Dearest NCSY Derech Family,

I am writing to you on the eve of our final Shabbos as a program. At this point, we have so many wonderful memories to look back on, and we look forward to spending our last few days together before we depart. Here is a recap of what took place this past week on NCSY Derech…

The week began with a truly meaningful Tisha B’Av. It sounds ironic when I say that Tisha B’av is one of the “highlights of the summer.” However, the truth is that the day fosters a certain level of maturity, intensity, and sensitivity that does not come out on other days. This summer, Derech truly experienced Tisha B’av with emotion and growth. Many of the boys introduced kinnos and spoke about tragedies that related to the theme of the day. It was a very powerful and impressive day. 

Monday was the 10th of Av. We began the day with Torah and chessed. Specifically, we visited Yeshivat Lev HaTorah and learned about their unique Lev Lechayal program. Afterwards, we packed food boxes for the needy in the “Latet” warehouse. As mid-day hit on the 10th of Av, the mood lightened, and we headed to a well-deserved pool party in Beit Shemesh.

The fun continued on Tuesday as we enjoyed the water hike known as “Nachal Ein Prat,” closer to the Dead Sea. The boys loved swimming in the natural springs of Israel! We then went on to visit the community of Mitzpeh Yericho and hear from a few olim who live there. We also heard from the father of fallen solider, Ariel Eliyahu, who was killed on Octobter 7th. Ariel was killed in his tank, which was stationed right by the Gaza border on October 7th. Hearing from Ariel’s father was a very special and unique opportunity.

On Wednesday, NCSY Derech saw the sights of October 7th with their own eyes. We visited Sderot, Tekumim Cars, and the Nova site. Simply put, the Derech boys connected to October 7th on a much more personal level after seeing the places and meeting the people who experienced the day first hand. On a lighter note, we spent the night in the beautiful town of Mitzpeh Ramon, down in the Negev. The desert night allowed for a beautiful night activity under the moonlight in the breeze of the Negev. We sang together and spoke about the growth that has taken place this summer. It was an inspirational night!

On Thursday, we found ourselves repelling down the “Machtesh,” the “Grand Canyon of Israel.” Our boys had a blast, and truly enjoyed the experience of seeing the southern region of Israel. We then headed to the “Salad Trail,” where farmers taught us how to love the land and produce of Israel. Derech boys were eating vegetables as if they were candy. It was truly a sight to see!

Today, Derech got to visit Shiloh, the location of the Mishkan and Chanah’s prayer for a child. In addition to connecting to the history and Tanach stories of Shiloh, NCSY Derech also got to make grape juice the area as well!

Our final Shabbos together, Shabbos Nachamu, is to take place in the Old City of Yerushalayim! I am so excited to daven and sing in the very streets that require the consolation after Tisha B’av. Yerushalayim will receive nechama from NCSY Derech this Shabbos!!

Always feel free to reach out!

Shabbat Shalom!

Rav Yoni

Dearest Derech Family,

Baruch Hashem, we are having a safe, meaningful and enjoyable summer in Eretz Yisrael! Specifically, the boys on NCSY Derech continue to grow closer to each other, their advisors, and their homeland. Here is a recap of what happened on NCSY Derech this past week….

On Sunday, we reunited at the Nefesh B’Nefesh aliya campus in Yerushalayim after our free weekend. There, we learned all about Israel, aliyah, and Nefesh B’Nefesh with Rabbi Uri Pilichowski. We then went on to enjoy sports in the beautiful Gan Sacher right nearby. Our tour intensified later that afternoon when we heard the heroic stories of the fallen soldies at Har Herzl. 

On Monday, we travelled to Haifa and enjoyed the exhibits at the Atlit Immigrant Detention Camp museum. There, we learned about the numerous Jews who risked their lives to help Holocaust survivors enter Israel after World War II. We then enjoyed a challenging, but beautiful, hike at in the Carmel Mountains! Finally, we made our way to the hotel in Akko for our three-night stay.

On Tuesday morning, we enjoyed a walking tour around the old city of Akko. Our tour included beautiful views of the Mediterranean, an exhibit in the Ramchal’s shul, and the spot where Napoleon’s army could not break into the walls of Akko! In the afternoon, we saw the beautiful sight known as “Rosh HaNikra,” right on the water. We then enjoyed the thrill of sharp turns on speed boats!!

On Wednesday, we had the very special privilege of visiting an elite army base near Akko. We brought snacks and smiles for those defending our homeland. Lunch on Wednesday might have been the best pizza ever made! Special shout out to “Hamakom Shel Yoav” in Kibbutz Matzuva. Wednesday afternoon was a ton of fun at “Akko extreme park,” where Derech boys enjoyed rock-climbing, zip-lining, and bungee jumping!!

Thursday was very meaningful because we heard the story of the Nili underground movement in Zichron Yaakov. Simply put, the Nili museum describes how the Aaronsohn family gave their lives to help the Jewish communities in Israel after World War I, despite Ottoman persecution. Later that day, during lunch, we got to meet a solider who lives in Zichron Yaakov. We heard his stories from recent battles in Gaza and Lebanon. Our boys were rather impressed and inspired. On Thursday afternoon, we enjoyed the beautiful sites of Caesarea, and we also heard about the difficult parts of Jewish history that took place there in connection with the destruction of the second Beit Hamikdash. At the end of the day, it was nice to arrive back on Beit Meir campus. We enjoyed a Thursday night mishmar, sponsored by the Weintruab family!

Today, Friday, we continue to get into the proper mindset for Tisha B’av. A visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum was most appropriate. We hope to have a meaningful Shabbat Chazon together in Beit Meir. May we only hear news of Ge’ulah and Nechama from this point on!

At this point, we only have a week and a half left of NCSY Derech! I hope to see continued growth from all participants. Never hesitate to reach out if I can help in any way!

Shabbat Shalom!

Rav Yoni

Dearest NCSY Derech Family,

I am so grateful to Hashem that our summer has been safe, meaningful, and enjoyable from the start. We have a great group of boys who are growing closer to each other and connecting to Eretz Yisrael. Our advisors have truly connected to the NCSYers, and they are maximizing the opportunities for growth on the program. Our Torah is strong with daily shiur in the morning and chaburas at night. Overall, we are growing and having a blast!

Here is a recap of what we did this past week:

On Sunday morning, we woke up in the Golan. We stopped off at “Kfar Kedem” on the way back to Beit Meir, where we acted as if we were living in Biblical times. For example, we rode donkeys and learned how to make bread from the original wheat stalk. We then went on to Tzippori to learn about Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi and the evolution of the Mishna. Sunday night was very special because we joined NCSY Kollel for their leil iyun, back in Beit Meir. In Kollel, our boys got to hear shiurim from Roshei Yeshiva and prominent educators from America and Israel. 

On Monday, we visited Machon Tzomet, where Rabbis taught us about the unique inventions they make to minimize Shabbos desecration in cases of need such as hospitals and the army. The engineers in the room were in heaven. We then went on to visit Chevron with the legendary Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum!

On Tuesday, we saw Tel-Aviv. Our day started with muffins and iced coffee in the park with Kyle Blank, Executive Director of “Israel Friends.” We then had a powerful visit to “Hostage Square,” in Tel-Aviv, where we learned about some of the hostages, and saw some of the remains from October 7th. Our group was then able to visit the famous “Blind Museum,” in Cholon.

We spent Wednesday in the Gush. Zip-lining and rock climbing was rather thrilling (I watched that from the side….)! We then went to the Gush Visitor Center, where we watched the film describing the heroes who gave their lives to defend the Gush in 1948. After the film, we visited Yeshivat Har Etzion, and enjoyed a tour of the Yeshiva with world renowned speaker, Rabbi Moshe Taragin. Wednesday night mishmar was truly inspiring as our boys stayed up later than usual learning extra Torah! Thank you to the Hepner and Rabinowitz families for sponsoring mishmar this week! The poppers were the perfect way to keep the learning strong late into the night! We were honored to hear words of Torah from Rabbi Jesse Horn, of Yeshivat Hakotel.

Thursday was so enjoyable in Mevaseret! We started the trip with a hike in the area where we learned about the different types of plants that grow in that area, some of which were used to make medicine and breath fresheners. We then went on the Mevaseret mall! Obviously, the Chocolate Factory is an unforgettable experience when visiting Israel! 

At this point, we look forward to a relaxing Shabbos. The Derech boys get to enjoy a Shabbos with friends and family as part of the “free weekend.” We look forward to another great week after Shabbos. Stay tuned on the parents WhatsApp group and our Instagram page as we head up to Akko for a few days next week!

Thank you all so much for partnering with NCSY Derech this summer. Please feel free to reach out if I can help in any way! I truly value working together with the parent body to foster the growth of each and very boy

-Shabbat Shaom!

Rav Yoni

Dearest NCSY Derech Family,

Baruch Hashem, NCSY Derech has been off to an outstanding start! Our boys are learning Torah and connecting to Eretz Yisrael. There is genuine growth taking place, and new relationships are being formed. Here is a recap of what we did this past week:

On Sunday, we connected to Shiva Asar B’Tamuz by visiting the Machon Hamikdash museum as well as the Herodian Quarter Museum. These two exhibits are right next to each other in the Old City of Yerushalayim, and we literally saw both remnants of the destruction as well as signs of the ge’ulah in the same day. We ended the fast with a moving speech from our very own Abie Goldberger about his experiences in the army.

On Monday, we visited the Beit Shemesh area starting with the Biblical Museum of Natural History. We then went on to bowling in the BIG mall. Finally, we visited caves in the area associated with the Bar Kochva rebellion. 

On Tuesday, we met our five Israeli mifgashim, who are joining Derech for the week. Together, we went up to the Golan. After the Nachal Kibbutzim water hike the “Slingshot” exhibit about the Yom Kippur War, we checked in at Hispin, a beautiful Yishuv in the Golan.

Wednesday was drenched with the Kineret. We built rafts, swam in the Kineret, and enjoyed the Aqua-Kef water park in Teveria. We also ended the day with a boat ride. Believe it or not, we also visited the kever of the Rambam between all of the fun.

Thursday was a very meaningful day as we toured Tzefat. We connected to the spiritual energy and history of the area. Of course, we ended the day with a cholent and kugel mishmar in Keshet. Thank you to the Kessler family for sponsoring this week’s mishmar!

I sincerely appreciate all of those families who reached out about sponsorships. It is so nice to know that we are partnering with the parent body during this program. Please continue to be in touch!

Today, Friday, we went rafting. Good times.

As we prepare for Shabbos in Keshet, I want to share how impressed all of the Israeli organizations have been with the NCSY Derech boys. Numerous organizations commented that they were impressed with the way the Derech boys carried themselves. Our group proves to be rather respectful and knowledgeable! Great parenting everyone!

I am excited to spend Shabbos in Keseht. We are scheduled to meet members of the community over Shabbos and enjoy a relaxing Shabbos in the Golan!

Thank you all so much for partnering with me and NCSY Derech!!

-Rav Yoni

Dearest NCSY Derech family,

Thank you so much for sharing your sons with us this summer! Baruch Hashem, we are off to a great start! Here is a summary of what we did this week on NCSY Derech!

As the boys arrived in Ben Gurion airport on Wednesday, we davened, ate breakfast, and then headed to our campus in Beit Meir. After unpacking, we headed to Yerushalayim for lunch in the Old City followed by the intro to the program. We then headed down to the Kotel, where we davened mincha and appreciated time to speak with Hashem privately. For many Derech participants this was their first trip to the Kotel. We got back to campus, rested, had dinner, and started our Torah learning with the Derech madrichim!

On Thursday,  we had a great day of learning and touring! We started the day with shiur and proceeded to go on a walking tour of the Old City of Yerushalayim. After some deli sandwiches, we then walked through the water tunnels of Chizkiyahu Hamelech! Of course, we ended the day with learning and a late night mishmar! Thank you to the Saperstein family for sponsoring!

Today, Friday, we had to time to shop for Shabbos in Beit Meir after shiur. We then hiked the Burma Road and learned the history of the Beit Meir hills and battles in the interactive, Khan Shaar Hagai museum.

Moving forward, we look forward to our first Shabbos together in Beit Meir!

Thank you all for your partnership and consistent support! I hope to continue working together with the parent body as we foster the growth of our Derech participants together!

Have a Great Shabbos!

Rabbi Yoni Mandelstam

Dear Parents:

Baruch Hashem, NCSY Derech had another jam-packed week filled with Torah, touring, education, and recreation. I am pleased to report that our boys are safe, happy, and are strengthening their relationships with Hashem and Eretz Yisrael. 

This past Sunday, we visited “The Zomet Institute,” in Alon Shevut, where we learned how technology can be used in certain situations on Shabbos in a way that complies with Halacha. An example of this is the Machon Tzomet electric wheelchair. NCSY Derech boys truly impressed the leaders of the organization as being a bright and motivated group.  After Machon Tzomet, NCSY Derech had the unique privilege of touring Chevron with the legendary Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum. 

On Monday morning, we visited “Seeach Sod,” a special needs school in Ramat Shlomo. NCSY Derech boys did art projects and danced with the students. We were honored to be there with Ofir Sofer, minister of Aliya, and Rabbi Avi Berman, the Executive Director of OU Israel. Our trip then went on to tour the tunnels under the Kotel after some free time in the Old City.

On Tuesday, the tone of the program truly tapped into the spirit of the Nine Days as we visited the sights of the attacks of October 7th. It was truly an emotional experience. Earlier that morning, NCSY Derech volunteered in a field in Beit Shemesh, where we helped farmers plant, weed, and clean their produce. The farmers sincerely appreciated our help. 

On Wednesday, NCSY Derech impressed the tour guide at the Biblical Museum of Natural History as being “the brightest group he had ever seen.” We learned about the animals mentioned in Tanach and got to hold them! We then went on to crawl through the caves assumed to be related to the Bar Kochva rebellion.

On Thursday, NCSY Derech made our own chocolate, which was awesome. We also enjoyed a meat lunch/siyum in Gan Sacher as boys enjoyed some football, frisbee, and ninja warrior. We then headed to the Nefesh B’Nefesh center, where we learned about aliya. The Head of Nefesh B’Nefesh Education said that “he had never met a group with so many thoughtful questions.”

Just this morning, our boys toured Har Hertzl as we began to transition into Shabbat Chazon, and the tone of Tisha B’Av.

All in all, I cannot express in words how impressive this group of NCSY Derech boys really is. I am truly enjoying spending my summer with them! I cannot thank you enough for choosing NCSY Derech! Please feel free to text me with any questions or comments!

Have a restful Shabbos!!

Rav Yoni

Dear Parents:

Chasdei Hashem, NCSY Derech experienced another great week in Eretz Yisrael filled with Torah, touring, education, and recreation.

Here is our “week in review.”

On Sunday, our group reunited in Yeshivat Shaalvim after having experienced the free weekend. In Shaalvim, we had a small tour of the community before hearing from Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Michael Yammer. After the Yeshiva, NCSY Derech went on to visit the tank museum in Latrun, and also enjoyed a game of “water-tag” to end the day.

Monday included the hike of “Tel Azeika,” the location of the battle between Dovid and Golyat. We then went on to Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, where we had the privilege to hear  from Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Boaz Mori. After the Yeshiva, NCSY Derech enjoyed a pool party in Beit Shemesh, and then the BIG Fashion Mall with some bowling!

On Tuesday, we got to tour the city of Caesarea and repel down the Carmel Mountains on our way to Chaifa, which was simply beautiful.  We enjoyed the views of the Mediterranean Sea as we toured the area.

Our experiences between Wednesday and Thursday included a blend of education and recreation. We learned about those brave heroes who built this country, and we also enjoyed some nice rock climbing and malls!

Last night, we ended a greet week of learning with an unforgettable mishmar with cholent, kugel, and a kumsitz. Thank you to the numerous sponsors. Your partnership means the world to us.

In conclusion, I simply want to thank you for trusting NCSY Summer with you precious children. Please text me if you need anything at all. I am so happy to help.

We look forward to spending a safe and uplifting Shabbos in Yerushalayim with NCSY Kollel this Shabbos!
We will update you further if necessary.

Have a Restful Shabbos!!

Rav Yoni

Dear Parents:

This past week, NCSY Derech truly got to experience education and inspiration in our homeland. Specifically, the week started up in the Golan after an unforgettable Shabbos in Chispin. On our way back to the center of Israel, we got to ride Donkeys in Kfar Kedem, and visit the town of Tzippori, where we learned about Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi.

On Monday, the tone of our touring shifted as we prepared for the Three Weeks. In a more serious form of touring, we drove down to the Negev where we were able to hear first hand accounts from heroes who saved lives  on October 7th. Specifically, we met a man from Ofakim who was able to protect his community by using a bicycle to keep his safe-room locked. We also heard from a man who helped save lives in the Kerem Shalom community as he narrated a slide show presentation. Meeting these heroes and hearing their stories was simply unforgettable.

On Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, we experienced the Machon Hamikash museum in the Old City of Yerushalayim, where got to see the vessels of the Beis Hamikdash and truly visualize the experiences of the Kohanim. Our fast day ended with a kumsitz with words of Torah from Rabbi Jesse Horn of Yeshivat HaKotel.

Wednesday began with a 3AM wake-up for a sunrise hike up Masada. After shacharis, breakfast, and a tour, NCSY Derech made their way down the snake-path to float in the Dead Sea. Our trip then went on to learn about the community of Mitzpeh Yericho, where we met olim and Idit Eliyahu, the mother of fallen solider, Ariel Eliyahu (HY”D) who lost his life on October 7th.

After returning to Beit Meir, the boys got some rest and enjoyed a surprise Burgers Bar Mishmar, sponsored by members of the NCSY Derech parent body. Burgers Bar mishmar was the perfect way to spend our last night in Beit Meir before the free Shabbos. Thank you so much to our generous sponsors.

Just yesterday, NCSY Derech got to visit Shilo, the site of the Mishkan and the place where Channah davend to have a son. We also go to hear from Rabbi Dov Berkovits, a pioneer of modern day Shilo, who knows just about everything there is to know about Shilo.

At this point, we are just about half-way through the summer. Our boys are currently enjoying their free Shabbos weekend. I look forward to reuniting with the group on our way to Yeshivat Shaalvim this coming Sunday.

In conclusion, I want to stress that I am so impressed with your boys, and I want to help them in any way that I can. Therefore, please feel free to reach out to me if you want to discuss a personal matter!
I am here to partner with you to help your son grow. Thank you for your partnership!

Have a meaningful Shabbos!

Rav Yoni

Dear Parents:

I hope you have been following us on Instagram to feel the thrill of NCSY Derech! This past week, our program had incredible experiences. Our week began with a tour of the old city of Yerushalayim and the city of David. We walked through Chizkiyahu’s water tunnels and learned about the history of the Old City. On Monday, we went to Efrat, where we helped clean up a supply center that had an electrical fire. We also made a BBQ for soldiers. While we were in the Gush area, NCSY Derech had the incredible opportunity to have a tour of Yeshivat Har Etzion with Rabbi Moshe Taragin.

On Tuesday, we started our journey to the beautiful Golan! We have been enjoying both educational and recreational touring in the areas of Teveria and the surrounding cities. We have been to the Aqua Kef water park, for example, and we have also seen the sites of the Yom Kippur war and a shul from times of the Gemara! Since Tuesaday, we have been loving the Golan!

Last night’s mishmar was nothing short of magical. We learned Torah, enjoyed kugel, cholent, and had a kumsitz in the fields of Hispin. Thank you to the families who reached out regarding sponsorships!! I will follow up about that. As always, feel free to text me on WhatsApp. I am here to help your sons have the “Best. Summer. Ever.”

In conclusion, I am uniquely proud of the fact that NCSY Derech has had strong learning and davening on the program each day. The boys have shiur each morning and chaburah at night. Additionally, the boys are truly getting to know one another. I can honestly say that NCSY Derech is providing a genuine tour of Israel with both education and recreation in a Torah atmosphere. The boys are also uniquely respectful and growth oriented. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your sons with NCSY Summer.

Have a Great Shabbos!

Rav Yoni

Dear Parents:

I hope you have been following us on Instagram to feel the thrill of NCSY Derech! This past week, our program had incredible experiences. Our week began with a tour of the old city of Yerushalayim and the city of David. We walked through Chizkiyahu’s water tunnels and learned about the history of the Old City. On Monday, we went to Efrat, where we helped clean up a supply center that had an electrical fire. We also made a BBQ for soldiers. While we were in the Gush area, NCSY Derech had the incredible opportunity to have a tour of Yeshivat Har Etzion with Rabbi Moshe Taragin.

On Tuesday, we started our journey to the beautiful Golan! We have been enjoying both educational and recreational touring in the areas of Teveria and the surrounding cities. We have been to the Aqua Kef water park, for example, and we have also seen the sites of the Yom Kippur war and a shul from times of the Gemara! Since Tuesaday, we have been loving the Golan!

Last night’s mishmar was nothing short of magical. We learned Torah, enjoyed kugel, cholent, and had a kumsitz in the fields of Hispin. Thank you to the families who reached out regarding sponsorships!! I will follow up about that. As always, feel free to text me on WhatsApp. I am here to help your sons have the “Best. Summer. Ever.”

In conclusion, I am uniquely proud of the fact that NCSY Derech has had strong learning and davening on the program each day. The boys have shiur each morning and chaburah at night. Additionally, the boys are truly getting to know one another. I can honestly say that NCSY Derech is providing a genuine tour of Israel with both education and recreation in a Torah atmosphere. The boys are also uniquely respectful and growth oriented. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your sons with NCSY Summer.

Have a Great Shabbos!

Rav Yoni