Nothing is more exciting than playoff basketball on NCSY Kollel!  What an incredible second round!  While many thought the games could not get any better than they had been in the opening round, they did just that.

While the Kazmanian Devils (1) defeated the Buahs 2.0 (9) soundly, and Gilligan’s Island (2) was victorious over Fear the Beards (10) without too much difficulty, the other two games were last second thrillers.

As the clock wound down in the game between Siyata Dishmaya (11) and the Hirschey Bars (3), Siyata Dishmaya found themselves in a hole once again.  And down 3, with mere seconds remaining on the clock, they would dig themselves out of the hole the same way they had just the day before.  For the second day in a row, as time expired, Yair Isaacs drained a far 3-pointer to tie the game and send it to OT!!  The score remained tied and the teams headed to double OT.  With the Hirschey Bars taking a 1-point lead with 5 seconds to go, Siyata Dishmaya would get one last look, but could not make the shot this time.  This outcome would be different, and the Hirschey Bars hung on to win a close one.

In the final, most exciting game of the day, the Bruh Crew (5) seemed to be putting away Buchs by Dr. Dre (13) with ease.  Leading by 11 with less than 3 minutes to go, the game appeared to be practically over.  But the “Buchs” had other plans.  As they continued to chip away at the lead, Buchs by Dr. Dre found themselves with the ball, down a single point, with only 1 second remaining in the game.  As they inbounded the and set a pick for the shooter, Eitan Drazin heaved the ball towards the net and drained the 3-pointer at the buzzer to upset the Bruh Crew!!!  It was an incredible scene which you can watch unfold yourself right here: Eitan Drazin Buzzer Beater.

It was truly an amazing day of wild games on the courts!  Can’t wait to see what the semis bring!

What an incredible shot!!! Eitan Drazin sinks the 3-pointer at the buzzer to lead Buchs by Dr. Dre to the upset over Rabbi Benovitz and the Bruh Crew in round 2 of the 2015 playoffs!!

Dani Scheinman is returning to NCSY Kollel for his fifth summer, his first summer as a Madrich on the program.  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 now a Madrich.  He is hoping to finally break his streak of losing to his younger brother in hockey, as he currently holds an 0-4 record in that matchup.

Dani’s amazing post-11^th grade Chaburah is an all-star lineup, consisting of six of the most incredible NCSYers around, five of them having returned for their second summer: Binyamin Glanz, from Beit Shemesh, Israel (Yeshivat Ahavat Yisrael), Eli Greer, from Chicago, IL (Skokie Yeshiva), Avi Hoffman, from Staten Island, NY (JEC), Yoni Rosenbaum, from Staten Island, NY (JEC), Rookie Rosenberg, from Chicago, IL (Skokie Yeshiva), and Eitan Sharbat, from Queens, NY (DRS).  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, the “Rise and Schein-mans” Chaburah is 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 the 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.  Finishing in third place in Kollel-wide Panopoly and second place in Chaburah “Lineup” (thanks to Rookie’s lights-out shooting), the Chaburah is aiming to finish first in the Chaburah Scavenger hunt.  The Chaburah even has a little tournament of their own: every day, before Chaburahs, the guys face off in an intense game of “Heads Up,” competing in pairs against one another in this unique charades-type game.  While Eitan and Rookie have certainly developed a team chemistry in the “Act It Out” category over the summer, Binyamin, Avi, Eli, and Yoni have certainly been a challenge, with their immense knowledge of the “Sports Celebrities” category.

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!

Playoffs?!?  Playoffs?!?!?  That’s right, the basketball “Poleyeffs” (named for our commissioner, Tzvika Poleyeff) are finally here, and round 1 was more exciting than you could have ever imagined!  Beit Meir might as well be renamed “Upset City,” as every first round matchup, except for a single one, ended in upset fashion!  The Bruh Crew (5) was the lone victor amongst the upper seeds in round 1, as they defeated the Commish’s Crew (12).  Buahs 2.0 (9) defeated Giving Brachos (8) soundly, winning by 11 points.  Buchs by Dr. Dre (13) defeated the Stark Fish (4), and Fear the Beards (10) beat Proud to Be an Ivry (7).  But the most incredible, nail-biting game was between the Bad News Berenstein Bears (6) and Siyata Dishmaya (11).  Trailing by 3 with only seconds remaining, Yair Isaacs drained a 3-Pointer at the buzzer for Siyata Dishmaya to tie the game and send it to OT.  After the first OT ended in another tie, with 7 seconds to go in double OT, the game was tied once again, when Yair stole the ball, took it to the hoop for an easy layup, and was fouled on the play as well.  He would hit the foul shot to put Siyata Dishmaya up by 3 with 5 seconds to go.  But the game was far from over; Efraim Tepler managed to drive the ball down the court for the “Bears,” and nailed a 3-Pointer at the buzzer to tie the game yet again, sending it to triple OT!!!  Ultimately, Mordy Ackerman would seal the upset victory for Siyata Dishmaya, icing the game with two clutch free throws with seconds remaining.  It was one of the greatest games of the summer, and the valiant effort by both teams was appreciated by the large crowd that had gathered to watch the madness unfold.

The NIT (consolation) bracket began their tournament as well, with an exciting finish occurring in one of the games as well.  In the game between the Nicknames (21) and the White Katz (22), down by 2 with 15 seconds remaining, the Nicknames held the ball to ensure the final shot.  While they managed to put up a layup with 3 seconds left, the ball bounced high of the back rim.  While many thought the game was over, the rebound was tipped out to Dovi Kopolovich at the 3 point line.  As time expired and the proverbial buzzer sounded, Dovi drained the 3 to give the Nicknames the victory!

It was truly an incredible first round of playoff games, and with the hockey playoffs beginning tomorrow, we can only hope for more excitement on the courts of Beit Meir!

Another amazing day in the books on NCSY Kollel, as the summer rapidly winds down!

This morning, the Beit Medrash was bustling once again as the Kol Torah of Shiur and morning Seder filled the room.  Chaburahs were lively, intense, and awesome, just as any other day.  The afternoon also included to great mini-Tiyulim: one to the gym in Yeshivat Reishit, for some pickup basketball (for those players who did not necessarily make the playoffs), and on to Har Herzel, highlighting the aspect of Kollel that focuses on the significance of our homeland and understanding the importance of a love for Israel.  While this Tiyul was certainly one of the highlights of the day, the other highlights would prove to be the opening round of the basketball league playoffs and our amazing Leil Iyun.

With the regular season having concluded last week, the basketball playoffs began this afternoon, and they proved to be thrilling and intense, yet played with exceptional Midos.  As Rabbi Benovitz explained, the intensity level of the playoffs brought out the high level of Midos in a way; every knock-down had a fellow hand to lift him back up; every victory ending with a handshake and a “good game;” every hard-fought basket was met with a “great play.”  It was incredible to watch, and epitomized everything that the Kollel stands for outside of the Beit Medrash.  Check out our sports update for more details regarding the first round!

Kollel was treated to a special Leil Iyun in place of the usual night Seder.  Instead of the usual learning with Madrichim and other Chavrusas, NCSYers rotated between a variety of phenomenal Shiurim by the countless amazing Rabbeim that we are privileged to interact with on the program.  Shiurim given included the following amazing Shiurim: Rav Yehuda Turetsky, “Rabbinic Authority: Who and Why?”; Rav Zvi Sobolofsky, “Partners with Hashem: Our Parents in Halacha and Machshava.”; Rav Netanel Lebowitz, “Dancing to the Beat: How Music Moves Us.”; Rav Yisrael Kaminetsky, “Attraction and Motivation – Relationships Between Guys and Girls.”; Rav Mayer Twersky, “Culture Wars: How the Greater Society Affects Us for Better or Worse.”; Rav Moshe Benovitz, “Don’t Tell Me What To Do – Why Can’t We Just Be Free?”; Head Madrich Andrew Israeli, “Under the Influence: Friends and Their Impact On Our Decisions.”; and Jonah Steinmetz, “The Greatest Role Models: How to Attach and Connect to Torah Giants.”  It was truly an inspiring, enlightening evening that introduced the NCSYers to many critical discussions that they may not have previously focused on.

It was another spectacular day (and night) on Kollel, and while few days may be remaining to the summer, they are sure to be packed with more excitement!

ET Lustiger, from Teaneck, NJ, is currently spending his third summer on NCSY Kollel, his second as a Madrich, and is immensely enjoying every second of it.

When told they would be learning the topic of conversion this summer, ET’s Chaburah responded with enthusiasm and excitement about the unique opportunity to plumb this seldom traversed topic for 16 year olds. With an all star group that includes Micha Richman of Setauket, NY, Elie Levine of Great Neck, NY, Sammy Bruh of Woodmere, NY, Heezkeyahoo Burstyn of Long Beach, NY, and Shlomo Landsman of Skokie Illinois, when 1:45 rolls around the eclectic group unifies to have fun and learn.  

Although Prima Facie the information appears inconsequential and insignificant to the practical lives of an NCSYer, ET’s chaburah immediately recognized the significance of every topic of Torah. The discussions are filled with depth and curiosity and each member of the Chaburah adds a unique addition to the overall dynamic. As the summer comes to a close it is almost a guarantee that every member of ET’s chaburah (including their Madrich) gained a deeper appreciation for Torah and our nation. L’chaim! 

After Kollel’s second, and final, free weekend of the summer, NCSYers and Madrichim returned to Beit Meir rejuvenated to begin the final push of the summer towards an amazing last week.

This morning began with many incredible Shiur trips.  Each Shiur went with their respective Rebbe on a different trip, each with their own unique destination and experience.  Trips ranged from thrilling activities such as capture the flag in the mountains of Beit Meir, to the more relaxing activities like basketball, swimming, and lunch.  Other Shiurim enjoyed bowling, kickball, and a variety of great lunch options.  These trips provided an opportunity for every Shiur to get to know their Rabbeim better in an informal setting, as well as develop stronger relationships with the other NCSYers in their Shiurim outside of a classroom.  Fun was had by all, and the trips returned to Kollel in time for Mincha and ball.

Throughout the afternoon, the 3-on-3 tournament continued on the courts.  As the teams played on, the bracket continued to shrink, leaving only four teams in the large bracket, and two final teams in the intermediate bracket.  With the remaining games set to be played on Championship Friday, we congratulate the remaining teams on getting this far and hope that all enjoyed the amazing tournament.

While many teams had already been eliminated from contention, there was no shortage of options for them.  With the usual amazing mini-Tiyul taking place, Kollel had an extra Tiyul as well to the amazing softball field at Gezer.

Between the great trips and awesome sports tournaments, it was another great day in Beit Meir, leaving all excited for a great schedule of learning, as well as league playoffs, on tap for tomorrow.

What a way to end what was certainly one of the Best.Weeks.Ever!!!

On Wednesday morning, following Halacha Shiur in the morning, Chaburahs met in place of morning Shiur.  After a brief Chaburah, each NCSYer would be spending a significant portion of the day together with their Madrichim.  Together, all of the Chaburahs headed to Jerusalem for an amazing scavenger hunt within the Machane Yehuda/Ben Yehuda areas.  Put together by Shlomo Stark, the scavenger hunt tested Chaburahs’ creativity, knowledge, and social skills through an number of hilarious, educational, and difficult challenges.  Challenges ranged from a wide variety of categories, including some such as: finding a random person named David and taking a Chaburah selfie with him; giving an educational tour outside the house of Rav Aryeh Levin/Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook; asking a random person for walking directions from Jerusalem to Bnei Brak; and finding and taking a picture with a man with the longest beard your Chaburah could find.  The competition was a tremendous amount of fun, and the NCSYers and Madrichim enjoyed the “hunting” together immensely.

Following the scavenger hunt, each Chaburah enjoyed a Chaburah trip, during which NCSYers and their respective Madrichim could spend the afternoon however they pleased.  Each Chaburah spent the afternoon in their own unique way, whether it be enjoying lunch and relaxing at Cafe Rimon, having a Madden: NFL tournament at GameZone, or having a frisbee game in the park and going for ice cream.  The day spent with their Chaburahs outside of the Beit Medrash setting was a great experience for NCSYers, and strengthened the bonds that will IY’H last a lifetime.

After returning to Beit Meir for a condensed night Seder, Kollel headed out again for an amazing night activity at iJump!  At iJump, a massive trampoline-filled complex, with basketball hoops, foam pits, and dodge balls, Kollel bounced the night away.  While many NCSYers flipped into the foam, others partook in a Slam-Dunk competition (won by Aaron Heideman, with his amazing through-the-legs slam), and many just enjoyed jumping to the music.  Kollel returned to Beit Meir, wiped from all the amazing energy expended at iJump, and the incredible day they enjoyed.

Thursday was 3-on-3 day on NCSY Kollel!  Prior to the festivities, Kollel welcomed Sulam to the Beit Medrash and the courts.  After a joint Shiur with Rav Doni Marcus in the morning, Kollel faced off against Sulam on the hockey and basketball courts.  While Sulam ended taking both of the nail-biting basketball games, the hockey game had a drastically different outcome.  Tied after the three regulation periods, Kollel and Sulam pushed through overtime after overtime, yet the score remained deadlocked.  Finally, during the fifth(!) overtime period, Eitan Drazin faked out the goalie to bury the winning goal in the back of the net, for a Kollel 3-2 victory.  The epic game will certainly go down as one of the most amazing games in Kollel history!

One of the most anticipated activities of the summer, the annual 3-on-3 Tournament began after the inter-camp games with Sulam.  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.  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.

Heading back to the Beit Medrash, NCSYers continued learning into our weekly late Thursday night Mishamar, despite all the tiring, incredible activities experienced over the last few days.  It was amazing to see just how many NCSYers chose to end their amazing week with a strong night of learning Torah.

With the second free weekend already upon us, Kollel can’t wait to return refreshed for the final week of the Best.Summer.Ever!

What an amazing day to start off what is sure to be an amazing half-week on Kollel!

Following a regular morning, consisting of Shiur, Seder, and Chaburahs, a new twist was added into the sports schedule.  After the first period of leagues, the annual “Chaburah Lineup Tournament” and “Madrichim vs. NCSYers Dodgeball” games were held on the basketball courts.  The lineup tournament was exhilarating, basketballs flying back and forth as each member of the Chaburahs swapped in and out of the line.  In the end, it was the CITs that won, as Eli Goldberg knocked out Rookie Rosenberg in the final round.  In an intense game of dodgeball, just as the number of players remaining in the game began dwindling on both sides, the NCSYers scored the “money basket,” allowing all of the NCSYers back into the game.  This pivotal turning point in the game ended up being the determining factor, as the NCSYers ultimately eliminated all of the Madrichim and won the game.  It was an incredibly fun afternoon, but unbeknownst to the NCSYers, would not even be the most exciting activity of the day.

After Maariv, when the NCSYers believed they were beginning a special night Seder program, filled with a variety of speakers and Shiurim, they were informed that instead they would be partaking in an amazing surprise concert by the band “Simply Tzfat!”  Kollel danced for hours as Simply Tzfat rocked the house, and an amazing time was had by all.

But this day of fun was only the beginning; with exciting activities planned for the rest of the week, including an amazing scavenger hunt, great trips, and the annual 3 on 3 tournament, NCSYers can’t wait for an amazing end to the week!