Wednesday: August 4

On Wednesday, so many aspects of the NCSY Kollel experience came together to form one of the most exciting, productive, and memorable days of the summer.

After an hour of Chaburas in the morning, we set out on our annual Yom Chessed. The goal of these Chessed trips is, of course, primarily to give and to help a few special organizations in their wonderful work. At the same time, these volunteer hours fit perfectly into the educational goals and philosophy of the NCSY Kollel. Through the Chessed trips we can continue to broaden the perspective of the NCSYers, and to offer practical experience in applying the lessons and values of the Beit Medrash to the outside world.

Many of the NCSYers spent the day with Yad Ezra and/or Yad Eliezer. Both of these groups deal with poverty in Israel, and we were able to help in food packing and organizing the warehouses. While there, we received a powerful glimpse into the struggles of some of the less fortunate in our community and we were shown how some are working to alleviate financial stress and pressure from the poor.

We sent a group to Tel Aviv, to help in an innovative project that allows major Israeli companies to employ disabled individuals. On this day, we worked side by side with some blind or hearing-impaired individuals, and helped them on a Cellcom assembly line. It was an extremely meaningful interaction.

Once again we teamed with the “Standing Together” group, to deliver packages and pizza to IDF soldiers on duty. The most exciting part of this effort was the real conversations between the soldiers and the NCSYers. Just seeing an active military base provides a certain reality check about Israel’s position, and speaking to the soldiers who are on the front lines drove that message home powerfully.

Our final group spent the day at the legendary home of the Machlis family in Yerushalayim. Each Shabbat, hundreds of visitors find their way to the Machlis’ for a hot meal and a warm word. We were able to assist in some of the Shabbat preparations, and also to help in some larger projects in the house to allow for even more and greater Hachnasat Orchim. It was exhausting work on a brutally hot day, but very, very rewarding.

Our return to Beit Meir was highlighted by one of the great Sports days of the summer beginning with the annual three-point shootout.

In addition to the continuation of the playoffs, we gathered everyone to the court for the debut of Dodgeball on the NCSY Kollel. This was no ordinary game, as close to 200 participants packed the court for the ultimate NCSYer vs. Staff showdown. Under the masterful direction of Sports Staff stalwart Mayer Stromer, the game provided amazing fun and bonding. We played two games, with each side winning one. Sunday will see the continuation of this new Kollel tradition.