Yaakov Weinstock is having an amazing time in his first year on Kollel as a madrich. Originally from Hollywood, Florida, he attended MTA for high school and spent two years in Sha’alvim. Yaakov feels privileged to continue learning and growing in Israel with such a great chabura. Each guy in the chabura contributes something special and unique, making every day together meaningful and fun. Yaakov is eager to continue his learning for a third year in Sha’alvim, following a great summer with this special group of guys.

The Chabura is anchored by the “MTA 3.” Natan Rosman from North Woodmere is an essential part of the chabura, always bringing his insightful comments and positive vibes. Nissim Greenberg from New City, NY, keeps everyone on their toes with his thoughtful questions and always pushes the chabura to think more deeply. Last but definitely not least, there is Azriel Avraham from Edison, New Jersey. Azriel consistently puts a smile on everyone’s face with his captivating stories and always has something exciting to add to the conversation.

The Chabura also includes the “DRS Duo” of Chaim Wilamowsky from Lawrence, New York, and Daniel Muskat from Oceanside, New York. Chaim is known for his incredible mopball skills as he continues to hit dingers—some might even call him the Babe Ruth of mopball. Daniel Muskat brings such positive energy wherever he goes, especially in the chabura. Whether it’s in his learning or making a barbecue, Daniel always gives it his all.

This year, the Chabura is focused on topics related to Eretz Yisrael and Geula. They are working to understand the times they are living in and to appreciate what it means to wait eagerly for Mashiach and Geula. The group discusses ideas about what each person can do to bring the Geula closer. Some of the topics they cover include nevuah, kedushas ha’aretz and Yerushalayim, and Techiyas HaMeisim.

The summer has been great so far, and there is so much more to look forward to!

Tal Levy is having an amazing time in his second summer on Kollel, his first as a madrich. Tal, from Montreal, attended Hebrew Academy for high school, followed by two incredible years at Yeshivat Hakotel. Tal will be starting his first year at YU this upcoming fall.

Tal’s chabura is made up of an outstanding group of guys, each bringing something special and unique to the chabura. Starting off with a fellow Montrealer attending Hebrew Academy, it’s Gabriel Arzouan. Gabriel is always cracking jokes and priding himself on his Moroccan culture. Next up, also from Montreal and attending Hebrew Academy, it’s Dov Robret. Dov, the barber of the chabura, is eager to learn and provides an amazing learning atmosphere. Moving to Toronto, we have Joseph Samson from Yeshivat Or Chaim. Joseph is always ready to dive into complex discussions and has an amazing enthusiasm for growing in his Avodas Hashem. Also from Toronto and attending Yeshivat Or Chaim is Sydney Feintuch. Sydney brings his infectious enthusiasm and energy every single day, no matter what. And rounding us off, hailing from Houston, it’s Rafi Miller. An incredible basketball player leading the Beren Academy squad, Rafi is just as impressive inside the beis medrash with his motivation and love for learning.

This summer, the chabura is focused on finding a deeper understanding and meaning of the mitzvot that we do (tzitzis, tefillin, tzedaka…) to be able to connect to mitzvos on a greater level, to grow our relationship with Hashem, and ultimately to become the greatest ovdei Hashem that we can be.

The chabura has been having an amazing and impactful summer, and they can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store for them!

Eli Knapp is spending his third summer on NCSY Kollel, his first as a madrich, and he is having the time of his life! He lives in Bergenfield, NJ, and attended the heilige Heights High School of MTA. After high school, he learned for two amazing years at Yeshivat Sha’alvim. When the summer comes to an end, Eli plans to head back to Sha’alvim with many friends for a third year of learning.

No one knows what Eli did to deserve such a chashuv chaburah. Not only did Eli get dealt six of the very few tzadikim who decided to attend NCSY Kollel for their post-11th grade summer, but these six tzadikim are also mainly out-of-towners, which means they are automatically among the nicest people Eli has ever met.

To start us off, we have Eli Kroll. Eli lives in Yonkers, NY, goes to SAR, and always brings great insight to the chaburah. Next up is our new Toronto native, Nathan Greenbaum! Nathan goes to school at Or Chaim, only has nice things to say to his fellow friends, and brings amazing energy to our squad. Next, we have Gedalia Flinkenstein, our world-renowned traveler! Gedalia has recently moved from Minnesota to Boca Raton and attends the Cooper Yeshiva in Memphis, TN (but everyone knows, with his chill personality, he is still a Minnesota guy at heart). Following him is Raffi Goldkin! Raffi lives in Memphis, TN, goes to Cooper Yeshiva, and is always laser-focused whenever Torah is being shared. Next is Ranon Milgram from Newton, MA. Ranon attends Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael, never has a frown on his face, and is quick to make a sharp comment. Last but definitely not least is Ezra Avis from Philadelphia, PA. Ezra attends The Mesivta High School, and always has a great joke for the chevra (but don’t think that the humor takes away from his great ability to focus on his learning).

During chaburahs, we discuss halachic sugyas geared towards high school guys on NCSY Kollel. The chaburah has already discussed whether there is a need to wear tzitzis when playing sports and the importance of wearing a kippah on our heads—both mitzvos rooted in showing our Jewish pride.

David Markovitz is enjoying his second summer as an NCSY Kollel Madrich. David attended Frisch, Sha’alvim, and is coming off his first year at Yeshiva University.

David’s chaburah is uplifted by a diverse group of bachurim who help form the culture of the Beis Medrash. Ronen Ben-Aharon (Hollywood, FL/Katz Yeshiva High School) is known for his consistency in learning Mishnayos. Charlie Breda (Teaneck, NJ/Yeshivat Frisch) leads with his contagious smile and enthusiasm. Naftali Hochstein (Bergenfield, NJ/TABC), aka “The 3 on 3 King,” is renowned for his dominating 3-on-3 performance. Tzviel Kahan (Newton, MA/Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael) brings the energy in the Beis Medrash to a new level with the positivity he imbues into every moment. Nathan Neufeld (Bergenfield, NJ/Yeshivat Frisch) makes sure to always ask the necessary questions to understand every aspect of the sugya. Elisha Weisstuch (Boca Raton, FL/Katz Yeshiva High School) builds connections with everyone he meets.

Throughout the summer, this amazing group of guys has spent many hours learning together. In each chaburah, they break down the sugya all the way from the Torah’s Mekor to the contemporary Psak given on the matter. Each chaburah is rooted in broad Shas sugyas and relates to practical sports questions. They discussed the broader idea of Shmiras HaLashon when learning about trash talking in sports. Their topic of moving down seats during a sports game was rooted in the concept of Zeh Neheneh and Zeh Lo Chasser. By learning these ideas in the context of sports, each person was able to grasp the Shas concept while applying it to a current halachic situation.

This chaburah has already learned and grown so much and can’t wait to continue throughout the rest of the summer and beyond!

Netanel Eckman’s first-time experience on NCSY Kollel is off to a fantastic start this summer. Netanel, from the small, “off the map” town of Teaneck, enjoyed a delightful four-year stretch of ball, schmoozing, learning, and some more ball in the halls of TABC. After those four extremely quick years, Netanel’s next two years flew by as well while learning in Eretz Yisroel at Mevaseret. The next couple of years for Netanel will be spent learning at Yeshiva University, while taking some classes in the Sy Syms School of Business.

“Eck’s Chabu Chevra” has an extremely diverse range of kids, three coming from Philadelphia attending the Mesivta, and two coming from the holy city of Los Angeles while attending YULA. Starting with the LA chevra, we have Judah Hirschel and David Goel. Since these two come from YULA, they are always the first to arrive at chabura and push every day to maximize their learning time. Coming from the other side of the land, we have Shaked Ben David, Yeshaya Badush, and Yehuda Barnett. These three are the life of the party, ensuring that no chabura session goes by without getting the chevra into a joyful mood. Although the three musketeers aren’t related, they look very similar to one another and share extremely similar characteristics.

At the end of the day, the three animated Philly gavras meshed with the two LA bachurim, combined with their in-town madrich, make for one astounding, awe-inspiring chabura of fine young men striving to grow into wholehearted עובדי ה׳ and בני תורה.

Shai Friedman is from Bergenfield, NJ, and attended MTA for high school, followed by two incredible years at Yeshivat Sha’alvim. Shai just finished his first year at YU. This is Shai’s third summer on Kollel and his first as a madrich.

Shai’s chabura consists of some of the finest in-towners out there. First, we have the Sephardi from Woodmere, NY (DRS), Yehuda Esses. Yehuda’s chill vibes and his thirst to grow are inspiring to the chabura. Next up, we have the famous businessman from Woodmere, NY (DRS), Noam Lazar. Noam always has incredible insights to share during chaburas (along with his candy). We then have Mordy Shap’s nephew, from Bergenfield, NJ (Heichal), Chaim Shaffren. Chaim always brings infectious energy to the chabura. Next, we have the guy with incredibly accurate pizza reviews, from Bergenfield, NJ (Heichal), Yehoshua Savetsky. Yehoshua’s ability to “bit” around while still being able to lock in is something the group looks up to. Finally, there’s the guy who’s always smiling, from Scarsdale, NY (Frisch), Michael “Lock,” “Munch” Lauchheimer. Michael is always asking incredible questions, and his motivation to connect to Hashem is inspiring.

Shai’s chabura learning is going strong, covering topics everyone should know more about like Geneivas Daas, Ahavas HaTorah, and Moving Up Seats at a Sports Game. The chabura is focused on becoming more conscious Jews and learning the sugyos that help achieve that goal.

The summer is off to an amazing start, and we can’t wait to see what else we accomplish in the next few weeks!! 

It was a bit emotional for Yoel Horwitz to say goodbye to CDG after 10 years, but he couldn’t refuse the opportunity to become a Madrich on the NCSY Summer Kollel (in Israel). Yoel, hailing from Cedarhurst, NY, went to DRS for high school and attended KBY these past two years. (Who knew there were KBY guys on Kollel!?) This is Yoel’s second year on Kollel, but his first year as a Madrich, and he is mamash having the best summer ever.

Yoel has the utmost privilege of being the Madrich of five of the best guys on the program! Starting off with the in-towners, we have Yitz Wechter from Heichal, whose sharp questions always keep Yoel on his toes, and Eitan Gross, also from Heichal, whose wise comments leave the chabura thinking. Elitzur Sharvit, the pride of Fuchs Mizrachi, never fails to contribute to the discussion and always has something to bring to the table. Also from Fuchs Mizrachi is Avi Meyers, who pays close attention to what his fellow chabura members have to say and is a role model to his peers. Last but most certainly not least is Ariel Pollack from Efrat, whose positive attitude and personable nature bring everyone in the chabura together!

Yoel’s chabura this summer is focused on learning topics relating to the Yomim Tovim, such as exploring the lomdus behind the different psulim in lulavim and the controversies relating to sitting in the sukkah on Shemini Atzeres. The chabura also allocates time to reflect on and discuss important current events, including the war currently going on in Israel. Everyone is having an awesome summer so far, and they are so excited to continue carrying that energy for the rest of the summer and beyond!

After seeing Yoni’s Chabura and its greatness pictured below, it’s certain that all of you are eager to get to know Yoni’s Chabura. So, without further ado, one of the most riveting and thrilling chaburas in the world: Yoni Zelkowitz’s Chabura!

Yoni, otherwise coined as “Zelk,” had the privilege of attending TABC for four marvelous years, where he studied under the tutelage of five different TABC principals. Following the “system,” Yoni attended Yeshivat Shaalvim, otherwise known as Yammer’s, for two unbelievable and transformative years. Yoni will be taking his talents to YU next year, where he plans on learning under many gedolei hador. This is Yoni’s second year on NCSY Kollel, and yes, that’s right – with a Y as a first name and a Z as a last name, Yoni is almost guaranteed to be last in attendance! But enough talking about the coach, as we all know it’s the players on the court that win the game. (Cue Chicago Bulls intro song.)

Yoni’s Chabura is filled with diverse, funny, and energetic guys, which creates the perfect recipe for a chabura environment. Starting at point guard, we have Yisrael Epstein from Cherry Hill! Yisrael, who attends Mesivta HS, is a versatile guy with many talents—from haircuts to harmonies—Yisrael is a perfect team player and excels at getting others involved in the chabura. Starting at shooting guard, we have Gavi Samuels from Great Neck! While Gavi, who currently attends MTA, is a natural-born point guard, he gladly switches his role for the good of the team. Gavi’s confidence and ability to come up with a clutch svara in pivotal moments make him the perfect shooting guard for the chabura.

Lined up at the small forward position is Aitan Goldberg from Teaneck (assuming you hold that south of Cedar is part of Teaneck proper). Like a true small forward, Aitan—who attends MTA—scores big with his countless stories related to the topic at hand. Next up at the power forward position, we have Eitan Zohar from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! You most definitely don’t want to mess with Zohar in the paint, as he will quietly put all questions that have arisen against a Rishon to rest. Rounding out the lineup, we have Baruch Goldenberg from Bergenfield, NJ. Baruch, one of MTA’s finest, besides grinding out Makos time and time again, is always quick to compliment and hammer out a svara started by one of his teammates in the chabura, making him the perfect finisher at the rim.

Yoni’s chabura this summer is learning the different halachos pertaining to the clothing we wear on an everyday basis, in an attempt to give meaning to the things we wear. It’s the simple things we often overlook, and Yoni’s chabura is honing in on those daily activities to give meaning to those simple actions. Specifically, Yoni’s chabura is focusing on questions such as what can be used as a yarmulke, the arguments against techeiles, and the different kinds of hairstyles one can have! Yoni’s chabura is having an unbelievably geshmak summer and can’t wait for the rest of what’s in store!

Shlomo Zauderer is currently enjoying his third summer on NCSY Kollel. Growing up in Bergenfield, he attended Heichal HaTorah for high school and then spent two years at Yeshivat Sha’alvim.

Shlomo’s chabura includes some of the best guys around: Aiden Adi from Fair Lawn (TABC), Kovi Bashist from Clifton (Heichal HaTorah), Akiva Hanauer from Bergenfield (Heichal HaTorah), Doni Novak from Bergenfield (Heichal HaTorah), and Yakir Mayefsky from Fair Lawn (Heichal HaTorah).

This summer, Shlomo’s chabura will be focusing on mitzvos that Chazal say are equal to all the other mitzvos in the Torah and how they impact core facets of our lives. Topics range from learning Torah to keeping Shabbos to living in Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing their critical importance in how we live our lives. The chabura has a heavy emphasis on chazarah, the importance of reviewing and retaining the information learned. Each day, they summarize the chabura in three organized points which the boys type up.

This awesome chabura is having a summer of growth and relationship building, which they hope to strengthen throughout the rest of the summer and beyond.

Rami Gertler went to TABC, attended Sha’alvim for 2 years, just finished his first year at YU, and IY”H will be returning to YU for the upcoming year. This is his 3rd year on Kollel, one as an NCSYer and two as a Madrich.

Rami is having an unbelievable time learning and hanging out with a great group of guys. First, the dynamic trio from Boston: Daniel Zilber, a skilled ball player with an inspirational davening; Ozzie Vidan, a guy who brings a special intensity to learning; and Eyal Levin, an absolute tennis stud with super smarts. But don’t forget about the SAR power duo: Mason Ostrow, known for being one of the nicest guys around, and Jacob Bandler, a dap-up machine with a great sense of humor.

This year in chaburas, they aim to cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from essential lessons in Pirkei Avos aimed at growing in their Middos, to in-depth Torah concepts throughout Shas with the goal of building up their learning and analytical thinking skills. They also cover some relevant mini-halacha topics that are pertinent on a day-to-day basis.

They have been having an awesome summer, and it’s only going to continue to get better!

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