Our last Leil Shishi was a beautiful celebration of Tu Bishvat, focusing not just on the fruits of the land but on personal growth through giving. Rabbi Schwalbe opened the evening by explaining how Tu Bishvat marks the start of the terumos u’maasros cycle, reminding us that just as trees give selflessly, we too should strive to grow by giving to others. With this message in mind, the boys engaged in hands-on chessed activities, thanks to the support of Sophie Woolfstein and GIFT, who provided materials and ensured the packages would reach those in need.
One of the most meaningful activities of the night was sandwich-making for a local homeless shelter. The boys worked as a team, carefully preparing cheese and tomato sandwiches while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and respect. More than just an act of kindness, this initiative was a true kiddush Hashem, demonstrating that our responsibility to help extends beyond our own community. The message of Avraham Avinu’s legendary hospitality came to life as the boys reflected on the power of welcoming and feeding those in need, regardless of their background.
Other stations included assembling snack packs and holiday packs for children, ensuring that families struggling financially could still provide treats and activities for their children. Boys also wrote heartfelt letters to the elderly at Heathlands, bringing warmth and comfort to those who may feel forgotten. Through these acts, they not only provided for others but also internalized the lesson that chessed is about seeing and responding to the needs of those around us.
The evening was a tremendous success, leaving the boys inspired by the impact they could have with just a small effort. Tu Bishvat is a reminder that growth takes time, but every act of giving plants seeds that will bear fruit for years to come.

Students from Years 7-10YB enjoyed a productive and enjoyable activity day, packed with engaging team-building exercises and thought-provoking learning experiences.  

The day began with Shacharis followed by breakfast. Afterward, the boys watched an introduction video explaining the exciting team-building activities ahead. They then headed outdoors, where they worked in groups to complete challenges designed to foster teamwork, planning, and communication. Each activity required strategic thinking and collaboration, with teams being scored in these key areas.  

Following a full morning of activities, the boys enjoyed a well-deserved lunch break before regrouping in the Beis Hamedrash for the afternoon session. This session featured a fascinating and interactive learning experience led by the Manchester Kollel L’Dayonus. Students were presented with a case study and then split into groups, each assigned a different role: defendants, prosecutors, or Dayonim (judges). Each group studied the halachic aspects of their arguments together with a Kollel Member before presenting their cases.  

The event concluded with a Beis Din presentation, held in a specially arranged courtroom setting, complete with a gavel. Boys took on their roles, presenting their cases before an audience, while Kollel members observed and scored their performances based on presentation, argumentation, and halachic accuracy. The winning teams will be announced bez'H next week.  

Thank you to everyone involved in organising this wonderful activity day and ensuring the boys had a fulfilling, educational, and fun-filled experience. ​

This week’s Leil Shishi at Yavneh was an evening of engaging Torah learning, centred around Kerias Yam Suf and Shiras HaYam. Each Rabbi presented a different perspective from international educators, sharing insights that deepened our understanding of this pivotal moment in Jewish history.
 
Rather than a traditional Shiur, the night featured a multimedia approach - each Rabbi played a unique video of a Dvar Torah on the Parsha, guiding the boys through the ideas and explaining their relevance. This was followed by an interactive online quiz, testing the students on what they had learned.
 
​Congratulations to our quiz winners, Joel Shalom and Tzvi Weil, who demonstrated keen insight and attentiveness throughout the evening.
 
Of course, no Leil Shishi is complete without a warm and hearty conclusion. The night ended with delicious kugel and chulent, bringing both learning and camaraderie together in true Yavneh spirit.
We look forward to another inspiring Leil Shishi next week!