Tuesday: August 3

After a robust morning and afternoon of learning, NCSY Kollel took to the courts, as playoff week got fully underway. This year’s intramurals, in both Basketball and Hockey were hotly contested from the start, and the playoffs got underway amidst great fanfare and anticipation.
Remarkably, the increased level of intensity is accompanied by an equally increased level of commitment to proper play and strong middot. After a summer of learning together, we stress the importance of using all of the athletics as a vehicle towards stronger character and religious growth, not- God forbid- the opposite. In that way, the playoffs become the ultimate showcase of what NCSY Kollel sports are all about.

Of the 24 basketball teams, 12 advanced to the playoffs. For the other 12, we conduct a “Second Chance” playoff tournament that insures no one’s season ends too early in the summer. Besides providing some additional games and entertainment, there are quite a few teams that actually rally behind the Second Chance Tournament, and play some of their finest ball of the summer.

A great mini-Tiyul to Emek HaEla and the scene of Dovid HaMelech’s battle with Goliath rounded out the day’s options.

The night program on Monday was truly special. We conducted our annual “Leil Iyun”, where we take a break from our regular learning schedule to offer shiurim and workshops on a particular theme of interest to the NCSYers. This year’s Leil Iyun was centered on “Modern Media.” There was a session dealing with proper Internet usage, including guidelines for appropriate usage and how much time online is healthy and productive. Rabbi Kaminetsky addressed a topic especially near and dear to his heart, in a lively presentation on music, both secular and religious. He explained the potential of music for both good and bad, and provided insights into the history of music and the present day industry. Rav Sobolofsky gave a whirlwind tour of Halachic issues that have arisen with the advancement of modern technology. His riveting shiur touched upon numerous questions in Hilchot Shabbat, E-commerce, and globalization.

Rabbi Lebowitz dealt with relationships in the age of e-mail, texting, and Facebook, while Chesky Gewirtz spoke about questions of Identity in the modern world. Finally, Yehuda Turetsky discussed the influence of television and movies on our society.

Along with the media topics, we also presented a “Senior Seminar.” This was a panel discussion led by recent High School graduate speaking to the incoming seniors. The main goal was to identify the challenges unique to senior year, and to give strategies and suggestions on how to maximize the potential of the next 10-12 months. The program was informative and engaging, and extremely well received.

The Leil Iyun provides a break from the regular NCSY Kollel routine, and allows for learning of topics that the NCSYers find to be exciting and important. Moreover, the Leil Iyun helps create a framework whereby NCSYers can appreciate the relevance of the Halachic process to all aspects of their lives.