By a participant
The Aliya Institute made many Lag BaOmer celebrations over the past 12 years but somehow this one took the stage. The positive energy was electrifying; the music was uplifting and the food absolutely delicious.
The space was perfect. It was in the neighbor’s yard behind Aliya who was very kind and daring to share it with us. Those who came felt like they were transported to a beautiful oasis, yet we were able to pass the food directly to and from Aliya’s kitchen from the yard.
We sang and danced to the songs of the Rashbi and the microphone was open to whoever wanted to sing or share a story.
Special thanks to Sender for doing a great job on the grill, Sruli, Isaac, Aaron, Moishe, Yoel and Dude for helping set up and down, Yaron and Moshe for the great music, Chuni Silverman for the beat boxing and the rest of your for adding to the joy…)
At the other end of the globe was another Aliya Lag BaOmer Party. Aliya director Rabbi Moishe Feiglin‘s youngest brother, Yakov Feiglin and his wife Mushky (nee Feiginson of Texas) recently opened Aliya Youth Space of Melbourne Australia for the boys from “down under.”
Based on the successful template of Aliya NY they have seen great success and a warm reception from the young men in Melbourne and the community. They had their own float in the Melbourne Lag BaOmer Tank parade and a bonfire kumzitz on Motzoei Shabbos.
The Aliya concept is becoming increasingly critical in frum communities around the world as negative social influences continue to penetrate deeper into the previously insular religious communities.
Young men from religious backgrounds need the same love and attention that Chabad has become renowned for in Chabad Houses around the world. Aliya is based on the same concept, however its focus is “inreach” and focuses on mirroring that same love back into the communities young adults.
first class project, more success to Moshe Feiglin and Nota Shemtov
go from strength to strength
Your points are very well taken. I would like to add that there should be an individualized approach, which is, I think, a part of what you are also saying. But by “individualized,” please remember that there ARE some boys–actually many!–for whom “having Chumash goals hanging on the wall” is NOT a bad thing! Some kids ARE very motivated by this kind of goal-making, especially if they get encouragement along the way by parents and teachers. Also, you clearly put-down “sing-songing” learning of Chumash, but it is not necessarily justified to end this practice for ALL students. While it may… Read more »
Now, b’hashgacha protis there is an article today on COL about the cooperation of schools and parents for their childrens’ chinuch. If only these two topics would always and actually “be on the same page” there wouldn’t be a need for Aliyah within our own community. If the schools would educate with love and devotion to these same boys when they are young – and with a positive attitude, they would gain a positive outlook. Lubavitch as a whole would benefit a lot more than by “having Chumash goals hanging on the wall”. Who cares how many pages of Chumash… Read more »
you can come learn one on one with one of our guys or you could sponsor a farby by visiting http://www.chabadinreach.com/donate.
every bit counts
Moishe and Sara, You are both inspiring! Love the photos.
Keep up this great work!
we love you.
Yakov and Mushky you are doing great work!
Petro is the real deal. No one like him. True guy.
Wish I had megabucks to donate to Aliya. Lots of hatzlacha to everyone involved!
Sender on the grill……..that’s my boy!