Summer 2022

In his second summer, and first as a Madrich, AJ Bennett is enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of NCSY Kollel. AJ is from Lawrence, NY and attended DRS Yeshiva HS, followed by two years of devoted learning in Sha’alvim.

AJ has the incredible Zechus of leading the Baltimore Burah. As you can imagine, this Chaburah is assembled with five all-stars from Charm City. Avi Kohen, Rafi Lerner, Shmuel Shmidman, Elchanan Wertenteil, and Moshe Tzvi Wildman round out the finest from local high schools TA and YMC. The Chevra came in knowing each other which allowed for a seamless transition to becoming a closer-knit unit through the learning, sports, and awesome tiyulim.

When learning together, the Baltimore Burah focuses on an array of topics centered around relationships in Avodas Hashem. “Cliff-notes for Torah, The Real MVP, Man’s Best Friend, Bait and Fish, Mac or Books” are only a few of the titles. Through sharp questions, back and forth discussions, and incredible insights that the Chaburah members contribute, the level of learning has increased day by day. In addition to the source-based Chaburahs, every day begins with a picture and story of a particular Gadol. The life lessons which are captured in these pictures of Gedolim make a tremendous impact on character development for each of the guys on a personal level. All of the learning helps the group become increasingly multifaceted and wholesome in the breadth and depth of their Avodas Hashem.

It has been a pleasure to watch the Baltimore Burah in and out of the Beis Medrash. As they begin to round out the summer, they have already accomplished so much, and have limitless potential for what can be achieved in the future.

Shmuel Belizon is currently back on NCSY Kollel for his third summer. Shmuel went to Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida. Afterwards, Shmuel attended Yeshivas Sha’alvim for two amazing years. After NCSY Kollel, Shmuel will be starting his first year in Yeshiva University & Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchanan Theological Seminary.

Shmuel Belizon has the unbelievable zchus of having five boys in his chabura: Yaakov Feldman, currently in MTA, JoJo Edelstein, currently in SAR, Joshua Haik, currently in KYHS of South Florida, Binny Perl, currently in KYHS of South Florida, and finally Netanel Kieffer, also currently in KYHS of South Florida. Although these boys are from different communities, (& others the same) the achdus is palpable!

Shmuel’s chabura is currently learning many different sugyos b’iyun on the mo’adim throughout the year. Baruch HaShem, the boys have been really enjoying the beautiful lomdus that each holiday has to offer. Not only is the chevra gaining yesodisdik topics in sha’as, but they are also gaining a deeper appreciation for our beloved mo’adim. Everybody in the chabura participates by answering questions posed to them by Shmuel, and giving over possible svaros to the deeper meaning in the mekoros. The guys also have chances to read themselves and try to offer ideas as to what we are learning.

Thanks to much Siyata D’shmaya, these boys are unrecognizable in their love and skill in Torah! Shmuel believes he has learned much more from the boys than he could teach. As they enter the final stretch of the summer, the chabura is excited to go vaiter and gain a deeper love of Torah, Be”H!

Aiden Englander is having an unbelievable time in his first summer on NCSY Kollel. After serving as a staff member on a “rival” summer program last summer, Aiden wanted to get a piece of NCSY Summer, and becoming a Madrich on Kollel seemed like the perfect fit. Aiden is from Woodmere, NY, went to DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys, spent two years learning in Yeshivat Hakotel, and is now entering his second year at Columbia University studying Computer Science. With the help of his friends, Aiden also tries his best to reap the benefits of his proximity to the Rav Yitzchak Elchonon Theological Seminary.

Aiden’s chaburah lineup, formally, or informally, known as “The Duuudes” is spectacular. Hailing from Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael of Boston, we have Abie Banks (Boston, Massachusetts) and Daniel Girard (Tucson, Arizona/Providence, Rhode Island). Then, coming from The Maimonides Upper School of Boston we have Ben Goldring (Boston, Massachusetts). Finally, from DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys, we have Nadav Chelst (Woodmere, NY) and Shaya Rosenfeld (Great Neck, NY). As a completely East Coast High School chaburah, Aiden’s chevra meshed well together from day one. Additionally, Nadav’s Bostonian roots allowed him to immediately bridge the gap between the NY and Boston squads. What a wonderful dynamic we had in the chaburah.

This summer, Aiden’s chaburah studied the philosophy of Torah She’be’al Peh. We strived to answer questions such as, “What is Torah She’be’al Peh comprised of?”, “How was the Oral Law passed down from generation to generation?”, “What is the origin of dispute in Torah She’be’al Peh if we assume that it originated from Har Sinai?”, and “How do we know the Rabbis of our tradition were right and why is their law binding?” Through examining and analyzing many texts from Chazal, Rishonim like Rambam and Ramban, and Achronim like the Maharitz Chajes and R’ Elchonon Wasserman, we were able to gain a clearer understanding of the inner workings of Torah She’be’al Peh and develop a greater appreciation of our complex, yet beautiful mesorah. In addition to these topics, we also learned some miscellaneous sugyot, such as “The Thought of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov”, “The Jewish Value of Hischadshus” and “Judaism’s Perspective on Free Will.” Aiden’s chevra always asked striking and thought-provoking questions which allowed them to develop their ideas in productive discussions throughout their time in chaburah. Outside of chaburah time, the chevra really enjoyed their time on the courts as well as on the many awesome mini-tiyulim.

Aiden could not be more proud of what his chevra has accomplished this summer and looks forward to continuing the beautiful relationship he has developed with each member of the chaburah. Aiden and “The Duuudes” are already scheduling their first summer reunion which is going to be absolutely epic.

Kenny Rosenfeld is currently enjoying his second summer on NCSY Kollel. He attended DRS, Sha’alvim for two years, and is planning on attending YU next year. This is Kenny’s first year as a Madrich.
Kenny’s Chaburah includes Camp Dora Golding all-stars from all around North America: Basil “The Lamdin” Edelstein from Bergenfield (MTA), Avi ”The Baller” Amster from Hollywood (Toras Chaim), Leiby ”Infectious Personality” Karpel from Toronto (Darchei Torah), and Zevi ”Gretzky” Herskowitz from Brooklyn (Rambam).
This summer, the “Burah” is learning famous sugyas like Kibud Av V’em and Linei Iver, while also learning fascinating modern-day questions. Although learning sugyas are of the utmost importance, the guys are also learning different ways how to grow in their middos such as Ka’as and Kinah. The objective of the daily chaburas is to help everyone grow in their Bein Adam Lichaveiro, Limakom, and Liatzmo.
Not only is the Chabuah dominant in the beis, but they are also undefeated on the basketball court.
Kenny’s Chaburah has already grown a tremendous amount from each other over the summer, and they can’t wait to keep on growing!

Years after spending two incredible summers on the NCSY Summer Kollel, Noah Miller has finally returned as a madrich for summer #3. In between his summers as an NCSYer and a madrich, Noah, who comes from Teaneck NJ, has graduated TABC, spent two years learning in Sha’alvim, and completed his first year of college in YU.

Noah has an all-star chaburah consisting of Jake Herman (Oceanside, DRS), Benzi Guttman (Woodmere, DRS), Benjamin Balsam (Bergenfield, MTA), Noah Rabinowitz (Bergenfield, TABC), and Yitzchak Rosenfeld (Bergenfield, TABC).

In addition to all of the amazing fun on the program, the chabura is excelling in the Beis Medrash as well. Using the words ״מי כעמך ישראל״ as a guide, the chaburah has been learning famous sugyas in shas as well as having machasava shmoozes and conversations all tying back to the theme of what makes us as Jews special. Such topics have included the parameters of חוקת עכום, moving to better seats at a sports game, and a deep dive into why we Daven and our relationship with Hashem.

It has been an awesome summer so far, inside the Beis Medrash and out, and the chaburah only looks to turn it up in the final week!

Gabe Mehler is a rookie on NCSY Kollel, but has quickly come to feel at home on the beautiful Moshav of Beit Meir. Gabe lived in Englewood NJ and went to Yeshivas Frisch for High School. From there, he took his talents to Torat Shraga for three years (one as a madrich), and his Shana Daled was spent in the Old City in Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah, all while receiving his degree online from Touro University. Gabe will be moving to Beitar to spend his Shana Hey in Yeshivas Bircas Mordecai, and plans to live in Eretz Hakodesh IYH!

Gabe’s “IF YOU LET IT” chabura is always an exciting and passionate experience! Binyamin Brunner HaTzadik (MAY), Tzvi Sorotzkin Shlita (MTA), HaRav Rafi Farbman (MAY), and HaGaon Dani Grinfeld (TABC) are an all star group of boys. Dani happened to be a late pickup, but has proven himself to be worthy since he “lets” the Torah penetrate his heart. Gabe’s chabura will continue to flourish together IYH, as Gabe plans to continue sharing Hashem’s Torah with his chabura for years to come and to even receive a bracha under each of his boys’ chuppahs!

In Gabe’s chabura, Gabe is devoted to sharing Torah that will be immediately practical and beneficial to his guys, as the Gemara states in Kiddushin 40b that Torah learning leads to action. His boys have been able to memorize and more importantly, internalize many “practical” statements from Chazal which are found in the Gemara (test them please). Gabe focused much of his efforts on providing his boys with day-to-day halachos which contain precious messages. As an example, the Shulchan Aruch 61:2 writes that while reciting Krias Shema, one should pause after the words אשר אנכי מצוך היום and only then continue with על לבבך. This is a life-changing halacha (if you let it) because by believing that Hashem commands me to serve him just TODAY, I will keep my avodas Hashem fresh and serve Hashem wholeheartedly TODAY! Gabe has expressed to his boys the importance of not merely going through the motions as an Eved Hashem, but more importantly having emotion in each bracha, mitzva, and piece of Torah that they learn. Basically, Gabe’s chabura is on fire and his boys will IYH continue to ignite their own unique fire… if they let it!

Gabe’s chabura has already grown together in so many ways and they will cherish each moment that they have together in person. Gabe is excited to continue to guide his boys and learn from them for many years to come!

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.