Summer 2022

Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love, Eric Dolitsky is back for his third summer on NCSY Kollel (first summer as a madrich!). Eric attended Kohelet Yeshiva High School and spent two years learning in Yeshivat Sha’alvim. This upcoming year, he will be embarking on a new horizon at Yeshiva University.

Eric’s Chaburah is made up of a squadron of outstanding guys; together they are Striving for Greatness (the title and goal of the chaburah). Leading off, all the way from Woodmere, New York, are Yoni Aharon and Eliyahu Amar, some of DRS’ finest. Nearby, in Cedarhurst, are Dov Gladstone and Ikey Rogoff, both proud members of the Eagles Family in the Mesivta Ateres Yaakov.

The Chaburah’s focus for the summer has been trying to take areas in avodas Hashem that may have become routine, making efforts to try and re-instill life in them. They have discussed a variety of ideas in certain areas such as what exactly Shamor and Zachor are in relation to Shabbos, what it really means that the Avos were mitaken Tefillah, our relationship with Talmud Torah, our relationship with Klal Yisroel, and many more.

So far, Eric’s chaburah has gelled into an amazing chevra who love to spend time together and continue to be a group that Strives for Greatness!

Noah Kimmel is enjoying his second year on Kollel, and his first as a madrich. Noah is from Plano, Texas, and attended Texas Torah Institute for high school, followed by two years at Mevaseret. Next year, Noah will be learning at Ner Yisroel.

Noah’s chabura is made up of some of the best guys around: Chaim Gurvitz from Baltimore (Ner Yisroel), Yonatan Glazer from L.A. (MBY), Yosef Hager from Teaneck (Heichal HaTorah), Rami Knapp from Teaneck (Heichal HaTorah), and Benjamin Light from L.A. (YULA). So far the guys have enjoyed getting to know each other, and are looking forward to getting closer in the future!

The chabura is learning topics within Machshava in Talmud Torah, primarily based on the teachings of Rav Dessler in Michtav Me’Eliyahu. Topics include what we get out of learning Torah in this world, why we primarily learn Gemara, and why the classic yeshiva day is structured as it is. On Shabbos, the chabura goes through thought-provoking topics based on ha’aros in the Sefer haChinuch.

The chabura has had an amazing summer so far, and they’re looking forward to an incredible final stretch.

Ephraim Warso is currently enjoying his fifth summer on Kollel, third as a staff member, and second as a madrich. All the way from Skokie Illinois, Ephraim attended Fasman Yeshiva High School (The Yeshiva), and then spent two years in Yeshivas Sha’alvim. Ephraim is entering his junior year in Yeshiva University.

Ephraim’s chabura is a spirited chevra of guys seriously looking to grow. The chabura features some of the most dynamic guys on Kollel; Yonah Abraham from Riverdale, NY attending SAR High School, Benjamin Aharon also from Riverdale, NY but attending MTA (YUHSB), Eitan Bessler and Shabtai Kaplan, our Boston representatives who both attend Maimonides High School, and last but not least Benji Sarir from Los Angeles, California attending YULA High School. Together, they create an enjoyable climate that produces a wonderful atmosphere to learn as a chevra and grow as a family.

The chabura is focused this summer on thoroughly analyzing the שש זכירות, through lomdus, halacha and hashkafa. Topics range from the מצוה (or lack thereof) of זכירת יציאת מצרים, the question of bobbleheads and dolls in hashkafa and discussing hashkafic issues such as Kiddush Hashem and miracles.

Through these topics, the chabura hopes to grow in not only their תורה knowledge but also their appreciation for the vastness of the תורה and ultimately their connection to the Creator of the world. Ephraim and the boys have had a phenomenal summer so far, with even bigger and better things just around the corner as we enter the final week of an extraordinary summer.

This summer is the third that Moshe Loew is spending at Beit Meir, but the first as a madrich on NCSY Kollel. Moshe, currently from somewhere in between Highland Park, NJ, and Beit Shemesh has spent the last two years at KBY, which followed his four-year career at MTA.

Moshe’s chaburah is a combination of extreme talent from three wildly different places. Dani Lieberman and Aharon (emphasis on the “ha”) Grossman are both from the Five Towns, attending DRS. Joey Eskenazi, from LA, attends YULA. And last, but certainly not least, our resident Israeli from Beit Shemesh, Ahron (one ‘a’) Gottlieb. Together, these four guys, have formed a formidable team, tackling anything and everything that comes their way as a chaburah.

The limmud this year is the Beis HaMikdash and Korbanos in lomdus and machshava. Whether we are learning about the intricacies of שחיטה or how the mishkan was the finishing touches on בריאת העולם, Aharon is making deep, insightful comments, while Dani is using his sense of humor to keep everyone involved. Joey’s contemplative nature and sense of calm keeps everyone grounded, as Ahron’s fiery passion brings a machlokes to life. Everyone’s analytical skills are developed as every source is seen inside, without compromising on logical thinking as debates between amoraim, rishonim, or achronim, are echoed by the members of the chaburah.

The Chaburah has already learned and grown so much together and can’t wait to capitalize on every moment that the home stretch of the summer has to offer.

Akiva Richman is from West Hempstead, NY, and is enjoying his first summer as a Madrich on Kollel. Akiva went to high school at MTA and then spent a year and a half learning at Yeshivat HaKotel. Akiva is currently a student at Queens College.

Akiva’s Chabura features an all-star lineup of guys who each contribute to the incredible learning dynamic. Representing JEC are Ezra Feit and Moshe Shapiro. Ezra, from Hillside, NJ, brings energy to the Chabura through his many thoughtful questions. Moshe, also from Hillside, helps connect ideas we discuss with other Torah sources. Next is Ezra Stollman and Binyamin Friedman from Kohelet Yeshiva High School. Both coming from Lower Merion, PA, Ezra shows his true passion and love for Torah, and Binyamin adds thoughtful insights, comments, and reflections to each discussion. Thanks to their elite-level ice breaker games, the guys have really come together as a Chabura.

During the first week of the summer, the Chabura discussed the purpose of the Torah and the role that it plays in our lives today as a Hashkafa book. Throughout the summer, they have explored how the Torah acts as a guidebook to living our lives both through the dos and don’ts of the Mitzvot as well as from the life lessons in Midot that can be derived from its many stories. With each topic, we read a related excerpt from Rabbi Noach Weinberg’s “48 Ways to Wisdom”, a book based on the Mishna in Pirkei Avot (6:6) which spells out 48 ways that one can acquire Torah. On Thursdays, the Chabura shifts focus to topics relating to Shabbat in preparation for Shabbat. There is no doubt that this summer has truly been the Best. Summer. Ever. and they can’t wait for what’s yet to come!

A native of Highland Park, NJ and a proud TABC alum, Alex Ostrin feels privileged to attend NCSY Kollel for the first time as a madrich. After spending two years at Gush and a year at Princeton University, he’s loving the times spent learning, shmoozing and gleaming constant inspiration from the impressive guys in his chabura and the broader Kollel chevra.

Alex’s chabura is a diverse group that features the greatest guys including Abie Perelis (Teaneck, SAR), Moshe Sarna (Manhattan, SAR), a fellow out-of-towner Ariel Shoshany (Cherry Hill, Mesivta of Greater Philadelphia), and two Eretz Yisroel natives Gadi Pollack (Efrat, Netiv Meir) and Chaim Ginsberg (Beit Shemesh, Ahavat Yisrael). Whether it be learning up a geshmak Reb Elchanan together or cranking out some group push-ups mid-bura, there’s never a dull moment on the mirpeset under the tree. Delving into topics in the realm of Kedusha, the guys have been focusing on how to recognize the Kedusha that surrounds them and actualize the Kedusha within them.

They have explored topics in Kiddush Hashem, including when we must give up our lives to sanctify Hashem’s name, and whether a bracha should be recited upon such an act. Expanding to Kedushas HaMakom, the guys probed the implications of Kedushas Beis HaKnesses, Kedushas HaKotel HaMaaravi, and Kedushas Eretz Yisroel. Furthermore, the famous machlokes surrounding Kiddush HaChodesh came to life, as Moshe and Gadi valiantly defended the Rambam, while Chaim, Ariel and Abie passionately represented the Ramban’s take in a debate for the ages.

There were many memorable moments in this lively chabura. Q&As from pulpit Rabbis Sobolofsky and Lebowitz discussing their unique perspectives on Kedushas Beis HaKnesses provided an awesome opportunity to hear from tremendous Talmidei Chachomim in an intimate setting. No one will forget the 4:15 am wake-up for a chabura trip, davening the shacharis of a lifetime at Neitz at the Kotel on Rosh Chodesh Av. Finally, the Yerushalayim-wide chazara scavenger hunt, aimed at reviewing and cementing that which the guys learned, promises to create unforgettable memories. The chabura hopes to translate the words and insights of our Chachmei HaMesorah into increasingly motivated personalities exuding Kedusha. After a jam-packed summer with Torah, growth, bonding, and experiencing Eretz Yisroel, the sky is the limit, as the chabura sets out to fulfill Hashem’s directive of “Kedoshim Ti’Hiyu.”

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.