Ben Tyler is a madrich on NCSY Kollel for his first time in Beit Meir this summer. Ben is from Teaneck, NJ, and is a graduate of Yeshivat Frisch High School. He spent a year and a half learning in Reishit Yerushalayim and then returned to the US and finished his first semester at Yeshiva University Sy Syms School of Business, where he will be returning this fall.

The all-star lineup in Ben’s Chabura include four remarkable and inspiring young men from four different parts of the world: Zusya Brodskiy from San Francisco (The Shalem School), Jack Brooks from New Rochelle (SAR), Ezra Glanz from Ramat Beit Shemesh (Ahavat Yisroel) and last, but definitely not least, Michael Winston from Roslyn (Roslyn High School). Having guys from different parts of the world might have presented an initial challenge to the Chaburah because of the different backgrounds, but the dynamic group has been exceptional and each brings a unique perspective to the group, and they have not missed one Chabura yet!

What really inspires Ben’s Chabura to show up motivated every day is the extent to which they each individually are invested in being there and participating fully in the Chaburah. The guys feel that there is no better place to be than their shady park bench where they meet every day to learn together. Ben takes his Chabura through a variety of different daily topics such as understanding the significance of wearing a kippah and tzitzis, the importance of each bracha, and the philosophical and practical approach to combating the Yetzer Hara. They delve deeply into the root and reasons for the obligations and Ben then teaches them the halacha lemaysa as well as ways to implement those mitzvot properly in their day-to-day lives. At the end of the Chabura, Ben encourages them to reiterate what they learned that day as a way to facilitate chazara of the lesson. Every Shabbos Chabura Ben also teaches an idea in the Parsha that they can apply to their lives, such as the concept in Devarim of using the mussar given as a way to find Hashem around in our lives 24/7. Throughout the summer, Ben and his guys have shown tremendous growth individually and as a group that has grown closer each day.

The Chaburah is super excited to take advantage of the last week in camp and more importantly, continuing the learning and kesher they have built into the future.

Isaac Forgash is on his fourth fourt incredible summer on Kollel. After attending TABC for high school, he spent 2 amazing years in Mevaseret, and am currently entering his second year of YU.

His chaburah has the best group of guys possible. Benjy Kloc (Woodmere) and Daniel Maltz (Woodmere) both hail from the DRS Greenhouse, while Doniel Baron (Riverdale) and Koby Wolk (Bergenfield) patrol the lion’s den of MTA. Although there’s a geographical and school difference, we get along tremendously well as a chaburah.

Throughout the summer they have been learning about the “why’s” of Judaism, including why we do what we do in relation to mitzvos like Tzedaka and Kiddush Hashem, and being able to do those things better with a deeper understanding, that brings Yiddishkeit to life on a practical and meaningful level. The chaburah is an open group where we have great discussions about these themes to try and really uncover the depths of the topics to better ourselves as ovdei Hashem, and these discussions keep the chaburah fun and exciting.

They have had an amazing summer thus far as a chaburah gearing up for the final week of Kollel, and are just getting started on the relationships forged here that will hopefully last for a lifetime!

Eli Schloss is currently enjoying his third year on NCSY Kollel. Eli attended TABC for high school, spent two years in Yeshivat Sha’alvim, and just finished his first year at YU, where he plans on continuing in the fall.

Eli’s Chabura includes some of the best guys around, including Ezra Davidovics from Memphis, Tennessee (Margolin Hebrew Academy), Yehuda Kahn from Memphis, Tennessee (Margolin Hebrew Academy), Asher Liss from Cherry Hill, New Jersey (Kohelet Yeshiva), Yaakov Lubetski from Efrat, Israel (Yatka), and Izzy Wiener from Cherry Hill, New Jersey (Kohelet Yeshiva).

This summer, Eli’s Chabura has taken a deep dive into the importance of Brachos, Tefilla, and Jewish values. Through thought-provoking conversations, the Chabura has discovered new levels of meaning and depth in our Avodas Hashem.

All of this has combined for what continues to be an incredible summer!

Although a veteran at NCSY, this is the first year that Jordan Benditzson has been on NCSY Kollel. Originally from Skokie, IL, Jordan attended Ida Crown Jewish Academy for high school, followed by two years at Torat Shraga, and is currently entering his Junior year at YU.

The all-star starting 5 of the chabura consists of two guys from Hillside, New Jersey who attend JEC, namely Eitan Speyer and Gavi Walzman, as well as Max Borger, Amichai Dresner, and Eitan Vogel all of whom live in Teaneck, New Jersey and go to school at TABC. Coming into the summer already familiar and friendly with one another, that special camaraderie quickly helps spark the lively atmosphere of the chabura both during chabura time and throughout the day.

With the tremendous opportunity of being in Eretz Yisroel, Jordan’s chabura began the summer learning about the significance of the land and the endless inspiration that flows from it. Not letting that inspiration go to waste, the chabura challenged themselves by setting personal goals for the summer in various different areas of Yiddishkeit, culminating with a nine-day challenge leading up to Tisha Bav. Many of these goals revolved around familiar aspects of the day that people often take for granted such as davening and wearing tzitzis and the chabura delved into these topics to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the mitzvos we perform every day. Besides uncovering the secrets of the aforementioned topics, in addition to learning about foundational topics such as Shabbos, Middos, and Teshvuah, this inquisitive group sparked many fundamental debates with their sharp questions and the insights they provided helped take the chabura to the next level.

Although the summer is coming to a close, Jordan’s chabura is excited to continue building upon the tremendous growth of the summer throughout the school year and beyond.

Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love, Eric Dolitsky is back for his third summer on NCSY Kollel (first summer as a madrich!). Eric attended Kohelet Yeshiva High School and spent two years learning in Yeshivat Sha’alvim. This upcoming year, he will be embarking on a new horizon at Yeshiva University.

Eric’s Chaburah is made up of a squadron of outstanding guys; together they are Striving for Greatness (the title and goal of the chaburah). Leading off, all the way from Woodmere, New York, are Yoni Aharon and Eliyahu Amar, some of DRS’ finest. Nearby, in Cedarhurst, are Dov Gladstone and Ikey Rogoff, both proud members of the Eagles Family in the Mesivta Ateres Yaakov.

The Chaburah’s focus for the summer has been trying to take areas in avodas Hashem that may have become routine, making efforts to try and re-instill life in them. They have discussed a variety of ideas in certain areas such as what exactly Shamor and Zachor are in relation to Shabbos, what it really means that the Avos were mitaken Tefillah, our relationship with Talmud Torah, our relationship with Klal Yisroel, and many more.

So far, Eric’s chaburah has gelled into an amazing chevra who love to spend time together and continue to be a group that Strives for Greatness!

Noah Kimmel is enjoying his second year on Kollel, and his first as a madrich. Noah is from Plano, Texas, and attended Texas Torah Institute for high school, followed by two years at Mevaseret. Next year, Noah will be learning at Ner Yisroel.

Noah’s chabura is made up of some of the best guys around: Chaim Gurvitz from Baltimore (Ner Yisroel), Yonatan Glazer from L.A. (MBY), Yosef Hager from Teaneck (Heichal HaTorah), Rami Knapp from Teaneck (Heichal HaTorah), and Benjamin Light from L.A. (YULA). So far the guys have enjoyed getting to know each other, and are looking forward to getting closer in the future!

The chabura is learning topics within Machshava in Talmud Torah, primarily based on the teachings of Rav Dessler in Michtav Me’Eliyahu. Topics include what we get out of learning Torah in this world, why we primarily learn Gemara, and why the classic yeshiva day is structured as it is. On Shabbos, the chabura goes through thought-provoking topics based on ha’aros in the Sefer haChinuch.

The chabura has had an amazing summer so far, and they’re looking forward to an incredible final stretch.

Ephraim Warso is currently enjoying his fifth summer on Kollel, third as a staff member, and second as a madrich. All the way from Skokie Illinois, Ephraim attended Fasman Yeshiva High School (The Yeshiva), and then spent two years in Yeshivas Sha’alvim. Ephraim is entering his junior year in Yeshiva University.

Ephraim’s chabura is a spirited chevra of guys seriously looking to grow. The chabura features some of the most dynamic guys on Kollel; Yonah Abraham from Riverdale, NY attending SAR High School, Benjamin Aharon also from Riverdale, NY but attending MTA (YUHSB), Eitan Bessler and Shabtai Kaplan, our Boston representatives who both attend Maimonides High School, and last but not least Benji Sarir from Los Angeles, California attending YULA High School. Together, they create an enjoyable climate that produces a wonderful atmosphere to learn as a chevra and grow as a family.

The chabura is focused this summer on thoroughly analyzing the שש זכירות, through lomdus, halacha and hashkafa. Topics range from the מצוה (or lack thereof) of זכירת יציאת מצרים, the question of bobbleheads and dolls in hashkafa and discussing hashkafic issues such as Kiddush Hashem and miracles.

Through these topics, the chabura hopes to grow in not only their תורה knowledge but also their appreciation for the vastness of the תורה and ultimately their connection to the Creator of the world. Ephraim and the boys have had a phenomenal summer so far, with even bigger and better things just around the corner as we enter the final week of an extraordinary summer.

This summer is the third that Moshe Loew is spending at Beit Meir, but the first as a madrich on NCSY Kollel. Moshe, currently from somewhere in between Highland Park, NJ, and Beit Shemesh has spent the last two years at KBY, which followed his four-year career at MTA.

Moshe’s chaburah is a combination of extreme talent from three wildly different places. Dani Lieberman and Aharon (emphasis on the “ha”) Grossman are both from the Five Towns, attending DRS. Joey Eskenazi, from LA, attends YULA. And last, but certainly not least, our resident Israeli from Beit Shemesh, Ahron (one ‘a’) Gottlieb. Together, these four guys, have formed a formidable team, tackling anything and everything that comes their way as a chaburah.

The limmud this year is the Beis HaMikdash and Korbanos in lomdus and machshava. Whether we are learning about the intricacies of שחיטה or how the mishkan was the finishing touches on בריאת העולם, Aharon is making deep, insightful comments, while Dani is using his sense of humor to keep everyone involved. Joey’s contemplative nature and sense of calm keeps everyone grounded, as Ahron’s fiery passion brings a machlokes to life. Everyone’s analytical skills are developed as every source is seen inside, without compromising on logical thinking as debates between amoraim, rishonim, or achronim, are echoed by the members of the chaburah.

The Chaburah has already learned and grown so much together and can’t wait to capitalize on every moment that the home stretch of the summer has to offer.

Akiva Richman is from West Hempstead, NY, and is enjoying his first summer as a Madrich on Kollel. Akiva went to high school at MTA and then spent a year and a half learning at Yeshivat HaKotel. Akiva is currently a student at Queens College.

Akiva’s Chabura features an all-star lineup of guys who each contribute to the incredible learning dynamic. Representing JEC are Ezra Feit and Moshe Shapiro. Ezra, from Hillside, NJ, brings energy to the Chabura through his many thoughtful questions. Moshe, also from Hillside, helps connect ideas we discuss with other Torah sources. Next is Ezra Stollman and Binyamin Friedman from Kohelet Yeshiva High School. Both coming from Lower Merion, PA, Ezra shows his true passion and love for Torah, and Binyamin adds thoughtful insights, comments, and reflections to each discussion. Thanks to their elite-level ice breaker games, the guys have really come together as a Chabura.

During the first week of the summer, the Chabura discussed the purpose of the Torah and the role that it plays in our lives today as a Hashkafa book. Throughout the summer, they have explored how the Torah acts as a guidebook to living our lives both through the dos and don’ts of the Mitzvot as well as from the life lessons in Midot that can be derived from its many stories. With each topic, we read a related excerpt from Rabbi Noach Weinberg’s “48 Ways to Wisdom”, a book based on the Mishna in Pirkei Avot (6:6) which spells out 48 ways that one can acquire Torah. On Thursdays, the Chabura shifts focus to topics relating to Shabbat in preparation for Shabbat. There is no doubt that this summer has truly been the Best. Summer. Ever. and they can’t wait for what’s yet to come!

A native of Highland Park, NJ and a proud TABC alum, Alex Ostrin feels privileged to attend NCSY Kollel for the first time as a madrich. After spending two years at Gush and a year at Princeton University, he’s loving the times spent learning, shmoozing and gleaming constant inspiration from the impressive guys in his chabura and the broader Kollel chevra.

Alex’s chabura is a diverse group that features the greatest guys including Abie Perelis (Teaneck, SAR), Moshe Sarna (Manhattan, SAR), a fellow out-of-towner Ariel Shoshany (Cherry Hill, Mesivta of Greater Philadelphia), and two Eretz Yisroel natives Gadi Pollack (Efrat, Netiv Meir) and Chaim Ginsberg (Beit Shemesh, Ahavat Yisrael). Whether it be learning up a geshmak Reb Elchanan together or cranking out some group push-ups mid-bura, there’s never a dull moment on the mirpeset under the tree. Delving into topics in the realm of Kedusha, the guys have been focusing on how to recognize the Kedusha that surrounds them and actualize the Kedusha within them.

They have explored topics in Kiddush Hashem, including when we must give up our lives to sanctify Hashem’s name, and whether a bracha should be recited upon such an act. Expanding to Kedushas HaMakom, the guys probed the implications of Kedushas Beis HaKnesses, Kedushas HaKotel HaMaaravi, and Kedushas Eretz Yisroel. Furthermore, the famous machlokes surrounding Kiddush HaChodesh came to life, as Moshe and Gadi valiantly defended the Rambam, while Chaim, Ariel and Abie passionately represented the Ramban’s take in a debate for the ages.

There were many memorable moments in this lively chabura. Q&As from pulpit Rabbis Sobolofsky and Lebowitz discussing their unique perspectives on Kedushas Beis HaKnesses provided an awesome opportunity to hear from tremendous Talmidei Chachomim in an intimate setting. No one will forget the 4:15 am wake-up for a chabura trip, davening the shacharis of a lifetime at Neitz at the Kotel on Rosh Chodesh Av. Finally, the Yerushalayim-wide chazara scavenger hunt, aimed at reviewing and cementing that which the guys learned, promises to create unforgettable memories. The chabura hopes to translate the words and insights of our Chachmei HaMesorah into increasingly motivated personalities exuding Kedusha. After a jam-packed summer with Torah, growth, bonding, and experiencing Eretz Yisroel, the sky is the limit, as the chabura sets out to fulfill Hashem’s directive of “Kedoshim Ti’Hiyu.”