FRANK MORGANO
ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WELCOMING WORLD-RENOWNED RECORDING ARTIST YAAKOV SHWEKEY TO ITS STAGE IN THE AUDITORIUM. SHWEKEY PERFORMED TO A CROWD OF APPROXIMATELY 1,000 ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENTS, PARENTS, STAFF MEMBERS, AND FANS.
The audience clapped and sang along to such well-known hits as Aish, Baruch Hashem It’s Shabbos, and I Can Be. The crowd was energized and engaged throughout the entire 90 minute performance, dancing in their seats and waving light-up glow sticks and sparkling batons. The band played behind him on a stage that was bathed in colorful lights.
Assistant Principal Rabbi Abe Cohen and 8th grader Jack Franco danced in the aisle as the band played on. MDY’s Elementary School Principal Rabbi Ezra Cohen-Saban, joined the band on stage and accompanied Shwekey on a rendition of Vehee Sheh’amdah and Im Eshkachech. Seventh grader Alan Cohen, a nephew of Yaakov Shwekey, was invited on stage and was treated to a personal performance of Cry No More Yerushalayim in honor of his recent bar mitzvah. Camille Sakkal remarked, “I really enjoyed this memorable, heartwarming night with friends and family.”
Shwekey has built a long and illustrious career spanning three decades. His first album, Shomati, was released in 2001 and immediately enjoyed international success. Four songs from the album charted in Israel and quickly became well-known hits, including Shomati and Shehechiyonu. In 2022 he collaborated with other Jewish recording artists on a new album titled Elevate, the 25th recorded album that features his voice. He has performed in many locations all over the world to countless adoring fans, including a fundraiser for former president Trump. He has been praised for his ability to work well with other musicians, spreading a positive message of joy.
We would like to thank our sponsors for the event, Oved and Oved Attorneys and Mr. Eli Cohen. We would also like to thank our PTA and its presidents, Lorraine Sherr, Linda Sutton, and Gloria Chabbott, for putting the concert together. Lastly, the night wouldn’t have been complete without all of the volunteers managing the concessions and admission. Thank you to everyone for creating a night that we will never forget.
Frank Morgano is a 6th & 8th grade ELA teacher and staff reporter for Magen David. He has been a teacher for over 23 years and enjoys reading, playing guitar, hockey and Korean sword fighting.
