What Happens Behind the Doors Most People Walk Past

By Leibel Gordon

When I first walked into Aliya over 15 years ago, I was 17 years old and searching for a place to belong. A friend invited me to a Tuesday night shiur, and I figured I’d check it out.
I didn’t expect much. But the moment I stepped inside, I was welcomed with warmth that felt different from anything I had experienced before. It wasn’t just a class, it felt like a family opening its doors.

The very next night, that feeling became real. I was wandering the streets of Crown Heights, unsure where I would sleep. That’s when I ran into Rabbi Feiglin, on his way home from Maariv. He noticed something was off, he really saw me, and he asked what was going on. When I quietly explained that I needed a place to sleep for the night, he didn’t hesitate for even a second. He brought me in, without judgment, without conditions, just genuine care.

By the following day, he wasn’t just helping me with a place to stay, he was helping me work through the root of what I was dealing with, guiding me toward a real, stable solution.
I never imagined you could meet someone one day and by the next day they would be willing to change your life. But at ALIYA, that’s exactly what they do. They step into the lives of Crown Heights youth in a way most people don’t even know is happening.

After that, Aliya became my home. I started attending all the shiurim Monday through Wednesday nights, the Thursday night farbrengens, and the Lunch & Learns throughout the week.
The more I came, the more I felt myself growing, spiritually, emotionally, and personally. I made friends who became family, I ate more delicious meals than I can count, and I had a place where I finally felt safe and valued.

Throughout the years, the Rabbis guided me through some of the hardest moments of my life. They helped me find jobs, counseled me through challenges, and supported every step of my growth. I didn’t always have the courage to share what I was going through, but the Rabbis never hesitated to step in and be there for me.
One of the greatest blessings I received at Aliya was a lifelong friend, Reb Noteh Shemtov. From the countless times we learned together, talked, hung out, and supported each other, he became a brother to me.

Those moments are priceless and truly invaluable.

Fast forward to today, I’m 32 years old, married, an ordained Rabbi, and still a proud Aliya member. AND A PROUD MEMBER OF THE ALIYA COUPLES COMMUNITY!

If you had told that 17 year old kid that he would be the first Aliya member to receive Semicha, I would have laughed you out of the room. But here I am. And I can say with complete certainty:
I would not be here without the support, patience, and love of Reb Moishe and Reb Noteh, and the entire Aliya team.
There is so much more to my story, maybe one day I’ll write that book, but for now, I’ll say this:

Aliya played a tremendous role in shaping my life into what it is today.

And now, Aliya needs your support. They continue to guide the youth of Crown Heights, the ones who don’t always know how to ask for help, the ones who fall through the cracks, the ones who just need someone to see them the way Aliya saw me.

If you can give, please give generously.

And if you ever need a place to feel seen, valued, and supported, come by.

Introduce yourself.

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