Welcome to Benchmark

One-on-One Jewish Learning. Real Relationships. Consistent Growth.

Benchmark is a one-on-one learning experience that pairs Jewish high school teens with college mentors for weekly Zoom sessions. Each teen chooses a sefer (Jewish book) from our curated list, sets their pace, and gets rewarded for showing up and sticking with it.

Whether you’re brand new to Torah learning or ready to deepen your connection, Benchmark meets you where you are—and helps you grow from there.

What Is Benchmark?

Benchmark is a project of Boston NCSY designed to give Jewish teens personal access to Torah learning in a way that’s flexible, meaningful, and consistent.

Each teen is matched with a college-aged mentor based on background and interests. Together, they meet weekly to learn from a sefer that speaks to the teen—whether it’s Jewish thought, halacha, Gemara, or big life questions.

And yes—NCSY will send the book directly to you.

Why Join Benchmark?

It’s Personal
You choose the topic. You set the schedule. You get the book delivered to your door.
It’s Real
Weekly one-on-one sessions with a relatable mentor who guides and learns with you.
It’s Doable
Just 30–45 minutes a week—on Zoom, from anywhere.
It’s Motivating
Weekly raffles, milestone rewards, and a special siyum if you complete your sefer.
It’s Growing
We’re building toward 200 teens across Greater Boston engaged in weekly Torah learning. Be one of them.

How It Works

Pick Your Topic
Choose a sefer from one of our five tracks (see below).
Get Matched
We’ll pair you with a college mentor based on your background, interests, and schedule.
Receive Your Sefer
NCSY will purchase and ship the book you choose.
Learn Weekly
Meet once a week over Zoom for 30–45 minutes. That’s it.

How the Rewards Work

Benchmark rewards consistency, not just attendance.

Weekly Raffles
Every week you learn, you’re entered into a raffle.
Five winners each week receive a $20 gift card.
Milestone Rewards
- Complete 12 sessions → earn a $30 gift card
- Complete 24 sessions → earn an $80 gift card
- Attend 6 sessions in a row? You’ll receive $40 instead of $30 as a consistency bonus.
Siyum Celebration
Teens who complete their sefer are invited to a special siyum to celebrate their accomplishment.

Choose Your Learning Track

Big Ideas & Deep Questions
Belief in G-d, happiness, free will, prayer, and purpose.
Jewish Wisdom & Personal Growth
Character development, values, relationships, and identity.
Jewish Law & Daily Living
Shabbat, kosher, and the “why” behind halacha in modern life.
Classic Torah Learning
Mishna, Gemara, or Halacha—learn at your level with full support.
Jewish History & Prophecy
Discover Jewish survival, exile, and the fulfillment of Torah prophecy.

Ready to Join?

We’re on a mission to connect 200 Boston-area teens to deeper Torah learning—through personal mentorship, flexible structure, and real rewards.

Sign up now and take the first step in making your Judaism more personal, meaningful, and consistent.

Join Benchmark Here
Questions? Reach out to Rabbi Yudi Riesel at 551-265-6141 or yudi@ncsy.org