Dani Scheinman is returning to NCSY Kollel for his sixth summer in the last seven years.  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 a Madrich.  He is hoping to finally break his streak of losing to his younger brother in hockey, as he currently holds an 0-7-1 record in that matchup.

Dani’s amazing post-11^th grade Chaburah is an all-star lineup, consisting of five of the most incredible NCSYers around, three of them having returned for their second summer, and one of them returning for his third! This amazing group is comprised of third-year-vet Ari Aaron of Chicago, IL (Skokie Yeshiva), second-year-returnees Shlomo Hirschey of Elizabeth, NJ (Kushner), Shlomo Landsman of Chicago, IL (Skokie Yeshiva), Benny Persin of Passaic, NJ (Heichal HaTorah), and first-year member Aaron Keller of Los Angeles, CA (YULA).  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, Dani and his Chaburah are 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 that 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.  As the only Chaburah to have won two Chaburah challenges in the beginning of the summer, including setting a world record in basketball bowling, the Chaburah is aiming to finish first in the upcoming Chaburah Wars this summer.

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!

Yisrael Feld, director of Camp Morasha’s Sulam program, visited NCSY Kollel today along with Sulam.  Yisrael hung out by the courts and cheered on Sulam as they faced off against Kollel in basketball and hockey games.

Kollel Madrich Ben Zion Feld (left) and his brother, Sulam director, Yisrael (right) watching Kollel and Sulam square off on the basketball courts.

“There is no place on earth where you can get both learning and ball playing like NCSY Kollel.  Top learners, top ball players… Simply the Best.Summer.Ever” — Yisrael Feld

Aryeh Kaminetsky leads an amazing group of masmidim this summer, who are all ready to learn, grow and have fun. Although, this is Aryeh’s first summer as a Madrich, he is no stranger to Kollel. He has been a member of the program for the last four years and spent several summers as a child by dint of his father’s position on the staff. Aryeh uses his experiences as a camper and junior staffer to create the ideal atmosphere for creative and productive development.

Helping Aryeh is his star-studded cast of campers. First off is Yonah Benscher from Ramat Bet Shemesh. Yonah attends Mitzpeh Yericho High School and brings with him the best that Israel has to offer. Yonah’s thoughtful questions are some of the greatest stimulants of group discussion and are appreciated by all. Next up is Noam Josse from MTA. Noam can be described simply as someone with a burning desire to grow. Anyone who talks with him realizes this is a future Ben Torah and Yarei Shamamim.  His appreciation for the finer points of conceptual analysis invigorates the rest of the group. Then is Elazar Mermelstien. As the only NCSY Kollel newcomer in the group, one may have thought Elazar would be less noticeable. However, he has succeeded in making a big impact since his arrival. With his strong Gemara background, Elazar excels at grasping difficult concepts and is always one of the first to question anything he hears. Then there is Mordechai Shienson, the unofficial Chaburah “captain”. Mordechai hails from JEC and is a dynamic presence within the Chaburah. He is a natural leader and really sets the tone for how the Chaburah flows. Up next is Asher Stein. Asher is from Detroit and attends Akiva Hebrew Day School. Asher brings the warmth one would expect from someone from Central East America, and is a main provider of the Chaburah’s energy. He is willing, and certainly eager. Great things are expected of him this summer. Rounding out the group is Yossi Zimmerman from Fasman Yeshiva High School in Skokie, Illinios. Yossi is quiet and hardworking, the kind of guy who you see early in the morning and late at night learning. His earnestness and sincerity are tremendous assets and he is a natural role-model just by how he acts.

Things are looking good for this group of NCSYers and they all are looking forward to another fantastic summer on NCSY Kollel. They should do spectacularly well as they move further in to the world of Comparative Analysis of Variable Methods within Talmudic Exegesis and Relevant Ancillary Sources (CAVMTERAS).

As the regular season winds down to a close, Kollel took another break from the normal sports leagues yesterday for a combination of All-Star Games and the continuation of the 3-On-3 Tournament.

The sports period began with a round of All-Star games pitting various groups of NCSYers against staff members and each other.  The Madrichim All-Star Team took down the first of two Post-11th Grade All-Star teams, and the Sports Staff edged out the first team of Post-10th Graders.  A second team of Post-10th Graders and Post-11th Graders also squared off, with the Post-11th Graders coming out on top.  The title of the day’s most exciting All-Star game, however, must once again be awarded to hockey – in a rematch of the NCSYers win over the Staff, with the Staff’s dignity on the line, the NCSYers once again triumphed, this time by a score of 2-1.

The rest of the sports period saw the continuation of the 3-On-3 Tournament, including the crowning of champions in the Intermediate bracket: Isaac Shulman, Shalom Ezekiel, and Yitzy Tanner.  The Advanced bracket was whittled down to two remaining teams, who will face off later this week for the title: Caleb Milobsky, Zack Goldberg, and Jesse Steinmetz vs Efraim Tiger, Gabe Isaacs, and David Rabinovich.  The Tournament was a huge success, and we thank YU and Rabbi Frolich for their support in making it happen.

Today, we followed everything up with another strong day of learning, highlighted by a lunchtime siyum from CIT Shmuel Aidelson on Maseches Taanis.  Sports were equally as exciting, with key playoff positioning on the line as league teams played their second to last games of the regular season.

All the while, the feeling of the 9 days is tangible and evident in the atmosphere of Kollel.  We look forward to an amazing and educational trip day tomorrow that will iy”h inspire and really set the mood for the remainder of the 9 days.

Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin, NCSY’s Director of Education, visited the Kollel for a few days.  During his visit, he presented a staff training to the staff about how to improve connections with Talmidim, he met with administrators, staff members, and NCSYers, and fought valiantly in the YU-sponsored 3-on-3 Tournament alongside other NCSY personalities.

R’ Bashevkin leading Staff Training on the significance of connections to Rebbeim.

“On November 19 1863, Edward Everett, in what was supposed to be the keynote speech, addressed a gathering at the Gettysburg battleground. Of course, history immortalized the words of his successor, Abraham Lincoln, his opening words nonetheless bare repeating as I struggle to find words to commemorate my visit to the hallowed Torah grounds of NCSY Kollel. Mr. Everett began as follows:

Standing beneath this serene sky, overlooking these broad fields now reposing from the labors of the waning year, the mighty Alleghenies dimly towering before us, the graves of our brethren beneath our feet, it is with hesitation that I raise my poor voice to break the eloquent silence of God and Nature.

The circumstances are of course different. Our battlefield, while just a real, is spiritual. And Everett’s description of the silence of God and Nature, in our environs, is the deafening roar of Torah study. But my voice here is all the more poor and all the more hesitant. Perhaps the only appropriate response then, as it was in Gettysburg, is a solemn silence recognizing that no quote will adequately describe my feelings. It is here, unlike Everett, that the silence remains intact.” — R’ Dovid Bashevkin

Rabbi Ari Rockoff, director of leadership development of NCSY, visits Kollel and discusses ways to improve the year-round NCSY programming with the Madrichim.

R’ Ari Rockoff (right) meets with Madrich Jeremy Teichman (left) in the Kolel Beit Medrash.

“Kollel is the Disney World of Jewish education that continues to shape & inspire the future leaders of our community. You have to see it to believe it! I highly recommend to any educator, parent, or friend of a Kollel teen to come visit and share the experience with them.” — Rabbi Ari Rockoff

This summer is Yoni Schwartz’s 3rd summer on Kollel, after coming as a camper as well as junior staff last summer. He hails from Teaneck, NJ, having studied at TABC, Yeshivat Hakotel for almost 2 years, and currently at Yeshiva University. But what really defines the Chaburah are the stellar Bachurim in Yoni’s group, all of whom have come to Kollel from many areas of the USA.

While this summer may be Yoni Schwartz’s first summer giving Chaburahs on NCSY Kollel, don’t let that fool you; this is in no way a beginner’s Chaburah. For starters, the Chaburah consists of post-11th graders, 5 out of the 6 members returning for their second summer in Beit Meir. Furthermore the Chevra pushes one another in the group to learn on a high level, leaving Yoni the task of having to keep up.

The All-Star Chevra consists of Shaya Forman, of Teaneck, NJ (MTA), Nathan Peyman, of Roslyn, NY (DRS), Noah Shafron, of Dallas, TX (TTI), Boaz Sobol, of Hollywood, FL (Weinbaum), Efraim Wiener, of Memphis, TN(Cooper) and, last but not least, Adam Zahler, of West Hempstead, NY (DRS). Each member is crucial to the group as they each bring their own talents to the table.

This summer Yoni and his Chaburah are learning about different topics in Hashkafa and Mussar. Up to date, they have learned about the significance of learning what you enjoy, how it’s possible that one Torah can have opposite opinions, and the roots of the Mesorah. The discussions on each sugya are phenomenal and the ‘bura boys know how to mix valuable insights with fun playful comments. The summer is still young and the group is growing both in learning and comradeship. Together Yoni and his Chaburah are looking forward to many more great learning opportunities and looking forward to many more chills, growing closer together as a Chaburah.

Another outstanding week is in the books at the NCSY Summer Kollel.  We head into our second and final free weekend with plenty to reflect on and much to which we can look forward.

Two dominant themes carried through these past few days.  First, this was our swing week, when we passed the halfway point of the summer.  Getting to this milestone means that we are well into the rhythm and flow of the summer and building momentum towards maximizing every remaining opportunity.  It is always a significant week on the program.  It naturally creates an environment of introspection and appreciation, and most often motivates even more growth and accomplishment.  In some ways it is hard to believe that so much of the summer has already passed.  But there is also no question that there is renewed vigor and focus around the NCSY Kollel as we gear up for the stretch run.

The second theme was more fragmented, and revealed itself through a series of events that may have seemed unrelated, at least on the surface.  Two weeks ago in this space we spoke of the “broadcasting” of NCSY Kollel that has been taking place for years.  In this way, we attempt to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah (2:3) when “…Torah emerges from Zion…”

This emergence takes multiple forms.  And this week gave rise to many of them.  The common denominator is a Torah and religious lifestyle that is never confined or sequestered, but broad and generous in its application.

Take last Shabbos as an example.  In our last correspondence we reported from the picturesque hills of Tzefat, in the middle of our three day Tiyul to the north.  We already took note then of the beauty and significance of these trips and how they enhance all aspects of the NCSYers summer experience.  But it is safe to say that even with the outstanding two days of fun and excitement last Thursday and Friday, the Tzefat tiyul saved the very best for last.  Shabbos was simply extraordinary.  The backdrop of natural beauty and spiritual inclinations provided a perfect catalyst to an unforgettable weekend.  The ruach on Friday night was worthy of the Tzefat history and precedents.  The overall energy and tone was uplifting from start to finish.  But it is worthwhile to speculate on whether such Shabbos would be possible without the movement and change of venue that preceded it.  We would suggest that certain pinnacles of inspiration are only achieved when we break out of routine and regular environs.  We are ever aware of the danger of providing experiences that are limited to the six weeks we share together.  Part of the way we insure lasting impact is by branching out from our campus and standard schedule and utilizing tiyulim and changes to venue for maximum effect.  This was a major factor in what made Shabbos in Tzefat so special.

Perhaps the most obvious and prominent example of NCSY Kollel’s outward movement was our fantastic two day interaction with NCSY’s Anne Samson TJJ Ambassadors Program.  This has become an annual highlight of our summer, and this year lived up to or surpassed every high expectation.  There are few sights of the NCSY Kollel season more beautiful and unique than the full Beis Medrash and campus when we host the boys from the TJJ group.  This is no quick visit or photo op.  We integrate the TJJ NCSYers into every aspect of the program and they receive an immersive NCSY Kollel experience.  Yes, it does happen that TJJers make the transition from TJJ to NCSY Kollel, either immediately after the end of their program or in a following summer.  Our great learning models make a wonderful impression, and the mini tiyul, swimming and sports always bring out the best in our guests.  But there is no question that the biggest “selling point” of NCSY Kollel is the NCSYers themselves, your sons.  And this influence is very much a mutually beneficial proposition.  The NCSY Kollel participants are forced to consider how they represent and what their learning and commitments mean to the greater community and Jewish world.  This is especially true for the NCSYers who volunteer for direct interaction with the TJJ groups, whether in learning, biking, or ball.  But it is also relevant to the entire NCSY Kollel.

This year’s coming together had one high after another.  Rav Sobolofsky’s welcoming shiur (to an audience of well over 300) set a perfect tone, and was overwhelmingly poignant.   The biking Mini Tiyul was challenging and an excellent venue for balanced and level peer to peer connections.  All of the learning modules (shiur, chabura and chavrusa) provided the chance to unite over Torah.  On day 2 there was a joint Tzizis making session with expert explanation from Rabbi Gordon and Yona Hiller.  The annual TJJ-NCSY Kollel basketball game was unusually spirited and tightly contested.  From the energetic TJJ pre game introductions to the final whistle, there was bonding and good natured competition.  The relative closeness of the game was no poor reflection on the outstanding quality of the NCSY Kollel all-stars.  It was a strong effort that resulted in a win, but it was truly victories all around.

The NCSY Kollel mantra of “learn hard, play hard” found a voice in the way that we moved directly from the court about 50 yards to the evening’s main attraction, the TJJ-Kollel siyum.  Rav Twersky keynoted the festivities, and then Yonatan Kurz from Kollel and Ari Rosenthal from TJJ took center stage together.  Yonatan made a siyum on Mishnayos Nezikin, part of his long term mishna yomi  daily learning commitment.  Ari was making his first siyum, also from daily learning this summer, on Pirkei Avos.  They made a great duo, and shared their accomplishments with the entirety of both groups.  And so the theme continued.

Our annual Chessed trips are another integral part of our program’s schedule.  This is true not because of the break the chessed activities provide from our regular events, but because of the essential educational value the trips offer.    This year’s chessed outings were integrated with our shiur trips, which was both efficient and symbolic.  Again, the torah studied on NCSY Kollel is designed to be meaningful for life beyond the summer, and for the community outside of our four walls.  Trips to assisted living facilities, cooking and packing for impoverished families, and neighborhood clean up projects of the Israel landscape are all consistent with our most focused educational messages.  This “outward” learning gives rise to the most altruistic spirit in the NCSYers, and the expectation is that the impact goes beyond the families who received support on Wednesday.  In addition, the shiur trip aspect is another way in which we break down the traditional borders of the classroom.  To be sure, NCSYers interact with their Rabbeim regularly during sports and on trips, and even spent time in their homes on our first Saturday night together.  But these trips provide reinforcement to the notion that the relationships can go beyond the formal learning.

The week ended on an exceptional high with the excitement of the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament and Festival.    There may be no more fun and energetic afternoon than this tournament, which is sponsored by Yeshiva University, and boasts close to 95% participation in a variety of leagues and levels.  But beyond the entertainment value of the tournament, there was yet again a sense of something beyond the norm.  Each threesome is adorned in a colorful jersey, and the cumulative effect is a dazzling array of bright colors and the hint of the diversity that makes up NCSY Kollel.  The tournament is defined by a sense of pageantry and unity, and even at the midpoint of the summer it provides an excellent opportunity for new introductions and friendships.

So we moved “over” the mid summer hump and “out” from our own boxes.  We now head into our second and final free weekend with the hope of a restful and meaningful Shabbos ahead of another great week together.

As always, we welcome and encourage any and all feedback.  Please be in touch with us if we can enhance the experience in any way.

Wishing you a great Shabbos,

Moshe Benovitz

Thursday proved to be on of the highlights of the summer as Kollel enjoyed our annual 3-on-3 Tournament and Festival!

One of the most anticipated activities of the summer, the annual 3-on-3 Tournament began with an unprecedented 90+ teams taking to the courts!  Intense, exciting, and fast-paced games took place on all eight courts throughout the entire afternoon, as the number of teams remaining continued to dwindle down as the rounds progressed.  Team shirts of all different colors – provided by the 3-on-3 Tournament’s generous sponsor, Yeshiva University – scattered the courts as teams faced off against one another in this adrenaline-pumping version of 3-on-3 basketball.  While games raged on, on the sidelines NCSYers taking a break (or unfortunately, no longer in the tournament!) enjoyed slushes, popcorn, cotton candy, and an exciting competitive bracket challenge to predict who would win it all.  With so many games having been played by so many teams, only a portion of the Tournament was completed, and it will resume beginning next Sunday.

Following an amazing day of ball, the Beis Medrash was as loud as any other night.  Being Thursday night, NCSYers remained learning late into the night for our weekly Mishmar program, leading all the way to 11:30pm when Yona Benscher would make a Siyum.  The entire Kollel joined in the Siyum and dancing, and enjoyed some shawarma for Mishmar.

After an incredible week punctuated by an awesome day of fun, Kollel is looking forward to its second (and final) out Shabbos of the Summer tomorrow!

Sam Gelman is returning for his 4th summer in a row on NCSY Kollel. This summer is Sam’s first as a Madrich, and he feels extremely blessed to have been given this incredible opportunity. As a Madrich on NCSY Kollel, one has the opportunity to develop real relationships with excited and motivated high school students, and Sam intends to take full advantage of the opportunity.  Sam has the distinct honor of being the only player in Kollel history to score the Championship game-winning, overtime goal in consecutive hockey seasons (’13, ’14).

Sam’s Chaburah consists of six amazing ncsyers: Akiva Splaver from Hollywood (FL), Eitan Mehlman from Flushing (NY), Binyamin Ciment from West Hempstead (NY), Zach Finkleman from West Hempstead (NY), Ephraim Kroopnick from Bergenfield (NJ), and last but not least, Mordechai Glatter from Teaneck (NJ).  After only a few weeks on the kollel, it is clear that the NCSYers in Sam’s Chaburah are very special young men who are kind, sensitive, respectful, and inspired to grow in many areas of life.

So far, the chaburah has enjoyed learning and hanging out together, and with each passing day are becoming closer as a group. This summer, Sam’s chaburah is learning from the teachings of Rabbi David Aaron, about the inner self, and why it is that we are all infinitely greater than we think we are. The members of the Chaburah are engaged and are asking great questions, and with Hashem’s help they will continue to be inspired and bring much nachas to hashem and their parents!