Leil Shishi: Ten Plagues

Leil Shishi: Ten Plagues
This week's Leil Shishi was a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the deeper aspects of the Eser Makkos (Ten Plagues). Rabbi Shmuel Schwarz introduced the evening by challenging the boys to consider the significance of the well-known acronym דצ"ך עד"ש באח"ב and to reflect on the contemporary relevance of the Ten Plagues.

The programme, designed by Rabbi Cohen, was structured to maximize participation and active learning. The boys rotated through three interactive sessions, each providing a unique perspective on the Eser Makkos:
​

• The Maharal’s Perspective: One group delved into the Maharal’s idea that each of the Ten Plagues parallels one of the Asarah Maamaros (Ten Statements) with which Hashem created the world. To reinforce this concept, the boys were given different coloured papers and tasked with matching each plague to its corresponding statement of creation.
• Midah Keneged Midah: Another group explored the concept of Midah Keneged Midah (measure for measure), examining how each plague served as a precise response to the actions of the Egyptians. Participants engaged in an interactive activity, pasting various labels onto corresponding sheets to highlight these connections.
• Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Three Stages: The third group studied Rav Hirsch’s approach, which categorizes the Ten Plagues into three distinct stages of affliction that Bnei Yisrael endured. The evening was a tremendous success, with enthusiastic participation from the boys.

Gali Wagon (8YB) shared his thoughts: "I thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s Leil Shishi. Rabbi Rickman’s session was really interactive, Rabbi Schwalbe’s was really deep and interesting, and Rabbi Simmond’s was a bit of both!"

We concluded the event with delicious pizza and chips, much to the delight of the boys. Many thanks to Rabbi A. Schwartz for arranging, ensuring a fantastic end to the evening. The night truly left the boys plague-d with curiosity and thirst for Torah! Hopefully, no one found the discussions too blood-boiling, and while Pharaoh may have bugged out, our boys certainly didn’t! It was a hail of a learning experience, and we look forward to many more froggin’ good times at future Leil Shishi sessions.