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Chaburah Spotlight: Yoni Zelkowitz

After seeing Yoni’s Chabura and its greatness pictured below, it’s certain that all of you are eager to get to know Yoni’s Chabura. So, without further ado, one of the most riveting and thrilling chaburas in the world: Yoni Zelkowitz’s Chabura!

Yoni, otherwise coined as “Zelk,” had the privilege of attending TABC for four marvelous years, where he studied under the tutelage of five different TABC principals. Following the “system,” Yoni attended Yeshivat Shaalvim, otherwise known as Yammer’s, for two unbelievable and transformative years. Yoni will be taking his talents to YU next year, where he plans on learning under many gedolei hador. This is Yoni’s second year on NCSY Kollel, and yes, that’s right – with a Y as a first name and a Z as a last name, Yoni is almost guaranteed to be last in attendance! But enough talking about the coach, as we all know it’s the players on the court that win the game. (Cue Chicago Bulls intro song.)

Yoni’s Chabura is filled with diverse, funny, and energetic guys, which creates the perfect recipe for a chabura environment. Starting at point guard, we have Yisrael Epstein from Cherry Hill! Yisrael, who attends Mesivta HS, is a versatile guy with many talents—from haircuts to harmonies—Yisrael is a perfect team player and excels at getting others involved in the chabura. Starting at shooting guard, we have Gavi Samuels from Great Neck! While Gavi, who currently attends MTA, is a natural-born point guard, he gladly switches his role for the good of the team. Gavi’s confidence and ability to come up with a clutch svara in pivotal moments make him the perfect shooting guard for the chabura.

Lined up at the small forward position is Aitan Goldberg from Teaneck (assuming you hold that south of Cedar is part of Teaneck proper). Like a true small forward, Aitan—who attends MTA—scores big with his countless stories related to the topic at hand. Next up at the power forward position, we have Eitan Zohar from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! You most definitely don’t want to mess with Zohar in the paint, as he will quietly put all questions that have arisen against a Rishon to rest. Rounding out the lineup, we have Baruch Goldenberg from Bergenfield, NJ. Baruch, one of MTA’s finest, besides grinding out Makos time and time again, is always quick to compliment and hammer out a svara started by one of his teammates in the chabura, making him the perfect finisher at the rim.

Yoni’s chabura this summer is learning the different halachos pertaining to the clothing we wear on an everyday basis, in an attempt to give meaning to the things we wear. It’s the simple things we often overlook, and Yoni’s chabura is honing in on those daily activities to give meaning to those simple actions. Specifically, Yoni’s chabura is focusing on questions such as what can be used as a yarmulke, the arguments against techeiles, and the different kinds of hairstyles one can have! Yoni’s chabura is having an unbelievably geshmak summer and can’t wait for the rest of what’s in store!

 

   

Chaburah Spotlight: Shlomo Zauderer

Shlomo Zauderer is currently enjoying his third summer on NCSY Kollel. Growing up in Bergenfield, he attended Heichal HaTorah for high school and then spent two years at Yeshivat Sha’alvim.

Shlomo’s chabura includes some of the best guys around: Aiden Adi from Fair Lawn (TABC), Kovi Bashist from Clifton (Heichal HaTorah), Akiva Hanauer from Bergenfield (Heichal HaTorah), Doni Novak from Bergenfield (Heichal HaTorah), and Yakir Mayefsky from Fair Lawn (Heichal HaTorah).

This summer, Shlomo’s chabura will be focusing on mitzvos that Chazal say are equal to all the other mitzvos in the Torah and how they impact core facets of our lives. Topics range from learning Torah to keeping Shabbos to living in Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing their critical importance in how we live our lives. The chabura has a heavy emphasis on chazarah, the importance of reviewing and retaining the information learned. Each day, they summarize the chabura in three organized points which the boys type up.

This awesome chabura is having a summer of growth and relationship building, which they hope to strengthen throughout the rest of the summer and beyond.

Chaburah Spotlight: Rami Gertler

Rami Gertler went to TABC, attended Sha’alvim for 2 years, just finished his first year at YU, and IY”H will be returning to YU for the upcoming year. This is his 3rd year on Kollel, one as an NCSYer and two as a Madrich.

Rami is having an unbelievable time learning and hanging out with a great group of guys. First, the dynamic trio from Boston: Daniel Zilber, a skilled ball player with an inspirational davening; Ozzie Vidan, a guy who brings a special intensity to learning; and Eyal Levin, an absolute tennis stud with super smarts. But don’t forget about the SAR power duo: Mason Ostrow, known for being one of the nicest guys around, and Jacob Bandler, a dap-up machine with a great sense of humor.

This year in chaburas, they aim to cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from essential lessons in Pirkei Avos aimed at growing in their Middos, to in-depth Torah concepts throughout Shas with the goal of building up their learning and analytical thinking skills. They also cover some relevant mini-halacha topics that are pertinent on a day-to-day basis.

They have been having an awesome summer, and it’s only going to continue to get better!

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Chaburah Spotlight: Reuvi Kupchik

Reuvi Kupchik is back for his third summer on Kollel, and his first summer as a Madrich! Reuvi has bounced around over his career, starting in West Hempstead where he attended DRS. He then took his talents to the Midwest to the Skokie Yeshiva in Chicago, and finally returned to his roots as he recently moved back to the 5 Towns. Reuvi spent two and a half years in Nof Ayalon at Yeshivat Sha’alvim and is currently representing Landers, having just finished his first semester there.

Reuvi’s chabura is comprised of a group of diverse and dynamic post-11th graders representing various communities throughout the US. First off, we have our sole representative from the Tri-State area, Yoel Gellman from Bergenfield, who goes to TABC and consistently adds quiet but impactful comments to the chabura. Then, heading south, we have Michael Mitchell from Katz Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton, Florida, whose passion for growth in learning is tangible throughout the chabura. Next, we have Jojo Ardestani, with his sharp and intellectual questions keeping his madrich on his toes, representing Cooper Yeshiva in Memphis. Moving to the Midwest, Ezra Smith from Cleveland, attending Fuchs Mizrachi, always has a joke or story up his sleeve to make the chevra laugh. Finally, we have Chaim Goldman from Philly, attending Kohelet, whose smile and sharp answers always uplift the chevra.

This summer, Reuvi and his chabura are learning “famous” and life-changing pieces of Torah ranging from Halacha to Hashkafa. So far, they’ve covered massive ideas like finding simcha in learning, connecting to our mesorah, and “נעשה ונשמע” (which is 24/7!). They hope to continue covering topics like how tefillah works and the importance of Eretz Yisrael in our everyday lives.

The learning so far has been unbelievable, as it has been both lively and productive (along with some good hock, of course). They hope to continue having a summer full of much more growth!

   

Chaburah Spotlight: Caleb Breda

Caleb Breda is currently enjoying his second summer on NCSY Kollel. After an incredible high school career at Yeshivat Frisch, he spent two invaluable years at Yeshivat Mevaseret, and is God-willing starting Yeshiva University this coming year! This is Caleb’s first year as a Madrich.

Caleb’s Chabura includes some of the best guys around! While it is an even split between Frisch and Fuchs Mizrachi, it could not be a better combination, B”H! Each guy adds something special and essential to the Chabura – and they have fostered a real GOC!

Leading off is Netanel Rudolph from University Heights, Ohio (Fuchs Mizrachi)! Netanel always has a clever line and/or interesting point up his sleeve – and boy does he make the Chabura think! Batting second: Ari Rosenfeld from Stamford, Connecticut (Frisch)! Although Ari tries to stay under the radar, his occasional insights light up the sugyas and open new doors to the conversation. A silent sniper, Ari is always on his toes and ready to go! In the #3 hole in the lineup is Kasriel Levine from University Heights, Ohio (Fuchs Mizrachi)! The resident Chabadnik in the Chabura, “Kas” is reliable for bringing jokes and simcha every day. His personality and simchas hachaim uplift the chevra everywhere he goes, and kal vachomer the Chabura! At cleanup… the Big Man… Jakey Gecovich from Beachwood, Ohio (Fuchs Mizrachi)! Jakey’s incredible attention to detail keeps everyone in check, and his questions, whether humorous or insightful, add a ton to the Chabura! His presence and care are appreciated and couldn’t be filled by anyone else! Fifth in the lineup is Elie Sasson from Manhattan, NY (Frisch)! Although he may be the youngest in the Chabura, Elie makes up for it with his fun and unique personality. He makes sure to bring the Sfaradi-party aspect each day, and we are happy to have him along! Batting last, but definitely not least, is Mordechai Schwarz from Teaneck, NJ (Frisch)! As the in-towner of the Chabura, Mordechai naturally leads the hock each afternoon. His ability to make connections and recall past sources and events is remarkable, a real aspiration for the rest of the guys!

This summer, Caleb’s Chabura is focusing on sefarim and topics in all aspects of Talmud Torah and Judaism. This includes sugyas in Tanach, Gemara, iyun, halacha, hashkafa, mussar, machshava, and more! The goal of the Chabura is to gain a love for learning all Torah, with an emphasis on finding one’s more specific chelek in Torah! But above all, the Chabura is a growth-oriented chevra focused on helping each other grow to be their best selves, for others, for Hashem, and for themselves!

The summer has been great so far, and God-willing it should only get better from here! Excited :)

Chaburah Spotlight: Sam Ashendorf

Sam Ashendorf is currently living it up on NCSY Kollel. As a presence on campus, Sam comes from a high school career at TABC, followed by two unbelievable years at Shraga. Next year, he is heading to YU and is excited to continue his path of learning and growth there. This is Sam’s first summer as a madrich and on Kollel as a whole.

Sam’s chabura is a great group of guys! Ethan Wasserstrom from Hollywood, Florida (KYHS) may have started off the summer on the IR with a tough virus, but he has made a strong comeback since! Ethan brings chill vibes to the chabura, and he is a great addition to every conversation. Ariel Pollock, also from Hollywood, Florida (KYHS), has brought the energy from the start! His excitement and enthusiasm add life to the chabura, keeping everyone awake and on their toes! Noah Silverberg from Teaneck, NJ (MTA) is the all-around athlete of the group. The tall man of the chabura, he keeps everyone in check and makes sure to keep things interesting! Solly Treuhaft from Bergenfield, NJ (MTA) is most definitely the insightful player in the game. His confidence and bold opinions are never to be missed, and the chabura would not be the same without him! Ikey Markovich from Hollywood, Florida (KYHS) represents the “baller” of the group. Constantly busy with a million different things in order to maximize his time on the program, his ability to take advantage and get involved is an inspiration to the other guys!

This summer, the “Burah Gang” is taking time to talk about real life. Each day they discuss a different middah to work on and how it affects relationships with others, with Hashem, and with themselves. With great stories and mashalim, they try to finish each day with practical tips to grow and get better every single day. With so much already accomplished, Sam and his chabura are looking forward to continuing an amazing summer of growth and learning!

    

Chaburah Spotlight: Ezra Schechter

This summer, Ezra Schechter has returned to NCSY Kollel with boundless enthusiasm, now as a madrich after excelling as an NCSYer and junior madrich. Hailing from Bergenfield, Ezra has attended RYNJ and MTA (during the Rabbi Kahn era) and has been learning in Nof Ayalon at Yeshivat Sha’alvim, where he developed a deep passion for Torah and leadership. Next year, Ezra plans to return to Sha’alvim—um, wait checks notes sorry—the Heights while attending YU. Ezra is privileged to lead a remarkable chabura of high schoolers from around the world who came to NCSY Kollel to learn, grow, and have an awesome time.

Shimmy David from Teaneck, repping TABC, kicks us off with his unwavering dedication to learning and approachable nature. Joining him is Jonathan Kaplan, also from TABC in Teaneck, whose lively presence and inclusive nature create a welcoming vibe in every session. From the same TABC and Teaneck crew comes Daniel Kurz, who brings humor and joy to everything and sparks lively debates with his hot takes. Then there’s Ezra Schachter, who moved from Teaneck to Efrat (yes, Ezra Schachter is in Ezra Schechter’s chabura—Hashem works in funny ways), known for his witty remarks and ability to keep our discussions engaging. Last but not least, Ezra Stein from Atlanta rounds out our group. With a knack for making astute points and knowing just how to inject fun into our learning sessions, EStein is an invaluable addition. Lastly, we have Ezra Stein from— you guessed it—Atlanta! Ezra Stein joins Ezra Schechter as not only having the same first name but also as being the only guys in the chabura who did not go to Yeshivat Noam for elementary school. EStein is a wonderful, much-needed member of the chabura who makes smart, thoughtful points during learning but also knows when and how to have a good time. The chabura has meshed super well together, despite being from different places, and has created the perfect environment to learn and grow together.

This chabura is focusing on iyun sugyas on questions in different areas of avodas Hashem that come up on an everyday basis, with the goal of infusing deeper meaning into them and helping us add depth to our relationship with HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Ever wondered how we can be commanded to have an emotion of loving Hashem? Or if there is a Jewish value in having fun? What about what we do if we have a bad memory or are not good at learning Torah? And if tefillah is an obligation or an opportunity? Plus, if a shliach puts on tefillin for us? These are just a few examples of important topics the chabura is learning about. The chabura is not just searching for answers; they’re committed to deepening their connection with Hashem. With intense discussions and serious Talmud Torah, this chabura is really growing in remarkable ways.

Led by Ezra Schechter, EStein, Shaq, Shimmy, Kurz, and JonKap are all part of this team, each bringing unique contributions that have earned them the reputation of being the powerhouse chabura of the summer—a chabura so strong, they’re reminiscent of the legendary 2016 73-9 Warriors (but this chabura actually finishes in the postseason).     

Chaburah Spotlight: Ezra Landa

Ezra Landa grew up in Bergenfield, New Jersey, and had the great privilege of attending Yeshiva University’s High School for Boys, also known as MTA. He is currently between his second and third years at Yeshivat Sha’alvim, where he has had a wonderful experience thus far. Ezra has been remarkably fortunate to spend three summers here on NCSY Kollel, with each year getting better and better.

This summer, he is lucky to have a tremendous group in his chabura, which he sincerely appreciates learning and hanging out with. First off, we have Aaron Korrori hailing from Roslyn Heights, New York, who attends DRS. Next, we have Alex Perl coming from the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois, and attending Fasman Yeshiva High School. In addition, we have Dovid Sweet, also from Chicago, who goes to the Yeshiva. We also have the privilege of learning with Ezra Cohen (not a kohen), who is from Chicago and attends Fasman. Last but certainly not least, Max Herman from Oceanside, New York, attends DRS.

The chabura is learning a variety of beautiful sugyas with a focus on the fundamentals of religious life, aiming to grow together as bnei Torah and enjoy their limmud haTorah.

It has been an unbelievable summer thus far, with so much more to look forward to!

   

Chaburah Spotlight: Moshe Loew

Residing in Beit Shemesh, Moshe Loew has returned to NCSY Kollel for his fifth summer (two as an NCSYer, and three as a madrich). After attending MTA for high school, Moshe went to KBY, where he has just finished his fourth year. Next year, he will be teaching at Yeshivat Ohr Moshe, learning at Lev, and attending Azrieli online.

Moshe’s chabura is already famous for the dynamic personalities of all five guys who are learning the first perek of Makkos together. Dovid Feldhamer and Shlomo Berkowitz (DRS) deepen the chabura’s understanding of the sugyas with insightful comments and questions. Ami Forman and Shabsi Stein (Heichal) join the DRS duo, adding a seriousness to the learning and a sense of humor to the chill, which really makes this chabura stand out. Last, but certainly not least, is Etiel Knoll (TABC), who, with his trademark smile and energy, brings out the passion of the entire chabura in everything they do.

This unique chabura focuses on developing analytical skills when reading Gemara and deepening their conceptual understanding of the different shitahs of Rishonim. They are already surpassing all expectations as they continue diving deeper into the sugyas of “Keitzad Haeidim,” which discuss Eidim Zomemim. Additionally, this chabura pays special attention to “opening their eyes” to the wonders of Hashem, His Torah, and Eretz Yisroel, learning life lessons from Makkos, the tiyulim, spikeball, and more.

As the summer continues to fly by, these five guys, with the help of their madrich, hope to open their eyes a little wider and pay closer attention to the unbelievable world and the sweet and wondrous Torah contained inside each and every one of them.

                                         

Chaburah Spotlight: Yehuda Wiener

Yehuda Wiener, from Teaneck (and technically now Israel), is in his second summer on NCSY Kollel and his first as a Madrich. He attended TABC for high school and went to learn at Sha’alvim for yeshiva, where he looks forward to continuing for a third year. Yehuda’s Chaburas focus on different topics in Avodas Hashem, aiming to generate discussions of everyday situations and hearing everyone’s thoughts on the ideas presented within the Sugyas. Yehuda is very fortunate to have a Chabura that is “stacked” with awesome guys who know how to learn, ball, chill, and have a great time.

Yoni Bodoff (Teaneck, TABC) carries the chabura with his outstanding answers on all topics, though he’ll only speak if he’s really, really needed to give others a chance. Gavriel Saks (Bergenfield, TABC) is always ready to throw in a one-liner or back up Yoni in a machlokes with the Boca guys, helping to keep the chabura on track. Moshe Moskowitz (Boca, TTB [Tiferes Torah of Boca]) is a consistent presence, always engaged in the chabura, and can be counted on to answer questions, give opinions, or share perspectives. Aharon Hochman (Boca, TTB) is a strong force day in and day out in the chabura, with his ability to settle down others, provide strong takes on different topics, and remember the ideas discussed in the chabura. Eytan Greenfield (Boca, TTB) is a leader in engaging each person in the chabura, sharing different insights, and always keeping things interesting. Finally, Akiva Ravin (YGW, Silverspring) is a huge piece to round out the chabura, bringing everyone together in the dynamic and adding extra spirit in and out of chaburas.

All this incredible camaraderie has already created an amazing dynamic for an amazing summer, with even more great things to come!