Ariel Strick is a legendary figure hailing from Chicago and a proud alumnus of Fasman Yeshiva High School. After attending Yeshivat Sha’alvim for two years, he completed his first year at Yeshiva University. This is Ariel’s third summer on NCSY Kollel and his second as a madrich.

Some chaburahs are good, others are great, but Strick’s chaburah is something the world has never seen. For your starting lineup… (play ’90s Bulls starting lineup music on your phone for dramatic effect!) At point guard, Avi “Ben Yehuda” Ambinder from Baltimore, Maryland, out of T.A. High School. At shooting guard, Charlie “Haircut” Turner from Baltimore, Maryland, out of T.A. High School. At small forward, Elyon “BMX” Guttenburg from Miami Beach, Florida, out of Mesivta of South Florida. At power forward, Kfir “The Foodie” Kelemer from Baltimore, Maryland, out of T.A. High School. And at center, Yitzy “Jimi Hendrix” Wiener from Baltimore, Maryland, out of Yeshivat Mikor Hachaim.

This all-time chaburah has been delving into some of the most fascinating topics Judaism has to offer, including Techiyas Hameisim, Gilgulim, Mashiach, dinosaurs, the creation of the world, and much more! The summer has been incredible thus far, and each day brings new adventures for this extraordinary group of guys.

Benzion Rotblat is currently enjoying his third summer on NCSY Kollel. He attended TABC and Sha’alvim and will be learning at YU this upcoming year. This is Benzion’s second year as a madrich.

Benzion’s chaburah is made up of what are likely the top five guys on Kollel. Elisha Grinfeld (TABC), Ashi Chanales (Heichal), Hillel Jachter (Heichal), and Dov Zomberg (Heichal) share a Bergen County connection with Benzion, while Shua Aharon and Eitan Coronel make up the 5 Towns contingent of the chaburah.

This summer, Benzion’s Chaburah is focusing on sugyos that relate to our connection to Eretz Yisrael. They are learning about a variety of topics from many different parts of Shas with the goal of deepening their bond to the land while they are here. The aim is to carry this connection to Eretz Yisrael with them even beyond the summer.

The summer has been great so far, and the Chaburah is excited to finish strong!

Joseph Mann has been having an amazing summer on NCSY Kollel as a madrich. This is his first summer on the program. Joseph lives in Teaneck, NJ, and attended Yeshivat Noam for elementary school and TABC for high school. He spent the last two impactful years at Yeshivat Mevaseret Tzion and will be starting at Ner Yisroel this fall.

Joseph’s chaburah consists of some of the most amazing guys to ever join the program! Not only are they super talented and unique, but they also come from all over the U.S. First up is sharpshooter Akiva Wogan, hailing from Memphis, TN, who attends Missouri Torah Institute. Also from MTI is the incredible guitarist and stellar Cholent chef from Clifton, NJ, Avraham Rosenblum. Moving down south, we have Noam Oppenheimer from Boca Raton, FL. Noam is always ready to go, with a motivation that can’t be beat, whether on the court or in the beis. Shifting to the Midwest, the chaburah is completed with two representatives from Chicago. First is Srulie Lebedinsky who not only is a force on the court, but he’s equally dominant in the Beis, always asking amazing questions. Last but certainly not least, the chaburah has the zechus of being home to Naftali (aka NOF) Vilenski, who’s always ready to bring 100% energy to the chaburah and have a great time.

The limud of the chaburah this summer is focused around Matan Torah. They’ve delved into topics such as what makes Matan Torah so integral to being a Yid, and explored some of the Aseres Hadibros like Kibud Av V’eim, Shabbos, and Lo Tachmod. The Chaburah also discussed subjects like Netilas Yadayim, Tefilah, borrowing without permission, and much, much more! The summer has been amazing so far, and it’s only going to get more Gishmak!

Ovadya Yaish couldn’t have asked for a better start to his third summer on NCSY Kollel, and his second as a madrich. Hailing from Bergenfield, NJ, Ovadya has been a part of the vibrant Jewish community there for almost his entire life. He’s a proud alum of Heichal HaTorah, spent three years in Israel learning at Yeshiva Netiv Aryeh, and is currently deepening his Torah study at the Yeshiva of Greater Washington.

This summer, Ovadya’s chabura has quickly become a tight-knit group. Although they come from different parts of New York, there’s a unique chemistry that has been brewing from day one. Leading the charge is Sammy Shafir from Brooklyn, NY, who attends MAY and brings a solid sense of humor and energy to every session. Alongside him is Aaron Weinstein from Woodmere, NY, also a MAY talmid, who offers thoughtful insights and keeps the discussions lively. Tani Wind, another Woodmere native from MAY, brings a calm and steady presence that balances the group. Akiva Simchon from Brooklyn, NY, who attends MTA, keeps everyone on their toes with his engaging questions and perspectives. Last, but definitely not least, Azi Steiner from Monsey, NY, a Yeshivat Frisch talmid, adds a sharp mind and quick wit to the mix.

This summer, Ovadya’s chabura is diving into the profound idea that, as Jews, we are royalty. Each session explores this concept, examining how it impacts their understanding of self-worth, responsibility, and the way they live their lives as young Jewish men.

The chabura has gotten off to an incredible start, and with such a dynamic group, it’s sure to only get better from here!

Tzvi Abrams, from Chicago, IL, attended Fasman Yeshiva High School before traveling to Nof Ayalon to learn for two years at Yeshivat Sha’alvim. This past year, Tzvi took his talents to Washington Heights, where he completed his first year learning in Rav Koenigsberg’s shiur at Yeshiva University. This summer marks Tzvi’s third appearance on NCSY Kollel.

The Chaburah, known as “Blueberry Icebox” on their WhatsApp group chat, is composed of five NCSY’ers with Chicago backgrounds. First up is Akiva Isenberg (Fasman Yeshiva), the King of Basketball Team 32. Next is the MopBall 2024 All-Star Game MVP, Naftali Neikrug (Fasman Yeshiva). Then, there’s David Kluk (Fasman Yeshiva), otherwise known as Mr. Shoko B’Sakit, followed by Ami Gavant (Ida Crown), the only person from Ida Crown who knows how to play Torah Bowl with the Yeshiva guys. Finally, there’s Shlomo Ross (Ahavat Yisrael), who made Aliyah from Chicago and now resides in Ramat Beit Shemesh. Shlomo adds a sense of seriousness and is always striving to understand the Chaburah. With the majority of the group hailing from the greater Chicago area, the chaburah shares a special bond and camaraderie.

This summer, the Chaburah has delved into various Sugyas of Shabbos. Their learning has encompassed topics such as Bigdei Shabbos, Hadlakas Neros, playing ball on Shabbos, and reading newspapers on Shabbos. Each Sugya has been explored in depth, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the gift that is Shabbos. As the summer progresses, the Chaburah has grown significantly, both in their Torah learning and in their camaraderie. Each member of the “Blueberry Icebox” Chaburah has developed a deeper appreciation for the holiness of Shabbos. They look forward to the rest of the summer, eager to learn more and grow together!

Yaakov Weinstock is having an amazing time in his first year on Kollel as a madrich. Originally from Hollywood, Florida, he attended MTA for high school and spent two years in Sha’alvim. Yaakov feels privileged to continue learning and growing in Israel with such a great chabura. Each guy in the chabura contributes something special and unique, making every day together meaningful and fun. Yaakov is eager to continue his learning for a third year in Sha’alvim, following a great summer with this special group of guys.

The Chabura is anchored by the “MTA 3.” Natan Rosman from North Woodmere is an essential part of the chabura, always bringing his insightful comments and positive vibes. Nissim Greenberg from New City, NY, keeps everyone on their toes with his thoughtful questions and always pushes the chabura to think more deeply. Last but definitely not least, there is Azriel Avraham from Edison, New Jersey. Azriel consistently puts a smile on everyone’s face with his captivating stories and always has something exciting to add to the conversation.

The Chabura also includes the “DRS Duo” of Chaim Wilamowsky from Lawrence, New York, and Daniel Muskat from Oceanside, New York. Chaim is known for his incredible mopball skills as he continues to hit dingers—some might even call him the Babe Ruth of mopball. Daniel Muskat brings such positive energy wherever he goes, especially in the chabura. Whether it’s in his learning or making a barbecue, Daniel always gives it his all.

This year, the Chabura is focused on topics related to Eretz Yisrael and Geula. They are working to understand the times they are living in and to appreciate what it means to wait eagerly for Mashiach and Geula. The group discusses ideas about what each person can do to bring the Geula closer. Some of the topics they cover include nevuah, kedushas ha’aretz and Yerushalayim, and Techiyas HaMeisim.

The summer has been great so far, and there is so much more to look forward to!

Tal Levy is having an amazing time in his second summer on Kollel, his first as a madrich. Tal, from Montreal, attended Hebrew Academy for high school, followed by two incredible years at Yeshivat Hakotel. Tal will be starting his first year at YU this upcoming fall.

Tal’s chabura is made up of an outstanding group of guys, each bringing something special and unique to the chabura. Starting off with a fellow Montrealer attending Hebrew Academy, it’s Gabriel Arzouan. Gabriel is always cracking jokes and priding himself on his Moroccan culture. Next up, also from Montreal and attending Hebrew Academy, it’s Dov Robret. Dov, the barber of the chabura, is eager to learn and provides an amazing learning atmosphere. Moving to Toronto, we have Joseph Samson from Yeshivat Or Chaim. Joseph is always ready to dive into complex discussions and has an amazing enthusiasm for growing in his Avodas Hashem. Also from Toronto and attending Yeshivat Or Chaim is Sydney Feintuch. Sydney brings his infectious enthusiasm and energy every single day, no matter what. And rounding us off, hailing from Houston, it’s Rafi Miller. An incredible basketball player leading the Beren Academy squad, Rafi is just as impressive inside the beis medrash with his motivation and love for learning.

This summer, the chabura is focused on finding a deeper understanding and meaning of the mitzvot that we do (tzitzis, tefillin, tzedaka…) to be able to connect to mitzvos on a greater level, to grow our relationship with Hashem, and ultimately to become the greatest ovdei Hashem that we can be.

The chabura has been having an amazing and impactful summer, and they can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store for them!

Eli Knapp is spending his third summer on NCSY Kollel, his first as a madrich, and he is having the time of his life! He lives in Bergenfield, NJ, and attended the heilige Heights High School of MTA. After high school, he learned for two amazing years at Yeshivat Sha’alvim. When the summer comes to an end, Eli plans to head back to Sha’alvim with many friends for a third year of learning.

No one knows what Eli did to deserve such a chashuv chaburah. Not only did Eli get dealt six of the very few tzadikim who decided to attend NCSY Kollel for their post-11th grade summer, but these six tzadikim are also mainly out-of-towners, which means they are automatically among the nicest people Eli has ever met.

To start us off, we have Eli Kroll. Eli lives in Yonkers, NY, goes to SAR, and always brings great insight to the chaburah. Next up is our new Toronto native, Nathan Greenbaum! Nathan goes to school at Or Chaim, only has nice things to say to his fellow friends, and brings amazing energy to our squad. Next, we have Gedalia Flinkenstein, our world-renowned traveler! Gedalia has recently moved from Minnesota to Boca Raton and attends the Cooper Yeshiva in Memphis, TN (but everyone knows, with his chill personality, he is still a Minnesota guy at heart). Following him is Raffi Goldkin! Raffi lives in Memphis, TN, goes to Cooper Yeshiva, and is always laser-focused whenever Torah is being shared. Next is Ranon Milgram from Newton, MA. Ranon attends Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael, never has a frown on his face, and is quick to make a sharp comment. Last but definitely not least is Ezra Avis from Philadelphia, PA. Ezra attends The Mesivta High School, and always has a great joke for the chevra (but don’t think that the humor takes away from his great ability to focus on his learning).

During chaburahs, we discuss halachic sugyas geared towards high school guys on NCSY Kollel. The chaburah has already discussed whether there is a need to wear tzitzis when playing sports and the importance of wearing a kippah on our heads—both mitzvos rooted in showing our Jewish pride.

David Markovitz is enjoying his second summer as an NCSY Kollel Madrich. David attended Frisch, Sha’alvim, and is coming off his first year at Yeshiva University.

David’s chaburah is uplifted by a diverse group of bachurim who help form the culture of the Beis Medrash. Ronen Ben-Aharon (Hollywood, FL/Katz Yeshiva High School) is known for his consistency in learning Mishnayos. Charlie Breda (Teaneck, NJ/Yeshivat Frisch) leads with his contagious smile and enthusiasm. Naftali Hochstein (Bergenfield, NJ/TABC), aka “The 3 on 3 King,” is renowned for his dominating 3-on-3 performance. Tzviel Kahan (Newton, MA/Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael) brings the energy in the Beis Medrash to a new level with the positivity he imbues into every moment. Nathan Neufeld (Bergenfield, NJ/Yeshivat Frisch) makes sure to always ask the necessary questions to understand every aspect of the sugya. Elisha Weisstuch (Boca Raton, FL/Katz Yeshiva High School) builds connections with everyone he meets.

Throughout the summer, this amazing group of guys has spent many hours learning together. In each chaburah, they break down the sugya all the way from the Torah’s Mekor to the contemporary Psak given on the matter. Each chaburah is rooted in broad Shas sugyas and relates to practical sports questions. They discussed the broader idea of Shmiras HaLashon when learning about trash talking in sports. Their topic of moving down seats during a sports game was rooted in the concept of Zeh Neheneh and Zeh Lo Chasser. By learning these ideas in the context of sports, each person was able to grasp the Shas concept while applying it to a current halachic situation.

This chaburah has already learned and grown so much and can’t wait to continue throughout the rest of the summer and beyond!

Netanel Eckman’s first-time experience on NCSY Kollel is off to a fantastic start this summer. Netanel, from the small, “off the map” town of Teaneck, enjoyed a delightful four-year stretch of ball, schmoozing, learning, and some more ball in the halls of TABC. After those four extremely quick years, Netanel’s next two years flew by as well while learning in Eretz Yisroel at Mevaseret. The next couple of years for Netanel will be spent learning at Yeshiva University, while taking some classes in the Sy Syms School of Business.

“Eck’s Chabu Chevra” has an extremely diverse range of kids, three coming from Philadelphia attending the Mesivta, and two coming from the holy city of Los Angeles while attending YULA. Starting with the LA chevra, we have Judah Hirschel and David Goel. Since these two come from YULA, they are always the first to arrive at chabura and push every day to maximize their learning time. Coming from the other side of the land, we have Shaked Ben David, Yeshaya Badush, and Yehuda Barnett. These three are the life of the party, ensuring that no chabura session goes by without getting the chevra into a joyful mood. Although the three musketeers aren’t related, they look very similar to one another and share extremely similar characteristics.

At the end of the day, the three animated Philly gavras meshed with the two LA bachurim, combined with their in-town madrich, make for one astounding, awe-inspiring chabura of fine young men striving to grow into wholehearted עובדי ה׳ and בני תורה.