This year, for the first time ever, UAlbany has it’s own Marching Band, which debuts in the new Bob Ford Field Football Stadium, in their first game opener tonight. Jeff asked if we would be OK to come to Neilah in his brand new uniform, to be ready to head out right after Shofar Blowing for the half-time show. Not only was it OK, but as a Chabad Chassid it is wonderful!
The Chabad custom is to end Yom-Kippur with a rousing dynamic rendition of Napoleon’s March sung as a Chassidic melody. The song is lively, upbeat and triumphant, reflecting the post-Yom Kippur feel of forgiveness, atonement and starting the new year on a new clean slate. One of the greatest memories and highlights of Yom-Kippur by the Lubavitcher Rebbe was the incredible energy, enthusiasm and unbridled joy of the Rebbe’s leading and encouraging the singing of this March at the end of Yom-Kippur.
So a marching costume is certainly in order!
Also, mega thanks to the marching band coach/leader. At the first practice, he acknowledged that the first game and performance would be on Yom-Kippur and he understood and took for granted that Jewish players would not be able to attend. As it turns out, coming in at half-time after Yom-Kippur worked at great!