to the success of this year’s Battle of the Bands. Senior girls created a beautiful, creative banner that decorated the stage behind the performers. Ladies Auxiliary President Rosie Dayan and President Elect Ami Sasson provided the school with popcorn and hot pretzel machines, ensuring that all senses were pleased. SGO officers Rina Kattan, Nissim Elmann, Eitan Katlowitz and Sarah Shalom, together with faculty advisor Rina Zerykier oversaw the event with skill. Special thanks to seniors Josh Bannaim, Harry Tomback, and particularly to Paulina Terzi who was a captain in the production.

Flatbush prides itself on its students’ musical talents, and this was one more way to showcase them. The night was a wonderful success and hopefully set a precedent for future Hanukah celebrations. The consensus of the audience: “The event was really cool!”
______________
Esther Varon is a community member.