Thursday: July 29

It would be impossible to single out a single highlight from Thursday. From early in the morning to late at night, there was a constant flow of excitement and energy, with special events that were once-in-a-summer experiences.

In the morning we embarked on the annual Shiur Trips. The hardest work in learning takes place each morning, and these outings were a deserved reward for jobs well done. Shiurim created their own itineraries, with swimming and good food featured prominently in many of them. Above all, these trips enhance the relationships already formed between Rebbe and Talmid. The less formal, out of Shiur interactions complement the more formal learning and educational achievements beautifully. And beyond any elaborate explanations - the trips were just good fun!

The sports schedule was supplemented by the thrilling conclusion of our 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament (advanced division). Each team in the finals boasted superior teamwork and impressive skill. A huge crowd gathered and was delighted by a spirited game that was completely up for grabs until the final moments. At that point the greater size of Rabbi Lebowitz, Josh Freedman, and Zev Miller proved to be too much for their opponents to handle, and a hard earned championship was theirs.

Most inspiring was a first time program that was extremely successful. Over the course of the day (in place of regular chaburas in the afternoon and then again late at night) we spotlighted various NCSYers with interesting stories to learn from. In the afternoon, we first heard from Sammy Aronson and Nathan Kohn-Magnus. Sammy and Nathan captivated the rest of the Kollel with vivid descriptions of their experiences in public high schools. They also shared their observations on the occasional insularity of the Orthodox world and how it is perceived from the outside. From the quality and quantity of follow up questions from their peers, it was very evident that Sammy and Nathan’s words hit their mark.

Next, we had the pleasure of hearing from four of the NCSYers who have made aliyah and currently reside in Israel. Yoni Alter, Shlomo Berman, Bezalel Cohn, and Alex Yudin each related their histories and challenges, and offered vivid descriptions of life in the Holy Land. Their passion and love for Israel was absolutely contagious, and provided much to think about.

Finally, late Thursday night, we heard a mesmerizing presentation from Ben Auerbach. Ben has Tourette’s Syndrome, and he courageously detailed his experiences. It was a most inspiring talk, and the emotional and rousing standing ovation he received at its conclusion was an accurate indication of how well it was received.

The cumulative effect of these programs was a greater appreciation for each other, and a deeper sensitivity to the people around us. We ended the day more aware and contemplative than we started.

The day (and week) ended with a late night mishmar program with the participation of well over 100 of the NCSYers. When all was said and done, and the dust settled on another fantastic week on the NCSY Kollel, we were in the Beit Medrash with the focus squarely on learning.

Wednesday: July 28

Wednesday was action packed with a stream of activity from beginning to end. The afternoon sports schedule was dominated by the exciting continuation of the 3 on 3 Tournament. In the intermediate bracket, a worth champion was crowned, as Josh Zlotnick (Dorm Counselor), Judah Gavant and Kobi Rappaport prevailed over Arie Hizkya, Zach Stern, and Yanky Krinsky in a tight encounter. The advanced bracket progressed all the way to the championship game, where Eitan Jacob, Evan Genakowski, and Yoni Alter pulled off a string of upsets to meet the big favorites, Rabbi Lebowitz, Josh Freedman, and Zev Miller. The much anticipated championship game will be held on Thursday.

For those who had tasted defeat already on Monday, there were a slew of attractive options. On campus there was the normal swimming, pick up games, and computer room. In addition, there was a spirited Roller Hockey tournament, taking advantage of the quiet league schedule.
Off campus, we ran flag football in Yerushalayim, and a fantastic mini tiyul, as well. The mini Tiyul visited Kever Rachel, before continuing on the Naot Factory Outlet in Gush Etzion. It was a fun filled afternoon with something for everyone.

At the beginning of night seder, we had the bittersweet experience of wishing Rav Schachter a farewell. On the one hand, it was sad to see Rav Schachter go, and his presence will most certainly be missed. At the same time, his departure provided us with an opportunity to reflect on his impact on the Kollel and to appreciate the incredible three weeks we shared with him. Rav Schachter addressed the Kollel one final time, exhorting us to pursue serious learning, regardless of our chosen future professions. He also expressed to the group how valuable learning can be during free time, and how impressed he was with the accomplishments over the summer. Following his remarks, we danced him out of the Beit Medrash. It was one of the more emotional moments of the summer.

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Spotlight on...Sports

NCSY Kollel is almost as famous for its sports as it is for its learning. The sports leagues and tournaments are an integral part of the program, and provide both entertainment and educational value.

What makes the games so great? On the most basic level, the quality of play and efforts of our tireless sports staff make for competitive and very enjoyable competition. There is a great buzz of activity every afternoon for the intramural contests in hockey and basketball. The daily posting of schedules, standings and stats are a highlight of each Kollel day. The courts themselves are top notch, with the special added bonus of being situated with a backdrop of the beautiful and inspiring Judean Hills. The regular sports are supplemented by special events and tournaments, like this week’s 3 on 3 or the soccer day in the first week.

Few things bring High School guys together like sports. Many of the deep bonds and relationships formed over the summer are rooted in interactions in the games. Certainly, NCSYers learn each other’s names and introduce themselves in this context.. The level of staff participation, in the same leagues as the NCSYers, provides another venue for natural and healthy bonding.

Perhaps most importantly, the courts are considered extensions of our Beit Medrash. Every game is a learning opportunity, and it is not at all uncommon for NCSYers to reflect after the summer and consider the lessons learned while playing to be the most valuable of all. We emphasize proper middot and respect from day 1. Our commissioners, sports staff, and madrichim reinforce these values every day. The intensity of the games is balanced by an equally strong emphasis on playing the right way.

Tuesday: July 27

This week’s tiyul day presented incredible options that sent the NCSYers all around the country. The choices were varied, and the day’s greatest challenge was choosing from amongst the tempting possibilities.

For the truly intrepid, there was the awesome and imposing Nachal Darja. In addition to the stunning beauty and pure excitement of the hike, Darja provides the ultimate in team building and bonding. The precipitous drops and arduous climbs are not easily navigated solo. The NCSYers needed to help each other get through the canyon and rely on each other on each rope and ladder. Darja challenges hikers like no other tiyul we run, and provides unparalleled thrills and feelings of accomplishment.

On the other side of the spectrum, we had a visit to the famed “Dialogue in the Dark” (Blind Museum) experience, followed by a tour of Bnei Brak. This option required none of the physical exertion of Darja, but was equally - if not more - rewarding. At the Blind Museum, visitors join a tour of every day life activities in complete darkness. Their guides are all visually impaired, either completely or partially blind, and the encounter is unforgettable. The museum provides a fresh and striking perspective on people with disabilities, and is one of the more sought after tours in Israel.

Bnai Brak is another must-see venue to appreciate the quality of scholarship and erudition in today’s Torah world. In addition to a general tour, we were able to meet with Rav Kahaneman and Rav Tzuriel. These meaningful sessions made an indelible impression on all.

Our third option started ordinarily enough, with a few morning hours of fun at the beach. From there it was down to Be’er Sheva for a tour of the Israeli Air Force Museum. But the real fun of this trip was in the final stop, the Alpaca Farm deep in the heart of the Negev Desert. Alpaca’s are similar to llamas, and we had group challenges in herding and communicating with them. It was great and unique- and a great end to the day.

Monday: July 26

There are numerous learning highlights over the summer, both on the group and individual levels. There are certain momentous shiurim that always stand out, and a myriad of quieter moments in the Beit Medrash when a climactic moment can occur. With regard to intensity and emotion, nothing really rivals Tisha B’Av, with the possible exception of our last Shabbat and closing programs. But when it comes to sports, our annual 3 on 3 Basketball tournament stands alone. With its dizzying pace, extraordinarily high level of participation, and thrilling moments, the tournament energizes the Kollel and brings people together like nothing else. In the 3 on 3 game, each player shares in team’s fortune, more so than in our regular league games.

This year, in an effort to generate even more excitement and fun, there was a full festival coinciding with the games. Free popcorn, slushies and Cotton Candy, wiffle Ball and Chabura Line-Up, innovative challenges and contests, live music and great giveaways all helped create an atmosphere like nothing the Kollel had ever seen. Rabbeim and their families joined the fun, and over 300 people participated in the day’s events.

And, of course, there were the games. All courts were in action, often with spectators lining up rows deep. There were the usual array of scintillating performances, buzzer beating shots, and crowd-pleasing upsets. The tournament consisted of two divisions, with the NCSYers choosing the level of competition they wanted. This also helped achieve maximum involvement for all.

By day’s end, we had whittled things down to 8 teams in the advanced bracket, and 4 in the intermediate bracket. The tournaments were headed to thrilling conclusions, and the positive affects will be felt for a long time to come.

TJJ/Kollel Recap

After describing the excitement of our time with TJJ Ambassadors last week, we thought you would appreciate some of the sights and sounds of our interaction. Enjoy!

Sunday: July 25

Spotlight on Night Seder

As we enter into the second half of the summer, new choices were made for our innovative and unique model for nighttime learning. In addition to the very popular chavruta hour, when NCSYers have great freedom to explore areas of learning of their own choice (often with an older staff member to guide them), the anchor of our learning day is the night shiur program. These shiurim benefit from two main catalysts.

First, like the chavruta hour, there is complete autonomy on the subjects learn. NCSYers choose shiurim, all specially designed for the High School yoing men, in a wide range of fascinating and engaging topics. For some, this means in depth Gemara methodology, or a more basic crash course in textual skills. For many others, this is the time of day to turn to more philosophical or inspirational material.

Even within this category, there is a further range of styles and approaches, some emphasizing the more intellectual and rational, while others stress the more spiritual and mystical. Of course, there is halacha and Tanach offered as well, and even shiurim in Ivrit. The obvious advantage of this format is the fact that NCSYers bring more of their own motivation level, and come to the shiurim more focused, with their curiosity already piqued. Perhaps equally important, the makeup of the shiurim allows for like-minded NCSYers to study in unison, with much less distraction. This energy helps create a winning environment for enjoyable and productive learning.

Second, of course, is the unparalleled quality of the night instructors. The strength of this lineup is truly spectacular. Our own Roshei Yeshiva top the list, engaging in direct Talmud Torah with the NCSYers. These are special and potentially life-altering interactions.

It is not at all unusual to see follow up questions from one of these shiurim spill over into the Beit Medrash late at night or beyond. Despite frequent requests from staff, we limit the attendance to NCSYers, so that the give and take of the shiur is theirs alone. In addition, top educators from around Israel join us at night. These are teachers experienced in reaching a wide range of personalities and levels of motivation. NCSYers often leave these shiurim truly amazed and exhilarated at the quality of learning. The night shiurim follow a long and exhausting day. To witness this caliber learning at such a point in the day is a real inspiration.

Shabbat Nachamu: July 24

There were highlights aplenty over Shabbat, but in truth, the real greatness of the weekend was simply soaking in the incomparable atmosphere and beauty of Tzefat. The program attempted to showcase the serenity and inspiration found in every alley and staircase.

As always, the ruach at the meal was just on another level. With everyone’s active participation, we were able to take new songs and old and energize the entire room. Following the rousing seuda, we split into three options. For some, it was a special session with Rabbi Kaminetsky, singing the songs of Shabbat and Tzefat well into the night. Others took full advantage of our resident tiyul expert, Rabbi Moshe Gordon, for a special nighttime adventure through “The Hidden Tzefat.” Our final option was a special tour with stories and insight from Yaakov Block.

On Shabbat day we split up to sample the eclectic group of ancient and modern Tzefat synagogues. Lunch was once again a high-energy affair. In the late afternoon we had a tour of the classic and less known Tzefat venues. We also heard from Rav Yona Akiva, a Breslov Chassid originally from public school in Boston, MA. Rav Yona’s sweetness and sincerity were the perfect conduits for him to share his remarkable story. We concluded Shabbat Nachamu with some penetrating words of chizuk from Rabbi Kaminetsky, who drew the strong parallels between the historical consept of Mikdash and our Torah study today. All in all, it was an unforgettable weekend that combined fun and inspiration for the perfect Nachamu combination.

Friday: July 23

The fun and excitement in the North continued with an Erev Shabbat to be remembered. In the morning, there were two great options, each centering on one of the holy cities of Israel. First, there was a tour of Tiberias, including the holy sites and some of the more modern attractions. We enjoyed the beautiful boardwalk and marina alongside the Kineret, and ventured into the water for some banana boating and other water sports.

Choice two was to stay closer to home and begin the exploration of our host city of Tzefat. Here the tours focused on some of the hot spots that are not accessible on Shabbat, including the Artist’s Colony and other museums and shops.

In the afternoon, we were treated to a presentation that aptly captured the essence of Tzefat and the values of the NCSY Kollel. We packed a local gym and heard from Doron Sheffer- former UCONN basketball star and NBA draft pick, who has retuned to observance and is now a resident of the Galil.

(For more on his career and basketball prowess, CLICK HERE)

He mesmerized the audience with a frank and substantive discussion on the relationship between sport, celebrity, and Torah life. The question and answer session was particularly uplifting, and Doron’s insights and perspective went well beyond his personal journey. From there it was on to the court, where a group of NCSYers teamed with Doron to challenge the mighty NCSY Kollel staff stars. Doron proved to be the difference, and his dazzling display of shooting and passing led the NCSYers to a thrilling victory.

In the birthplace of Kabbalat Shabbat, we doubled our pleasure with an early, “musical” welcome. Led by some of our talented musicians, we kicked off Shabbat with great spirit and verve. “The hills were alive…” as Shabbat descended on the mountains of Tzefat!

Thursday: July 22

What a start to our biggest tiyul extravaganza of the summer! Thursday we packed up and headed up north for three fantastic touring options. The first brave group tackled the “Black Canyon,” a closed to the public extension of the famed Nachal Yehudiya. This extremely challenging trek includes rappelling, mountain climbing, swimming, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. It was a real thrill and a very rewarding experience.

Option two headed up through picturesque Caesarea. There they were surprised by a mini Color War break out, following themes of the history of the Mediterranean coast. From there it was onward and upward to Rosh HaNikra, one of the more amazing spots in the country.

Our third option traced the steps of some of the monumental battles of 1967 and 1973 in the Golan Heights. This moving tour was accentuated by an impromptu kumsitz on the Syrian border, and incredible stories of the war history of the North. After, they relaxed at the Ein Ziv chocolate factory and had a hands-on “sweet” experience.

All groups reconvened for dinner in Tzefat, and then ended the day in incredible fashion with a nightcap at the Canada Center. The entire facility was rented out for our NCSYers, who enjoyed ice skating, swimming, basketball and the spa until late into the night.

Wednesday: July 21

Wednesday was a snapshot of so many of the elements that make NCSY Kollel great. First, the day was sandwiched between the emotions and intensity of Tisha B’Av on the one hand, and the anticipation for Shabbat Nachamu and great Tiyul days on the other. Wednesday was the day for this transition, and day that reflected the positive energies of each experience.

We also welcome the boys of Morasha’s Sulam tour for an afternoon of learning and sports. We were honored to provide such positive and welcoming environment in our Beit Medrash for our friends from Sulam. On the courts we were somewhat less hospitable, posting convincing victories in both basketball and hockey. It was a real joy to watch the teamwork and midot of the Kollel All-Stars in both sports, and they provided plenty of cheers. The basketball game was never really in doubt, but the hockey game was tied 0-0 after two periods. At that point Kollel really turned it up a notch and earned an impressive 4-1 victory.

At night we celebrated another grand siyum. The late night canteen was standing room only for Nechemia Zemel’s completion of Masechet Taanit, and the abundant Burger’s Bar went down easily after a long 9 days…

It was also the first night of the new round of night shiurim, and this anchored what was already a very strong day of learning.

Tisha B'Av - Tuesday: July 20

All of our preparations led to a meaningful and appropriate Tisha B'Av experience, that will remain in the memories of all NCSY Kollel 2010 participants for some time to come. As we often say, it is the context of the day that makes it so special. First, observing Tisha B’Av in Israel provides a front row seat to living examples of destruction and rebuilding. Beyond that, when the focus of the entire summer is on developing our spiritual and religious attitudes and sensitivities, Tisha B’Av becomes more of an extension of the rest of the summer, and less an aberration.

The Kinot, on both the night and the day, were preceded by general words of explanation and inspiration. In the evening, Rav Twersky spoke of the common man’s relationship with churban, and his role in redemption. In the morning, Rav Schachter framed the day with a discussion on the uniqueness of the Jewish people and our narrative, and the challenges to that specialness in the long years of exile. Each kinah was preceded by word of elucidation from a madrich or rebbe. In addition to offering some historical perspective and explanation of key words and phrases, these explanations succeeded in drawing connective points between the kinot and our lives. It was a long and difficult day, but extremely powerful as well.

At night, after kinot, special programs included shiurim on the relevant Gemaras dealing with destruction and mourning, workshops on Mitzvot Bein Adam L’Chaveiro, and character development, and a unique kumsitz with an emphasis on songs that truly move the soul, without musical accompaniment or long speeches.

For many, the most impactful moments of the day were reserved for the very end. Almost the entire group opted to travel to Yerushalayim. Some departed earlier and included a moving detour to Har HaMenuchot and some of the kivrei tzadikim there. Everyone met up the Kotel Plaza for the now famous NCSY Kollel Tisha B’Av kumsitz. Our group, over 200 strong, was joined by hundreds of others spectators and passersby for over an hour of singing, crying and great Kiddush Hashem.



We are immensely proud of the effort made by staff and NCSYers alike to make Tisha B’Av a memorable and meaningful experience. We look forward and fervently pray for those efforts to result in the further transformation of Tisha B’Av from a day of sorrow to a festival of complete joy.

Monday: July 19

In addition to our regular shiurim, the early part of the day was loaded with special programs and presentations in advance of Tisha B’Av. Foremost among them was an extremely moving and powerful talk from Rav Binny Freedman.

Rabbi Freedman is the Rosh Yeshiva of Orayta in the Old City and the founding director of Israelight. He spoke about Jewish loss and sacrifice in recent history, and inspired the group with his integration of biblical texts and real life fulfillments of the words of Tanach. In the afternoon, we heard from Rav Benjy Kwalwasser and Rav Gedaliah Hochberg with some final messages before the start of the the fast.

Sunday: July 18

We started the week with a bang, with a special presentation from Dr. David Luchins and a visit from his wife Mrs. Vivian Luchins, Chairperson of the OU’s Youth Commission. Dr. Luchins addressed the current political climate in both Israel and the US, and, more importantly, he described the need and opportunity for political activism and advocacy. From the spirited questions that followed his presentation, it was clear that he succeeded in reaching our NCSYers on these important topics.

Sunday was also our third and final day of learning with the boys from TJJ Ambassadors. At this point the TJJ NCSYers felt completely at home on our campus, and the learning and camaraderie were the ideal lead in to Tisha B’Av. One of TJJ’s directors, David Teller, ended the day by speaking to both groups in the overflowing Beit Medrash. He beautifully described the significance of the three days of learning, and even quoted directly from the TJJers whose excitement for learning was a true inspiration.

(TUNE IN NEXT WEEK FOR A VIDEO RECAP OF THE TJJ/KOLLEL EXPERIENCE)

Shabbat Chazon: July 17

Our second Shabbat together carried a very different tone than the first. Shabbat Chazon is dominated by thoughts of the 9 days and Tisha B’Av, and serves as the greatest preparation for a meaningful fast. This is not to say that Shabbat
was devoid of energy or spirit. To the contrary, the Shabbat was filled with the incomparable ruach of an NCSY Kollel weekend, with the added focus and intensity provided by our preoccupation with Yerushalayim and Eretz Yisroel.

Over Shabbat we enjoyed the opportunity to hear perspectives on mourning and loss from our Roshei Yeshiva. Highlights included the annual question and answer session wit Rav Schachter, and words of inspiration at Seudat Shlishit from Rav Twersky. Rav Schachter grappled with a wide range of issues including copyright law, Israel’s policy on prisoner release, honesty in business, and personal recollections on learning at the feet of Rav Soloveitchik zt”l. Rav Twersky spoke eloquently and powerfully on small steps towards feeling the loss on Tisha B’Av. We also had the privilege of hosting Rabbi Schneider and his family for Shabbat. Besides the special meal Rabbi Schneider enjoyed with
his morning shiur (featuring some much appreciated homemade food), we all benefited from his inspiring words at the rousing Tisch Friday night.

Tisha B’Av has always had a very special place on the Kollel calendar, and as our many guests and alumni who join us each year can attest, it is an extraordinarily meaningful place to experience the day. In truth however, what sets Kollel apart is not so much what we do on the 25 hours of Tisha B’Av itself. It is much more reflected in the days and weeks of preparation, and the tone on our campus in the time leading up. Shabbat Chazon was all of that and more.

Thursday: July 15

This week was highlighted by the arrival of Rav Schachter to the program. The three weeks that the Schachters spend with us are always precious, and Rav Schachter’s great impact on the program has already been felt.

For all the wonderful aspects of the learning on the NCSY Kollel, perhaps the most special is the interaction the NCSYers and staff are privileged to have with Rav Schachter, Rav Twersky, and Rav Sobolofsky. Each brings his own style and perspective to our Beit Medrash, and they all combine to raise the level of our learning to incredible heights.

It’s difficult to enumerate all of their varied contributions, but it’s important to name a few. Halacha Shiur in the morning starts every learning day with a clear presentation of Jewish law from our community’s greatest experts and decisors. The Roshei Yeshiva offer shiurim throughout the morning for the different levels of our staff, and insure that the quality of learning is as high as possible. Rav Sobolofsky offers a special optional shiur at the end of lunch everyday, that is attended by staff and NCSYers alike. Their night shiurim are consistently among the most popular, and give dozens of NCSYers the opportuinity for direct learning from these leaders. Above all, their daily chavrusas are memorable encounters that will surely shape the future of the NCSYers for years to come.

Wednesday: July 14

Wednesday we resumed our week of learning with TJJ Ambassadors. By now everyone was comfortable in his surroundings, and the learning was enhanced by the relationships that had been formed. In addition to the regular schedule, we welcomed TJJ with three special programs during the afternoon break.

First, TJJ and Kollel joined in the Beit Medrash for a special session of Tzizit making. Rabbi Gordon led the group in explaining the roots and details of the Mitzvah. Of course, for both Kollel and TJJ, there is no comparison between Tzitzit bought in a store and Tzitzit made by one’s own hand.

From there we moved to the court, for the annual TJJ-Kollel Basketball Challenge. The Kollel All-Stars kept our all-time undefeated record intact with an impressive performance, but the sportsmanship by all really was the story. Kudos to game MVPs Shimmy Steinmetz and Shlomo Berman for leading the Kollel stars to victory.

Part two of the game united the Kollel stars and their TJJ counterparts against the Kollel sports staff. Unfortunately, even Achdut can sometimes meet its match, and the sports staff lived up to their billing with an remarkable display of teamwork and skill, and a resounding victory.

But unquestionably, the highlight of the day (if not the entire summer) was the one of a kind siyum that followed. Yosef Brander having completed Gemara Masechet Makkot, represented the Kollel. Tzuri Teshuba and Robbie Ellenhorn , having completed Pirkei Avot this summer, represented TJJ. Together, they made one of the more remarkable siyums you will ever see. The clear display of commitment to Torah study and a unified community was NCSY at its absolute finest. It was really an honor to be a part of, and the celebatory meal that followed was well earned and much enjoyed.

Tuesday: July 13

Our Nine Days tiyul always stands out from the rest. While our choices of activities are greatly limited by the tone and laws of the days leading up to Tisha B’Av, we try to take advantage of that and offer some of our most rewarding and inspiring tiyul options of the summer. For our second year NCSYers (and a small group of first timers too), this meant a tour of Gush Etzion and Chevron. The day began with a hike following the incredible story of Netiv HaLamed Hey. This history forms the backbone of modern-day Gush Etzion, and was a moving and eye-opening trek. From there it was on to Chevron, with the incomparable Rav Simcha Hochbaum. From davening at Ma’arat Hamachpela to the guided tours of both ancient and modern Chevron, it was an extraordinarily special day.

Two buses focused their tour on the depths and heights of the Old City of Yerushalayim. There was a unique survey of Ir David, bringing the recent excavations and discoveries to life for our NCSYers. That segment of the trip culminated in Chizkiyau’s Water Tunnels, which provided both fun and a new perspective on Jerusalem in the Temple era. They also explored the Kotel Tunnels, with its unmatched vantage point on Har HaBayit, the Temple Mount. Being able to reach out and touch the places so enmeshed with our past and future was incredibly moving.

These groups ended their day at the newly refurbished Churva Synagogue, in the heart of the Old City. This breathtakingly beautiful shul is fast becoming the defining symbol of Yerushalayim’s rebirth, and provided no small dose of comfort during our days of mourning and loss.

The final tiyul option was truly an “Only on the NCSY Kollel” event. Rabbi Moshe Gordon has worked tirelessly to put together an amazing day entitled “The History of Torah in Yerushalayim.” The tour traces the growth of Torah learning in Yerushalayim over the past century, and provides glimpses into the history and future of the world of learning.

It seamlessly combines historical sites and exhibits, with the vibrancy of thriving Batei Medrash and communities today. Above all, the tour includes meetings with some of today’s leading Gedolei Yisroel, many of whom take the time to address our group and are consistently impressed by the way our NCSYers are spending their summers. This year’s trip included a fascinating new exhibit at Hebrew University on Jewish life on pre-war Mezbitch, a tour of the awe inspiring Belz Beit Medrash, a chance to greet and hear from Rav Nosson Tzvi Finakel and Rav Scheinberg.

The day ended with a private reception with Rav Ovadiah Yosef, who spoke warmly with the group and offered divrei bracha. It was truly an unforgettable experience from beginning to end, and unquestionably one of the summer’s real highlights.

SEE PICTURES FROM OUR ENTIRE SUMMER EXPERIENCE HERE!