Reason to Celebrate at YBR
The new school year at Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah (YBR) in Melbourne, Australia started with a number of welcome events ranging from BBQs to welcome Foundation students, to a YBR Pre-Schools BBQ with over 600 attendees. In a similar vein, the YBR Parents’ Association hosted a vibrant dinner event in the lead up to Purim. Providing opportunities for families, teachers and children to meet and connect, the BBQ event entertained – with facepainting, craft activities and a magician performance – and launched the start of a year of celebrations as this year marks Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah’s 70th Jubilee, since the school opened its doors in 1949. The schools have grown from a mere 3 students to a thriving school community of over 1300 students ranging from crèche to Year 12. Additional Jubilee celebrations will continue throughout the year to mark this milestone occasion.
The onset of the month of Adar was marked by spirited music and dress up days at school – with funny hats, socks, shirts, and shoes helping get everyone in the Purim spirit. In-class activities and learning in the lead up to Purim explored the Purim story and the mitzvot associated with the chag, ensuring a deep understanding and enhancing the day for all. In addition, a Purim morning of shiurim attracted a record crowd of parents to hear three inspiring YBR teachers share knowledge and insights into Purim at the annual Purim Yom Iyun.
A Linking Generations Through Learning evening provided opportunity for generations to come together at Beth Rivkah Secondary for an evening of inspiration and learning. With close to 100 in attendance, fathers and grandfathers joined their daughters and granddaughters to delve into the mitzvot of Purim. With source sheets (in three languages) provided by the school, everyone could truly be involved and gain from the experience. All attendees enjoyed the valuable one-on-one time together and it was as much a chance to strengthen bonds as it was to learn. Rabbi Yaakov Glasman addressed the crowd on ‘Simcha’ (happiness/ joy) – tying in the festive tone of Rosh Chodesh Adar on which the evening was held. The evening’s learning and connections certainly helped all “increase in happiness” as we are encouraged to do in the month of Adar.
Purim day was a memorable morning of costume parades, lively dancing and spirited Megillah readings across the Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah school and Pre-School campuses. Students went to great lengths to dress up in creative and inventive costumes, and teachers got into the Purim spirit too! Students were entertained by Purim plays performed by both students and teachers, swapped shalach manos that they had packed themselves and gave matanos l’evyonim.
Parents weren’t left out of the YBR Purim festivities either, with Megillah readings across the campuses open for parents to attend and a barista coffee and hamantaschen event taking place at the Gurewicz Early Learning Centre (GELC) for all YBR parents.