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.