This past Tuesday, Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) talmidim had an amazing time at the annual MTA Chanukah chagigah. After Shacharit, the entire school walked over to Belfer Hall, where they enjoyed a gala breakfast including latkes and doughnuts in Weissberg Commons. After breakfast, before the singing and dancing commenced, the students were shocked when they were greeted by “Ilan and Josh,” two Yeshiva University students who had previously performed their beatboxing talents on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, where the judges were so impressed by their audition that they were put through to the second round. After a brief warm up, which was impressive enough to have been the whole show, Ilan and Josh blew away students and faculty alike with their abilities to create beats that sounded as if an array of instruments were being used. They also described their paths to religious Judaism and how meaningful it was to make a kiddush Hashem in front of an audience of millions of people.

After the exhilarating performance by Ilan and Josh, the intense and joyous singing and dancing began. Throughout the chagigah were also the drawings for MTA’s chinese auction, as well as a stunning performance from the MTA Chorus, led by David Ross. The talmidim were also privileged to hear inspiring words of Torah from Rabbi Aharon Ciment. The student activities team, led by Rabbi Jon Green and Mr. Elie Hirt, once again outdid themselves and helped create and enhance a beautiful Chanukah for the talmidim.