Dec 31, 2008 -- A capacity crowd of over 1,100 were treated to a stellar night of live music at the Annual Yeshiva University J&R Hanukkah Concert on Dec. 18. Ta Shma, the band that won first place at the Yeshiva University Battle of the Bands competition in November, kicked off the evening. Guided by lead singer Yakov Block, a Sym Syms School of Business junior, Ta Shma graced the crowd with a medley of contemporary and animating beats. See photos of the performances here. Subsequent performers were Aryeh Kunstler, Dovid Gabay and Menucha. The main event was the performance of the Yeshiva Boys Choir, which has taken the world of Jewish music by storm. The boys performed three of their major hits: "Shabchi," "Veohavta" and "Hillel Omer." The choir was accompanied by its conductor, Yossi Newman, and Eli Gerstner, a prominent figure in contemporary Jewish music. "The crowd was amazing--their energy was palpable," Mr. Gerstner, who composes, arranges and produces all of the choir's music, said. "It was clear that the boys were reflecting the crowd's tremendous energy". Rena Eisenberg, a junior at Stern College, concurred. "The crowd was incredible, and Yeshiva Boys Choir is amazing! I am so glad they performed this year!" Daniel Bukingolts, president of the Yeshiva Student Union, took a lead role in planning the event, which was sponsored by the Undergraduate Student Councils and J&R Music and Computer World. "It was a tremendous merit to be able to put together this rocking concert," he said. "We would not have been able to do with without the generous support of J&R." Proceeds from the event will be donated to Keren Achim - Tomchei Shabbos, an organization in Israel which provides food for starving families all around the country. "The concert was a nice way to come together and start off Hanukkah with a deep sense of unity throughout the entire community," Bukingolts said.