Leadership, responsibility, inclusivity and confidence all shone at Beth Rivkah’s 2019 ‘Song and Dance’ production entitled “If These Walls Could Talk”.  With every Beth Rivkah Secondary student in Years 7 to 10 involved in the production, and taking charge of all elements of the show – from script and choreography, to costumes, set-design, backdrops, stage and performance – each student shone in her area of strength. Performing to two sell-out audiences, this year’s production once again impressed and is testament to the skill, creative talents, hard work and dedication of the students. Along with dance and vocal elements of the show, several students accompanied the performance with their piano, guitar and flute skills, at various points of the production. This year’s play followed a Bar Mitzvah boy’s celebration plans at a shule in Israel, and the stories, importance and history of the ancient site – the ground on which his momentous day was to take place. Captivating story lines (wholly scripted by students) were complemented with expressive dance and movement scenes, and moving songs (in both Hebrew and English). Talented actors engaged the audience with some amusing and memorable scenes and a touching duet by sisters had the audience transfixed. Song and Dance plays an important role in promoting cross year-level friendships at the school, especially important for the year 7 students who have only recently begun their high school journey.With all students coming together to create the production, Song and Dance encourages student unity and confidence – with students being encouraged to hone their skills and talents in both creative and technical fields. The performance is a credit to the students and the staff who guided them along the way and as Mrs Beruria Tenenbaum (Head of School) commented, “Beth Rivkah is committed to including every student and promoting personal and collaborative growth. This [Song and Dance] is such a unique opportunity, with staff and students giving of themselves to create something magical together.”  ​

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.  ​

The 2019 school year has kicked off at Yeshivah - Beth Rivkah with ruach (spirit) and excitement. Following on from some exceptional VCE results in 2018 (with several perfect study scores achieved), students were all smiles on the first day of school. Introductory sessions to orient the Foundation, Year 7 and VCE students were held prior to the first day of school and helped all students begin the school year on a positive note. Meet and Greet sessions and a YBR Pre-Schools BBQ welcome event offered opportunities for parents, teachers and students to meet and connect. Welcoming twelve classes of eager kinder students to the YBR family this year, along with five Foundation classes across Yeshivah and Beth Rivkah, student numbers continue to grow and extra classes have been added to cater to demand. A transition class within the Gurewicz Early Learning Centre is a new addition to the kinder mix this year, providing an age-appropriate program within the kinder framework to cater for children whose birthday falls just shy of the official kinder cut-off date. Across the school grounds at Yeshivah Secondary, the tired court surfaces have been given a face-lift thanks to the Pick My Project campaign that took place in 2018. The votes accumulated by YBR secured the win and has resulted in a much-anticipated change of the old, uneven court surfaces at the boys high school to a pristine, useable and functional play area and all-abilities sports surface for students. The team of dedicated, enthusiastic and caring Jewish and General studies staff across the YBR Pre-Schools, Primary and Secondary are continuously developing their skills and will continue to deliver the outstanding educational and extra-curricular offerings at YBR. Staff work collaboratively to create exciting and engaging curricula and in-class material and ensure that up-to-date technological methods 3D printers, STEM and coding are utilised to enhance classroom activities. With camps, Shabbat getaways, school productions, sporting events and learning challenges just a few of the events on the cards for 2019, Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah students and staff look forward to a successful year of learning, laughter, and providing an environment in which children of all ages and backgrounds can flourish and achieve their very best.  ​

Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges and Parents’ Association were pleased to welcome over 200 guests to The River Room at Crown Casino for a Corporate Breakfast event in early November. Attendees enjoyed a morning of mingling mixed with illuminating and informative addresses – with His Excellency, Mr Mark Sofer in attendance as keynote speaker. The morning kicked off with Dr Miriam Munz welcoming the corporate guests, Rabbonim, dignitaries and politicians in attendance and was followed by recitation of Tehillim by Rabbi Yaakov Glasman and Mr Chaim Kingsley.An address from Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler (Principal of Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges) examined the benefits and challenges of technology in today’s age, highlighting that “at YBR we recognise technology as an integral tool and we educate our students to become the techno-ethical leaders of tomorrow”.Speaking on the topic “Education and Technology in Israel”, it was a privilege to have His Excellency, Mr Mark Sofer, Ambassador of Israel to Australia attend as Keynote Speaker. He discussed the impact that Israeli technologies have had on the world and what we have achieved, and continue to achieve, despite our comparatively small population numbers on the world stage. Further, he delved into the question of how Israel has developed into the technological hub that it is today. Yeshivah - Beth Rivkah thanks all the generous supporters, attendees and sponsors of the event (Gold Sponsors – Wingate and Scott Winton; Silver Sponsors – Lowe Lippmann and Wilson Agents) who help Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah continue to provide a quality Jewish education to a broad cross-section of the Melbourne Jewish Community.  ​

Attended by a record number of guests this year, the Annual Mishnayos B’al Peh Awards Dinner took place at Yeshivah College in August. Parents, students and teachers filled the Werdiger Hall and were delighted to participate in an event that recognises the achievements of students who have taken great efforts to learn Mishnayos B’al Peh (by heart). Held in memory of Yeshivah student Nathan Dzienciol a’h who had an exceptional dedication to learning Mishna and who tragically passed away in 1990 when he was in year 3, this invaluable learning program (now in its 28th year) continues to grow and flourish – with record breaking participation rates and learning achievements being celebrated this year. Over 400 students have actively participated in the optional program this year and have, incredibly, memorised in excess of 300,000 lines of Torah! Students are tested on their learning throughout the year, with accumulated points ultimately being redeemed for prizes ranging from Tehillim, Chumashim, Talmuds and Mishnas. These awards and prizes were presented at the awards evening, along with students demonstrating their skill reciting Mishnayos and Tanya by heart. As a special tribute to Nathan a’h, students recited seven special Mishnas - each beginning with one of the letters of his name. An address from Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Principal, Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler commended the students for their fantastic achievements and outlined that “when it comes to aspects of holiness we must always continuously increase and raise our standard”, encouraging students to strive to reach even greater learning heights. Additionally, Rabbi Gordon, one of the program coordinators, expressed his pride in the students’ outstanding achievements and commented that this evening “gives us the opportunity to honour a ‘zokein’ – one who has acquired wisdom and now has Torah engraved in their memory.” YBR extends gratitude to the generous sponsors who contributed towards the program, awards night and prizes - including classmates of Nathan a’h who donated in his memory. Kol hakavod to all students on their exceptional learning achievements.​