Summer 2015

A recap of the #Best.Summer.Ever.

It is hard to believe that this update will be the final one for the summer or that NCSY Kollel 5775 draws to a close in just two days.  The disbelief is not from looking back and feeling how time has flown by or from a sense that the six weeks feel much shorter.  Rather, it is simply hard to imagine the impending abrupt end to an environment, lifestyle, and system that we have become beautifully accustomed to.  The rhythms of learning and davening, of playing and touring, have become second nature for our group, and we are sad to see it end, at least in its Beit Meir form.

 

It is also somewhat improbable that our final week could have surpassed the already spectacular days we have shared.  But this week did exactly that, and we are ending on the high that all of the NCSYers have earned.  Moreover, there was again a specific theme and focus to the week, that we hope and pray will make a lasting impression on all of us.

 

We often describe our activities as “unforgettable.”  In fact, in planning our tiyulim and other events we will frequently design for something that an NCSYer might still be talking about decades down the line.  This is true for the things we do, the ideas we hear and consider, and the relationships we form.

 

Our summer witnessed an impressive list that fit this criterion.  Even a partial list would have to include the following:

 

Our first gathering on the roof of Yeshivat HaKotel and group maariv at the Kotel…Filling the streets of Yerushalayim with laughter and energy…NCSY Kollel Football/Soccer/Basketball/Softball/Biking across the country…The incomparable spirit of our first Shabbos Tisch…The stirring words from Rav Mordechai Burg at that same Tisch…The awesome trek through the Black Canyon…Walking the streets of Tzefat at twilight…Welcoming so many friends from multiple busses of TJJ to our Beit Medrash…Learning for two intense days with TJJ Ambassadors…Welcoming Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau to address NCSY Kollel and TJJ in Beit Meir…The joint TJJ-NCSY Kollel siyum…The first (but certainly not last) “One More Day Till Shabbos” dance…A Shabbos Chazon of dreaming and introspection…Tisha B’Av from start to finish…Watching Rav Schachter relate and explain the Kinos…The Kotel Kumsitz…The spectacle of 1000 NCSYers at Yom NCSY…Fireworks and Shlomo Katz…The grace and inspiration of Racheli Frenkel…Our time with Rav Schachter, Rav Sobolofsky and Rav Twersky all together in our Beis Medrash…Breathtaking Sunrise on Har Shlomo…Refreshing water and exhilarating water sports in Eilat…A Shabbos in the Old City like no other…Rav Gav Friedman for over an hour and leaving us wanting even more…Team NCSYer knocking out the staff in 200 man dodgeball…Beating the soaring temperatures while rocking with Simply Tzefat…Yerushalayim like never before during the Chabura Wars Scavenger Hunt…Reaching new heights at IJump…The pageantry and excitement of the 3 on 3 Tournament and Festival…Learning and playing with Sulam…”The Goal Heard ‘Round the World”…

 

Of course, as we have claimed in prior discussions, even this incredible list does not include the most likely candidates for long term recall.  Morning seder chavrusas and a taste for Gemara learning, relationships with Rabbeim, chabura interactions and participation, the roar of the beis medrash during the night, and late Thursday mishmar sessions are the day to day fare that will not soon be forgotten.

 

“Unforgettable” appears frequently (at least six times) in the Torah as a specific directive to remember particular events.  Whether it is to keep in mind our battles with Amalek or the awesome vision of Mount Sinai, it is clear from this context that there are two levels of memorable.  In the first, an event or person is held somewhere in memory or subconscious.  Yet on this basic level, there is not necessarily consistent application or constant focus.  On the higher second level, these unforgettables are something more.  Even when not the specific center of attention, they are always actively shaping and molding our beliefs and behaviors.  They won’t be forgotten because once experienced they persist with ongoing impact.

 

And this brings us to the fantastic storylines of our last week.  Three events (or series of events) stand out as representative of this idea.

 

First and foremost was the meaningful special night learning program we conducted on Monday.  This annual Leil Iyun is always designed to highlight our outstanding Torah Personalities and to give our leaders a chance to directly address the group.  But perhaps even more significantly, the topics for the night are chosen with an eye towards relevance and impact on the lives of the NCSYers.  As such, this year’s Leil Iyun examined the different influences on our lives, and their proper place in Judaism.  Topics included the way we respond to friends, music, general culture, and our attraction to the opposite gender.  There were also shiurim that focused on Rabbinic Authority, parameters and philosophy of honoring parents, and the role of personal freedom in serving God.  As always, the evening was well received with enthusiastic participation.  It is placed at the end of the summer to emphasize the need to translate the learning and inspiration of the summer into practice the rest of the year.  This is a key element towards fulfilling our ambition for unforgettable moments and lasting impact.

 

But on NCSY Kollel these objectives are never limited to the Beis Medrash.  Our last major tiyul day also was memorable for all the right reasons.  The two main highlights each were consistent with this point, in markedly different ways.  The hike through Nachal Darja is our 3^rd and final of our series of master level hikes.  These provide the dual benefit of profound exhilaration and feelings of accomplishment and a super-developed connection to the beauty of the environment and Eretz Yisroel.  It is near impossible to traverse Nachal Darja and think of a mountain or our planet the same way again.  When these experiences are set in the sanctity and holiness of the land of Israel, they take on an entirely new dimension of significance. 

 

Others displayed their intrepid side in a different way.  Our Food Tiyul was a hit from start to finish, culminating in a lamb shechita.  Not for the faint of heart.  Each stop on the day included instruction and inspiration, and was designed to heighten our appreciation for the culinary bounty we enjoy and the blessing of modern Israel.  In the cheese factory and on the berry farm, and in the bread baking and at the closing shechita, there was a great combination of halacha, hands on experience, great food, and fun.  But there was also impact and something lasting.  This tiyul was designed to affect our approach to food, Eretz Yisroel and berachos and to be remembered long after the summer ends.

 

And even (?) a basketball or hockey court can provide memories for a lifetime.  This week most explosive moments were all during the thrilling league playoffs that surpassed any summer in the history of NCSY Kollel.  It would be easy to point to the buzzer beaters and multiple overtimes that will long be part of any discussion regarding NCSY Kollel sports.  But these were thrills with a purpose and contests with a message.  While there were no shortage of exceptionally intense encounters, there was only an increase in camaraderie and personal growth.  It was extremely gratifying to see how the entire Kollel celebrated with victors and joined in the consoling those who came out on the losing end.  I would venture that some of these too rare moments of connection will be remembered for even longer than the miracle shots.

 

Naturally, this will remain our focus over our last Shabbos and final day on Sunday.  We go home on Sunday night, but we are confident that it will be a very happy and productive form of an endless summer

 

We wish you a great and special Shabbos, and look forward to any and all feedback you wish to share.

 

Shabbat Shalom from Beit Meir and the NCSY Kollel!

 Moshe Benovitz

 

The only thing more exciting than playoff hockey?  Overtime Playoff hockey!  The first round of the playoffs lived up to expectations, and the games were intense, competitive, and thrilling.

In the first game, two-time defending champions ET Lustiger (G), Sam Gelman (C), and Team Cup faced off against the Commissioner, Tzvika Poleyeff (C) and Team Napkin.  While the game remained scoreless for most of the time, Tzvika fired a goal from the point late in the third period to put Napkin up 1-0.  As Cup fought hard to punch in the tying goal, it  was to no avail, and Napkin would hold on to win 1-0, preventing the rare three-peat.  The remaining games would prove to be even more tense than the first.  While Knife took a 1-0 lead over Fork in the first period, Fork would tie the game on a one-timer in the second.  After a scoreless third period for both teams, the game headed to OT.  Captain Josh Fagin would wrist in a put back shot off the rebound halfway through OT to defeat Knife 2-1.   While the game between Bowl and Spoon was more of a scoring fest, the game continued to shift back forth, both teams scoring 3 goals through the regulation time.  After two exhausting, intense periods of OT, Zev Markowitz fired a slap shot that found the back of the net for a 4-3 victory for spoon.  In the final game of the first round, Table proved to be too much for Plate to handle, and soundly defeated them by a score of 4-0.

With the Semi-finals being played tomorrow, be sure to check back and follow the updates!

 

 

Nothing is more exciting than playoff basketball on NCSY Kollel!  What an incredible second round!  While many thought the games could not get any better than they had been in the opening round, they did just that.

While the Kazmanian Devils (1) defeated the Buahs 2.0 (9) soundly, and Gilligan’s Island (2) was victorious over Fear the Beards (10) without too much difficulty, the other two games were last second thrillers.

As the clock wound down in the game between Siyata Dishmaya (11) and the Hirschey Bars (3), Siyata Dishmaya found themselves in a hole once again.  And down 3, with mere seconds remaining on the clock, they would dig themselves out of the hole the same way they had just the day before.  For the second day in a row, as time expired, Yair Isaacs drained a far 3-pointer to tie the game and send it to OT!!  The score remained tied and the teams headed to double OT.  With the Hirschey Bars taking a 1-point lead with 5 seconds to go, Siyata Dishmaya would get one last look, but could not make the shot this time.  This outcome would be different, and the Hirschey Bars hung on to win a close one.

In the final, most exciting game of the day, the Bruh Crew (5) seemed to be putting away Buchs by Dr. Dre (13) with ease.  Leading by 11 with less than 3 minutes to go, the game appeared to be practically over.  But the “Buchs” had other plans.  As they continued to chip away at the lead, Buchs by Dr. Dre found themselves with the ball, down a single point, with only 1 second remaining in the game.  As they inbounded the and set a pick for the shooter, Eitan Drazin heaved the ball towards the net and drained the 3-pointer at the buzzer to upset the Bruh Crew!!!  It was an incredible scene which you can watch unfold yourself right here: Eitan Drazin Buzzer Beater.

It was truly an amazing day of wild games on the courts!  Can’t wait to see what the semis bring!

What an incredible shot!!! Eitan Drazin sinks the 3-pointer at the buzzer to lead Buchs by Dr. Dre to the upset over Rabbi Benovitz and the Bruh Crew in round 2 of the 2015 playoffs!!

Dani Scheinman is returning to NCSY Kollel for his fifth summer, his first summer as a Madrich on the program.  Hailing from Woodmere, NY, Dani attended DRS, Yeshivat Shaalvim, and is currently enrolled in YU.  Dani is attempting to set the record for most positions occupied on Kollel, having attended the program as an NCSYer for two summers, working as a Jr. Kollel Madrich, Director of Media, and now a Madrich.  He is hoping to finally break his streak of losing to his younger brother in hockey, as he currently holds an 0-4 record in that matchup.

Dani’s amazing post-11^th grade Chaburah is an all-star lineup, consisting of six of the most incredible NCSYers around, five of them having returned for their second summer: Binyamin Glanz, from Beit Shemesh, Israel (Yeshivat Ahavat Yisrael), Eli Greer, from Chicago, IL (Skokie Yeshiva), Avi Hoffman, from Staten Island, NY (JEC), Yoni Rosenbaum, from Staten Island, NY (JEC), Rookie Rosenberg, from Chicago, IL (Skokie Yeshiva), and Eitan Sharbat, from Queens, NY (DRS).  Every member of the Chaburah brings something unique to the table, and the blend creates an amazing cohesive unit that loves to learn, chill, and spend time together as a Chaburah.

This summer, the “Rise and Schein-mans” Chaburah is delving into Sugyot based on the Sefer, “Headlines.”  The Sugyot are Halachic discussions built around current events of recent years, and signify the importance of the roll the Torah and religion play in everyday life; how everything can and must be viewed through the lens of Chazal.  Some of the fascinating topics they have covered include “Hurricane Sandy: The obligation to rescue those who endanger themselves,” “Shooting Down a Hijacked Airplane: Killing the few to save the many,” and “The Gilad Shalit Deal: Trading many terrorists for one soldier.”  The topics have proven challenging, yet exciting, and the Chaburah is having a great time learning to tie together countless Gemaras and opinions surrounding a single modern day topic.

Dani’s Chaburah works together to have an amazing time outside of the Beit Medrash as well.  Finishing in third place in Kollel-wide Panopoly and second place in Chaburah “Lineup” (thanks to Rookie’s lights-out shooting), the Chaburah is aiming to finish first in the Chaburah Scavenger hunt.  The Chaburah even has a little tournament of their own: every day, before Chaburahs, the guys face off in an intense game of “Heads Up,” competing in pairs against one another in this unique charades-type game.  While Eitan and Rookie have certainly developed a team chemistry in the “Act It Out” category over the summer, Binyamin, Avi, Eli, and Yoni have certainly been a challenge, with their immense knowledge of the “Sports Celebrities” category.

Dani and his Chaburah have enjoyed a phenomenal summer thus far, and are looking forward to finishing on a high note, as well as continuing to remain a tight knit Chaburah throughout the year and well beyond the summer, IY”H!

 

 

 

Playoffs?!?  Playoffs?!?!?  That’s right, the basketball “Poleyeffs” (named for our commissioner, Tzvika Poleyeff) are finally here, and round 1 was more exciting than you could have ever imagined!  Beit Meir might as well be renamed “Upset City,” as every first round matchup, except for a single one, ended in upset fashion!  The Bruh Crew (5) was the lone victor amongst the upper seeds in round 1, as they defeated the Commish’s Crew (12).  Buahs 2.0 (9) defeated Giving Brachos (8) soundly, winning by 11 points.  Buchs by Dr. Dre (13) defeated the Stark Fish (4), and Fear the Beards (10) beat Proud to Be an Ivry (7).  But the most incredible, nail-biting game was between the Bad News Berenstein Bears (6) and Siyata Dishmaya (11).  Trailing by 3 with only seconds remaining, Yair Isaacs drained a 3-Pointer at the buzzer for Siyata Dishmaya to tie the game and send it to OT.  After the first OT ended in another tie, with 7 seconds to go in double OT, the game was tied once again, when Yair stole the ball, took it to the hoop for an easy layup, and was fouled on the play as well.  He would hit the foul shot to put Siyata Dishmaya up by 3 with 5 seconds to go.  But the game was far from over; Efraim Tepler managed to drive the ball down the court for the “Bears,” and nailed a 3-Pointer at the buzzer to tie the game yet again, sending it to triple OT!!!  Ultimately, Mordy Ackerman would seal the upset victory for Siyata Dishmaya, icing the game with two clutch free throws with seconds remaining.  It was one of the greatest games of the summer, and the valiant effort by both teams was appreciated by the large crowd that had gathered to watch the madness unfold.

The NIT (consolation) bracket began their tournament as well, with an exciting finish occurring in one of the games as well.  In the game between the Nicknames (21) and the White Katz (22), down by 2 with 15 seconds remaining, the Nicknames held the ball to ensure the final shot.  While they managed to put up a layup with 3 seconds left, the ball bounced high of the back rim.  While many thought the game was over, the rebound was tipped out to Dovi Kopolovich at the 3 point line.  As time expired and the proverbial buzzer sounded, Dovi drained the 3 to give the Nicknames the victory!

It was truly an incredible first round of playoff games, and with the hockey playoffs beginning tomorrow, we can only hope for more excitement on the courts of Beit Meir!

Another amazing day in the books on NCSY Kollel, as the summer rapidly winds down!

This morning, the Beit Medrash was bustling once again as the Kol Torah of Shiur and morning Seder filled the room.  Chaburahs were lively, intense, and awesome, just as any other day.  The afternoon also included to great mini-Tiyulim: one to the gym in Yeshivat Reishit, for some pickup basketball (for those players who did not necessarily make the playoffs), and on to Har Herzel, highlighting the aspect of Kollel that focuses on the significance of our homeland and understanding the importance of a love for Israel.  While this Tiyul was certainly one of the highlights of the day, the other highlights would prove to be the opening round of the basketball league playoffs and our amazing Leil Iyun.

With the regular season having concluded last week, the basketball playoffs began this afternoon, and they proved to be thrilling and intense, yet played with exceptional Midos.  As Rabbi Benovitz explained, the intensity level of the playoffs brought out the high level of Midos in a way; every knock-down had a fellow hand to lift him back up; every victory ending with a handshake and a “good game;” every hard-fought basket was met with a “great play.”  It was incredible to watch, and epitomized everything that the Kollel stands for outside of the Beit Medrash.  Check out our sports update for more details regarding the first round!

Kollel was treated to a special Leil Iyun in place of the usual night Seder.  Instead of the usual learning with Madrichim and other Chavrusas, NCSYers rotated between a variety of phenomenal Shiurim by the countless amazing Rabbeim that we are privileged to interact with on the program.  Shiurim given included the following amazing Shiurim: Rav Yehuda Turetsky, “Rabbinic Authority: Who and Why?”; Rav Zvi Sobolofsky, “Partners with Hashem: Our Parents in Halacha and Machshava.”; Rav Netanel Lebowitz, “Dancing to the Beat: How Music Moves Us.”; Rav Yisrael Kaminetsky, “Attraction and Motivation – Relationships Between Guys and Girls.”; Rav Mayer Twersky, “Culture Wars: How the Greater Society Affects Us for Better or Worse.”; Rav Moshe Benovitz, “Don’t Tell Me What To Do – Why Can’t We Just Be Free?”; Head Madrich Andrew Israeli, “Under the Influence: Friends and Their Impact On Our Decisions.”; and Jonah Steinmetz, “The Greatest Role Models: How to Attach and Connect to Torah Giants.”  It was truly an inspiring, enlightening evening that introduced the NCSYers to many critical discussions that they may not have previously focused on.

It was another spectacular day (and night) on Kollel, and while few days may be remaining to the summer, they are sure to be packed with more excitement!

ET Lustiger, from Teaneck, NJ, is currently spending his third summer on NCSY Kollel, his second as a Madrich, and is immensely enjoying every second of it.

When told they would be learning the topic of conversion this summer, ET’s Chaburah responded with enthusiasm and excitement about the unique opportunity to plumb this seldom traversed topic for 16 year olds. With an all star group that includes Micha Richman of Setauket, NY, Elie Levine of Great Neck, NY, Sammy Bruh of Woodmere, NY, Heezkeyahoo Burstyn of Long Beach, NY, and Shlomo Landsman of Skokie Illinois, when 1:45 rolls around the eclectic group unifies to have fun and learn.  

Although Prima Facie the information appears inconsequential and insignificant to the practical lives of an NCSYer, ET’s chaburah immediately recognized the significance of every topic of Torah. The discussions are filled with depth and curiosity and each member of the Chaburah adds a unique addition to the overall dynamic. As the summer comes to a close it is almost a guarantee that every member of ET’s chaburah (including their Madrich) gained a deeper appreciation for Torah and our nation. L’chaim! 

 

After Kollel’s second, and final, free weekend of the summer, NCSYers and Madrichim returned to Beit Meir rejuvenated to begin the final push of the summer towards an amazing last week.

This morning began with many incredible Shiur trips.  Each Shiur went with their respective Rebbe on a different trip, each with their own unique destination and experience.  Trips ranged from thrilling activities such as capture the flag in the mountains of Beit Meir, to the more relaxing activities like basketball, swimming, and lunch.  Other Shiurim enjoyed bowling, kickball, and a variety of great lunch options.  These trips provided an opportunity for every Shiur to get to know their Rabbeim better in an informal setting, as well as develop stronger relationships with the other NCSYers in their Shiurim outside of a classroom.  Fun was had by all, and the trips returned to Kollel in time for Mincha and ball.

Throughout the afternoon, the 3-on-3 tournament continued on the courts.  As the teams played on, the bracket continued to shrink, leaving only four teams in the large bracket, and two final teams in the intermediate bracket.  With the remaining games set to be played on Championship Friday, we congratulate the remaining teams on getting this far and hope that all enjoyed the amazing tournament.

While many teams had already been eliminated from contention, there was no shortage of options for them.  With the usual amazing mini-Tiyul taking place, Kollel had an extra Tiyul as well to the amazing softball field at Gezer.

Between the great trips and awesome sports tournaments, it was another great day in Beit Meir, leaving all excited for a great schedule of learning, as well as league playoffs, on tap for tomorrow.