Throughout our summer on the NCSY Summer Kollel, there has been steady background chatter regarding all forms of “status quo.” Particularly in the contentions of Middle East politics and negotiations, we often hear of the need for preservation of the established facts on the ground. The US Embassy may stay in Tel Aviv for now, so as not to disrupt the balance and routine. Metal detectors on the Temple Mount can be a rationale for international crisis simply because they upset the reality to which we are accustomed and may portend even greater change.
This may or may not be appropriate in the United Nations, but it is the antithesis of good educational policy and far from the approach of NCSY Summer programs. Certainly, stability and immutability are desirable characteristics for our religious beliefs and personal identity. But over-reliance on the way things are and the way they have been denies our youth the gift of growth and creativity that should define their lifestyle.
In a week during which we reflected on millennia of Jewish history and literally touched the ever-constant foundation stones of our past, there was also an even stronger counter movement against the status quo.
Our week was dominated by two mega-events that will provide a narrative not only for the past few days, but also for the summer as a whole. These were our Tisha B’Av experience and the incomparable celebration of Yom NCSY. While on the surface these back-to-back days had little in common, they actually were two sides of the same beautiful coin. In one we sat on the floor, and in the other we danced to the sky. One was marked by tears, the other by delight. One was focused on the past and the other was all about the future. But both were about authentic Jewish identity, overwhelming senses of unity and peoplehood, and love of Israel. Above all, both days were almost complete rejections of the status quo.
For a number of years on NCSY Kollel, we have witnessed countless teens describe Tisha B’Av as a “highlight” of the summer or describe it as “great” and “awesome.” In truth, while gratified by the positive feedback, we’ve always been a bit reluctant to embrace those kinds of reactions. Is the solemnity of Tisha B’Av supposed to be great?
Perhaps. The Tisha B’Av tears, the various moments of prayer and song, and especially the Kumzits of the World were not just sorrowful reflections on loss. They were strong statements of yearning and longing. Sitting at the Kotel with thousands of others (and thousands more on the webcast) wasn’t just about what was once upon a time. It was a clear act of staking a claim and altering the world as we know it. This was true on the personal and national levels. Simply put, it was our way of saying that our lives as we know them can and will change, and we can direct that change in the most positive and wonderful of ways. The energy of the kumzits grew from that basic realization and commitment.
And the energy of Yom NCSY was not that different at all. This was not NCSYers blowing off steam or random and unfocused enthusiasm. This was the vitality and dynamism of youth at its clearest and best. This was an engine for change and a headfirst dive into a better tomorrow.
Yom NCSY absolutely lived up to its name. What better showcase for what NCSY is all about? Most everyone who saw the event emphasized the two most prominent elements in the festivities: unity and energy.
The unity was breathtaking. Over 2000 participants from every background imaginable came together in a way that is near indescribable. The stream of buses filling the streets of Ranaana was a living, breathing manifestation of an ingathering and unification of exiles. Yom NCSY was a homecoming. As such, it would have been diminished as an individual experience. It was so meaningful and moving because it was shared with our brothers and sisters and a worldwide audience.
But above all, Yom NCSY was a tribute to youthful exuberance and the power of hope. This energy combined great respect for our tradition and heritage with an almost complete disregard for the status quo. Every song and dance was a testimony to a better future and a deep desire for more.
In truth, on NCSY Kollel it is not only the jackhammer of Yom NCSY or Tisha B’Av that breaks down the restraints of status quo. There is some more subtle chiseling that takes place on a daily basis, specifically through the daily routine. Ultimately, the effect of these more regular behaviors will be felt on a global level, but for now they are most readily identified in the context of personal growth. Bookending our big events this week were days of simple pleasures and great learning. At this point in the summer, a chavrusa or conversation with a madrich can have more impact than a big stage show or production. One shiur or chaburah can move the needle from the status quo as effectively as anything else. So it would be difficult and wrong to dismiss or relegate our normal days of learning, mini tiyulim, and sports to supporting role status. These are every bit the highlights of our summer.
How much more so when we have the privilege to host community leaders and other groups who arrive simply for a glimpse or taste of the NCSY Kollel magic. This week was a seemingly endless stream of friends and VIPs. We had delegations from the Orthodox Union and NCSY leadership, and an overflow crowd for our on-campus Tisha B’Av observances. We also hosted multiple TJJ groups, as well as the boys from Sulam (Morasha) for an annual day of learning and competition.
There is so much more to come. As we prepare for Shabbos together in Beit Meir, there is great anticipation and excitement for more breaking of the norm. There is nothing quite like Shabbos Nachamu on NCSY Kollel, and we can’t wait to share the reports with you.
This year’s Shabbos Nachamu will usher in our last week and all of the passion and emotion that moves the summer to a close. We have big plans for our final days together and the last push. Please be in touch with any technical questions on the details of our departure and check out.
Wishing you the best of Shabbos and the most moving of experiences wherever you are.
With respect,
Moshe Benovitz