Special Choir at Menorah Lighting

The fifth Chanuka lighting on Mamilla Avenue in Jerusalem, directed by Chabad Talbiya’s Shliach Rabbi Eli Canterman drew the largest crowd ever – estimated at 1600 people.

An eclectic mix of tourists and jews from all sectors of Israeli Society welcomed the famed Professor Reuven Feurstein, Founder of the Feurstein Institute for Special Children as he spoke of his unique connection with the Rebbe and of his work with Special Lights.

Guest entertainers that night were 30 young singers from Miami Mizrach: the official Israel branch of the legendary Miami Boys Choir, who delivered a captivating performance, with stunning harmonies, soloists and choreography, led by musical director Menachem Klein and under the auspices of Yerachmiel Begun.

According to Menachem Klein, “Mizrach performs throughout Israel and in the U.S. (from where we have recently returned having performed in front of thousands), but this event is one of the most beautiful and meaningful performances we have given.”

“The atmosphere – so close to where the Nes Chanuka actually occured, and the sheer devotion of Shluchim Eli and Chana Canterman, who together with a number of loyal friends, made this happen, has moved me personally, as well as all the boys in the choir,” he said.

The sixth night – themed ‘Superhero Night’, welcomed the Choir from “Shalva” – A school for children with special needs. The crowd watched, dumbfounded, as the children drummed, played other instruments and sang in perfect tune, reminding the audience that “The Koach haratzon has no boundaries – Where there is a will, there is a way.”

R’ Avrohom Lehrer, of Steel Sagdor Restorators; who enlarged, renovated and assembled the Rebbe’s Menorah this year on Mamilla Avenure, recited the final Bracha on Motzei Shabbos, as he lit together with other friends of Chabad Talbiya.

Rabbis Slonim and Jeremy Gimpel spoke inspiringly, and nephews of singer Avram Fried, Simcha and Yehuda Leib Friedman livened the crowd with their singing and music, to the cries of “od ve’od!”

One of the tourists in attendance commented, “The emotion and celebration just steps away from Jerusalem’s old city will not be soon forgotten…”

Video: Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg and Moshe Holtzberg light the Menorah