This summer, Ezra Schechter has returned to NCSY Kollel with boundless enthusiasm, now as a madrich after excelling as an NCSYer and junior madrich. Hailing from Bergenfield, Ezra has attended RYNJ and MTA (during the Rabbi Kahn era) and has been learning in Nof Ayalon at Yeshivat Sha’alvim, where he developed a deep passion for Torah and leadership. Next year, Ezra plans to return to Sha’alvim—um, wait checks notes sorry—the Heights while attending YU. Ezra is privileged to lead a remarkable chabura of high schoolers from around the world who came to NCSY Kollel to learn, grow, and have an awesome time.
Shimmy David from Teaneck, repping TABC, kicks us off with his unwavering dedication to learning and approachable nature. Joining him is Jonathan Kaplan, also from TABC in Teaneck, whose lively presence and inclusive nature create a welcoming vibe in every session. From the same TABC and Teaneck crew comes Daniel Kurz, who brings humor and joy to everything and sparks lively debates with his hot takes. Then there’s Ezra Schachter, who moved from Teaneck to Efrat (yes, Ezra Schachter is in Ezra Schechter’s chabura—Hashem works in funny ways), known for his witty remarks and ability to keep our discussions engaging. Last but not least, Ezra Stein from Atlanta rounds out our group. With a knack for making astute points and knowing just how to inject fun into our learning sessions, EStein is an invaluable addition. Lastly, we have Ezra Stein from— you guessed it—Atlanta! Ezra Stein joins Ezra Schechter as not only having the same first name but also as being the only guys in the chabura who did not go to Yeshivat Noam for elementary school. EStein is a wonderful, much-needed member of the chabura who makes smart, thoughtful points during learning but also knows when and how to have a good time. The chabura has meshed super well together, despite being from different places, and has created the perfect environment to learn and grow together.
This chabura is focusing on iyun sugyas on questions in different areas of avodas Hashem that come up on an everyday basis, with the goal of infusing deeper meaning into them and helping us add depth to our relationship with HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Ever wondered how we can be commanded to have an emotion of loving Hashem? Or if there is a Jewish value in having fun? What about what we do if we have a bad memory or are not good at learning Torah? And if tefillah is an obligation or an opportunity? Plus, if a shliach puts on tefillin for us? These are just a few examples of important topics the chabura is learning about. The chabura is not just searching for answers; they’re committed to deepening their connection with Hashem. With intense discussions and serious Talmud Torah, this chabura is really growing in remarkable ways.
Led by Ezra Schechter, EStein, Shaq, Shimmy, Kurz, and JonKap are all part of this team, each bringing unique contributions that have earned them the reputation of being the powerhouse chabura of the summer—a chabura so strong, they’re reminiscent of the legendary 2016 73-9 Warriors (but this chabura actually finishes in the postseason).
