Over the course of a packed and uplifting Shabbaton, Year 8 talmidim of London Mechina spent an inspiring weekend in Solihull, UK, hosted by Rabbi Yehuda and Dinie Pink of Chabad of Solihull together with their menahel, Rabbi Moshe Zavdi, and a dedicated group of bochurim counselors from Yeshiva Gedola London.

The Shabbaton is part of a now well-established tradition spanning several years during which the various grades of the Mechina visit Solihull over the course of the year for special weekends of inspiration, growth, and bonding.

Under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Zavdi, the Mechina has become known for the exceptional care, warmth, and individual attention given to each talmid. Throughout the weekend, the hanhalah and staff were deeply involved with every bochur, creating an atmosphere where each student felt valued, encouraged, and connected.

Rabbi Pink, who serves as part of the hanholla gashmi of the Mechina, worked closely with the staff to ensure a meaningful and smoothly run program. Assisting throughout the weekend was Rabbi Avrohom Yitzchok Pink, Operations Coordinator for Chabad of Solihull.

The program began Thursday evening with an exciting BBQ and bonfire featuring a thrilling fire-juggling performance that left the boys energized for the Shabbaton ahead.

Friday morning opened with Shacharis followed by a lively learning seder. The talmidim then enjoyed an indoor rock-climbing trip before heading out on mivtzoim around the area, bringing Yiddishkeit and Shabbos awareness to local Jews.

A special highlight of the weekend was the opportunity for the boys to use the men’s mikveh that talmidim from Mechina had helped participate in the construction last year, an extra dimension of ruchniyus and excitement to the visit.

As Shabbos entered, the atmosphere became elevated with a spirited Kabbolas Shabbos, an engaging shiur, and a warm and lively seudas Shabbos filled with singing and divrei Torah.

On Shabbos day, the boys took active leadership roles in the local minyan, leading the davening and leining for the Chabad of Solihull community. The day continued with an uplifting seudas Shabbos farbrengens activities and a meaningful seder niggunim that carried the special feeling of Shabbos into Motzei Shabbos.

Following Havdalah and a screening of Living Torah, the boys enjoyed a spirited pizza Melave Malka together with the hanhalah and counselors.

Throughout the entire weekend, the talmidim enjoyed lavish and delicious meals catered entirely by Rebbetzin Dinie Pink and Rabbi Avrohom Yitzchok Pink, whose warmth and hospitality added tremendously to the atmosphere of the Shabbaton.

The Shabbaton concluded Sunday morning with Shacharis followed by a bagels-and-lox breakfast before the boys departed back to London, inspired by a Shabbos filled with achdus chayus and meaningful Chassidishe experiences.