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.