A Bittersweet Telethon

MINEOLA, NY — When a terrorist murdered a teacher and four students in Kfar Chabad, Israel, in 1956, the Lubavitcher rebbe issued a proclamation meant to cut through the depression permeating the close-knit community: “Through building, and galvanizing the community, you will be comforted.”

And so, as tens of thousands mourned the deaths of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg at the funeral Tuesday in Kfar Chabad, Lubavitchers are taking strength in an unlikely source: “Chabad’s Got Talent,” an “American Idol”-style competition for Jewish performing stars, to be aired in conjunction with this year’s Chanukah Telethon.

“The rebbe always encouraged young people to use their talents and abilities to bring joy to others,” says Rabbi Anchelle Perl, the show’s producer. “And Chanukah is a time of joy.”

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Chanukah Telethon, though it’s the first time the high-profile musicians are sharing the stage with amateur talent.

The Chabad’s Got Talent competition is the brainchild of Steve Bill, the assistant musical director for “Dancing With the Stars,” who has worked with Frank Sinatra, served as the musical director for Avraham Fried and produced the late Shlomo Carlebach’s six albums. “It’s a great opportunity to find out who the next big Jewish star is,” he says.

Telethon organizers received more than 100 applications and audition tapes, which they whittled down to around 10 three-and-a-half minute slots. “We wanted a really balanced show,” Bill says.

The lineup so far includes an adult a cappella group called The Meshugadaddies, magician Eric Wilzig and Alex “A.C.” Cohen, a 15-year-old from Long Island who raps about Hebrew school as well as other topics.
Unlike in “American Idol,” there won’t be a panel of judges on site. Instead, telethon presenters will ask the viewing audience members to vote for their favorite — while calling in with their pledges. “You can vote more than once,” Bill says. “And you can donate more than once.”

Last year, the telethon raised more than $400,000. It will be much harder this year, Rabbi Perl says. “We are getting squeezed from both ends,” he says. “We’re pleading with the community to continue and hopefully increase their donation, especially in this time of need. To give when it’s tough is the real challenge.”

The telethon, which will be dedicated to the murdered couple, will air live on WLNY TV 10/55 on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., as well as on the Web at www.chanukahtelethon.com.

“This is not Hollywood or Bollywood,” says Rabbi Perl. “It’s simply about bringing joy and helping people.”