(By Alexandra Segal)

There’s something about watching history in the making. Seeing a moment in time, knowing you were there as it occurred, and that it would be remembered as monumental for all time.

I think it’s safe to say that I, along with close to 6,500 other women felt like we were part of a historic moment, between this Sunday and Monday nights. In an opulent theater built for royals — the Kings Theatre — in the heart of Brooklyn, girls and women of all ages and backgrounds flooded from near and far (many flying in from Chicago, Switzerland, Toronto, Florida, Texas and other places) to hear the soulful sounds of one Shaindy Plotzker, a 28-year-old powerhouse who commands the stage and captivates every audience, event single time. The anticipation was palpable and emotions were high as we all gathered excitedly for the night we wait for all year, the annual largest female Jewish concert produced by Eli Gerstner of EG Productions, an evening to benefit Efrat, the unparalleled “Shaindy Plotzker Live”.

Looking around while walking into the auditorium, I expected to run into a neighbor, a friend, an influencer here and there. These were women I knew and also thousands I didn’t — yet looking around, we all felt the bond of shared anticipation and excitement, the knowing of the magic we were about to experience together. It’s really just that. Shaindys annual concert isn’t just a concert. It’s an interactive experience , one where everyone comes alive, one you can only truly understand if you’re there. The diverse crowd spoke so much about how Shaindy connects with all ages, all backgrounds, how she keeps her heart open for all. There were young girls and their moms, gaggles of teens, grandmothers and young women of all religious affiliations who became strung together by their love for music, womanhood and connection.

As I sat down in my seat, I was immediately blown away by the massive production. Eli Gerstner is known worldwide for his masterful creativity, absolute brilliance, and musical excellence. And the moment the lights dimmed and the first beat dropped, it all came alive. The stage was a masterpiece, a towering spectacle of LED screens flashing vibrant visuals that pulsed in sync with the music. Dazzling beams of light shot through the air, painting the crowd in a kaleidoscope of colors. The sheer scale of the production was mind-blowing—every detail meticulously crafted to pull us deeper into the music. This is so much of what EG Productions is about, and we got to see it once again. It wasn’t just a show; it was a world built for us to fall into an experience, hand crafted by the production master, Eli Gerstner.

That string tightened when the all-female 30 piece orchestra proudly took their places on the stage. As observant Jewish women, we’re so used to seeing men in public-facing arenas. Having a unique moment where these talented women emerged, ready to showcase their unbelievable talents felt so empowering before they even played a note. Shaindys orchestra is made up of the top talent in New York City, with many of her musicians playing on Broadway the night after playing with Shaindy. That musical excellence was felt and heard, with every note played to absolute perfection.

And then, the moment we all had been waiting for. The one-minute countdown appeared on screen. When it got to “10…9…8…” the entire room chanted together in unison, with excitement ringing in our hearts as they pounded with anticipation. The amazing Rebitzin Yaffa Palti took to the stage to get things started. “You all might look different on the outside,” she shared, “but your souls are already best friends…every neshama has the most beautiful voice especially when you sing together.”

And let me tell you, we were ready to do just that. At long last, Shaindy took the stage in a breathtaking magical entrance on top of the staircase, belting out the high notes, revving up the energy… and the night began.

Daring to begin the concert with her own twist on the hit Tamid Ohev Oti, Shaindy got the crowd roaring. It’s very rare that at the very first song, the entire audience is jumping already, but it’s not rare when it comes to a Shaindy Plotzker concert. Led into a Fire/Aish mashup, Shaindy then turned the crowd from jumping and dancing to complete sobs with her performance of her original song “Our Story“ — dedicated to the hostages still in captivity and those recovering — accompanied by 138 young girls, who were part of Shaindys girls choir, walking down the aisles holding candles. These girls have had the honor to join Shaindy on stage in song multiple times throughout the show, and watching them shine was something special.

I’m not sure how it was possible to keep a dry eye at this moment. Hearing Shaindy sing the song she wrote after October 7th along with young girls who represent what it means to have a Jewish future — when you know how many Jewish futures were stripped away — was painstakingly beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time — I still get chills rewatching the videos I took.

As the song says, “It’s the story that we’ve always told….What’s in our veins is flowing gold…We’ve made it through the ages…” Knowing that amidst the struggle and anguish, our strength is always at the core, just made the tears flow with more fervor. All of these young girls represent that Jewish hope. They are the reason that we as women keep fighting.

Afterward, while we all scrounged up some tissues, she went into a medley dedicated to Israel which included Machshavot Tovot, Vhaikar, Mi Shemaaim, Ivdu es Hashem, B’Simcha, Hakodosh Baruch Hu and Anachnu Maaminim. So basically, we went from tears to tearing it up in serious Jewish pride. We all know what an Am Yisrael Chai dance energy can do for the soul. And the energy was HIGH. You could practically feel every soul being lit on fire as it was reignited through the music.

One thing about Shaindy is that she loves to surprise her audience over and and over, and you can bet that she did. For the first surprise of the evening — a duet with her dear friend, Chayala Neuhaus. Shaindy brought out Chayala who both sang and played piano to accompany Shaindy for her newest song “You Don’t Give Up On Me”, written by Chayala — and it was everything. From the chemistry they share to the messaging and the mashup of their voices, it was the perfect harmony we didn’t know we needed. Shaindy reminded each and every person in the audience that no matter how far you go, there is always a path back home, and that Hashem is there to accept you with open arms. I can only imagine how many people in the audience needed to hear that, and how many people she inspired through that moment. What a zchus.

Another Shaindy Plotzker signature move is the “Oldies Medley”, a highlight and a tradition she has embraced at every show, one we all look forward to. Seamlessly weaving together beloved old songs, she transported the audience back in time, filling the venue with a warm, familiar energy. As we all sang along on top of our lungs, it was clear that this moment was more than just music—it was a heartfelt connection between Shaindy and her fans, celebrating the melodies that shaped them. The brilliant medley created by Eli Gerstner went through songs we all grew up on – V’ahavta, Asher Boro, Hinei Mah Tov, Mareh Kohen, Shechiyanu, Hentlach, Zoche and Ein – a real trip through Shaindys Time Machine that had every single person bouncing and jumping with the largest smiles.

What happened next though, may have been the most memorable part of the show. First, we heard about the incredible organization that Shaindy partnered with for the concert, Efrat, an organization that saves lives by helping women who struggle financially or emotionally, or in other ways, and who feel alone when bringing their children into the world. With support from Efrat, everything changes. As we learned that night, the organization is responsible for helping more than 89,000 women grow their families thus far. The amount of lives this results in bringing into this world is also in the thousands and as we know, each one is invaluable. Many of us had never heard of the organization until Shaindy introduced us to their beautiful world, and it was a world we were blown away by.

The organization stands for hope, how giving tangible support and also a light to look toward can change everything. Hearing Shaindy speak about her connection to the organization and how much she believes in supporting our sisters all made sense, because it’s really what she stands for. Thousands in the crowd were moved to join the mission and support EFRAT, an organization, as Shaindy says “that will truly bring mashiach”.

But that next moment was one that I don’t think any of us will ever forget. A video came onto the screen where Shaindy introduced us all to the story of Yael. Yael was a 6 year old girl, who, out of nowhere, was diagnosed with an extreme strain of the flu and given hours to live. Shaindy was contacted by Chai Lifeline of Florida and went to visit Yael, sing to her and give her strength.

When Shaindy got to the hospital, as she sang Yael’s favorite song, “Never Alone”, she made a promise to an unconscious Yael, telling her that if she were to get through this, Shaindy would come to her house and surprise her and sing the song together with her again. Against all odds, after many long months, Yael woke up and made it home. We all watched with tears streaming down our faces as the video shifted to Shaindy standing in front of Yael’s home, and then fulfilling her promise by surprising Yael, and singing that very same song with her. Yael ran into Shaindy’s arms, and her smile couldn’t have been bigger. Shaindy ended the video by reminding us all that Hashem can do anything, because this girl was a miracle. She then dedicated the next song, Never Alone, to Yael.

There wasn’t a dry eye as Shaindy emerged singing Never Alone (which to be honest is another one that can easily bring you to tears!). Another beautiful production move was the new arrangement, just Shaindy and a majestic harp. The gentle sounds along with the audience singing every word… it was magical. And then… at the end of the song, the audience was stunned as Shaindy called Yael out to join her on stage — the very same girl fighting for her life in the video. There was 7 year old Yael, looking as vibrant and gorgeous as ever. As she sang the chorus of the song with Shaindy, every heart was infused with hope. It was a living miracle, right in front of us. Powerful doesn’t even begin to describe it.

To me, this moment showed what hope can do for someone — how having something to look forward to, to live for, to fight for, can get you out of depths that no one else thinks is possible. Hashem can do anything and we saw that living miracle glide across the stage — a vision in white — sing her heart out healthy and strong.

After that, Shaindy knew we’d need to take that emotional rollercoaster to something a little lighter so she had a little game ready to go. Another Shaindy classic move at her concerts are these LED bracelets. They’ve been used by mainstream celebrities alike and I believe that Shaindy was the first to bring them to Jewish world of music! The bracelet lights up in different colors along with the beat of the song. The bracelets light up in unison, so when you look out at the crowd, and everyone is lifting their wrists, it looks like the stars in the night sky if you were out in the woods and could see them all sparkle. She led us all in the most magical experience that you had to have seen to understand – her concert tradition, “Lights up, lights down!”. While this exercise of watching the crowd light up in unison was one of the coolest things we’d ever seen, Shaindy, of course, had a meaningful message behind it. “Each one of you is a light, and I know that sometimes you wonder how much your light matters. But tonight, I want you to see how much it truly does.” She also empowered us to understand that each person has the power to light up a sister in need, to help EFRAT help them. It was a most meaningful and profound thing to see, understand, and internalize.

To take it up a notch, when it came to the next song, Lo Lo Lo, Shaindy had the coolest interactive game for the crowd – follow the arrows and move the light on your arm to the beat of the music — right, left, up and down. It was both super fun and so cool to watch — I’m sure all the more so from the stage. The song itself is such a bop — it’s one you can’t help but dance to and was the perfect one to have a little extra fun with.

After this, it was a slow medley in which she — and all of us — could pay tribute to the absolutely devastating loss of the Bibas family. She mashed up the most beautiful songs of faith – the classic Ani Maamin, Holding On and Zochreinu. And then a most powerful moment, as she brought out her long time voice student, a red headed Esther, to sing Hamalach Hagoel for the Neshamos of these two babies. What a moment. All these songs spoke to us in the auricle so deeply, as they all share the theme of gripping to Hashem in the darkness. When everything feels lost, when nothing can be seen clearly, to continue to hold on and knowing that He knows that there is a plan, even if we can’t even begin to see what it could be. It was the infusion of emunah we’ve all needed. To end off the medley, she brought out her entire choir to sing “Unity”, a classic song from MBD that reminds us that we truly all are one. And we all felt that.

To continue to bring us back to life after that, Shaindy brought out another surprise guest of the night — Sorah Shaffren — a.k.a. Mordechai Shapiro’s sister — to sing a medley of some of his most famous songs. They basically had a massive dance party on stage — and we did right along with them — belting out “Schar Mizvah, B’Yachad, Ha Kol Mi Shemayim, Ein Od Milvado, Abba” and more. Let’s just say it was absolutely epic, and one of our favorite energetic moments!

We then had the honor and privilege to hear from the Executive Director of EFRAT, Nir Salomon. After hearing throughout the night how passionate Shaindy is about the organization, to hear from the man in charge was very special. It’s safe to say that each woman in the crowd feels a personal connection to Efrat after the concerts, and we can’t wait to be a part of their powerful work.

Shaindy came back onto the stage to remind us once more of the powerful work that Efrat does and led us straight into her own rendition of “Ani Maamin” by Tai, a song that took the world by storm. “I will keep holding tight…” the crowd sang along, and the mashiach energy was felt throughout the room.

If you were there on Monday night, you got one more big surprise after that — Shaindys close friend Shimi Adar who came out and did the “Someday Medley” with Shaindy. If you know Shimi and Shaindy, you know the two go way back and are like sisters. The two have such a magical bond and undeniable energetic chemistry. It was so special to see them together again on stage.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Shaindy Plotzker concert without a rendition of Ah Yay, and she left that for her grand finale. The crowd was on fire. “Ah Yay, this is the time of our lives…” is how the world famous song goes. And honestly, it truly was the time of our lives — a time we would never forget, when we got to join hands and hearts with each other, a time when we were uplifted, inspired, motivated, and reconnected, a time when we got to be a part of history in the making. And as we walked out of the magnetic theatre, our hearts were lighter than before, filled with joy, inspiration, chizuk, and so much Jewish pride.

While the show was undeniably entertaining in every way, so much fun and so emotional for many reasons detailed above — it was also personal to each individual in the audience. A friend of mine related to me how she is so thrilled to have Shaindy as a beautiful Jewish female role model to show her daughters — she is a symbol of what is possible for Jewish women everywhere with a passion, to do what you love in a modest way, making a Kiddush hashem with what you’ve been given. I know that thousands of mothers feel the same.

As a boy-mom myself, it was an unbelievable experience of connection to other women. Being a woman is so unique and special and sometimes, no one can understand what you’re going through like another woman. Even though we were all so different on the surface, as both Shaindy and Yaffa said — and we were — there were young, old, Chassidish, Litvish, more Modern and more Traditional — we were all there united in song, letting our souls do the talking. When you strip back the layers, and let the music transcend, it’s really hard not to feel united.

If you’re a woman in this world, you know that even though we try to appear like we have it together on the outside, so many are struggling in some way. There are many struggles unique to the female experience and no matter what place you’re in, Shaindy’s music has helped thousands through.

She stands there — small but mighty, strong, proud and confident, and oh-so-human — and she reminds us all that whatever place you are in, you are not alone. And that night, we felt it. Throughout the evening, she imparted to us how valuable each light is, each soul. That if you look different on the outside, are struggling on the inside, or don’t know where to stand, you are still enough as you are. You are in exactly the place you need to be in. You matter and you have something unique to give to this world. Shaindy uses her G-d given talent to be mekadesh shem shamayim and to bring us all closer to our Father in Heaven. And what’s the most amazing part of it all is how clear it is that it’s so not about her. She doesn’t care for attention and is uncomfortable with idolization. For Shaindy, it’s about the impact she can make, how each audience member feels. And it’s her humility and focus on the right things that makes her someone we are all proud to admire.

Shaindy lights up every young girl with hope — and reignites that spark as that same girl grows into a woman.

“You can’t be what you can’t see,” a powerful woman once told me. For all 6,500 of us, we can see a little piece of ourselves in Shaindy, and that little piece is strengthened after this experience of a lifetime. We’re already counting down the days to the next inspirational and uplifting experience, Shaindy Plotzker Live…. 2026.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)