Chanukah Music Videos 5774 - Including NEW MACCABEATS!

Here we are, another year, more music videos!

Check out the past few years' selections at these posts: 5773/2012 and 5772/2011.

New videos will be added to the bottom of the post as I find them. Submit videos for posting in the comments section!

Let's start off with The Maccabeats and "Burn," based on a song by Ellie Goulding.




Of course, this year Thanksgiving coincides with Chanukah, so there are going to be a ton of Thanksgivukkah videos, such as this video by the Buba Myses, a parody of "Scream and Shout," by will.i.am and Britney Spears.




"Oils" by Big Teeth Productions. A parody of Royals by Lorde.

This song features a female vocalist, but none of the women appearing in the video (or men) seem to be actually singing.




"Thanksgivukkah Pie" by Benjy Lovitt - a parody of "American Pie" and "The Saga Begins"




The BBoys are back again, with "8 Nights" a rap parody of "Tom Ford" by Jay-Z




Mr. Palindrome presents: "I Want A Hippopotamus For Hanukkah"




A new Israeli A Capella group, Kipa Leiv L'Chanukah - Nes Gadol Haya Po.



Six13 returns with "The Thanksgivukkah Anthem." What's with the reference to Roman Cavalry?




A newcomer, Kopshtick presents "Chanuka Rock!"

 


The Houston Rockets attempt to sing "I had a little Dreidel" for the second time (here's the first)

 


Edon singing an original song called "8 Days."




Shir Soul is back with a parody of One Republic's "Counting Stars" called "Timeless as the Stars."

I may be biased because I like the original as well - but this is my vote for best Chanukah song this year - sorry Maccabeats!

New Maccabeats Video! D'ror Yikra - Cups.

Finally, a new Maccabeats video featuring the Shabbos song D'ror Yikra to the tune from "Cups."

 

Shalsheles & The Maccabeats - Lemaan Achai - Brand New Song!

Shalsheles was one of my favorite, if not my favorite, Jewish music groups/artists when I was in high school. The Maccabeats are one of my current favorite Jewish music groups. Now, they've come together to perform a song together!

The song IS A Capella, so for anyone who listens to vocal only music during the 3 weeks, enjoy!

Pesach 5773 Music Videos!

Pesach is quickly approaching, and the newest batch of music (and other) videos are being posted every day.

Aish.com has an incredibly well done modern newscast version of the 10 plagues and the exodus, a follow-up to their similarly very impressive Google Exodus from 2 years ago.

 


The Maccabeats are  with their first-ever Pesach video, based on Les Miserables (inspired by Shalom Sesame?). A definite musical departure from their past videos, but the cinematography and performance is excellent.




Six13 released a new Pesach parody medley, as a follow up to last year's hit video, this one's titled "Pesach Shop.




The sequel to last year's "Stuff People Say On Pesach" is titled "Stuff People Say At The Seder."



Here's an interesting, and different video, "An Israeli soldier's song to the world on Passover."




Livingwithjudaism has a song based on "Wicked" titled "A Wicked Passover Video." (features a female vocalist).

Beth Tfiloh Day School offers some cute, but wise advice, "Don't Sit on the Afikomen"




Imma Cast presents "Will You Let Us Go."

Another Maccabeats Marriage Update

My last post on the subject of the marriage availability of the members of the Maccabeats was this past January, with a new image that was subsequently updated in February - and is now outdated.

The updated graphic, as well as its original version, are the most (and basically only) downloaded files from my blog. I wanted to set the record straight so people, probably eager female fans, will stop downloading the  old picture.

Not only have several Maccabeats gotten married, there is also a NEW Maccabeat (and former Y-Stud) who has joined the group.

Click to enlarge.

The Members of The Maccabeats

Also, We will now have a separate availability graphic for the members of Standfour.

The members of StandFour

So for all those girls and potential mothers-in-law out there hoping for a Maccabeat Marriage - time is running out! 

...Unless there are more new (single) Maccabeats added in the future.

New Maccabeats Chanukah Video / Original Song - "Shine"

The Maccabeats have taken things to the next level as they release their newest song/video "Shine," their very first original song. Known for the past two years as one of the best, some may argue the best, Jewish A Capella and Parody groups out there, I welcome this change and think they've done a great job. Same Maccabeats quality, professionalism and where appropriate, humor, all wrapped up in a new, catchy song that we've never heard performed before. I like the use of continuity with "Miracle" and the reappearance of the Greeks from "Candlelight."


"Shine" can be purchased online at CDBaby

I hope this is just the beginning of their original releases, and they have much continued blessing and success in reaching out to the world and providing inspiration for us all.

For those who are wondering what the deal is with the "break off" group StandFour, these four former Maccabeats now have lives that are too busy to allow them to travel across the country, or to Australia, as readily as their fellow singers. However, even though they won't be touring, they still want to produce quality, engaging Jewish music and videos, hence StandFour.

I say the more Jewish Music out there, the merrier, and   look forward to what both The Maccabeats and Standfour will create in the future.

Chanukah Music Videos 5773 / 2012

A full 2 years after the stunning, unexpected success of The Maccabeats' Candlelight, we are now back in the month of Kislev and Chanukah music videos are beginning to appear on Youtube.

Here's a listing of this year's releases - new videos are posted at the bottom as they appear.

To check out last year's videos, click here.

San Diego NCSY presents "Am Yisrael Chai" - a parody of Train's song "Drive By." It's very catchy (as is the original) and stands out for not being another "Gangnam Style" or "Some Nights" parody. The flip-book animations are also rather neat.




Six13 has a new song "Hanerot Halalu," which features appearances by many viewers who submitted their own clips of them singing.




The Shira Chadasha boys' choir has a preview video of their new song/album: "Chanukah"




Matisyahu has a new song called "Happy Hanukkah."




StandFour - a new A Capella group composed of 4 former Maccabeats is fun and pop-y mash-up.




The B-Boyz are at it again, this time parodying a classic song by the Jewish rap group Beastie Boys in their somewhat awkward and presumptuously named: "Top Hanukkah Song 2012 : (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To DREIDEL)." Word to your Torah!




"The Chanukah Miracle" by ShoobyDoobShloimy




Here are some children singing "Sivivon" with underwear on their heads in "It's an underwear Chanukah!"




Here's "Gangnam Chanukkah" by  Mar Ḥeshván




...and here's some "Hannukah Lights" that play along to the real "Gangnam Style"



Technion Israel made a Rube Goldberg Machine Chanukiah!




The Yeshiva Boys' Choir - "Daddy Come Home." A bit of a tear-jerker.




Here's "Chanukah Time" by Josh & The Jamtones.




"Chanukah Medley" - a "medley of American Satirical song which feature the festival of lights," performed by the London Jewish Male Choir.




12-4-12
Here's a cute musical Chanukah greeting from Rabbi David Sirull




12-5-12
"WE'RE LIGHTING THE MENORAH" by students from Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim. These guys have moves that put the Lions of Zion from the Aish videos to shame. This seems to be an original song.




Pella is back, and now apparently coed - women are featured singing and dancing(ish) in this video.
they've made their own A Capella mash-up called "8 Nights of Hanukkah." They use the same song as StandFour as the primary basis of the song.




The What's Up Band aka The Shlomones have released "Pass It On."




12-6-12 

The Maccabeats have now joined the Chanukah music party with their fantastic original song, "Shine."




Aish.com has eschewed their typical holiday music video parody in favor of a sketch video about a pregnant lady and her roller-blading, acrobatic husband - all accompanied by instrumental electric guitar. It's called "Racing Home - A Hanukkah Surprise."



12/8/12 - these two videos feature women singing and dancing.

The Ein Porat Fountainheads have finally posted their video/Apple parody sketch, which is quite the departure from their usual music videos. It's called "iHannukah - Apple Style."

Yet another "Some Nights" to "Eight Nights" parody, this time by the coed  Israeli group, Shirat Machar, called "Eight Nights the Miracle of Light."

12/9/12

Here's "Hanukkah - World on Fire" by Shir Soul.




Now this is really cool and quite lyrically creative: "Hanukkah Hip Hop" by Ari Lesser.




A.K.A. Pella is joining the parody bandwagon with perhaps the best Gangnam Style Chanukah parody of them all, called "Chanukah Style."




Shmaya Silverman, with producer Ari Goldwag has released "Chanukah."




Yeshiva Day School of Las Vegas made their own music video to Shlock Rock's classic "My Menorah," starring their students.




12/13/12

Chanukah music on BAGPIPES!!! Very cool.




"The Simple Chanukah Story" starring wine corks! The music is kinda catchy and reminds me of a Wii start up menu theme.




The Hebrew School of Bal Harbor produced a pretty nifty Chanukah Style - Gangnam Style parody starring its students.




Not to be left out, Glee included "Hanukkah Oh, Hanukkah" in their recently released 3rd Christmas album. This features a male vocalist, for anyone wondering.



If you know of any more videos/songs - post them in the comments and I'll add them!

Maccabeats Gangnam Style!?

Sort of... and it's still hilarious.


I can't wait to see their REAL new video - their first original song.

Maccabeats Rosh Hashana Greetings

While not quite a full-fledged music video, the Maccabeats just released a video greeting card, wishing everyone a Shana Tova.

I think it's cute. The new official logo is rather spiffy, I must say.

I am also encouraged by the forthcoming great projects that are "in the works" for 5773, as stated in the description of the video. Sounds very exciting.

I look forward to their next video, whenever or for whichever holiday it may occur.

Help The Y-Studs Make Their Debut CD!

Did you know that Yeshiva University has more than one very talented A Capella group?

Cultivated on the YU's Wilf Campus, The Y-Studs are a group of singers (some friends/classmates of mine) who are growing in their popularity and fan base. Amidst all the hoopla surrounding The Maccabeats, people may have unfortunately not noticed these guys and their amazing vocal skills.

They've already performed at the YU Chanukah Concert, the Seforim Sale, Homecoming, and other YU events including YU's graduation.

Here they are performing some of their signature songs at the Seforim Sale:

"Bilvavi" "Milim Tafot" and "Lost"

"Baneshama"

Incidentally, they've also helped with a proposal in the Height's Lounge at YU.

Now they are working hard on producing their debut album "Take Me Home," which is set to be released on April 2nd. If they have a release date, you may ask, why did the tile of this post say that you, dear reader, can help the Y-Studs make their debut CD?

Simple, The Y-Studs are currently raising funds to cover the cost of the printing and distribution of physical CDs in a campaign called "Help Us Share Our Music With YOU!!!" Many of you might say, "who needs CDs in this digital age?" to which I'll reply that not everyone is as tech savvy as you, and some people - myself included - like to have a physical copy of the real thing, complete with jacket art and printed graphics on the CD. Call me old fashioned, call me an obsessive collector, but that's how I am.

So why shouldn't The Y-Studs not have the chance to see their album enjoyed by potential listeners out there who prefer CDs, for whatever reason? Although they do not have the star-studded millions of viewers on Youtube (yet), they deserve to have a physical album to sell at their concerts to fans (and grandparents of fans) to enjoy and be autographed by the group.

Even if you're not the type of person who buys CDs anymore, you can still donate $10 or more and receive a digital copy of the album in .mp3 format. So you'll get your fancy-pants digital album for your mp3-player of choice AND help The Y-Studs reach their $2000 fund-raising goal. Then, they can print their CDs, everyone can enjoy their music, and we all win!

As of the time of this posting, they have 49 backers, and have raised $990. Depending on the amount you donate, you will receive "rewards" from the group, potentially including a digital copy of the album, a physical CD, or several other fun and wacky (Jesse-time?) benefits.

The Y-Studs are utilizing the Kickstarter system, which means that if all $2000 are not raised by 8:33 PM on April 11th, all pledged funds will be returned to their owners. So if they don't get enough money to print the CDs you don't lose out either way.

I am a big fan of Jewish Music, as well as a fan of diversity in Jewish Music. As much as I like the Maccabeats, I don't think I could get through Sefira with just one A Cappella CD. I remember when Kol Zimra 2 and Lev Tahor 3 came out in the same Sefira-season - which allowed me to enjoy one album one day and the other the next, so that I had a greater amount of A Cappella to enjoy and didn't get sick of either CD by playing it over and over.

Plus, more Jewish Music groups in general is ALWAYS a good thing. Having more groups expands our public talent base and modern music culture.

Still need some convincing? Preview "Take Me Home" now on Mostlymusic.com and prepare your ears for some soulful, energetic vocals. You can also check out their Youtube channel for a number of videos from their performances.

While you're at it, why not visit The Y-Studs' Facebook page as well?

So in short, pledge your support for the Y-Studs! Enjoy their album, and may we all see a continued rise in popularity of Jewish A Capella and music in general, now and in days to come.

PS - for those readers who never attended Yeshiva College or Stern, "Y-Stud" is short for "Yeshiva College Students" - and is email address for general announcements sent to the entire student body. Stern, in turn, has "S-Studs." So the name of this A Capella group is meant to be a clever double entendre. And now you know - and knowledge is power, or half the battle... or something.

PPS - Little known fact: The Maccabeats also considered the name The Y-Studs before settling on their formal moniker.

Listen To The Maccabeats' New Album Now!

Maccabeat-Mania is almost here!

This morning, several members of The Maccabeats appeared on JM in the AM to promote their new album "Out of the Box." The interview, album preview, and live performance starts around the 2 hour mark.

In addition, tickets are still available for the concert tomorrow night at 7:00 PM in Yeshiva University's Lamport Auditorium.

For those who haven't purchased their tickets yet, there is a special discount via JM in the AM if you type in "JMAM25" for 25% off discount when you purchase your tickets.

As I mentioned before, I unfortunately cannot attend, but if any reader wants to cover it for the blog, please send me an email (address on the side bar to your right).

But the real reason you probably clicked on this post is this bit of fun news: the full album itself is now available for your listening pleasure for free on Spotify!

I hope to do an album review at some point in the near future.

Lastly, a hearty Mazal Tov to Mordy Prus, the latest member of The Maccabeats to get engaged!

That means there are only 5 of the 14 members still available. A little known trivia fact, Mordy was the most searched by name Maccabeat that lead readers to this humble little blog. And yes, I will update the image some time soon when I get a free moment.

Hatzlacha guys, and keep inspiring us all!

Maccabeats "Out of the Box" Preview Video

The Maccabeats have released a video that previews their new CD "Out of the Box" in addition to drumming up some publicity for the CD debut concert, which will take place next week on March 28th:

Some of my predicted (Jewish music) songs are sample here, as well as one Hebrew song I didn't recognize and several secular songs as well. So far it sounds great, and I can't wait to get the actual CD in my hands - and playing in my car.

Tickets for the concert are still available for purchased at this website.

Unfortunately, I will be unable to go because of grad school demands on my time. If anyone who will be attending wants to write a guest post/review of the concert, please email me.

As a bonus, here are the several members of the Maccabeats singing "Keep Your Head Up" by Andy Grammer, which will be featured on "Out of the Box."

Where Are The Purim Music Videos?

Freilechen Purim / Purim Sameach!

It looks like there are almost no new Purim music videos/songs this year. The one real exception I could find was the Shlomones parody called "Good Groggin:'"

For my money's worth, the two best Purim songs out there are:

1) "Umordechai Yatsah" by the very talented Jeremy Gaisen (why doesn't this man have his own CD already?).

I think this song was overshadowed by the #2 choice, simply because Purim was the first post-Chanukah holiday with real song potential (sorry Tu b'Shvat and Shlock Rock).

2) "Raise Your Glass" by the ever popular Maccabeats.

Have a safe and simcha-filled Purim!

PS: I hope to get back to regular posting soon, but school has been quite time-consuming and may only increase in intensity in the near future. I am determined not to give up the blog, so G-d willing, keep checking back for updates! Thank you for reading!

Maccabeats 2nd Album Release Concert!

Just saw this on Facebook, posted by a member of the Maccabeats:

Maccabeats CD Launch Concert

Wed. Mar 28, 2012 at 7:00pm

See a bigger version of the jacket art for "Out of the Box" here.

Join us as Lamport Auditorium will be packed to capacity on March 28th for the highly anticipated release of the Maccabeats new CD.

The group released its first album, Voices from the Heights, in March 2010. In November, they released "Candlelight", a Hanukkah-themed single. The song garnered international attention and became a YouTube sensation, receiving over 7 million hits.

The Maccabeats will be launching their new CD, "Out of the Box" at a concert at Yeshiva University. The CD boasts an array of 11 new songs and arrangements.

The Maccabeats have performed at venues all across the world, from The White House to Hong Kong (and everywhere in between.)

Be the first to hear these new songs.

Tickets can be purchased at this website.

This is very exciting! The title of the Maccabeats second, highly anticipated album will be "Out of the Box." Pretty catchy, but I don't think it tops "Voices from the Heights." Anyway, the title of the album isn't what's really important, it's the songs!

I can't wait to hear the new CD- and see how many, if any, of my predictions for songs to be included were right.

Maccabeat Mazal Tov

Just when I think that I can wait a whole year and finally update the graphic, I get the pleasant surprise of hearing that another Maccabeat got engaged.

I've updated the picture in the post and present it here as well.

This means that just over half of the Maccabeats are engaged/married!

For those ladies interested, better hurry up before they're all taken...

Maccabeats Marriage Update

Updated Image (as of 12/6/12) can be found here.

A year ago, on January 26th, 2011 I posted a gag picture I whipped up that featured the suddenly famous Maccabeats and identified which were married, engaged, or single.

Aside from the humorous element of appealing to all the Macca-fan-girls out there, I didn't think much of the post at the time. I went about business as usual, wrote a few more posts, and figured life would go on as it had until that point.

Then, a little over a week later the internet suddenly noticed the picture, and I was featured on blogs, Face Book statuses and even the Jerusalem Post's website. This humble little blog was flooded with visitors from all over the world. Talk about unexpected exposure.

In fact, that post continues to be the most visited, most searched (via word and image search), and most linked post I've written in over 2 years of blogging.

While a year has now passed, and people out there continue to in

quire via search engines which members of The Maccabeats are married, some things have changed and that picture is no longer factually accurate. I figure that as long as people still care about knowing this information, I don't want to mislead visitors and have impressionable young ladies pining away for a married or engaged man.

Therefore, I have put together an updated image (which looks pretty nifty, if I do say so) that relates the current marriage statuses of our beloved A Cappella singing sensations (click to enlarge):

IMAGE UPDATED 2-2-12

With OVER half of the 14 guys in The Maccabeats now married or on the way, time is running out for any Jewish girls out there (and their mothers) who dream about Maccabeat zemiros at their Shabbos table.

On a more serious note, I recall hearing that The Maccabeats themselves weren't so happy with the initial post, and I imagine they won't be with this one either. Since the other post exists and cannot be taken back, I have created this new image to properly inform the masses at large who are already looking for this anyway. Sorry guys, if I have further offended you.

More important than the married or single status of The Maccabeats is their continued success at spreading the positive message of Torah Umadda and reaching out to Jews everywhere, religiously observant or not (yet).

I hope they can create more songs, more videos, and more albums (where is that second CD anyway!?) to further enhance our modern Jewish culture, and serve as a positive role models for our community, and the world at large.

P.S. This post will also be in lieu of Jewish Music Fridays because of my grad school work.

Update: From their Facebook status, it seems like their long anticipated 2nd album is almost completed!

It's Been A While...

...since I last updated. Sorry about the unannounced break from blogging. Between tests, Chanukah, and lots of travelling, I haven't had much time to write or read blogs as of late.

Since the blog was getting inundated with hits because of the Matisyahu, Maccabeats and Chanukah video posts, I didn't want any new content to be ignored/lost in the traffic.

I also wanted to give "Serendipity" as much exposure as possible, since I particularly liked the story and felt it was a big departure from my usual comedic style. If you haven't read and commented on it yet, please do.

A lot has been going on since I last posted, so I figured I'd compose several mini-posts to catch up.

1) One last Chanukah music video, which I was told about but forgot to post, "Maoz Tzur" by Except Saturday:

2) Overall, I think that the winner of the music video competition was Aish's "Jewish Rock of Ages," followed very closely by the "Miracle" by the Maccabeats. The main thing that made me like the Aish video more was the fact that all their songs were very sing-able and stuck in my head, which "Miracle" failed to do. Both videos had great production values, humor, and were executed very well.

3) Here is video proof that Matisyahu has joined the Maccabeats:

4) Of course, by now everyone should realize that my "interview" with Matisyahu post-shave is a clever forgery, as is the quickie Photoshopped picture I made of him wearing a white button-down shirt and black skinny tie. I was hoping to be the first to write about this humorous idea, but Jewlicious beat me to it, but thankfully didn't really expand on the joke or make the picture that sprang into my mind and later onto my computer screen.

5) The Maccabeats successfully raised over $80,000 for their Miracle Match campaign which benefits Gift of Life. Great job, guys - and everyone should continue to donate and help save lives.

6) Judablue announced via Facebook that have a new video in the works!

7) The Groggers are also apparently working on a new video, which will be filming in Florida.

8) I apologize for slacking off on the Jewish Music Fridays feature. I hope to continue that as a regular weekly update starting this Friday, G-d willing.

9) I submitted several of my stories to Mishpacha magazine. They praised my writing, including the sci-fi aspect depicted in a few of them, but didn't think the stories fit their readership :(

I'm trying to see if any of them are worth editing and hoping to hear back from them regarding what they would like to see in general in their published stories.

10) I recently read the book "Hush" (I know, I'm late). It's fantastic, gripping, moving, and scary. Everyone, Chassidic or not, should read it.

11) I am greatly dismayed by the disgusting actions of certain groups of chareidim in Israel. They do not represent Torah Judaism and this needs to stop. At any rate, here are two really great responses among the dozens that have been written and are must-reads. The first is an excellent critique of the whole situation: "The Curse of Violent Extremism" and the second is a very interesting analysis of the story behind the violent: "Ultra Orthodox extremism is a reaction to growing reform in the community"

12) New things upcoming on this blog: I (of course) have more posts and stories to share. I also am toying with the idea of rereading some of the dating and marriage books in my rather extensive collection and publishing reviews, which will probably be a monthly feature.

Anyway, it's good to be back.

Matisyahu To Join Maccabeats, Enroll At YU

While Jewlicious was the first to break the exciting news, Shades of Grey is proud to present an exclusive interview with the Jewish musical performer formerly known as Matisyahu, Mathew Miller, that tells the whole story behind his recent public transformation.

After the shocking revelation of the Twitter pics and accompanying note that brought the frum (religious Orthodox) world to its collective knees, many Jewish fans of Matisyahu can breath a sigh of relief.

Before: Matisyahu. After: Mathew Miller.
Image Source: AV Club.

No, Matisyahu, now Mathew Miller once again, has not gone "off the derech" (or OTD for short).

Nor did he, as Vos Iz Neias? incorrectly reported, use a razor blade to shave his beard - the usage of a straight razor for shaving is forbidden by Jewish law.

"I went out and bought a suitable electric shaver, just like every other observant Jewish man who shaves. I figured it was time for a change. It's clear to me now that my time in the spotlight as a Chassidic reggae/rapper is long past."

Miller attributes partial inspiration to the release of the Maccabeats' latest video, a cover of his marginally popular song/video from last year, "Miracle."

"The response they've generated vastly exceeds everything I had hoped for in my own version of 'Miracle,' especially with the charitable cause they are promoting. Some might want to say it's the unfortunate coincidence that I made the video at the same time 'Candlelight' dropped, but after some healthy self-introspection, I was able to step back and realize that everything is from the yad HaShem (hand of G-d)."

"It's clear as daylight that this has all been hashgacha pratis (divine influence) to guide me toward my new path in life."

Miller, who always dreamed of reaching out to disenfranchised and irreligious Jews in the hopes of bringing them closer to their heritage, claims that he has now realized how he can continue that goal, while remaining a public music figure and continuing to inspire the masses.

"You know, I'd just heard so much about the 'big tent' that [Yeshiva University] President Joel always talks about in his speeches. I began to realize that this was something I'd always yearned for, something that was always at the core of my musical message."

While many listeners initially found Miller's Matisyahu persona, complete with full beard, large velvet yarmulka, peyot (sidelocks) and tzitzit (ritual fringes) inspiring, Miller now thinks that some of these aspects have become a hindrance for attracting the attention of those potentially interested in exploring their Judaism.

"Not every Jew had a beard, and certainly not every Jew wears a velvet yarmulka. In some ways, these have become part of a uniform for a subculture within Judaism that I simply don't want to represent anymore. For a while, I was mislead into thinking that there was only 'one right way' to be Jewish. I now know that this is the farthest possible thing from the truth," Miller remarked poignantly as he adjusted the new knit yarmulka on his head.

In an effort to reconnect to the broader world of Torah-observant Judaism, Miller and his family have moved to Washington Heights, the upper Manhattan Neighborhood that houses Yeshiva University's Wilf Campus, where the male student body as well as the Rabbi Isaac Elachanan Theological Seminary is located.

In addition, Miller has enrolled at Yeshiva University's Philip and Sarah Belz School of Music, hoping to broaden his own appreciation and knowledge of the breadth of traditional Jewish music. He intends to split his time between learning in the new Glueck Beit Midrash, attending a variety of classes at the Belz School of Music, and working on what may be the most exciting development since his recent announcement: singing with the Maccabeats.

Miller, wearing his new Maccabeats outfit, sent Shades of Grey this exclusive photo.

"The Maccabeats have been very gracious to me in giving me the chance to become a part of their mission. I strongly believe in their efforts to spread the message of Torah Umadda (Torah and secular wisdom) to the world, engaging in both Torah study as well as the world at large. It's kind of funny that I was never really able to succinctly describe my 'weltanschauung' as the Rav (Soloveitchick) used to say, but since becoming closer to the guys in the group, I think I've found a new home."

The process of joining Yeshiva University's world famous Modern Orthodox A Capella group led Miller to decide to shave his beard and sidelocks.

"I don't want anyone to think that the Maccabeats have some sort of rigid dress code that required me to shave," Miller said. "Well, besides their white shirts and skinny black ties," he chuckled.

"At first, they told me I was fine just the way I was, without needing to alter my physical appearance one bit. It was entirely my decision to shed the outward expression of my former Chassidic persona."

Miller was very impressed with the Maccabeats' version of his own hit song, "One Day," which was their first music video venture back in 2010. With complete humility, Miller willingly agrees that their video for "Miracle" surpasses his original version.

The Maccabeats' take on "Miracle," which Miller says is better than his original.

"I was always a bit worried about how some people might view the scenes portrayed in 'Miracle.' And honestly, I think it turned out a little wacky in the end. The Maccabeats, along with their amazingly talented friend, Uri Westrich, have certainly elevated the stature of the song by pairing it with a video that is both engaging and meaningful, instead of all the strange X-mas imagery my director forced on me."

Having followed their career with great interest since the release of their "One Day," Miller was very moved by their High-Holidays themed "Book of Good Life." He claims that the message presented in the video moved him to perform a serious soul-searching that led him to where he finds himself today.

"I don't want to be remembered as that rabbi-guy brawling with Santa Claus in an ice-skating rink. I would much rather my legacy be more clean-cut, palatable, and appealing for a wider audience. I still have plenty of ideas and musical dreams, and now I will, G-d willing, be able to achieve them in the right environment and with the right musical group."

The original "Miracle" music video, which Miller now partially regrets.

When asked further about his plans at Yeshiva University, Miller is reluctant to plan too far ahead. He is not currently sure which morning shiur (lecture) he will join, but he is looking forward to becoming involved with the student body, including Rabbi Hershel Reichman's monthly Rosh Chodesh (new Jewish month) get-together, participating in the annual Chanukah Chagigah (celebration), and occasionally serving as prayer-leader at the Friday night Carlebach Minyan (prayer group).

"There are so many opportunities for me to positively influence the lives of students who may be struggling with their connection to Judaism as I have been these past few years. I hope to use my talents and music to inspire and increase the level of spirituality on campus."

There is, however, one thing that Miller already has had to contend with, even though he just relocated to Washington Heights a few days ago.

"President Joel won't stop calling, texting, and emailing me. We met before at last year's Chanukah concert, but now that I'm officially part of the YU community, he keeps asking me to include his trademark 'ennoble and enable' catchphrase in one of my forthcoming songs."

"I keep telling him 'one day,' if he's lucky," he concluded with a smile.

Mayim Bialik Talks About Her Maccabeats Cameo

I wasn't so surprised when I noticed Jewish actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik appear in the latest Maccabeats video, "Miracle." I had been following her online cheer-leader-ing and remarks about her favorite (in a kind of obsessive way) Jewish music group.

Mayim was the first celebrity - way before Obama - to take a real interest in the guys and their positive Torah Umadda message. She even gave them a shout out at Tribefest this past March (this clip is worth watching for the other meaningful things she says aside from the name-drop).

Now she has posted her side of the story in "Mayim's Miracle Maccabeats Debut," sharing with all of us out there in internet-land her experience of how she came to make a cameo in their follow-up video to "Candlight."

I'm glad Mayim is out there in the notoriously liberal Hollywood promoting real Jewish values, as well as publicly supporting our now-famous A Capella group. She's a breath of fresh air in a sometimes very anti-Jewish or self-derogatory (self-hating can be a bit much) world out there.

How About The Other Chanukah Music Videos Of 2011?

Ever since the Maccabeats catapulted to fame last year with their smash-hit "Candlelight" every time a Jewish holiday draws near, it seems we are inundated with new Jewish-themed music videos. From professionally recorded, expertly choreographed productions by name-brand organizations to a group of friends getting together to show their enthusiasm for the festival, everyone seems to be looking for the chance to replicate the popularity and success that Yeshiva University's A Capella group achieved.

Now that we're almost at Chanukah once again (has it really been a year already?), the Maccabeats have released their Chanukah follow up cover of Matisyahu's "Miracle." But what about all the other musical artists out there?

Let's check out the latest non-Maccabeats Chanukah-themed music videos out there.

Aish continues their trend of musical parodies after their very popular and original video from Rosh Hashana. The Lion of Zion dancers are back, and this video is called "Chanukah Jewish Rock of Ages," which features 8 songs, some classic and some modern, that tell the story of Chanukah.

Some of the lyrics are a bit corny, but they all fit really well. I can't get enough of the shot of two guys on the motorcycle in front of the motion-screen.

"A New Chanukah Medley" - a A Capella parody medley that really "gets into the spirit of the season," with each song sharing a certain theme...

It's kind of cute. I have heard of prankster yeshiva bochurim using jingle bells or other holiday tunes for Lecha Dodi during this time of year, so I guess this has been done before, to a degree.

The Yeshiva Boys' Choir has thrown their hat into the ring with a high-quality video for an original comedy song called "Those Were the Nights (of Chanukah."

While it's pretty obvious they're playing the safe game by featuring boys dressed as women and no real female participants whatsoever, which once caused the Maccabeats to be critiqued, I can't help but be a little weirded out by some of the cross-dressing going on here.

If you're in the mood for a bunch of bubbes and zaides have a fun time singing/celebrating Chanukah, check out the rather funny video by The LA Jewish Home called "Happy Chanukah From the Jewish Home!"

Not quite the Maccabeats, but another male A Capella group for Temple Adat Shalom:

Here's a Jewish rap/R&B video called "Hanukkah 2012 - All of the Lights"

We'll continue with another Jewish rap video, by Matt Rissien called "All I do is spin" a parody of "All I do is win," originally by DJ Khaled.

The Shlomones are back again with "The Rocky Hora Chanukah Song."

I have to say I'd never thought I'd see a "Rocky Horror Picture Show" Jewish parody song...

In my opinion, the funniest, most original video thus far comes from veteran A Capella group Six13, called "Chanukah Rights:"

UPDATE (12/12/11): I'm not sure how I missed The Fountainheads, but here is their contribution called "Light Up the Night." Just to forewarn, this contains women singing/dancing.

And here's a new A Capella group, with a pun-tastic name: Pella! Their debut video "Holiday Party -Tonight Tonight" is quite fun, and I happen to know a few of the guys in the group...

This might be my favorite video. They picked a great, catchy, upbeat song, have great production values/editing, include a number of pretty funny jokes, and pretty much covered almost all the chagim out there. I'm also a big fan of their energy, dance moves and green screen use (all the clones, etc). However, since they go through all the holidays, does this mean they're not going to make another video when Purim rolls around?

UPDATE 12/14/11: Here is a FANTASTIC song by The Avoda called "Spread the Light," which has an amazing, pounding beat. The lyrics are great too. The video itself doesn't compare the the shtickyness of all the others out there, but the most important thing is the music, right? This song gets my vote for the best original song of the Chanukah season this year.

UPDATE 12/16/11: The B-Boyz are back again with another Chanukah-themed take-off of a popular secular song. This time it's called "Menorah Hearts" and is based on "Stereo Hearts" by Adam Levine & Gym Class Heroes. These are the guys who happened to pick "Dynamite" last year and tried to cash in on the Maccabeats' fame, with very little success. I wrote a bit about them here.

MyJewishLearning.com presents a Bible Raps song for Chanukah 2011 called "Light is in the Air."

UPDATE 1-3-12 Though a little late, here is "Maoz Tzur" Except Saturday:

The Moshav Band has their new song, "Light The Way."

If anyone finds other Chanukah related music videos, please share in the comments, and I'll add them to the list.