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.