Another outstanding week is in the books at the NCSY Summer Kollel.  We head into our second and final free weekend with plenty to reflect on and much to which we can look forward.

Two dominant themes carried through these past few days.  First, this was our swing week, when we passed the halfway point of the summer.  Getting to this milestone means that we are well into the rhythm and flow of the summer and building momentum towards maximizing every remaining opportunity.  It is always a significant week on the program.  It naturally creates an environment of introspection and appreciation, and most often motivates even more growth and accomplishment.  In some ways it is hard to believe that so much of the summer has already passed.  But there is also no question that there is renewed vigor and focus around the NCSY Kollel as we gear up for the stretch run.

The second theme was more fragmented, and revealed itself through a series of events that may have seemed unrelated, at least on the surface.  Two weeks ago in this space we spoke of the “broadcasting” of NCSY Kollel that has been taking place for years.  In this way, we attempt to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah (2:3) when “…Torah emerges from Zion…”

This emergence takes multiple forms.  And this week gave rise to many of them.  The common denominator is a Torah and religious lifestyle that is never confined or sequestered, but broad and generous in its application.

Take last Shabbos as an example.  In our last correspondence we reported from the picturesque hills of Tzefat, in the middle of our three day Tiyul to the north.  We already took note then of the beauty and significance of these trips and how they enhance all aspects of the NCSYers summer experience.  But it is safe to say that even with the outstanding two days of fun and excitement last Thursday and Friday, the Tzefat tiyul saved the very best for last.  Shabbos was simply extraordinary.  The backdrop of natural beauty and spiritual inclinations provided a perfect catalyst to an unforgettable weekend.  The ruach on Friday night was worthy of the Tzefat history and precedents.  The overall energy and tone was uplifting from start to finish.  But it is worthwhile to speculate on whether such Shabbos would be possible without the movement and change of venue that preceded it.  We would suggest that certain pinnacles of inspiration are only achieved when we break out of routine and regular environs.  We are ever aware of the danger of providing experiences that are limited to the six weeks we share together.  Part of the way we insure lasting impact is by branching out from our campus and standard schedule and utilizing tiyulim and changes to venue for maximum effect.  This was a major factor in what made Shabbos in Tzefat so special.

Perhaps the most obvious and prominent example of NCSY Kollel’s outward movement was our fantastic two day interaction with NCSY’s Anne Samson TJJ Ambassadors Program.  This has become an annual highlight of our summer, and this year lived up to or surpassed every high expectation.  There are few sights of the NCSY Kollel season more beautiful and unique than the full Beis Medrash and campus when we host the boys from the TJJ group.  This is no quick visit or photo op.  We integrate the TJJ NCSYers into every aspect of the program and they receive an immersive NCSY Kollel experience.  Yes, it does happen that TJJers make the transition from TJJ to NCSY Kollel, either immediately after the end of their program or in a following summer.  Our great learning models make a wonderful impression, and the mini tiyul, swimming and sports always bring out the best in our guests.  But there is no question that the biggest “selling point” of NCSY Kollel is the NCSYers themselves, your sons.  And this influence is very much a mutually beneficial proposition.  The NCSY Kollel participants are forced to consider how they represent and what their learning and commitments mean to the greater community and Jewish world.  This is especially true for the NCSYers who volunteer for direct interaction with the TJJ groups, whether in learning, biking, or ball.  But it is also relevant to the entire NCSY Kollel.

This year’s coming together had one high after another.  Rav Sobolofsky’s welcoming shiur (to an audience of well over 300) set a perfect tone, and was overwhelmingly poignant.   The biking Mini Tiyul was challenging and an excellent venue for balanced and level peer to peer connections.  All of the learning modules (shiur, chabura and chavrusa) provided the chance to unite over Torah.  On day 2 there was a joint Tzizis making session with expert explanation from Rabbi Gordon and Yona Hiller.  The annual TJJ-NCSY Kollel basketball game was unusually spirited and tightly contested.  From the energetic TJJ pre game introductions to the final whistle, there was bonding and good natured competition.  The relative closeness of the game was no poor reflection on the outstanding quality of the NCSY Kollel all-stars.  It was a strong effort that resulted in a win, but it was truly victories all around.

The NCSY Kollel mantra of “learn hard, play hard” found a voice in the way that we moved directly from the court about 50 yards to the evening’s main attraction, the TJJ-Kollel siyum.  Rav Twersky keynoted the festivities, and then Yonatan Kurz from Kollel and Ari Rosenthal from TJJ took center stage together.  Yonatan made a siyum on Mishnayos Nezikin, part of his long term mishna yomi  daily learning commitment.  Ari was making his first siyum, also from daily learning this summer, on Pirkei Avos.  They made a great duo, and shared their accomplishments with the entirety of both groups.  And so the theme continued.

Our annual Chessed trips are another integral part of our program’s schedule.  This is true not because of the break the chessed activities provide from our regular events, but because of the essential educational value the trips offer.    This year’s chessed outings were integrated with our shiur trips, which was both efficient and symbolic.  Again, the torah studied on NCSY Kollel is designed to be meaningful for life beyond the summer, and for the community outside of our four walls.  Trips to assisted living facilities, cooking and packing for impoverished families, and neighborhood clean up projects of the Israel landscape are all consistent with our most focused educational messages.  This “outward” learning gives rise to the most altruistic spirit in the NCSYers, and the expectation is that the impact goes beyond the families who received support on Wednesday.  In addition, the shiur trip aspect is another way in which we break down the traditional borders of the classroom.  To be sure, NCSYers interact with their Rabbeim regularly during sports and on trips, and even spent time in their homes on our first Saturday night together.  But these trips provide reinforcement to the notion that the relationships can go beyond the formal learning.

The week ended on an exceptional high with the excitement of the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament and Festival.    There may be no more fun and energetic afternoon than this tournament, which is sponsored by Yeshiva University, and boasts close to 95% participation in a variety of leagues and levels.  But beyond the entertainment value of the tournament, there was yet again a sense of something beyond the norm.  Each threesome is adorned in a colorful jersey, and the cumulative effect is a dazzling array of bright colors and the hint of the diversity that makes up NCSY Kollel.  The tournament is defined by a sense of pageantry and unity, and even at the midpoint of the summer it provides an excellent opportunity for new introductions and friendships.

So we moved “over” the mid summer hump and “out” from our own boxes.  We now head into our second and final free weekend with the hope of a restful and meaningful Shabbos ahead of another great week together.

As always, we welcome and encourage any and all feedback.  Please be in touch with us if we can enhance the experience in any way.

Wishing you a great Shabbos,

Moshe Benovitz

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