(Courtesy of Bnai Yeshurun) Everyone attending Tuesday evening’s Bnot Chanuka Concert Extravaganza had great expectations. But all those expectations were surpassed as an incredible evening unfolded, attended by over 500 people – a treat for all the senses.

As you entered the building, you were beckoned by the aroma of fresh latkes. You followed your nose to the social hall where your sense of taste was treated to crisp latkes and a variety of sufganiyot.

Then, up to the New Main Shul where you were entertained by the sight of children, parents and grandparents enjoying each other’s company and excitedly awaiting the appearance of The Maccabeats. And then the sounds of the premier modern Orthodox a cappella male singing group of our time began! And if you were “touched” by any of their songs, all your senses had a wonderful evening.

Organized by Bnot president Chaya Schwartz and her team of Sari Sheinfeld, Sora Grunstein, Sara Grinfeld, Aviva Vogel and Miriam Kopel, the event was sponsored by Estelle & Lenny Glass, Chaya & Joseph Schwartz, Doris & Leo Brandstatter, Ayala & David Levine, Ruth M & Michael S Rosen and Pesi & Aaron Simon.

Originally formed in 2007 as Yeshiva University’s student vocal group, the Maccabeats have recently gained popularity among lovers of Jewish music and aficionados of a cappella singing groups. They have a large fan base, as evidenced by more than 20 million views on YouTube, numerous TV appearances, and proven success with four albums. As they noted during their performance, “Between us and Simon and Garfunkel, we’ve sold over 100,000,000 albums.” Early in the program, they performed their breakthrough piece, Lecha Dodi, combining some of the most beloved words of Jewish liturgy with Leonard Cohen’s meaningful and melodic composition. They went on to entertain the audience with a wide variety of contemporary Jewish music and traditional Chanukah songs.