Popular Chasidic rock band 8th Day, led by Chabad brothers Shmuel and Bentzi Marcus, received an unexpected call this year. Disneyland’s casting directors were searching for a group to represent Chanukah during the 2024 holiday season and found the perfect fit in 8th Day.

“At first, I thought it was a joke,” said Bentzi. “We couldn’t believe they reached out to us.” After a brief audition, Disney producers enthusiastically welcomed 8th Day to their holiday performance lineup. “It’s humbling to represent Chanukah on such a grand scale,” Shmuel said. “Most people there had never met a Chasidic Jew, let alone a Chasidic rock band!”

Disney’s team went above and beyond to accommodate the band, providing kosher food backstage and ensuring performances didn’t conflict with Shabbat. 8th Day played fan favorites, including their Chanukah hit “Miracle of Light,” and debuted their new single, “Smile Remix,” a modern twist on their 2011 classic.

“With everything happening in the world, we wanted to spread positivity and be ambassadors of light,” Shmuel shared. For more about 8th Day, visit my8thday.com.