CJHS presented its annual Cabaret at Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah on November 19 and 20. The theme was CJHS Idol, an adaptation of the popular televised talent contest. More than 400 parents, students, and community members attended the two performances in the BHCBE social hall, which was transformed into a nightclub with cabaret-style tables, lit candles, and blue and silver balloons. The evening began with the Jazz Ensemble playing Sweet Home Chicago, a musical number that featured the entire cast. The Master of Ceremonies, Dani Yamcrest (played by Yoni Solomon), introduced the judges, played by several current and past CJHS teachers including Sra. Claudia Linda, Modern Language Department Chair; Mr. Ron Ben-Joseph, former CJHS drama teacher; Mr. Harvey Gross, history teacher; and Rabbi Ruven Barkan, one of our Rabbis-in-Residence.

For the next hour, guests were treated to amazing performances by students who sang and danced to a wide range of songs, from contemporary to musical theatre, and even the mambo! The dance class invigorated the audience with Shake, the choir performed an inspirational version of Water is Wide, and the Jazz Ensemble rocked the house with Proud Mary, complemented by Samuel Simon's astonishing juggling act. In the spirit of the TV show, a mock audition reel was prepared with hilarious and disastrous staged performances by both students and teachers.

In the final number, the spirited cast brought down the house with L'Zuz, originally performed by popular Israeli hip-hop band Hadag Nachash.