On Sunday, Dec. 22, over 450 Bergen County residents packed the sold-out auditorium of the Jewish Center of Teaneck for an uplifting and fun pre-Chanukah show and Jewish unity event. The event was hosted by Bergen B’Yachad (formerly Teaneck Together) and the Jewish Center of Teaneck’s youth department and featured the well-known children’s musician, entertainer and educator Rabbi B. Also known as Yossi Bertkin, Rabbi B has a unique YouTube channel which contains over 100 kid-friendly Jewish educational videos exploring topics such as Shabbos, haircuts, Jewish holidays and Jewish history. To date, over two million people have viewed the content on the channel.
To kick-off the event, Dr. Josh Schwarzbaum, the founder of Bergen B’Yachad, delivered words of chizuk about the importance of unifying the Jewish community of Bergen County (and beyond) during these challenging times. Then Rabbi B took the stage clad in a blue menorah holiday sweater strumming his guitar and inviting all to sing and dance with him. With that, the concert took off and the joy was palpable for the hour-long affair.
Rabbi B’s infectious energy and enthusiasm was felt by all in attendance. The auditorium was filled with children and adults of all ages and was glowing with blue and gold pom poms, light up necklaces and other festive giveaways that attendees received from the organizers upon entry. Concertgoers turned the area in front of the stage into a dance party, interacting with the jumbo heart and Torah that made special appearances during some of the songs. They sang along to fan favorites such as “Amar Rabbi Akiva,” “I Have a Little Dreidel,” “Chanukah O Chanukah,” and many others. The show also included some of Rabbi B’s original songs and stories that entertained the crowd.
“With Rabbi B’s YouTube videos being a staple in our house, we (and especially our 2 ½ year-old son) were so excited to see him in person. The energy in the room was incredible. Our son had an absolute blast dancing, laughing and singing along with Rabbi B. Rabbi B was fun, energetic and really got us in the Chanukah spirit. It was the perfect way to bring in Chanukah,” said Moriah Moallem, a Bergenfield resident who attended the event with her husband and children.
As the concert concluded, attendees received an envelope with small cards containing inspirational sayings from noteworthy Jewish figures such as Rav Kook and Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, to read over Chanukah with friends and family to bring light, positivity, unity and spirituality into their homes. One of the cards, written by the organizers, read, “As you watch the Chanukah candles glow, let them remind you of the light within and the connection we all share. May their warmth and brightness inspire you and may they bring peace, joy and meaning into your life throughout the year ahead.”
Bergen B’Yachad and the Jewish Center of Teaneck’s Youth Department hosted the event in partnership with 14 shuls and schools across Bergen County: Arzei Darom, Bais Menachem, Ben Porat Yosef, Beth Aaron, Beth Tefillah, Tenafly Chabad Academy, Sephardic Congregation of Paramus, Jewish Center of Teaneck, Lev Le’Daas, Moriah, Ohr Saadya, Shaarei Orah, Temple Emeth, Yavneh Academy, and Young Israel of Fort Lee. Schwarzbaum was thrilled to see so many Jewish residents from all over Bergen County unite for this event. He said, “It’s inspiring to see so many kids dancing together, especially when they’ve just met. It’s a message for us all—look towards the kids. They are our future. They intuitively know the good that creates connection.”
Bergen B’Yachad, founded shortly before Rosh Hashanah 2023, aims to unite the Jewish community of Bergen County and beyond. Bergen B’Yachad’s past events have included community wide unity kumzitzes, concerts and educational speakers. On Jan. 1, 2025, Bergen B’Yachad will host its second annual New Year’s Soulfarm Concert for adults, kids and the whole family at Temple Emeth in Teaneck. The concert is free with RSVP at
www.bergenByachad.com.
