In a poignant fusion of Broadway and Jewish resilience, the Maccabeats have transformed the iconic "Defying Gravity" from Wicked into a stirring Hanukkah anthem that speaks to what Jews all over the world are going through now.
The timing couldn't be more resonant. With founding member Mordy Prus currently in Israel working to support families of soldiers on the front lines, the song takes on additional layers of meaning.
What sets this adaptation apart is how it maintains the soaring spirit of the original while infusing it with Jewish themes and Hebrew phrases. The incorporation of "Od Avinu, Am Yisrael Chai" (Our Father still lives, the people of Israel live) seamlessly bridges Broadway theatricality with Jewish tradition.
The project extends beyond mere entertainment. Through Prus's work in Israel, the group is actively supporting military families by providing weekly meals and organizing activities for children whose parents are serving. "When soldiers know their loved ones are cared for, they can focus on their mission with greater strength and resolve," Prus explains.
