Summer 2014

Kivi Naiman is spending his third summer on the NCSY Kollel. Kivi first went on the Kollel as an NCSYer after tenth grade, and after being a Madrich last summer Kivi now also works as a Division Head and is in charge of Special Programming.  Kivi’s chabura is made up of some of the finest “bochrim” the Kollel has to offer. Yehuda Alter from Denver, CO, Ezra Cinamon from Cedarhurst, NY, Yoni Apsan from Springfield, NJ, Mikey Konigsberg, from Kivi’s hometown of Hillcrest, NY and Akiva Weiner from Teaneck, NJ. Together they create an awesome dynamic, and his chabura is unstoppable.  Kivi’s Chabura is working together to tackle one of the Torah world’s most serious problems. They are trying to determine all the halachik and philosophical concerns with being a frum superhero. Chaburas are on exciting topics such as “The Importance of an Origin Story”, “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”, “Donning the Cape, Mask and Costume”, “Having an Arch- Nemesis” and other superhero related issues. Obviously, they are working to discover what Chazal has to say about these important and relevant issues.

Kivi’s escapades as a Madrich on the Kollel can be followed on Twitter @KivNaiman.

Dear Parents,

This Shabbos was a wonderful, unforgettable and intense experience.

In his remarks at the conclusion of Shabbos, Rabbi Kaminetsky reflected on the uniqueness of the current situation, but also stressed the opportunities that these challenges present. This was the dominant theme of a Shabbos that was upbeat, positive and resolute.

There was a clear upsurge in Ruach and energy, and all of the zemiros and tefilos were emotionally charged and moving. The learning was sharp and productive, and each speaker succeeded in introducing new elements into the group discussion.

The most poignant moments of Shabbos involved our interaction with Alex Yudin. Alex is an NCSY Kollel alumnus currently serving in the IDF. He and his family joined us for Shabbos, in advance of Alex’s return to his unit on the front lines of Gaza. This put a specific human face on the current stages of the conflict, and provided a strong focal point for our prayers and learning.

We made a strong effort for Shabbos to be about moving forward enthusiastically. It certainly felt that we were successful in that regard. We exited Shabbos with renewed commitment and optimism for our next week of learning together.

Shavua Tov,
Moshe Benovitz

After an amazing week filled with fun and excitement, Kollel looks forward to an inspirational, Ruach filled Shabbos here in Chispin.  Have a great Shabbos!!

What an unforgettable day!

Today was our first official Tiyul day of the summer, and it was as amazing as anyone could have hoped for!  The NCSYers had the option to attend one of three amazing Tiyulim: hike through the “Black Canyon” of Nachal Yehudiyah, hike the “El-Al Trail”, or tour the holy city of Teveriyah.

Nachal Yehudiyah was an intense, challenging, incredible hike through the beautiful mountains and canyons of the Golan.  The hike included unbelievable activities such as repelling down a waterfall and jumping thirty feet off a cliff into a body of water. The El-Al hike was a slightly less challenging one on which the hikers also were privileged to see the beauty of this northern portion of Israel. On the tour of Teveriyah, the NCSYers visited a Shofar factory and were given a fascinating tour through the production process of a real Shofar.  They then visited the Kevarim of the Rambam and Rabi Akiva, and were treated to a fun, educational experience at the Maimonides Heritage Foundation.  Later in the day, all three Tiyulim met up at the boardwalk of Teveriyah, next to the Kineret, where they sat down to lunch and were given the opportunity to go banana-boating in the Kineret itself!  The Teveriyah trip then continued to the beach where they enjoyed a relaxing time swimming in the Kineret and playing some ball.

At the end of this jam-packed, exhausting day, everyone returned to Chispin to partake in an incredible Chesed project.  The NCSYers helped tie three-hundred pairs of Tzitzit that were to be delivered to the Chayalim currently serving on the border of Gaza.  This amazing Mitzvah gave each and every person who partook a small feeling of satisfaction in knowing that they had contributed, even if in such a small fashion, to helping the Chayalim, who are in turn helpingto protect us.  The night ended with an awesome late-night Mishmar, full of learning and shwarma!

After an amazing week, we look forward to an exciting day tomorrow in Tzfat and an inspirational Shabbos that is sure to come!

In the words of Rabbi Benovitz, “NCSY Kollel is officially in BEAST MODE.”

After an action packed week of soccer tournaments and shiurim, the Kollel finally returned to normality. Yesterday, the Kollel’s morning Seder Rabbeim left their homes and made the three hour drive up to Chispin to be with their Talmidim. During morning Seder, we exchanged profound words of Torah, as we delved deeper into the Mitzvah (potentially Mitzvot) of Tzitzit. Later in the afternoon, we put our Gemaras away and finally began the highly anticipated league basketball games!! The Rabbeim exchanged their white button-downs for white undershirts; after schooling us in the Beis, it was now time for the Rabbeim to ‘school’ us on the court – or at least try to. The Rabbeim’s presence brought a beautiful blend of structure and informality, focus and energy. Upon arriving in Chispin yesterday, Rabbi Freedman related, “While the Chayalim are doing their part defending Klal Yisrael, we can do our part and learn Torah.” Our Rabbeim brought with them an influx of incredible energy and focus, making yesterday a springboard for what is sure to be an exciting and meaningful summer.

Thank you to all the Rabbeim who made the trip up to Chispin for the day yesterday!  Shiur and ball with the Rabbeim really helped liven the Kollel atmosphere and enhanced our stay here in Chispin!

This summer marks Robbie Schrier’s second summer as a Madrich on NCSY Kollel. Because of the three weeks, Robbie is currently working on his signature mustache and goatee that makes him look uncannily similar to Guy Fawkes.

Robbie has an all-star, diverse Chabura that has been assembled from all over the US. Sam Kalnitz, from Philadelphia, attends the Kohelet High School. Yaakov Kaminetsky (who has attended Kollel for more years than the rest of the Chabura combined) hails from Woodmere, NY and currently attends DRS. Tzvi Kaminetsky (not related) is from Teaneck NJ and attends TABC. Gavi Lashak (aka Shaq-Attack!) lives in Dallas, Texas and goes to the Ner Yisroel high school in Baltimore. David Selis, our west coast powerhouse from Palo Alto, California, is going to be attending the American Jewish University in Bellaire. Dani Mosenkis goes to the Jewish Day School in Columbus, Ohio. Dovid Lesser lives in Lawrence, NY and attends the Mesivtah Ateres Yaakov.  Robbie’s chaburah has been delving into the Sugya of Pru-Urvu, analyzing the Torah sources for the Mitzvah and how they interact with the Gemaras in Yevamos that develop the topic.

Robbie is looking forward to defending his Chabura-Wars championship title this summer.

While the 17th of Tammuz, and the introduction of the Three Weeks, brings with it a more somber, serious atmosphere, the excitement and buzz of NCSY Kollel did not waiver.

Although it was a fast day, on which everyone is generally more tired and hungry, the Beit Medrash here in Chispin was stronger than ever!  Due to its incredible success thus far, night Seder took place during morning Seder.  Instead of the usual preparation for Shiur, NCSYers got an extra opportunity to learn with their Madrichim for an hour of Chavrusa time, and attend Shiurim by Rabbi Tanchum Cohen, Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky, Rabbi Andi Yudin, and Kivi Naiman about the seriousness of the Three Weeks and the fast day at hand.  Throughout the day, the NCSYers were presented with a variety of optional Shiurim, all of which were attended by an impressively large group of Talmidim.  Rabbi Sobolofsky gave a Shiur on the topic of the Three Weeks, and Rabbi Cohen gave a Shiur later in the day on the topic of Breslov and Brisk and how they can lend to a more meaningful Davening.  Before Maariv, Chaburas gathered to discuss the events and ideas behind the day of the 17th of Tammuz, and the ramifications that these should have on our lives today.

After the conclusion of what was a meaningful fast for all, the NCSYers were given the option to attend an awesome, unforgettable night hike towards the Kineret, with an chance to go swimming in a nearby spring.  It was another of many opportunities to explore the beautiful sights of Chispin and the surrounding Golan Heights.

At the end of a day filled with learning and inspiration, we look forward to the beginning of basketball leagues and the continuation of more intense learning and sports tomorrow!