The last two days on the NCSY Summer Kollel have both been extremely meaningful.  The two days had very opposite feelings and emotions associated with them, but both contained a similar message – one of unity and pride, be it in Kollel, in NCSY, or in the Jewish nation as a whole.

Tuesday, we closed out Tisha B’Av by hosting what has come to be known as the “Kumzitz of the World,” and aptly so.  What may have at one point simply been a Kollel kumzitz at the kotel has become an amazing experience that we proudly share with the entire world, whether in person or via our livestream.  Seeing the hundreds of Jews surrounding us, many if not most of whom have no affiliation with Kollel or any summer program at all, created intense feelings of connection and pride in being Jewish, aside from the endless inspiration that we felt from singing out hearts out in front of the Kotel as the sun set on Tisha B’Av.

Today was quite the turn around in terms of mood.  On the famous country-wide holiday of Yom NCSY, there was no better way to build up our Kollel pride before the celebrations than to play in five different intense intercamp games against our friends from Sulam.  All-Star teams in hockey, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and two different teams in basketball all competed, with the entire Kollel cheering them on (we came away with victories in hockey, soccer, and our first basketball game).

Finally, we found ourselves in Park Ranaana with the rest of the NCSY Summer family celebrating Yom NCSY.  We enjoyed a delicious meal with some of the other programs, followed by the night’s main event, a Mordechai Shapiro concert with all of the programs together.  Some amazing singing and dancing (don’t worry, there was a mechitza) was highlighted by on-stage appearances from Zach Berger (Mordy Shap’s doppleganger), Dean Glover, Azi Fine, and Matthew Wexler and an amazing solo from Dovid Pearlman.  Overall, everyone left the event with a feeling of unity amongst NCSY Programs and pride in being a part of the amazing things that NCSY Summer accomplishes.

We are looking forward to harnessing these amazing feelings into enthusiasm with which we can take advantage of the final stretch of the summer!

This is Tzvi Rotblat’s third summer on NCSY Kollel, and first as a Madrich. Tzvi lives in Teaneck, NJ, and he attended TABC and then Yeshivat Sha’alvim for two years. His Chaburah is made up of an awesome group of guys: Leibel Weiss from Monsey, NY (Heichal HaTorah); Eitan Pfeiffer from Teaneck, NJ (MTA); Yehuda Frankel from West Hempstead, NY (DRS); Joseph Greenberg from Lawrence, NY (DRS); and Ari Rosenberg from Monsey, NY (MTA). This stacked Chaburah has really come together and can always be seen and heard in the Beis Medrash learning and having a great time.

The Chaburah is learning different sugyas and topics from each week’s Parsha together, including mitoch shelo lishma ba lishma, tadir v’sheaino tadir tadir kodem, lifnei iver, and more. The Chaburah had the pleasure of hearing from Rabbi Benovitz, the Director of the NCSY Kollel, on the topic of importance of Rebbeim after they learned and discussed the topic of lo sasur, and they had a great time walking around Yerushalayim together and playing Chaburah Basketball. This Chaburah has had an amazing summer so far and is looking forward to learning a lot and hanging out together for the remaining time on the Kollel.

Moshe Spirn is from Lawrence, New York. He just finished his first year in Yeshiva University, after attending Yeshivat Shaalvim in Israel for two years and attending DRS for high school. He will be continuing at Yeshiva University next year, majoring in Psychology and learning in Rav Michael Rosensweig’s shiur. This is Moshe’s sixth consecutive summer on NCSY Kollel, having been on Kollel since he was a post 10^th grader. This is Moshe’s second summer as a Madrich. He is looking forward to using his experience on the program to ensure that his Chaburah has an amazing summer.

Moshe’s Chaburah is comprised of six members: Dovi Breuer from Hewlett, NY (Rambam); Ben Zion Kapustin from West Orange, NJ (JEC); Moshe Maltz from Woodmere, NY (DRS); Shlomo Schwartz from Lawrence, NY (DRS); Isaac Shapiro from White Plains, NY (TABC); and Yosef Teitelbaum from Teaneck, NJ (TABC); all of whom have shown tremendous growth and excitement for the learning so far.

In Moshe’s Chaburah, the learning is about many different aspects of Eretz Yisrael. This includes sugyas such as the mitzvah of yishuv Eretz Yisrael, mitzvos hateluyos ba’aretz, and the mitzvah of learning Hebrew, as well as contemporary issues such as whether Yeshiva students should serve in the army and whether we should trade captives for terrorists. The goal of learning about Eretz Yisrael is for the Chaburah to obtain the feeling which the Kuzari describes, “libi bamizrach v’anochi bisof ma’arav,” which means that even though they live in America, Eretz Yisrael is still on their minds.

The Chaburah has already developed into a warm, tight knit unit, has developed a strong sense of camaraderie, and is aiming to grow as a team through both physical and spiritual experiences this summer. It’s already looking unbelievable, and Moshe and his Chaburah know that this summer will only continue to get better over the last two weeks!

Hailing from Monsey ir hakodesh, Ezra Teichman is a returning Madrich on the NCSY Kollel. Ezra attended ASHAR, RYNJ, MTA, Yeshivat Sha’alvim, and YU. After 7 years as a camper in CDG, Ezra took his talents to the NCSY Summer Kollel. After 2 wonderful summers as a camper, Ezra took a year off before returning as a staff member. Ezra enjoys long walks on the beach as well as fine wine.

Ezra’s amazing post-11th grade Chaburah is an all-star lineup, consisting of six of the most incredible NCSYers around, four of them having returned for their second summer: Binyamin “Yummy” Ciment, from West Hempstead, NY (DRS); Moshe “Mensch” Strauss, from West Hempstead, NY (DRS); Zaq “Rocko” Finkleman, from West Hempstead, NY (DRS); Aryeh “Margo” Margolin, from Edison, NJ (MTA); Eitan “Chizkiyahu” Sklar, from Teaneck, NJ (MTA); and Ezra “E squared” Emerson, from Bergenfield, NJ (MTA). 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.

The Chaburah is getting along very well and is learning sugyas that relate to certain mitzvos, such as the mitzvah of chinuch, birchas hatorah, and the mitzvah to give mussar. The summer has thus far been excellent, and they hope that it will continue to only get better and better.

Yoni Kram is from Monsey, New York, and he is currently spending his fourth straight summer on staff at NCSY Kollel. After his restful basketball career on the bench at MTA, Yoni spent close to 3 years learning in Yeshivat Hakotel and just finished his first year at YU.

The Chaburah is nothing short of an All-Star team. With guys from all over the world, including Eliezer Rybak (Beit Shemesh, Israel), Avi Wolk (Bergenfield, NJ), Yitzy Lanner (Boca Raton, FL), Elli Spinowitz (Teaneck, NJ), Akiva Hain (Riverdale, NY), and Aharon Weiden (Atlanta, GA), the Chaburah is taking advantage of the variety of talents and personalities that make the group so special.

Yoni’s Chaburah is learning the fourth perek of Maseches Brachos and is using the sugyas there as a guide to gaining a deeper appreciation for Tefilah in Halacha and Hashkafa. Focusing on methodology and analysis, the Chaburah is starting to understand the inner workings of complex sugyas in an engaging and fun way. While they continue to grow together in the Beis, they are equally growing together on the courts, trips, and all aspects of the program. With their constant flow of jokes in the “Burah” WhatsApp group and their more chilled out conversations in Kram’s Korner of the Beis, it’s amazing to watch the forming of this special crew that will hopefully stick together for many years to come.

Before taking a mid-week break for Tisha B’Av and Yom NCSY, Kollel enjoyed an awesome day of sports today, with playoff spots and seeding majorly in play as the regular season winds down.

With only 3 regular season games left in hockey and just two in basketball, the playoffs were on the line today for many teams, with seeding on the line for many others.  That meant four periods of intense basketball, close hockey games, and the highlight of the day, a 5-overtime basketball game between two teams fighting for positioning.

That game included game-tying layups, 3 pointers, and foul shots in regulation and the first 4 overtimes, a sweet jumper from Yair Isaacs to take a 2-point lead with 8 seconds left in the 5th OT, and a layup that rolled out of the hoop at the buzzer, all with an excited crowd watching along.

With only two hockey games and one basketball game remaining for every team, we can practically feel the playoffs (or as we call it in this camp, the “Poleyeffs,” after our commissioner, Tzvika Poleyeff) upon us!

This update will likely be insufficient.

Certain events lend themselves well to description. Others cannot be properly captured in the abstract; they must be lived to be fully understood. This is particularly true in the realm of education.

We learn and grow from two distinct encounters. In the context of more formal education, we are introduced to information or data points. The knowledge, understanding, and insight that is offered helps us develop and makes us greater, not just better informed. Naturally, this is where schools tend to excel.

But a high percentage of what we know isn’t internalized through this kind of instruction. Rather, our learning is a result of our experiences. That which we observe and that with which we interact makes an indelible impression on us. As a specific example, we can look at Jewish education. Our connection with prayer and Shabbos is less a product of classroom study, and more a reflection of life experiences. At each of my childrens’ milestone lifecycle events, I try to make a point to thank the community around us. Not for their attendance or participation in the simcha, but for their invaluable role in educating our children. Our youth learn davening from our shuls and learn Shabbos from our tables. They learn from experience.

Summer programs and camps have long understood this. That’s why they attempt to provide experiences to all participants. These are hands on opportunities to do things and see things that we otherwise cannot.

And this truly lies at the heart of NCSY Kollel. Whether on trips, in Beis Medrash, or on the courts, we aim for a high level of activity and engagement that is appropriate and critical for an NCSYer’s summer. This was unquestionably the dominant theme of the week that was.

Not all of these experiences were jubilant or exhilarating. Some were more somber and thought-provoking. That was certainly the case for our unforgettable Shabbos in the Old City and the beginning of the week immediately thereafter.

The quality of instruction on our Shabbaton was world class high. We had walking tours from accomplished experts, a rousing talk from the incomparable Rav Gav Friedman of Aish HaTorah (and an alum of both NCSY Kollel and DRS), special presentations from our rabbeim and leaders, and wonderful chaburas led, as always, by our team of madrichim. But in order to find true impact from our time in Yerushalayim one needs to look a bit further. So many NCSYers spent serious time simply gazing out the windows of Yeshivat HaKotel and contemplating the significance of the spectacular view before them. Spending time at the Kotel, either in group prayer or silent individual meditation, was an opportunity for deep connection to our past and future. Classroom study of the laws of Jerusalem or the biblical descriptions of our ancestral homeland is critical. At the same time, no classroom or curriculum that I am familiar with can foster the same kind of emotion and understanding that sitting in the shadow of the Temple Mount inspires so naturally.

Of course, the surreal backdrop of current events in the Old City made this all the more powerful. Ours were not the only eyes focused on the Kotel. This was no ordinary Shabbos, and not even an “ordinary” prayer at the Western Wall. With full recognition of the conflict unfolding around us, we were proud to be part of the group of Jews reaffirming our commitment to the holiest of sites. We weren’t studying the news. In a very real way we were participating in the ever-unfolding narrative of Jewish history. These are experiences that last.

Unfortunately, in the least desirable of ways, our front row seat for headline news continued after Shabbos. We all were horrified by the news of the attack on the Salamon family in Halamish. We adjusted our Sunday schedule and postponed our 3 on 3 basketball tournament and festival to allow for a representative delegation of our older NCSYers to attend the funeral. The rest of our group spent the time hearing words of eulogy and perspective from Rav Yehuda Turetsky. Again, this kind of connection, even when emerging from tragedy, cannot be replicated in any other way. One has to be there to truly understand.

And this was the theme of our weekly tiyul day too. Due to the pre- 9 Av restrictions, the trip day was less active and more educational than is our norm. At the same time, even these more substantive outings used experiential techniques to convey the messages. Each of the four options allowed for a different kind of memorable encounter. And the culmination in Chevron when we came together to wrap up the day was another prime example of this approach.

We can start from that end. Joining together in prayer at the Cave of the Patriarchs is one of those opportunities that one can’t easily forget. Even most of those who have had the privilege of visiting before, did not share the experience with such a large and unique group. Who knows what the ultimate repercussions of that maariv will be? One thing is near certain: Many decades down the line there will be NCSYers from this summer who will reference this Tuesday night as an experience of a lifetime.

So too with the rest of the day. Walking the streets of Sderot provides a perspective that is simply unattainable through any other means. The tunnels of Jerusalem’s ancient neighborhoods allow for a perspective of the city that no media or virtual experience could ever provide. Our world renowned “Torah Tour of Jerusalem”, led by Rav Moshe Gordon, puts our NCSYers in direct contact with Torah leaders and institutions, and allows us to feel what genuine connection with them can be. And the full day in Gush Etzion gave a taste (pun intended) of the both the vibrancy of modern day Israel and the intense history of our return to the land.

These genuine encounters were not at all limited to our time off campus. On Tuesday night Rav Schachter ended his time with us for the summer. In what has become an annual tradition, we paid homage to him by dancing him out of the Beis Medrash. This was a small example of the kinds of interaction with our Rabbinic leadership that is almost commonplace on NCSY Kollel. Some teenagers in our community are fortunate enough to be familiar with our Roshei Yeshiva. Still fewer may even be aware of a teaching or two. But there are not many who can reference real interactions and discussions they have had with these individuals. Those on NCSY Kollel can do that and more.

Sometimes the most active and memorable of experience seem to be devoid of any educational context at all. Yet, even these moments play a significant role in our messaging. A great example of this was our incredible 3 on 3 touranment. This year’s edition had record number of participants and record percentage of participation. 104 (!) teams competed in two different brackets. Once again Yeshiva University served as title sponsor and provided the shirts that added to the pageantry and excitement of the games. Cotton candy, unlimited iced drinks, and the popcorn machine added to the festivities. There was a constant buzz of activity and excitement, not to mention great competition and thrills. The games created an unmatched sense of belonging, inclusion, and pride. And that was even for the losing squads!

Speaking of experiences of inclusion and brotherhood: We welcomed a seemingly non-stop stream of visitors this week, from individuals and community leaders to groups and other tours. At one point on Thursday we hosted NCSY’s Israel ID and BILT programs, along with one of Bnei Akiva’s Mach Hach buses. In addition to helping us improve on our sterling intercamp competition record, these visits helped convey the idea of the importance of our greater community and our unique role in servicing it.

Do these experiences really make a difference? Ultimately, only time will tell. But some early indications are encouraging. On Tuesday’s long and full trip day, we planned for an optional learning session upon our return to campus. While this seemed like a nice proposal when conceived in advance, it became much more suspect in real time. Sitting on the bus, in traffic , 10 PM at night after an exhausting trek, there was some strong sentiment to call it a day. But we figured there wasn’t much to lose, especially if we exerted no pressure. If a dozen people showed up to the Beis Medrash that would be better than nothing.

130 NCSYers later we had one of the summer’s true highlights. The energy was as awesome as it was unexpected. The cups of Ben and Jerry’s that punctuated the evening helped end on the sweetest of notes and represented the true delight felt by those so invested in our program and traditions. To sit with such a special group that night, broad smiles on the faces, was to experience the joy of learning and the essence of NCSY Kollel.

So we take these experiences and memories into our second and final free weekend of the summer. Those attending our Shabbaton in Yeshivat Har Etzion or our community Shabbaton in Neve Daniel will undoubtedly add to their list of memorable encounters. Either way, we will, please God, return to Beit Meir on Sunday primed for the stretch run, and poised for another week of experiences of fun and meaning.

Wishing you the greatest of Shabbos, from the hills of Jerusalem

Moshe Benovitz

 

Check out the recap of our jam-packed third and fourth weeks!!

This summer is Benni Tuchman’s 2^nd consecutive summer on NCSY Kollel. He grew up in Scarsdale, New York and attended Frisch for high school. After high school, he spent a year and half in Yeshivat Hakotel in the old city of Jerusalem. He currently studies in Yeshiva University.

The Chaburah has a stacked line-up of five all-star guys. Ami Mashiach from Chicago, Yisrael Lebowitz from Valley Stream, NJ, Tzvi Grushko also from Valley Stream, Aharon Heller from Hillside, NJ, and Aaron Azose, hailing from Far Rockaway.

The Chaburah has really grown into a tight knit group of guys who can learn shtark and at the same time have a lot of fun. They hope to push themselves this summer to expand their knowledge of Torah and grow in their middos tovos both on and off the court.

The Chaburah mainly focuses on shas sugyas, sprinkled with parsha and group discussions. They just finished the sugya of lifnei iver and plan to start mitzvah haba’ah ba’aveira soon. They often get into heated discussions about the sugya, and more often than they would like to admit, about who deserves the title of best basketball player of all time (Ami is naturally biased because he is from Chicago). They pride themselves on being able to be silly and fun during the Chaburah while simultaneously knowing when to lock in and really focus on understanding the sugya, and they are also hyped to have one of the most formidable Chaburah ball squads.

Another week has come and passed on the NCSY Summer Kollel, and yet again, we have not disappointed with our ability to finish off the week on a high note.

The morning included more than half of the morning shiurim going on trips to various amazing and inspiring locations, including Aish HaTorah and Mitzpe Yericho.  The rest of the shiurim were out in full force in the Beis Medrash and classrooms, to nobody’s surprise.  This carried over into a strong Chaburah hour throughout the Beis and classrooms around the campus.

The afternoon saw a spike in the intensity of league games, with the standings on full display and the regular season winding down.  Playoff spots are no doubt on the line, and the high energy in today’s games showed that.  Meanwhile many NCSYers experienced an amazing Mini-Tiyul to Har Hertzel with David Sperber and AZ Thau, our Mini-Tiyul Extraordinaire’s.

Night Seder felt as strong as ever, knowing that the end of the week meant having to finish with a bang.  This carried over into an outstanding optional Mishmar, which included shiurim, siyum’s, and chavrusa learning late into the night, capped off with some free cholent for those who participated.

The guys certainly gave it there all today and are looking forward to enjoying a much-needed rest during this week’s free Shabbos!