Theater Rocks With 3 Concerts with Friendship Circle Central Jerusalem

Forty-eight hours before Simchat Torah 5784 — before one of the greatest tragedies in the land of Israel befell Am Yisrael — the curtains had just closed on what would become one of the most powerful musical evenings ever held for the children and families of Friendship Circle Central Jerusalem, directed by Chabad Talbiya-Mamilla Shluchim Eliyohu and Chanale Canterman.
It was the sixth annual “Rockin’ Friendship Concert”, a night of music, joy, and unity that filled the Jerusalem Theater with pure light.

Singers Alex Claire, Amir Dadoun, Beri Weber, Chaim Zippel, and Shulem Lemmer were in top form, the children shone with unfiltered happiness and the crowd danced with a contagious energy that felt almost supernatural. No one could have imagined how deeply that joy would be needed just two days later.

Backstage preparing for the concert, Amir Dadon, his voice raw with emotion, paused to make a heartfelt bracha on a tuna bagel, “to get through the year.” Little did anyone know how prophetic that blessing would become. Within 2 days, Am Yisrael would face one of its worst nightmares.

In the months and years that followed, as the nation endured grief, loss, and unimaginable pain, many reflected on that evening of pure joy. For the special children of Jerusalem, and for all who were there, it became a wellspring of strength. The music and love of that night gave them koach to face the darkness that would follow.

Prior to Hoshana Rabbah of 5785, as the seventh concert approached, the question lingered: Should there even be a concert this year? Could one sing amidst such sorrow?
Still, the answer was plain to see: to keep Am Yisrael’s spirit alive, the show had to go on.

The evening was renamed “Rockin’ Friendship – Rise in Prayer.”

Singer Shlomo Lipman, who had served as a reservist in Gaza for hundreds of days, was driven down from Lebanon to uplift the crowd. His performance was nothing short of electric — a soldier, singer, and shaliach of joy bringing strength to others even in the midst of battle.

Mordechai Shapiro’s performance blew the crowd away as well, which was especially remarkable since he had flown into Israel for just one day, giving everything he had and then some.

That night, something remarkable happened.

Singer Amir Dadon stepped away from his usual setlist, sat on the stage floor, and began to sing Tzama Lecha Nafshi — the haunting niggun composed by the Ba’al HaTanya, the first Chabad Rebbe. His prayer for the return of the hostages pierced the silence.

Among the audience were the nieces of Eli Sharabi, visibly moved. Friendship Circle camper Ya’akov Baruch Segal took the microphone and offered a simple, heartfelt prayer: “May all the hostages be released well before next year’s concert.”

The crowd’s “Amen” shook the “Henry Crown” Hall.

So many tears have been shed since then. Am Yisrael has cried and prayed together, united across the world in a plea for the release of our brothers and sisters.
On October 12th, this year’s night of Rockin’ Friendship 8, those prayers were suddenly and miraculously answered.

As the theater filled once again with song and dance, word began to spread: the hostages were coming home.

The atmosphere shifted instantly. The music became a living tefillah. Children and adults alike rose in gratitude and disbelief.

Chaim Zippel opened the program with songs of Tefilla, with one prayer for true redemption.

Beri Weber invited the children to dance on stage, doing push-ups with them, making the room go wild, and causing the FC youth to roar in delight. His singing had the guests going wild with joy.

Elite Soldier and anonymous Singer M., in a historic moment, broke into (a first ever for M) — the Chabad niggun of the Tzemach Tzedek. He leapt into the crowd, singing and dancing with the children, volunteers, and guests, joining Beri in a spontaneous duet of pure, holy celebration.

Singer Elitzur then delivered a show-stopping performance, the audience singing every word back to him. In true style, singer Lipa Schmeltzer wowed the crowd, getting them up on their feet, dancing across the aisles with his signature ruach and warmth.

The evening also featured a deeply emotional video spotlighting Avi and Chana Shleifer and their daughter Batya, sharing how Friendship Circle helped their family find strength and belonging through the hardest times.

Meira Gramma, of Friendship Circle, bounced onto the stage to bless the audience, and words were filled with positivity and light. Dovi Pinto’s beautiful and glowing blessing followed.

It was a night of elation, unity, and renewal — a moment when heaven and earth felt just a little closer.
From the tragedy that began this three-year journey to the redemption that echoed through the Jerusalem Theater, one truth became clear:
When Am Yisrael Rocks in Friendship, they rise together.

The Rockin Friendship concerts are produced by Tzvaim Productions.
Elozor Fingerer, the FC Central Jeru’ MC opens each event with warmth, good heart and enthusiasm that is second to none.