We are all quite familiar with the traditional Chanukah miracles; the oil that lasted for eight glorious nights, the war that was won against seemingly insurmountable odds…but this year, a new miracle has surfaced! After only a short period of time since its inception, the Yeshivat Noam Choir held its inaugural performance and offered up a repertoire of soulful melodies with such poise and polish that one could only guess that they had been practicing round the clock for months on end.

Under the talented leadership of Adina Mermelstein, the newly formed choir (consisting of over 50 boys and girls from the 4th and 5th grades), raised its voice in song as part of a beautiful candle lighting ceremony at One Bergen Plaza in Hackensack on erev Chanukah.

It was hard not to get choked up as thebeautiful children sang with pride and gusto “Anachnu ma’aminim bnei ma’aminim “ as Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Yeshivat Noam Principal, could be seen beaming on the sidelines and mouthing along the words. Rabbi Hagler and the Yeshivat Noam participants received special proclamations from the county clerk in recognition of their contributions to the program, which also included a dvar Torah from Rabbi Hagler highlighting the continued relevance of the Chanukah miracles in our time.

We are tasked with being an “ohr la’goyim,” and this responsibility seemed particularly concrete as the Chanukiah was kindled and the children belted out “Light Up The Nights,” while people of all faiths gathered around the lobby to enjoy the festivities. The members of the Yeshivat Noam choir truly helped to create a kiddush Hashem, with both their angelic voices and matching behavior.

Special thanks to the Yeshivat Noam Parents Association for sponsoring the new choir program. May you both go me’chayil l’chayil!

By Racquel Houpt