A native of Highland Park, NJ and a proud TABC alum, Alex Ostrin feels privileged to attend NCSY Kollel for the first time as a madrich. After spending two years at Gush and a year at Princeton University, he’s loving the times spent learning, shmoozing and gleaming constant inspiration from the impressive guys in his chabura and the broader Kollel chevra.
Alex’s chabura is a diverse group that features the greatest guys including Abie Perelis (Teaneck, SAR), Moshe Sarna (Manhattan, SAR), a fellow out-of-towner Ariel Shoshany (Cherry Hill, Mesivta of Greater Philadelphia), and two Eretz Yisroel natives Gadi Pollack (Efrat, Netiv Meir) and Chaim Ginsberg (Beit Shemesh, Ahavat Yisrael). Whether it be learning up a geshmak Reb Elchanan together or cranking out some group push-ups mid-bura, there’s never a dull moment on the mirpeset under the tree. Delving into topics in the realm of Kedusha, the guys have been focusing on how to recognize the Kedusha that surrounds them and actualize the Kedusha within them.
They have explored topics in Kiddush Hashem, including when we must give up our lives to sanctify Hashem’s name, and whether a bracha should be recited upon such an act. Expanding to Kedushas HaMakom, the guys probed the implications of Kedushas Beis HaKnesses, Kedushas HaKotel HaMaaravi, and Kedushas Eretz Yisroel. Furthermore, the famous machlokes surrounding Kiddush HaChodesh came to life, as Moshe and Gadi valiantly defended the Rambam, while Chaim, Ariel and Abie passionately represented the Ramban’s take in a debate for the ages.
There were many memorable moments in this lively chabura. Q&As from pulpit Rabbis Sobolofsky and Lebowitz discussing their unique perspectives on Kedushas Beis HaKnesses provided an awesome opportunity to hear from tremendous Talmidei Chachomim in an intimate setting. No one will forget the 4:15 am wake-up for a chabura trip, davening the shacharis of a lifetime at Neitz at the Kotel on Rosh Chodesh Av. Finally, the Yerushalayim-wide chazara scavenger hunt, aimed at reviewing and cementing that which the guys learned, promises to create unforgettable memories. The chabura hopes to translate the words and insights of our Chachmei HaMesorah into increasingly motivated personalities exuding Kedusha. After a jam-packed summer with Torah, growth, bonding, and experiencing Eretz Yisroel, the sky is the limit, as the chabura sets out to fulfill Hashem’s directive of “Kedoshim Ti’Hiyu.”
