Yoni Besser is having a blast back on Kollel for his third summer, first as a madrich. From Clifton, NJ, Yoni spent four great years at Heichal Hatorah before two summers at Sha’alvim. Next year, Yoni plans to head to Yeshiva University and major in business. He takes great pride in being a 3-on-3 intermediate tournament champion back when he was in 10th grade.

Yoni’s chaburah is composed of four amazing NCSYers: Eitan Mensh and Moshe Lieberman of Teaneck go to MTA, Avi Berlove lives in Boston and attends Maimonides, and Yonah Shapiro lives in Hamilton, going to Yeshivas Ohr Chaim in Toronto. Together, they’ve meshed into a wonderful group, and the chemistry they’ve developed, both in and out of chabura, is a pleasure to watch.

The learning done in this chabura is especially unique because of the conversation that goes on for the entire hour. Every statement is taken into account, and each NCSYer adds their own special outlook and unique take on the topic being done that day, because each person has their own special cheilek in Torah. The chaburas are mostly centered around modern halachic issues and the sugyas surrounding them. The width and breadth of cases in question and Torah allows for fantastic conversation to flow throughout chaburas, with many different issues creeping into play as the sugya progresses. Yoni and the guys took on themselves two aspects for the nine days and Tisha Ba’av to bring back home with them. In the realm of bein adam lemakom, they’re working on 100 brachos a day and making them with the correct mindset. For bein adam lechavero, they took it upon themselves to try to avoid saying lashon hara, but starting at the root cause: choosing to look with an ayin ra’ah at the person in question.

The entire Chabura has grown tremendously having a blast so far this summer, and they’re really excited for what the next week holds!

Shlomo Gellman is back for his third summer on NCSY Kollel after a two-year hiatus. After being an NCSYer himself for two summers, he entered into his first year as a madrich. Shlomo attended TABC for high school and learned for two years in Yeshivat Sha’alvim. Shlomo is starting his first year at Yeshiva University and will be entering the Sy Syms School of Business.

Shlomo’s legendary chabura is filled with 5 unbelievable NCSYers. To start off there is Ari Wind, a big masmid who attends Mesivta Ateres Yaakov and who loves to learn gemara. Next, there is Eitan Goldberg, a DRS talmid and a super kind individual with a tefillah that is wildly inspiring. Along with the DRS theme is Yitzi Lowe, an amazing guy who has tremendous middos and is always looking for every opportunity to grow. On deck is Amir Rindsberg who has tremendous insights and shows care and kindness to all who he encounters. And last but not least, there is Amichai Kronnenberg, the Israeli of the group, who has tremendous simchas hachayim and shares his love for life with everyone he meets. What makes Shlomo’s Chabura different is the fact that the guys push the chabura forward. They are the ones who want to increase their Avodas Hashem and their motivation allows for them to do so.

Shlomo’s Chaburas have no particular theme. He started in the beginning with topics of Bein Adam Lechavero by talking about Lashon Harah and the Power of speech. He then switched over to Shas topics such as Onnes, Tashlumin, and Osek Bemitzva Patur Min Hamitzvah. He will conclude the summer with Talmud Torah-based topics, such as Birkas Hatorah and Standing up for Talmidai Chachamim. The secret of why his Chaburas have been so successful so far this summer is because of the amazing guys in his chabura.

These five guys have grown so much over the last 5 weeks and we can’t wait to see their growth in the last few days of the summer and in the years to come!

This summer marks Jesse Langer’s first time on NCSY Kollel as a madrich. Jesse, originally from West Orange, NJ went to Kushner for high school. He then went to Yeshivat Reishit in Beit Shemesh for 2 years, followed by the YU Post Pesach Program. Jesse will be beginning his sophomore year in YU after the summer. Hashem has blessed Jesse with the zechus of being the first madrich ever with a chabura of guys all from the same school.

Jesse’s big 4, comprised of Dani Konigsberg (Springfield), Binyamin Leiter (Passaic), Yaakov Goldberg (Clifton), and Baruch Landa (Hillside), run the halls of JEC. The JEC chevra are a tight-knit group with a lot of energy, so the chabura was able to jump-start right away. The ‘Bura usually begins with some hock on the current events and latest sports updates. The JEC Chevra does not mess around when in comes to sports. Inevitably, there are usually some machlokes and rivalry about which teams are the best, Yankees or Mets, and Giants or Jets (obviously Yankees and Giants).

After the fun and games, the guys lock in and discuss some major fundamentals of Judaism, namely Emunah (faith) and Bitachon (trust) in Hashem. The chabura utilizes texts ranging from Tanach and Gemara to Rishonim and Achronim, attempting to explore philosophical questions and debates about Free Will, Hashem’s divine providence, and each individual’s unique purpose in this world. The guys also explore interesting questions such as why bad things happen to good people. Through real-life stories and interesting mashals, the guys are able to easily engage and relate to the lofty ideas being discussed. On Shabbos the chabura likes to discuss ideas on the parsha over some marzipan and popcorn.

Over the course of the summer, Jesse’s chabura has worked on strengthening their connection to Hashem, as well as with their peers. There is no doubt that the guys will return to JEC with a fire, lighting up everyone around them. The chabura is privileged to all live close together, and looks forward to reuniting for more chills and good times.

Jason Zucker is returning for his first summer as a madrich after being on the program as an NCSYer 4 summers ago. Jason is from Great Neck and went to SAR High School, followed by two years at Yeshivat Reishit. Jason is currently starting YU in the Fall for his first official semester after having been there in the Post Pesach Program.

Jason’s Chaburah is made up of 4 kids from four different communities but each knew one other kid coming in with the opportunity to meet two new people plus Jason. Yaakov Greenbaum from Queens and he is in MTA. Elya Cohen from Cleveland formerly in MTA but now in Yeshiva High School. Zisha Lefkowitz from Baltimore and formerly from Toras Chaim in Miami Beach but now in Mekor Chaim. Lastly, Aharon Steinberg from Boca and is in Toras Chaim in Miami Beach. Jason’s Chaburah is special because not only do they have the chance of learning in-depth about Shabbos in a way they never have before, but they also have the opportunity of making new friends. Jason’s Chaburah is based on how to make one’s Shabbos more enjoyable and special to each person with a mixture of ideas and sources, with examples including oneg shabbos, preparing for shabbos, the kedusha of shabbos, and more.

The Chaburah has already accomplished so much in terms of getting closer and learning about Shabbos, and can’t wait to finish out the summer strong.

Eitan Dukas is enjoying his second summer on NCSY Kollel. Originally from Teaneck, but now a member of Bergenfield (yes, a mid-summer move) Eitan attended Frisch, then Sha’alvim for 2 years, and is currently entering into his first year at YU.

Eitan’s chaburah breaks down the walls between in-town and out-of-town with some of the best guys around. Micah Adler and Benny Kleid both hail from Detroit and attend Farber, while Shmuel Fine and Zachary Rabe are both from Woodmere and attend DRS.

Together these amazing guys create a vibrant atmosphere radiating with Torah. Over the course of the summer, the chaburah has spent time learning an array of topics. One of the main focuses has been on Talmud Torah, both in lamdus and in machshava. From going through the sugya of osek b’mitzva patur min hamitzvah b’talmud Torah and learning fundamental ideas about Talmud Torah to learning about how the world is dependent on Torah. This group has also learned about simcha, the fundamentals of shabbos, as well as various sugyas in lamdus including the famous Reb Chaim on Tefillah, the mitzvah of chinuch, and more!

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

Eli Sudwerts, or “SUDS” is spending his first summer as a Madrich on NCSYKollell and absolutely loving it! He lives in Passaic, New Jersey, and attended YBH for elementary school. For high school, he went to an unbelievable Yeshiva, Heichal HaTorah, followed by 2 awesome years in Sha’alvim. After Kollel is over, along with a bunch of his very close friends, Eli will be starting Yeshiva University.

Suds’ chaburah is absolutely off the charts! They have an awesome group of guys and Chaburah time is definitely a highlight of the day! Straight from Heichal Hatorah, they have 3 ALL STARS: Dani Goldenberg, an absolute stud from Bergenfield, followed by Ezra Teichman and Micha Abramoff, 2 BIG TIME game changers from Passaic Ir HaKodesh!! Rounding off this incredible group, Shaya Stern from Philly is the PERFECT addition to the squad, and late acquisition Menachem Grossman, born and bred in RBS, adds just the right touch and really takes this Chaburah to the NEXT LEVEL!! Whether on the classroom or the ball court, Eli Suds’ was definitely dealt an epic squad!

This chaburah has the zechus to delve into things we do as Jews on an everyday basis and to try and learn halachos about them, infuse a deeper meaning into them, and gain a deeper appreciation for things which we do. Why do we wake up and wash our hands, why do we spend so much time on talmud torah, and why is hard work so important are just a few examples of important discussions they have during Chaburah. Spending Thursdays sharing ideas on the Parshah definitely gives the Chaburah a greater appreciation for the Parsha of the week. The ability of the guys to mix in just the right amount of humor, insight and productive conversations is something unbelievable and truly transforms this Chaburah atmosphere into an enjoyable and exciting hour of learning.

This chaburah really came together as a group of guys that are looking to grow and they became a very close group. As the end of the summer approaches, these guys are super excited to finish off the summer with special chaburah chills, chaburah ball ( they have great ballers!!), lunch, kiddush on Sha,bbos and other epic times with this awesome Chaburah!

Danny Weinberger is on his 3rd summer on NCSY Kollel, this year being his first as a madrich. He went to Yeshivat Sha’alvim for two years and Bez’H is headed to the University of Pennsylvania next year.

His chabura consists of super bright in-towners with camaraderie like none other. Joe Gamerman (DRS), the soccer star from Brazil, brings his great energy and mashalim. Eli Dyckman (MTA) representing Queens, has the wits and knowledge to give them the strength to keep going during tough sugyas. Tani Lichtman (MTA), also from Queens, really knows how ask a bomb kashya and is currently working on bee extermination tactics. Last but not least is Yitzi Lazar (DRS) from the 5 Towns. He is filled with stories of Hashkacha Pratis and uses his power to create smiles and laughter so masterfully that it always livens up the chabura. Each NCSYer in Danny’s chabura brings his unique God-given talent to the beis every day!

The subject of the Torah learning in Danny’s chabura this summer is sugyas in brachos. The order is mostly chronological from the start of hanhagos haadam baboker with Al Netilas Yadayim and Asher Yatzar, but Danny throws a change up here and there with a sugya like Pas Haba Bekisnin. With a rotation of readers and chazara in a position of prime importance, these boys stay locked in and focused.

This special group of boys is ready to maintain their increasing excitement for Torah and Hashem for the last week of Kollel and beyond!

Ezra Baron is currently enjoying his second year on NCSY Kollel, where he is serving as a Madrich for the first time. Ezra attended TABC for two years, before taking his talents to the Ayalon Valley and Yeshivat Sha’alvim for two years. He hopes to be starting YU in the upcoming fall.

Ezra’s chaburah has the perfect balance of the best in-towners and best out-of-towners. The out-of-towners consist of Ami Buck from Baltimore (TA), who always amazes with his thirst for Torah, and Gadi Amster from Los Angeles (MBY) whose consistency in the Chaburah is unmatched. On the in-towner side is Micah Cyrulnik (TABC), who always knows the answers before there is even a question, and last but not least, Eitan(Lefko) Lefkowitz from TABC, who always provides the entertainment for the Chaburah and keeps the guys going strong. Despite hailing from different backgrounds, the guys have meshed really well together and have become very good friends.

Ezra’s chaburah have been trying to understand the Mitzvos we do every day on a deeper level. In recent days, they have studied topics such as Tefillah, Talmud Torah, and Yarmulkas, discussing deep and interesting questions like “if Hashem knows what’s best for us then why are we davening”, and “what is the purpose of learning Torah which isn’t immediately practical”. The guys are always bouncing sharp ideas off each other, and trying to understand the reasons for why we do what we do. Through these topics and discussions, the chaburah hopes to help guys have more Kavanah when going through the daily motions and feel more passion for what we often do by rote.

Ezra is super excited for the rest of the summer and for the chaburah to keep reaching new heights, both this summer, and beyond.

David Cohen is returning for his second summer on NCSY Kollel and first summer as a madrich on NCSY Kollel. David is from Woodmere, NY. He went to DRS High School and for the past two years has been learning in Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh. This upcoming year David will be headed back to Netiv Aryeh for a third year of learning in Eretz Yisroel. David has an epic chaburah in which every day they start with learning about gedolim and then head into learning Pirkei Avos with mefarshim.

The guys in David’s chaburah all come from different areas in New York. All the way from Staten Island is Zvi Nagler, who attends Chofetz Chaim of Staten Island, and Yosef Hershowitz who from JEC High School. From the borough of Brooklyn is Eli Halbertam who attends MAY High School, and last but not least, all the way from the 845 (Monsey), is Levi Adler who also attends May High School. This summer the chaburah has covered ten of rabbanim in which David would give a background of the gadol, stories, and pictures. Just a few of the gedolim in which David’s chaburah has covered are Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Eliyahu Dessler, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, and many more. In the second part of chaburah in which they learn Pirkei Avos they have covered the topic of Talmud Torah, judging Jews favorably, finding good influences, and many more topics. In chaburas, they learn through a back and forth dialogue in which everyone stays involved and engaged.

This chabura has already learned and grown together so much and can’t wait for the rest of the summer!

Andy Elbaum is spending his first summer on NCSY Kollel. He is from Bergenfield, NJ. Andy went to Frisch for high school and then learned in Yeshivat Reishit for 1.5 years. Afterwards, he started YU, where he just finished his first semester.

Andy’s awesome chaburah is comprised of five fantastic chevra. Daniel Wertentheil (Heichel HaTorah), Yehudah Greenberg (Heichel HaTorah), Yaakov Erdfard (MTA), Eytan Goldstein (TABC) and Yonatan Mikhli (Modiin) make up Andy’s starting 5.

The guys have been learning intensely throughout the summer and can’t wait to keep the chaburah kesher going for many years to come. At the beginning of each chaburah, one can find the chevra debating different applicable halachik debates extracted from the teachings of HaRav Yisroel Belsky zt”l. After they get their adrenaline pumping they can be found learning עניני השכמת הבקר. They started with יתגבר כארי, where they ended up spending three days discussing the battle of the Yezter Harah and ways to beat it. They continued through the different Halacha in Inyunim of the סדר היום and plan to finish with the topics of Hilchos and Inyuni Tzizis and Bircas HaTorah.

The Chevra has learned and meshed well together over the last few weeks and they can’t wait to see what the final stretch has in store.