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Key Information

The Miami Boys Choir (MBC) is a boys' choir specializing in Orthodox pop since 1977.

History

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In the early 1970s while studying in yeshivah in Toronto, Canada, Yerachmiel Begun created, directed, and recorded three successful albums with the Toronto (Pirchei) Boys Choir. However, in 1976 formed by Yerachmiel Begun as well, the Miami Boys Choir was part of a larger surge in popularity of Orthodox Jewish choral music.[1] The use of an all-boy choir is related to a common interpretation of Orthodox Jewish law (halachah) of kol isha which they hold prohibits males above the age of majority from listening to non-familial females singing even on audio recordings.[2][3]

While the group was formed in Miami Beach, Florida, after releasing the first few albums, Begun moved the choir to New York. Although he retained the "Miami" in the name of the group, subsequent albums were released with boys primarily from the New York/New Jersey area.[1]

Yerachmiel Begun was the composer for almost all of the songs featured on his Toronto and Miami albums. In addition, he had composed many songs for a number of other Jewish music singers and groups including Simchatone, Kol Salonika (with Rabbi Boruch Chait), Kol Hakavod, Camp S'dei Chemed International, Mordechai Ben David, and Ira Heller. Yerachmiel conducted the boys choir on the NCSY record from 1979. In 1981, Yerachmiel composed the songs for the group and hit album titled "Judaea". At the 6th annual HASC A Time For Music concert in 1993, paying tribute to Jewish composers, Begun was listed and mentioned as one of the Top Ten Composers of Jewish Music. Yerachmiel has worked side by side with a number of arrangers for his compositions, including Yisroel Lamm (the Neginah Orchestra), Suki Berry, Moshe Laufer, Mona Rosenblum, Hershel Lebovits, Vladimir Grinberg, and others.

Over the years, the choir's imaging has changed with the times. Originally called the "Miami Choir Boys," its name has alternated between "Miami Boys Choir" and "Yerachmiel Begun and the Miami Boys Choir." In addition, the album titles have slowly changed over time from just Hebrew/Aramaic titles (i.e., B'syata D'shamaya) to English and Hebrew together (e.g., Torah Today) and finally to the present format, which places "Miami" before the title (i.e., Miami Moshiach).

Compared to mainstream artists, the choir has not had spectacular results in terms of sales. However, in the Jewish music world, they are recognized as a success story. An example is their album released in 2005, Miami Revach, which reportedly sold over 15,000 copies in the first few weeks alone.[4]

Viral resurgence

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The Miami Boys Choir experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2022, after Yerachmiel Begun's son established a TikTok account and posted clips of the group performing. One clip, a recording of 4 soloists (Yoshi Bender, Akiva Abramowitz, David Herskowitz, and Binyamin Abramowitz) performing an arrangement of Psalms 125:2 ('Yerushalayim') became a viral sensation.[5] It has accrued over 10.8 million views as of May 5 that year. Users have been known to 'duet' the video offering glowing assessments of the soloists' performances, proclaiming their 'biases' (favorite members) within the group, in the same vein as fans of Korean idol groups.[6]

Prominent soloists and alumni

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Discography

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Title[1][11] Year released Comments
Victory Entebbe 1977 In 1977, Yerachmiel Begun released his first album, called "Victory Entebbe", against the background of the Entebbe operation that happened a year before. Yerachmiel composed all the songs, while the arrangements were entrusted to Yisrael Lamm, who had already arranged the Toronto Boys Choir albums. Among the songs that became hits you can find 'Moshe’ and ‘Bamorom'.
Miami Meets Toronto 1978 Prior to starting the Miami Boys Choir, Yerachmiel Begun lived and directed a choir in Toronto, Ontario. This album features a collaboration between the Miami Choir Boys, (as they were then called), and the Toronto Boys Choir. One song on this album, entitled 'Mr Carter', was about the president Jimmy Carter.
Miami Live 1979 In the first live Miami show, many songs became hits. One of these being the now classic slowly sung "Baruch Hagever" which was originally recorded and featured on Kol Hakavod (circa 1976-'77), Toronto Boys Choir 3 (1979), The Chevra (1982) and later more famously sung solo by Ari Goldwag at Miami Experience 2 (1992).
B'Siyata Dishmaya 1984 In 1980, Yerachmiel moved to New York, where he founded a new choir with children from Brooklyn and the surrounding area. The choir in Miami was such a great success that the name "Miami Boys Choir" remained, even though the choir is based in New York today.

In 1984, the fourth album "B’siyata D’shmaya" was released. This album, arranged by Moshe Laufer, is considered one of the greatest successes of the choir, with most of the songs on the album becoming hits: 'Kail', 'L’murunun', 'Achas', 'B’siyata D’shmaya', 'Ono B’koach', 'Ez Tzemach' and 'Kol Yisroel'. The title song is performed by soloist Jonathan Paley, the first star among the choir's vocalists. In one performance where he lost his voice, he was replaced by Mendy Wald from the Tzlil V’zemer Choir.

Klal Yisroel - Together 1987 The next album, released in 1987, was called "Klal Yisroel Together" and was also arranged by Moshe Laufer. One of the songs on the album, 'Menucha', is from an ancient folk tune, a song Yerachmiel particularly liked and decided to include in the choir's album. This is the only song of all the choir's songs that was not composed by Yerachmiel Begun. Another song on the album, 'The Gedolei Hador', was written with lyrics in Yiddish, and performed by Yisroel Williger, who was not an official member of the choir.

Some successful songs from this album were: 'Oshira', 'Mehairah' and 'Klal Yisroel Together'. At that time, the singers Eli Lewenstein, Avraham Willig and Ophie Nat starred.

Shabbos Yerushalayim 1988 In 1988, the album "Shabbos Yerushalayim" was released, against the background of the choir's concert tour around the world, which ended in Jerusalem. The title song talks about the special atmosphere in Jerusalem and the need to preserve its sanctity. The second hit, in English, was the song ‘We Need You’, which talks about the problem of talking in the synagogue during prayer. Other hits from the album include: 'Asher Bara', 'Devai Haser' and 'Refa’einu'. The album was arranged by Yisroel Lamm, and stars the vocalists Avraham Willig and Stuie Bienenstock.
Torah Today 1990 In 1990, the album "Torah Today" was released, arranged by Moshe Laufer and starring the vocalists Nochum Stark, Jonathan Morgenstern and Avraham Solomon. This album was particularly successful, and many of its songs became hits: 'Ohr Chadash', 'Basru', 'Baruch Habah', 'Od Yishama', 'Torah T’hi', and 'Torah Today'.

Among the children of the choir who participated in this album (but did not get a single solo) you can find the singer Yaakov Shwekey and the producer Danny Finkelman.

Miami Experience 1 1991 In the early 1990s, the 'golden age' of the choir began, with a series of "Experience" concerts. This was a series of huge shows, held every year on Passover, usually at Brooklyn College under the direction of Yisroel Lamm. Each show included new songs, guest artists and production of the most innovative level. Also, for the first time, albums were released for people to watch these performances.

The first show was held in 1991 and was called 'Korov Hashem'. The show was released as an album in an audio version and a video version, with each of the versions including sections that were omitted in the other version.

Miami Experience 2 1992 The second show was held in 1992, and was called "On The Road To Yerushalayim". New songs were written in honour of the show, including the song 'Omdos' and 'Be A Mentsch'. A new verse in English was added to the nostalgic hit 'Hoshiva'. In the central part of the show, a musical was presented about an American boy (Nochum Stark) who travels to the Holy Land and there realizes the value of learning the Torah. The singers Moshe Yess and Sherwood Goffin took part in the musical. The show stars vocalists Nochum Stark, Ari Goldwag and Eliezer Rabinowitz .
It's Min Hashamayim 1993 In 1993, the album "It's Min Hashomayim" was released. This album is considered a ground-breaker in Orthodox Jewish music in terms of the innovative arrangements of Yisroel Lamm. Some of the songs on the album are considered to be the most identified with the choir: 'Lo Yisa Goy', 'Ani Maamin' and 'Kumt', along with other hits. The song 'Yisrael' was written about the Gulf War. This album starred Nochum Stark, Ari Goldwag and Nachman Seltzer.
Miami Experience 3 1993 In the same year, the third show in the 'Miami Experience' series took place, and was called "When Moshiach comes". The show focuses on the difficulties of exile and the expectation of the coming of the Messiah. Another part of the show was dedicated to the songs of the Toronto Boys Choir and the first days of the choir back when it was in Miami. In addition to Ari Goldwag, whose voice was already changing, the singers Oded Kariti, Yitzy Spinner and Mordechai Levovitz starred.
Miami Experience 4 - Shiru Lo 1994 The fourth performance took place in 1994, and was called "Shiru Lo". In the show, the choir's most well-known song: 'Nekadesh' was performed for the first time, and together with it the title song, 'Shiru Lo'. The performance included a journey around the world with the children of the choir dressed in traditional costumes from many countries. In this show, Shlomo Carlebach was a guest and he sang his song 'Adir Hu' with the choir. At that time, the choir counted the highest number of children in its entire history - 48 children, of which the vocalists Oded Kariti and Yitzy Spinner stood out in particular.
One By One 1995 In 1995, the album "One By One" was released, this album was extremely successful and most of its songs became hits: 'Bayom Hahu', 'Tiskabel', 'Chasdei Hashem' (which was written following the case of an Orthodox Jewish girl who was lost in the forest, and was found safe and sound against all odds), 'Zoakti', 'Sunshine', 'Elokah', 'One by One' and 'Kol Mi'. Yisroel Lamm was again entrusted with the arrangements, and Oded Kariti, Yitzy Spinner, Eric Stern and Robert Lowy were the main soloists.
Miami Experience 5 1995 That same year, during Passover, the largest performance of the choir was held, at the "Nassau Coliseum" stadium in New York, with the participation of 15,000 spectators. On the same day, a terrorist attack occurred in the United States, which almost led to the cancellation of the event. This show "sealed" the "Experiences" series. At that time, the choir was a guest on Yisroel Williger's album 'The Voice of a New Generation’.
The Simcha Song 1997 In 1997 the album "The Simcha Song" was released. In this album, the song 'Adon Olam' was particularly successful, along with the songs 'The Simcha Song' and 'Tehilas Hashem'. The album was arranged by Yisroel Lamm and stars singers Eric Stern, Daniel Gober and Zavel Pearlman.
Chanukah - Light up the Nights 1997 At the end of 1997 an album was released in honor of Hanukkah called "Light up the Nights". The album contains 4 new songs - among them the hit 'Yaaleh V’yovoh', a medley of Hanukkah songs and an instrumental version of all the songs. This album was also arranged by Yisroel Lamm, and stars the vocalists Daniel Gober, Zavel Pearlman, Eric Stern and Mendy Levin. That Hanukkah there was a big event when the choir performed in the centre of the hall on a revolving stage. This show was not published, and only in 2012 were some video clips from it published.
Stand Up 1999 The next album was released in 1999 and was called "Stand Up" . In this album, the song "Hinei Ma Tov" was particularly successful, along with the songs "Veyivtechu", "Mitzva" and "Shema Koleinu". The last song on the album 'Shabbos Candles' is sung entirely by Yerachmiel Begun, and talks about Bug 2000 . This album is also edited by Yisroel Lamm. Starring: Duvie Shapiro and Zavel Pearlman.
Yerushalayim - Can You Hear Our Voice 2001 In 2000, the choir went on tour in Israel. They appeared in Gush Katif and Haifa, and were photographed in various places in Jerusalem. This year saw the release of the compilation album "Yerushalayim- Can You Hear Our Voice" - a collection of Jerusalem themed songs from all the albums and performances, with the addition of 2 new songs: 'Yerushalayim' and 'Im Eshkochaich'.

These songs were also released in an audio album version, together with a video version that included lip syncing of songs from the albums 'Stand Up' and 'The Simcha Song' with the same photos of Jerusalem in the background.

B'derech Hatorah - We Will Prevail 2001 At the end of 2001, the album "B’derech Hatorah - We Will Prevail" was released. In this album, a first collaboration was created with the arranger Mona Rosenblum who took part in the production of the album alongside Moshe Laufer and Yisroel Lamm. Among the album's hits: 'Rak Chazak', 'Lo B’ruach Hashem', 'V’hoyoh Machanechah Kodosh' and 'B’derech Hatorah- We Will Prevail'. During this period, the singers Mordechai Shapiro, Daniel Muchnick and Isaac Benishai starred in the choir.
Miami 25 - Past Present and Future 2002 In 2002, a series of performances were held in New York and New Jersey on the occasion of the choir's 25th anniversary. Among others, choir graduates Yaakov Shwekey, Shloime Dachs, Ophie Nat and Nochum Stark took part. Before one of the performances, Yerachmiel Begun broke his leg, so in some of the songs you see him sitting at the piano and not conducting the choir.
Miami and Dedi 2003 In 2003, a collaboration was formed between the choir and the Israeli singer Dedi Graucher. The singer and the choir performed together in a show called "Kol Yisroel Araivim", in which a song in Hebrew and English symbolizes the unity between the Jews in Israel and the Diaspora. The show was released in a video version, and stars Mordechai Shapiro, Isaac Benishai and Chanina Abramowitz. The song 'Kain' that opened the show was released two years later on the ‘Revach’ album.
Miami Revach 2005 In 2005, the best-selling album of the choir, "Revach", was released. Over 15,000 copies were sold in three weeks - an unprecedented achievement in the world of frum music. Most of the album's songs were successful and became hits, including the title song 'Revach', 'V’ahavta', 'Mi Adir', 'Mimkomcha', 'Yichadishahu', and 'Ribono'. Yisroel Lamm, Mona Rosenblum and Moshe Laufer participated in the arrangement of the album. The music and the adult choir were recorded in Israel, in Ken Burgess' studios, with the participation of guitarist Avi Singolda. That year, like every year, a show was held on Passover in New York, which was released in a DVD version. Prominent soloists: Shaul Elson, Yosef Schick, Zalman Pollack and Ari Rosner.
Miami Revach (DVD) 2006
Miami Moshiach 2007 In 2006, Begun and eight of the choir's children went to a concert in Israel, after 5 years of the choir not leaving the United States due to the September 11 attacks and the security situation in Israel. They performed at a Chabad rally, at the Yad Eliyahu Sports Hall, in front of about 10,000 spectators. A song composed by Begun specially for this evening, "Moshiach", was a big hit. Following the success of the song, Yerachmiel decided to immediately release an album containing 4 new songs, a medley of nostalgic songs and excerpts from performances together with Ohad Moskowitz and Dovid Gabay. Prominent vocalists: Shaul Elson, Yoshi Bender and Ari Rosner. The album was released in 2007.
Around the Campfire 2007 In the same year, the choir released an a cappella album especially for the days of the Sefira, the album contains songs from the albums Moshiach and Revach as well as verses and songs from other albums. The album is called "Around the Campfire" and is accompanied by sound effects of a campfire and crickets.
Yavoh 2008 In preparation for Hanukkah 2009, the album "Yavo" was released. Yisroel Lamm, Moshe Laufer, Mona Rosenblum, Yitzi Bald and Yaakov Leib Rigler took part in the adaptations. Among the successful songs you can find the hit 'Ayom V’norah', 'Me’im Hashem' 'Galeh' and the title song 'Yavoh'. Among the slow songs on the album you can find 'M’heiroh' - a new melody to the words of the iconic song from the album 'Klal Yisroel' and 'Azor Noh' which is performed entirely by the vocalist Yair Kenig. Alongside Kenig, the soloists Yoshi Bender and David Herskowitz starred in the album. An a cappella version of the album was released in 2020.

Later that year, a DVD version with the same name was released from the Chol Hamoed Sukkot performances at Brooklyn College. The show mainly performed songs from the album Yavo, but also songs from the album 'Moshiach'. In the summer of 2022, excerpts from the DVD were uploaded to the social network TikTok and garnered millions of views. The stars of the show: Akiva Abramowitz, Yoshi Bender, David Herskowitz and Binyamin Ravina Abramowitz.

Ultimate Miami - The Ultimate Collection 2010 A collection of the English songs over the years.
The Miami Solo Album 2010 In 2010, the album "Hisorirus " (The Miami Solo Album) was released, which unusually did not include original songs but versions of well-known songs, performed by soloists from the choir that were recorded several years before their voices began to change. Participants: Shaul Elson, Yair Kenig, Binyamin Ravina Abramowitz and David Herskowitz.
Mi L'Hashem Eilai 2011 In 2011, Yerachmiel's son Chananya, along with choir graduate Menachem Klein, founded an Israeli branch of MBC. The choir was called 'Miami Mizrach', and the children sang in Hebrew and with an Israeli accent. The choir was not successful and was closed after several years.

The next album "Mi Lahashem Aylai ", was released in the summer of 2011. This album was also worked by Moshe Laufer, Yisroel Lamm and Mona Rosenblum . Among the successful songs: 'Shema Yisrael' and 'Mi Lahashem Aylai'. The title song was translated into Hebrew and performed by the Israeli branch of the choir. The album featured vocalists Sruli Rubin, Dovid Pearlman, Binyamin Ravina Abramowitz and Jeremy Herskowitz.

When the Siyum Calls 2012 In 2012, the choir was hosted for the third time at the 'Hasc' 25 show and performed the hit 'Shema Yisrael' there.

That same summer, a special music video was produced by the choir called "When The Siyum Calls". The music video garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. In addition, a compilation album was released that included the choir's nostalgic songs related to Torah study, the title song and the solo song "Modim" which is performed in a duet between the choir's soloist David Perlman and Yerachmiel Begun.

Miami in Concert 2013 On Passover 2013, a huge show was held to mark 36 years of MBC - 'Miami 36'. The show was accompanied by 18 musicians and 18 alumni from the past. 3 new songs were written especially for the show: 'Chai Chai', 'Am Levodod Yishkon' and 'Hakel'. During the show, the alumni of the choir performed a number of songs from the past, when, among others, the stars of the past Isaac Benishai and Daniel Muchnick performed a reconstruction of their iconic solo pieces from the song 'Lo B’ruach Hashem'.

Choir graduates Chanina, Akiva and Binyamin Ravina Abramowitz performed the song 'Ani Maamin' (from the album 'It's Min Hashomayim') together with their brother Chiya. In addition, a reconstruction of the musical from Miami Experience 2 was carried out, and a duet was performed between Nochum Stark, who was the main actor in 1992, and his successor Dovid Pearlman.

Ut Ut 2015 The next album was released in 2014 and was called "Ut Ut ". The album was edited by Yerachmiel Begun and Yisroel Lamm. This album was very successful in the United States, but in Israel it was less well known. Among the album's hits: the title song 'Ut Ut' which includes lyrics in Yiddish from the nostalgic song 'Kumt Shoin' and received a new melody; 'B'simcha Rabah' 'Tzur' and 'Kol Kol Kol'. The prominent soloists of the album: Dovid Pearlman, Tzvi Simchon and Michael Weingarten.

In the summer of 2014, the choir toured Europe and Israel together with singer Benny Friedman on the occasion of the release of the new album UT UT. The performances were a great success.

Miami B'Simcha Rabah (DVD) 2016 On Chanukkah 2016, a new DVD called "Miami B'simcha Rabah " was released, which included performances by the choir from the Ut Ut album period, the alumni choir, a special clip of the 'Unity Choir' and another song they performed. In addition, 40-minute long behind-the-scenes footage of the choir's concert tour in Antwerp, London, Paris, Israel and Mexico was published.
Miami Le'olam Vo'ed ~ Forever! 2018 In the summer of 2018, the album "Le'olum Vo'ed" was released. In this album, for the first time, a collaboration was created with the producers Yoeli Dikman, Naftali Schnitzler, Avromi Barko, Jan Praitor and Eli Leshinsky, in addition to the veteran processor Yisroel Lamm. A short time later, a 'clip' version of the album's hit 'Esmach' was released. Among the songs of the album that were successful: 'Yevorechecho', 'Dor Dor' and 'Le'olum Vo'ed'. The song 'T'filas Chupah' is performed entirely by the vocalist Eliyahu Levy. Other stars: Elisha and Eli Cohen. This album, like the previous one, failed to stand out too much, and symbolized a decline in the choir's popularity.

On Passover 2019, the choir performed with a show centered on a musical called "Save the Day". The musical tells the story of children trying to save their school from closing due to financial difficulties. 5 new songs were written in honor of the show, and in addition to the children of the choir, 2 of its alumni were also presented: Yoshi Bender and Yochonon Burstein. The stars of the show were Elisha Cohen and Mark Rosenstock. The musical was released on DVD in 2020.

We Stand With Israel (Single) 2023 As a response to the October 7 attacks 2023, Begun wrote a song to show the choir's support for Israel. They were accompanied by the Miami Teens. The two soloists were Jack Hidary and Charles Zoltan.
One Voice 2024 In 2024, the Miami boys choir created a new album called "One Voice".
Kuh Rebon 2025 A song made with the Miami Choir Experience for the Shabbos Project
Torah Umitzvos (Single) 2025

References

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Miami Boys Choir

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The Miami Boys Choir (MBC) is an American Orthodox Jewish boys' choir founded in 1977 by composer and producer Yerachmiel Begun in . Specializing in Jewish religious and , the choir consists of 20 to 30 boys aged 8 to 15 and has released over 30 albums, many composed by Begun himself. After relocating to , New York, shortly after its —while retaining its original name—the group built a strong following in the and through live concerts and recordings, including landmark events like the 1995 Miami Experience 5 concert at , which drew 15,000 attendees. The choir's repertoire features performances, holiday specials, and original songs that have become staples in synagogues and Jewish communities worldwide, with notable albums such as the 2005 release Revach, which sold over 15,000 copies in its first weeks, and the group's first album in 2007. In 2000, MBC performed in for a major production titled Yerushalayim Can You Hear Our Voice. The ensemble has launched the careers of prominent Jewish musicians, including alumni like Yaakov Shwekey, Shloime Dachs, and Ari Goldwag, with an estimated 500 former members over its nearly 50-year history, many of whom credit the choir for developing their performance skills. MBC achieved broader mainstream recognition in 2022 when a 2007 performance clip of the song "Yerushalayim" went viral on , amassing over 12 million views and inspiring numerous duets and global fan engagement, thanks to a account managed by Begun's son, Chananya. As of 2025, the choir continues to produce music—including the 2024 One Voice—host live events such as the New Era Tour, and offer digital streaming through its official platforms, maintaining its status as a leading force in .

History

Founding and early years

The Miami Boys Choir was founded in 1977 in Miami, , by Yerachmiel Begun, an Orthodox Jewish composer and musical director, as a for boys aged 8 to 15. Begun, who had previously directed the Pirchei Boys Choir starting in 1974, drew inspiration from that experience and sought to meet the growing demand for Jewish musical programming within Miami's Orthodox community following his relocation there in 1976. The choir's debut album, Victory Entebbe, was released the same year, with all compositions by Begun and featuring songs in and Hebrew that celebrated Jewish themes. The title track directly referenced the 1976 , an Israeli operation that rescued hostages in , symbolizing themes of heroism and faith to inspire the Jewish community amid recent historical events. Early recruitment focused on boys from local Orthodox institutions, including yeshivas in the area, building an initial ensemble that emphasized traditional prayers and psalms set to upbeat melodies. In its first years, the choir grew to 20–30 members and began performing at local events, quickly gaining popularity within South Florida's Jewish circles through concerts that highlighted harmonious choral arrangements of sacred texts. By the early , these efforts expanded to include initial tours in other Jewish communities across the , fostering broader engagement with Orthodox audiences while maintaining a focus on educational and inspirational performances.

Growth and relocation

In 1980, Yerachmiel Begun relocated the Miami Boys Choir from Miami to Brooklyn, New York, establishing a new ensemble with local boys while preserving the original name to maintain brand recognition within the Orthodox Jewish community. This move marked a pivotal shift toward greater institutional stability, allowing the choir to tap into the larger Jewish population and music production resources in New York. The relocation coincided with a period of professionalization, exemplified by the 1984 release of the album B'siyata D'shmaya, which featured polished arrangements and showcased the choir's evolving sound under Begun's direction. By the , the choir had produced over ten albums, including titles like Judaea (1980) and Klal Yisroel Together (1986), focusing on themes drawn from , such as Chanukah celebrations, and historical narratives like the story of ancient . These releases reflected a deliberate emphasis on educational and inspirational content tailored to Orthodox audiences. During this era, the choir expanded its performances beyond local venues to international Jewish events, including concerts in and , often collaborating with prominent Orthodox musicians to enhance production quality and reach. This growth solidified the group's reputation, culminating in the establishment of dedicated recording facilities in known as Miami Studios, which supported in-house production and for subsequent .

Viral resurgence and recent developments

In August 2022, a short clip from a 2007 performance of the song "Yerushalayim" was uploaded to the Miami Boys Choir's newly created account by founder Yerachmiel Begun's son, quickly gaining traction and exploding into a by early September. The video, featuring soloists Binyamin Abramowitz, Akiva Abramowitz, Yoshi Bender, and Herskowitz, amassed over 8.7 million views within weeks, drawing widespread attention for its earnest choral arrangement and nostalgic appeal. Mainstream outlets including , TIME, , and covered the trend, highlighting how the clip resonated with a global audience through duets, reactions, and shares that amplified its reach beyond Orthodox Jewish communities. The virality spurred significant post-viral momentum, including a surge in audio streams on platforms like , where monthly listeners for Miami Boys Choir tracks increased markedly as non-traditional fans discovered the group's catalog. This expanded the choir's fanbase far beyond its core Orthodox audience, fostering a diverse that engaged with the music's uplifting themes of faith and unity. Reunion concerts followed, with events in 2022 and 2023 selling out rapidly due to heightened demand, such as performances that drew thousands and featured original soloists reuniting on stage. Building on this digital revival, the choir released the album One Voice in 2024, a 10-track collection available on streaming services like and , which incorporated fresh arrangements of classic repertoire alongside new compositions. That year, Succos concerts in locations including Englewood and showcased material from the album, attracting large crowds with live performances emphasizing communal celebration. In 2025, the group continued its momentum with releases tied to community initiatives, including "Kuh Rebon" in March, recorded by the Miami Choir Experience—a youth extension program—for the Shabbos Project, aimed at promoting Shabbat observance through new zmirot (songs). An October YouTube video featured former soloists revisiting their childhood performances of iconic songs, evoking nostalgia and garnering thousands of views shortly after release. The choir maintains an active TikTok presence via @miamiboyschoir, with over 200,000 followers and nearly 8 million likes as of late 2025, posting archival clips, behind-the-scenes content, and adaptations that appeal to younger digital natives.

Musical style and repertoire

Composition and influences

The Miami Boys Choir's compositions are predominantly the work of its founder and musical director, Yerachmiel Begun, who has served as the primary for more than 30 albums spanning the group's history since 1977. Begun's songwriting approach integrates traditional Jewish niggunim—wordless melodies rooted in Hasidic and liturgical customs—with modern pop arrangements, resulting in an energetic form of Orthodox pop that emphasizes and to engage listeners. English-language are often penned by Shoshana Begun, a family member with a background in classical , adding accessibility to the choir's output. Influences on the choir's music draw from early Orthodox pop innovators and cantorial traditions, incorporating elements of chanting and communal singing into structured choral pieces. Songs feature lyrics in Hebrew, English, and , often derived from biblical sources, prayers, and folk tunes, to evoke spiritual depth while maintaining broad appeal. Thematic focuses include celebrations of , such as Chanukah medleys that highlight miracles and joy; values like faith, kindness, and moral growth; and commemorations of historical events, exemplified by the 1977 album Victory Entebbe, which dramatizes the Israeli raid on Entebbe Airport through uplifting anthems. The evolution of the choir's musical style reflects broader shifts in production techniques, transitioning from straightforward and minimalistic choral arrangements in the 1970s—suited to early recordings like Victory Entebbe—to more elaborate, instrumentally layered compositions in the and , incorporating synthesizers, percussion, and orchestral elements for richer textures. This progression has continued into the , with the 2024 album One Voice featuring contemporary production techniques. This progression mirrors the group's adaptation to changing listener preferences and technological advancements in recording. Through these efforts, the Miami Boys Choir has significantly contributed to popularizing upbeat, youth-oriented Jewish music as an educational medium, instilling Torah principles via memorable, performance-ready songs that encourage communal participation and cultural pride.

Performance characteristics

The Miami Boys Choir's performances feature a signature uniform consisting of formal dress shirts, often in or fabrics, paired with yarmulkes to emphasize uniformity, , and religious observance. This attire, sometimes including vests and ties in colors like silver and red, creates a polished, era-evoking look that aligns with their Orthodox Jewish context while maintaining a clean, synchronized appearance on stage. Central to their live presentations are choreographed movements synchronized to upbeat tempos, blending show choir-style routines with energetic dancing to captivate audiences at Jewish community events. These routines, featuring synchronized steps and gestures, enhance the group's dynamic stage presence and encourage audience participation, distinguishing their shows from static choral performances. Within ensemble harmonies, the choir prominently features young soloists who take turns delivering verses in call-and-response formats, showcasing their clear, soaring vocals against the group's backing. This structure highlights individual talents, such as those in their signature song "Yerushalayim," while maintaining collective cohesion. Following their 2022 viral resurgence on , the choir adapted to digital formats by launching an official account to share archival clips and new content, amassing millions of views and enabling global engagement through short, shareable videos. This shift extended their reach beyond live Jewish events, fostering fan interactions and duets that amplified their repertoire's themes of spirituality and joy. The choir's delivery consistently emphasizes joyful, energetic expression to inspire spiritual connection, with buoyant rhythms and enthusiastic performances evoking "Jewish " and positivity among diverse audiences.

Organization and operations

Membership and training

The Miami Boys Choir maintains a rotating membership of approximately 20 to 30 boys, drawn primarily from Orthodox Jewish yeshivas in the New York-New Jersey area, including . These participants typically join between the ages of 8 and 10 and remain for several years, often until around age 14 or 15, when voice changes prompt their departure from the ensemble. The choir's structure emphasizes continuity through this turnover, with over 500 boys having participated historically, allowing for a steady influx of new talent while preserving the group's signature sound. Recruitment begins with auditions held by appointment in for the main choir and in Lakewood or Jackson, , for affiliated programs like the Miami Choir Experience. The process selects boys based on vocal ability and suitability for ensemble performance, with thousands historically auditioning to join the ranks. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating strong singing skills in Hebrew, as the repertoire consists of Orthodox Jewish pop songs, alongside alignment with the choir's religious ethos. Many boys are encouraged to audition by parents or through school networks, ensuring participants come from committed Orthodox families. Training occurs through preparatory programs such as the Miami School of Jewish Music, which offers one-hour classes for boys aged 8 to 13 in Brooklyn and the Lakewood-Jackson area, typically on Sunday afternoons or weekday evenings. These sessions, led by director Yerachmiel Begun and professional staff, focus on building singing techniques, harmony, choreography, and stage presence to prepare participants for full choir integration and live performances. Rehearsals for active members involve intensive practice sessions in Brooklyn, often requiring coordination with school schedules, and stress precision in ensemble work and solo features. The program fosters a high standard of artistry, with boys learning original compositions that blend traditional Jewish themes with contemporary styles. The choir's activities are integrated with the boys' in , where participation complements studies by reinforcing Jewish values through music. Participants hail from diverse segments of the Orthodox community across New York and , promoting a shared sense of cultural and within the . This approach ensures that involvement in the choir serves as an extension of their daily religious life, balancing performance demands with ongoing yeshiva commitments.

Leadership and activities

The Miami Boys Choir is led by its founder, Yerachmiel Begun, who established the group in 1977 as an Orthodox Jewish ensemble in , and has served as its director, primary composer, and choreographer ever since. Begun, an Orthodox composer and musical director, relocated the choir to , New York, in the early 1980s to access a larger pool of talent from the local Jewish community, where it has remained based. He has composed the music for all of the choir's recordings, drawing on traditional Jewish texts such as and prayers to create its signature style of Orthodox pop. Family involvement plays a key role in operations, notably through Begun's son, Chananya Begun, a music producer who manages the choir's presence, including its account launched in 2022 to share archival footage. The organization operates under Begun's oversight as a private entity focused on Jewish musical education and performance, with funding derived primarily from album and merchandise sales, concert ticket revenue, and streaming subscriptions. Parents of members cover individual costs such as travel and costumes, ensuring the program remains accessible without paying the boys, who participate for the educational and communal benefits. This model supports the choir's non-commercial ethos, emphasizing spiritual growth over profit, though it relies on consistent community support to sustain rehearsals and productions. Annual activities center on performances within Jewish communities, including holiday-themed concerts during events like and Chanukah, as well as visits to synagogues, schools, and centers across the and . These engagements aim to inspire audiences with uplifting music rooted in Jewish tradition, often featuring choreographed group numbers and solo highlights that reinforce themes of and unity. The choir's schedule typically includes seasonal tours to foster cultural connections, with recent examples encompassing live shows that blend live with educational elements for younger attendees, such as the "New Era Tour" in 2025 featuring concerts in Trenton and . Following the choir's viral resurgence on in 2022, operations expanded to include a dedicated team led by Chananya Begun, which has grown the platform to over 200,000 followers as of November 2025 by posting clips of past performances and new content. This digital push has been complemented by enhanced merchandise offerings on the official website, miamiboyschoir.com, where fans can purchase CDs, DVDs, videos, and annual subscriptions for exclusive streaming access at $79.99 per year. These developments have broadened outreach while generating additional revenue to support ongoing productions. The influx of modern fame has presented challenges in upholding the choir's longstanding traditions, such as its all-male composition and strict adherence to Orthodox values, amid broader cultural exposure and demands from a global audience. Begun has navigated this by prioritizing content that aligns with Jewish principles, ensuring viral clips emphasize positive, faith-based messages without compromising the group's insular, community-oriented mission. This balance allows the choir to engage new generations while preserving its core identity as a vehicle for religious inspiration.

Notable members

Prominent soloists

Among the standout performers in the Miami Boys Choir during recent years are soloists Shimon Allakhverdov and , who have played pivotal roles in the group's 2024–2025 tours and the revival of classic pieces like "Yerushalayim." Shimon Allakhverdov, a young with a clear, emotive delivery, has anchored several high-profile concerts, including Succos performances in 2024 where he led renditions that blended traditional niggunim with contemporary arrangements. His vocal style, characterized by precise phrasing and dynamic range, has helped sustain the choir's appeal to younger audiences amid the ongoing viral resurgence of their music on platforms like . Jack Hidary has similarly emerged as a key figure, serving as the lead soloist on tracks from the choir's 2024 album One Voice, including "El Hashem" and the title track, where his high-pitched, soaring lines provide emotional depth to the harmonies. In live settings, such as the 2024 Pesach concerts promoting One Voice, Hidary's performances have highlighted his progression from a standard member to a featured voice, a path typical of the group's rigorous training program that emphasizes vocal technique, breath control, and presence through weekly rehearsals and mentorship under director Yerachmiel Begun. This development allows soloists like Hidary to transition seamlessly into spotlight roles, enhancing the choir's polished, professional sound. These soloists' contributions extend to the choir's broader contemporary revival, particularly in reinterpreting "Yerushalayim" for tours, where their leads have drawn record attendance and online engagement, reinforcing the group's status as a bridge between Jewish musical heritage and modern global audiences. By featuring emerging talents like Allakhverdov and Hidary, the Miami Boys Choir has maintained its innovative edge, with their work on One Voice—which includes collaborative solos with peers like Yossef and Chaviv Saadia—garnering praise for revitalizing the for new generations.

Alumni achievements

Numerous alumni of the Miami Boys Choir have achieved prominence in the Jewish music industry, leveraging the vocal training and performance experience gained during their time in the group. , a former star soloist, has established a successful career as a solo artist, releasing multiple albums and performing internationally in Orthodox Jewish music circles. Yaakov Shwekey, another graduate, has become a leading performer known for his energetic concerts and chart-topping songs that blend traditional Jewish themes with contemporary styles. Shloime Dachs transitioned into a role as a and singer, leading the Shloime Dachs and producing performances that feature popular wedding and event music, often drawing from his early choir repertoire. These individuals have composed hits and formed their own musical groups, contributing to the evolution of Orthodox pop music. Beyond music, many alumni have pursued diverse professional paths while crediting the choir for building their confidence and skills. For instance, Ari Goldwag has become a renowned , creating original songs for Jewish artists and events. Others have entered cantorial roles, with several former members serving as chazans in synagogues, applying the precise vocal techniques learned in the choir. In , alumni like Eliezer Rabinowitz work as vocal coaches, emphasizing the efficient training methods from their MBC days. Professionals in fields such as business and , including Shawn Levine who founded a cappella groups and Daniel Muchnick who composes and raps under the name Muncho Gusto, often highlight how the choir's discipline shaped their careers. The choir's alumni network extends broadly within Orthodox entertainment and beyond, with an estimated 500 former members over nearly five decades influencing Jewish cultural life. Many continue to participate in community events, fostering a legacy of musical excellence and personal growth. In 2025, reunion-style performances highlighted this enduring bond, as alumni revisited their childhood solos in concerts such as the October medley at the Benny & Friends event and earlier Pesach shows, evoking nostalgia and celebrating their shared history.

Discography

Early albums (1977–1999)

The Miami Boys Choir's early discography, spanning from its founding in to the close of the millennium, laid the foundation for its enduring presence in Orthodox . These initial releases, primarily composed and directed by Yerachmiel Begun, emphasized themes of Jewish faith, history, and communal unity, often drawing from verses, prayers, and contemporary events to engage young audiences. Produced initially on vinyl records and later transitioning to cassettes and compact discs, the albums were distributed mainly through specialized retailers and community networks, achieving steady sales within Orthodox markets where they served as wholesome alternatives to secular . The debut album, Victory Entebbe (1977), captured the choir's origins in , with 12 tracks celebrating Jewish resilience. Inspired by the 1976 raid's successful rescue of hostages, the title track and songs like "Moshe Emes" and "Sim Shalom" blended heroic narratives with traditional , marking an immediate hit in Jewish communities for its uplifting portrayal of divine intervention. Released on vinyl by Kee-Tov Productions, it set a template for Begun's original compositions that integrated English and Hebrew elements to appeal to families. Followed closely by Miami Meets Toronto (1978), a collaboration reflecting Begun's prior experience directing a Toronto-based choir, this 11-track vinyl album featured energetic medleys of Jewish folk tunes and original pieces like "Miami," fostering a sense of cross-community connection. Orthodox media outlets praised its accessible style for introducing children to Yiddish and Hebrew songs in an engaging format. The subsequent Miami Live! - Brooklyn College 1979 captured a live performance with 10 songs, including "Baruch Hashem," highlighting the choir's dynamic stage presence even in its nascent years; this cassette release documented the group's relocation to New York and growing popularity at communal events. Judaea (1980), another vinyl effort with 10 tracks such as "Hand of ," explored biblical themes of Jewish and redemption, resonating deeply in post-Six-Day Orthodox circles for its educational reinforcement of historical pride. By the mid-1980s, the choir's output evolved with B'siyata D'shmaya (1984), a 10-song cassette album titled after the Aramaic phrase meaning "with the help of ," which incorporated prayerful anthems like "Ki Atoh Hu" to emphasize reliance on divine aid amid daily challenges. This release, noted in catalogs for its polished production, sold well in Brooklyn's Hasidic neighborhoods, where it was valued for promoting spiritual mindfulness. The late saw thematic diversification, as in Klal Yisroel Together (1986), a 10-track cassette focusing on Jewish unity with songs like "Ashira" and "Hoshieinu," drawing from to encourage communal harmony; it received acclaim in Orthodox publications for its role in fostering intergenerational during holidays. Shabbos Yerushalayim (1988), also on cassette with 10 selections including the title track, centered on observance and Jerusalem's spiritual significance, blending serene melodies with festive arrangements that became staples in settings. Closing the decade, Torah Today (1990) transitioned to CD format with 10 tracks like "Od Yishoma," underscoring the relevance of in modern life and earning praise from rabbinic sources for its didactic lyrics that aided children's learning. Entering the 1990s, the choir's production quality advanced with the CD era, exemplified by Miami Experience 1 (1991), a 14-track live recording that compiled hits from prior albums alongside new material, signaling the group's "" through high-energy performances captured at major venues. This album, distributed via emerging Jewish media outlets, highlighted the vinyl-to- shift and boosted accessibility in American Orthodox homes. Later releases like Yachad (1999), a 10-song promoting togetherness with tracks such as the titular "Yachad," encapsulated the era's focus on unity amid growing communal diversity, receiving positive Orthodox reviews for its motivational impact on education and morale. Overall, these early albums, totaling around a dozen major releases, amassed hundreds of original songs that not only sustained commercial viability in niche markets but also shaped liturgical practices, with many tunes adopted in schools and synagogues for their inspirational and moral content.

Later albums (2000–present)

Entering the , the Miami Boys Choir expanded its discography with a focus on contemporary , incorporating more acapella arrangements and leveraging digital platforms for distribution and promotion. Albums like Stand Up (2000) and Yerushalayim - Can You Hear Our Voice (2000, reissued in later years) marked an early shift toward upbeat, inspirational tracks suitable for modern audiences, featuring energetic performances that blended traditional melodies with fresh productions and poignant songs evoking themes of and Jewish heritage. This period saw the choir release over a dozen albums, emphasizing high-quality vocals and collaborations with top arrangers in the Orthodox pop genre. In 2005, Revach highlighted their evolving sound. By 2008, Yavo showcased advanced production techniques, with tracks arranged to appeal to younger listeners through rhythmic and harmonious elements. These releases were distributed via CDs and early digital formats, setting the stage for broader accessibility. In 2007, the choir released its first , Around the Campfire: The Acapella Album, fully embracing unaccompanied to capture intimate, campfire-style performances that resonated in communal settings. The 2010s brought a surge in output, including Ultimate Miami: The English Collection (2012), a compilation of English-language songs that broadened the choir's appeal beyond Hebrew tracks. When the Siyum Calls (2013) celebrated educational milestones with uplifting anthems, reflecting the choir's ties to Jewish learning. The pivotal Ut Ut (2015), a 12-track , became a commercial success with its lively title track and overall joyful vibe, achieving significant streams on platforms like and , where the lead single garnered over 550,000 plays. This exemplified the choir's acapella experimentation and vibrant energy, produced under Yerachmiel Begun's direction. Building on this momentum, Miami Forever (also known as Le'olam Va'ed - Forever!) (2018) featured 13 songs with superb vocal arrangements by leading Orthodox music producers, emphasizing themes of enduring and celebration. The album's innovative synthesis and high-fidelity sound highlighted advancements in recording , making it a staple in digital streaming libraries like . The accelerated the choir's adaptation to digital eras, with dual releases in 2020: Save the Day, an motivational collection amid global challenges, and Miami Yavoh Acapella, a dedicated acapella project that shifted toward vocal-only arrangements, enhancing the purity of their sound without instrumental backing. These albums were promoted through online channels, tying into the choir's growing presence, which later amplified their reach via viral videos. In 2023, the special single We Stand With Israel emerged as a heartfelt response to current events, featuring emotional and choir harmonies that supported Jewish solidarity; it quickly amassed over 700,000 plays and was offered for free download to encourage widespread sharing. Culminating recent efforts, One Voice (2024), the first part of a in the choir's 47th year, includes 10 tracks composed in the wake of personal losses like the passing of Begun's , blending solemn reflection with triumphant vocals on themes of unity and divine connection. Produced for streaming dominance, it features songs like "El " with that boosted visibility. The latest milestone, the 2025 single Kuh Rebon (also styled as Koh Rebon), part of the Miami Choir Experience project, delivers a powerful acapella rendition of a traditional , arranged to highlight youthful soloists and released with an video to engage new generations through digital platforms. This track underscores the choir's ongoing evolution, integrating tie-ins and post-viral popularity from earlier hits to sustain cultural impact.

References

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