With Rosh Chodesh Av and the Nine Days commencing on Sunday night, our weekly Tiyul day was pushed up all the way to Sunday. It was an incredible way to start the week, and following on the heels of the Shiur Shabbatons, a great one-two punch of energy and excitement. Once again, three entirely diverse options were presented, each extraordinary in its own right.

Our first group tackled the famed Nachal Darja. This is the third of our three master hikes, and the most demanding of the summer. The guys were great and handled everything that was thrown their way all day. It was an exhilarating challenge, and an incredible hike.

Our second group combined two highly unique adventures into one phenomenal day. First, it was a real wildlife experience at the Alpaca Farm. The NCSYers were tasked with herding, training and guiding these creatures through a specially designed obstacle course. It was definitely something different.

From there it was on to the Dialogue in the Dark exhibition, also known as the “Blind Museum.” There they were guided through a range of every day activities in total darkness, simulating the experiences of the visually impaired. All the NCSYers felt that they gained a tremendous amount from this, and appreciated both their own sight, and the challenges faced by many others.

Our third group enjoyed a Kollel tradition that is truly unmatched. This was Rav Moshe Gordon’s tour of the History of Torah in Yerushalayim. Rav Gordon expertly combines history and the living, breathing torah communities of today into one fascinating and inspiring day. 

The tour included visits with Rav Elyashiv, Beit HaRav for insights into the life and philosophy of Rav Kook, Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel and the Mirrer Yeshiva, a tour of the awe-inspiring Belz World Center and a glimpse into the world of Chassidus, and a meeting with Rav Ovadiah Yosef.

FOR PICTURES FROM OUR ENTIRE SUMMER EXPERIENCE CLICK HERE