Creating a Festival of Lights in Song and Dance: A Journey of Music, Miracles, and Making the Impossible Happen

As the glow of the holiday season surrounds us and begins to light up our lives, I can’t help but think about a very special project I embarked on ten years ago. It was a whirlwind, a leap of faith, and a labor of love—and it became Key Tov Orchestra's Hanukkah Song Mashup - Dance Spectacular! If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a medley of iconic Hanukkah songs brought to life with a full band, choreographed dancers, and over-the-top energy. To my amazement, this video has been viewed more than 2.5 million times on YouTube. Looking back, the experience taught me valuable lessons that I hope can inspire you as you approach your own goals and creative endeavors.

A Vision Comes to Life

It all started with an idea sparked by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watching those grand performances got me thinking: there’s no shortage of Christmas music, but what about Hanukkah music? It felt like there was a cultural gap, a missing piece of representation for the Festival of Lights.

Creating something bold and joyous to fill that space seemed not only exciting but meaningful, offering a way to bring Hanukkah’s vibrant spirit into the spotlight. What if we could create a production with all the bells and whistles—big band arrangements, choreographed dancers, and familiar musical themes from pop culture—to make it accessible even to those unfamiliar with Hanukkah music?

I had the vision, but no roadmap. By early October, I pitched the idea to my drummer and music engineer, Steve, who agreed we could pull it off—but only if we acted fast. With less than two months until Hanukkah, we began working at breakneck speed. I sketched out the musical arrangements, enlisted our trumpet player, Kirk, to bring the horn parts to life, and connected with Mitchell, a world-class choreographer whom I previously worked with, to align the dance styles with the mashup’s dynamic shifts. Every step of the process was like building a puzzle in real time, with no room for missteps.

The Challenge of Execution

The next hurdle was finding a location. After exploring several options, we decided on Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago. It’s a bustling, iconic space—perfect for the big energy we wanted to capture. But our filming day came with its own set of challenges: a farmers market cleared out at 3 p.m., and preparations for the annual Christkindlmarket began at 7 p.m. That left us with a narrow, four-hour window to set up, perform, and film everything. The time constraint added an extra layer of intensity and focus to the day, creating a vibrant energy that pushed everyone to perform at their best. It was a race against time, but somehow, we made it happen.

The Miracle of Collaboration

Hanukkah celebrates miracles, and this project was no exception—much like the holiday itself, which commemorates the unexpected triumph of a small group against great odds and the lasting power of a single day’s worth of oil. This production felt like a modern echo of that story, bringing something vibrant and meaningful into the world against a ticking clock and countless challenges. Pulling off something of this scale required more than just hard work; it took a talented team. I surrounded myself with people who were exceptional at what they do—from musicians to dancers to videographers. Truthfully, I was probably the least talented person on that set. My job was to bring everyone together, articulate the vision, and keep the wheels turning. By trusting the experts and empowering them to do their best work, we created something truly magical.

Lessons Learned

Ten years later, as I reflect on the success of the Hanukkah Song Mashup, here are the key lessons I’ve carried with me—lessons that might resonate with you, especially during a season that reminds us to pause, reflect, and embrace the miracles in our own lives:

1. Start with a Vision: Even if you don’t know exactly how to get there, a clear vision will guide you. Break it down into actionable steps and manageable tasks.
2. Follow Your Instincts: Something inside me knew this project had potential. Trust your gut when you feel passionate about an idea, even if it’s never been done before.
3. Believe in Yourself: There were moments when I doubted we could pull it off, but confidence pushed me forward. Proceed boldly, and you’ll find a way through obstacles.
4. Surround Yourself with Excellence: Collaborate with people who are better than you. Their skills will elevate the entire project.

Your Turn to Shine

As Hanukkah approaches and the spirit of the season inspires us to create and connect, I encourage you to think about the projects or goals you’ve been putting off. What’s your vision? What’s your bold idea that feels impossible but worth pursuing?

Use this time to gather your team, write out your plan, and take the first step. Remember, miracles don’t just happen—they’re made with intention, hard work, and a little bit of chutzpah.

Here’s a challenge for you this week: identify one idea you’ve been dreaming about, break it into smaller steps, and take the first one. Let the energy of the season and the lessons from this story inspire you to create something incredible. Who knows? Ten years from now, you might be looking back on your own success story.

If this story resonated with you, consider subscribing to my newsletter and connect with me on social media for more reflections, insights, and inspiration. Together, we’ll keep exploring what it means to create, connect, and celebrate our unique contributions to the world.

Wishing you happy holidays and a Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate!