Photos: Chabad Chanukah Concert, the Largest Jewish Community Celebration in Greenwich

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First Selectman Peter J. Tesei from the Town of Greenwich lighting the fifth Chanukah candle with Rabbi Yossi Deren. Photo: Karen Sheer

On Sunday afternoon, over 500 people in the community came to celebrate the Festival of Lights; Chanukah. The concert took place in the auditorium of the Greenwich High School’s Performing Arts Center.

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Many local families enjoyed the festivities. Photo: Karen Sheer

Benzi Shemtov, the Chabad Program Director explained, “this was the largest Jewish community celebration in Greenwich to date!”

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The world acclaimed Maccabeats, a primier A Capella Group. Photo: Karen Sheer

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Photo: Karen Sheer

The Carmel Academy Rock Band: Angels & Prophets opened the concert with joyous tunes. On the stage during the celebration were the Gan of Greenwich Preschool and the Chabad of Greenwich Hebrew School.

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Photo: Karen Sheer

The crowd consisted mainly of families who were singing and swaying as children danced to the inspirational music.

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Photo: Karen Sheer

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Photo: Karen Sheer

A highlight of the afternoon was the candle lighting of the mammoth menorah with Rabbi Yossi Deren of Chabad, Greenwich assisted by Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei.

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First Selectman Peter Tesei from the Town of Greenwich with Rabbi Yossi Deren. Photo: Karen Sheer

The special entertainment of the day was beautifully performed by the Premier A Cappella group, the Maccabeats. The group sang with dynamism and charisma which the audience could definitely feel. Holiday songs were mingled with popular music. Seeing that this group travels the world, all were thrilled they brought holiday cheer to Connecticut (this is the fifth time they have performed in Greenwich.)

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Photo: Karen Sheer

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Photo: Karen Sheer

Originally formed in 2007 as Yeshiva University’s student vocal group, the Maccabeats have recently emerged as both Jewish music and a A Cappella phenomena, with a large fanbase, more than 20 million views on YouTube, numerous TV appearances, and proven success with four albums.

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Photo: Karen Sheer

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Photo: Karen Sheer

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Photo: Karen Sheer

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Photo: Karen Sheer

Afterwards, lunch was offered with Kosher delicacies from Soosh (sushi), Lunch by 613 (potato latkes and hotdogs) and By the Way Bakery (jelly donuts.)

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Email news tips to Greenwich Free Press editor Leslie.Yager@GreenwichFreePress.com
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