Andover —   The Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation proudly presented First Light 5769 on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at Temple Emanuel of Andover. Performing live was Beth Schafer, renowned singer/songwriter of American contemporary Jewish music, and winner of the 2006 American Idol Underground Faith-Based competition. Audience members remarked, “The concert was uplifting.”

MVJF paid special honor to the teachers of Kadima Community Day School, Chabad Lubavitch of the Merrimack Valley, and the Hebrew schools of the congregations in the Federation. Several representatives from those schools were on hand to participate in a candle-lighting ceremony to kick off the celebration. State Senators Susan Tucker and Steven Baddour, and State Representative William Lantigua were also in attendance to light a candle.

Attendants were then treated to a tremendous concert by Schafer and her band, featuring such songs as “Still Small Voice,” the song that won her the Underground competition, and the popular Hanukkah song “Light One Candle.” Joining Schafer on stage for a number of songs, including “In This House,” were the children’s choirs from several of the congregations of the Federation. A dessert reception followed the concert.