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

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

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