This past Thursday evening, our school hosted a special Leil Shishi programme marking the fourth yahrzeit of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks זצ"ל. The evening celebrated his remarkable legacy as a transformative leader in Jewish education and thought.
 
​Rabbi Cohen opened the programme by sharing how Rabbi Sacks, as a young university student in Cambridge, was inspired by a personal challenge from the Lubavitcher Rebbe זצ"ל to take responsibility for Klal Yisrael and make a lasting impact on the world. This encounter ignited a lifetime of impact, shaping Jewish education and spreading Torah values globally. Rabbi Rickman, a Rabbi Sacks Scholar, spoke about Rabbi Sacks’ profound influence and his emphasis on making a kiddush Hashem. He encouraged participants to follow Rabbi Sacks’ example of living with purpose and creating a kiddush Hashem through our actions.
 
The boys then explored Rabbi Sacks’ teachings through video clips on Tefillah, Torah, Mitzvos, Kiddush Hashem, and Eretz Yisrael, moving between groups to engage deeply with his insights. The engaging discussions brought Rabbi Sacks’ profound messages to life, allowing everyone to connect with his Torah and legacy on a personal level. The evening concluded with delicious pizza and meaningful conversations.
 
Rabbi Sacks זצ"ל left an enduring legacy of inspiring others to build a brighter world through Torah and mitzvos. May the memory of Rabbi Sacks זצ"ל continue to inspire Klal Yisrael and bring Bracha to our generation.

Tonight's Leil Shishi event was a remarkable experience for our students, combining Torah learning with engaging, hands-on activities. The evening began with a fascinating introduction by Rabbi Cohen, who connected this week's Parsha to our theme. He explained that when Avraham asked Sarah to prepare cakes using three se'ah of flour, he highlighted the significance of Torah measurements. But just how much is a se'ah?
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To make the concept of Shiurim—the measurements required for various Mitzvos—more tangible, we took a quick quiz. Students tested their knowledge on the measurements needed for ten mitzvos: for example, a revi’is of wine for Kiddush, double that for netilas yadayim, and the different heights required for an Eruv fence, menorah placement versus a Shofar and Sukkah. We delved deeper into the varying opinions of measurements, specifically contrasting the smaller Shiurim of R’ Chaim Naeh with the larger Shiurim of the Chazon Ish. Our learning also included a brief overview of these two Gedolim and their impact on halachic rulings.

Following the introduction, students broke into four interactive stations, each offering a unique opportunity to explore these concepts further: Students rotated through four engaging stations: measuring liquid Shiurim with coloured water to compare different revi'is size – marking our own Revi’is measuring cups, constructing custom rulers to mark tefachim and amos according to various opinions, weighing matza pieces to determine the correct size of a kezayis by weight (the Sefardi way), and using matza-meal to calculate the volume of a kezayis (the Ashkenazi way). Each station provided a hands-on opportunity to understand and visualize halachic measurements in a practical, memorable way.

The event wrapped up with everyone gathering for hotdogs and bentching, a perfect way to conclude a night filled with learning, discovery, and delicious food. Our Leil Shishi program not only deepened students' understanding of Shiurim but also made Torah learning engaging and memorable. We look forward to many more nights of meaningful exploration together!

It was a pleasure to welcome back Rabbi Yisroel Meir Shaftesely from the Kollel LeDayonus, who presented our latest Kollel Challenge. After Shacharis, Rabbi Shaftesely delivered an engaging talk on the essential Halachos a businessman must know to conduct business with integrity and ethics.
The Gemara reminds us that the very first question we will be asked upon reaching Shamayim is: “Nasatah v’nasata be’emunah?” – Did you conduct your business dealings honestly? This powerful message underscores the importance of ethical behaviour in every aspect of our lives.
In the previous Kollel Challenge, we were thrilled to receive answers from boys in every single class. We eagerly anticipate seeing the thoughtful responses to this new challenge!
Please click here for this month’s challenge: https://www.yavnehboys.com/challenge.html#/

Last night, our Leil Shishi programme took on a special significance as we gathered in honour of Rav Klonymous Kalman Shapira, the revered Piacezna Rav. The evening was a meaningful blend of learning, inspiration, and celebration, commemorating the lasting impact of this great tzaddik and his Torah.

We were deeply honoured to receive a special video message from Rav Moshe Weinberger, the esteemed Rav of Aish Kodesh in New York. Rav Weinberger shared his personal connection to the Piacezna Rav’s teachings. He spoke movingly about how the sefer Chovas HaTalmidim spoke directly to his heart as a teenager, guiding and inspiring him as the son of Holocaust survivors. This sefer helped shape his spiritual journey and his eventual decision to establish a shul named Aish Kodesh, dedicated to perpetuating the Rav's legacy. His holy words and heartfelt Berachos uplifted everyone present.

Throughout the evening, we reflected on the heroic and unwavering strength of Rav Shapira during the harrowing days of the Warsaw Ghetto. We learned about how he gave chizuk to the Jews around him, instilling hope and faith in even the darkest moments. His Torah writings, preserved in milk churns and discovered after the war, continue to illuminate our lives today with their depth and passion.

Our Rebbes enriched the experience by sharing divrei Torah from the Piacezna Rav's sefarim, including Chovas HaTalmidim, Aish Kodesh, and Tzav V'Ziruz. They highlighted the Rav’s messages of personal growth, spiritual resilience, and the call to serve Hashem with vitality and sincerity, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

​To conclude the evening, we celebrated with a delicious schwarma supper, creating an atmosphere of joy and appreciation. It was a beautiful way to honour the Piacezna Rav's legacy, combining Torah, inspiration, and the warmth of our school environment.

We look forward to many more evenings of meaningful growth and shared learning!

This week, Yavneh had the privilege of welcoming Rabbi Sammy Morhaim, a representative from Yeshivas Lev HaTorah in Israel. Following Shacharis, Rabbi Morhaim delivered an inspiring address to our students, highlighting the contrasting approaches of Avraham Avinu and Noach. He explained how Avraham actively reached out to others and spread the message of monotheism, in contrast to Noach, who adopted a more isolationist approach. Rabbi Morhaim’s message encouraged our boys to think about the importance of positively impacting the world around them.

​Later in the morning, Rabbi Morhaim met with students in Years 12 and 13, discussing the unique opportunities available at Yeshivas Lev HaTorah. This meeting offered valuable insights for those considering learning in Israel after graduation. We thank Rabbi Morhaim for his time and the meaningful inspiration he brought to our school.