Leil Shishi - The Piacezna

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!