From camper to Jr. Madrich to Madrich to Assistant Head Madrich, this is Ezra Schechter’s fourth summer on NCSY Kollel — and you can feel it in every corner of the Beis. Ezra has grown up through Kollel, and now he’s helping the next generation do the same. Coming from Bergenfield by way of MTA, two years in Sha’alvim, and now YU, Ezra brings a unique combo of Torah passion, emotional depth, real relationships, and a contagious drive to grow.
This summer, Ezra is leading a top-tier group in a Chaburah called “Guide to Growth.” The name isn’t just catchy — it’s the mission. This Chaburah is about asking the questions that matter and using Torah to guide real-life personal growth: How do I grow? What does it mean to be all in for Hashem? How can I be confident even when I’ve messed up? Is it okay to serve Hashem when I’m not feeling it? What role do emotions like love and simcha play in Avodas Hashem? What if I struggle with Torah or Tefillah — how can I still grow? Through honest discussions, deep sugyas, and a lot of laughter along the way, Ezra’s Chaburah is building a powerful foundation in Torah and life.
Let’s meet the squad: Benny Dayan from YULA is the grill master of the Chaburah. He brings the heat both in the kitchen and in the Beis, with thoughtful ideas and a taste for good conversation. Akiva Nagel, also repping YULA and LA, has the unique talent of getting very into the discussion very quickly — and making everyone else want to do the same. The man shows up fired up and ready to learn, and somehow makes every Chaburah more fun and more real at the same time. Dovid Ratzersdorfer, coming in from TABC and Bergenfield, balances razor-sharp Torah insights with elite-level hockey skills. Whether he’s shooting questions in shiur or goals on the court, Dovid’s intensity and depth add a lot to the Chaburah’s vibe. Aaron Edell from Heichal HaTorah is a budding guitar legend, a solid baller, and a great guy to learn with. He brings great energy, great Torah, and is one of the most chilled-out serious learners you’ll meet this summer. Moshe Goldenberg, also from Heichal, is technically Aaron’s guitar rebbe, but he’s also the comic relief of the group — and somehow one of the deepest thinkers too. His jokes hit, his questions hit harder, and when he drops a vort, everyone listens.
Together, this crew from LA and Bergenfield, Heichal and YULA and TABC, has built something special — a Chaburah that’s deep, thoughtful, and actually a ton of fun. But more than that, they’ve built a space of trust, friendship, and real growth — where guys can ask big questions, explore Torah honestly, and support each other in becoming the best versions of themselves.
