B”H

What is Aliya?

Established in 2003 , A.L.I.Y.A. (Alternative Learning Institute for Young Adults) has been committed to serving spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and vocational needs of young adults in the Crown Heights community.

The organization’s beginning can be traced to a number of activities which grew into what is now A.L.I.Y.A. Specifically geared towards young adults who are no longer in Yeshiva, its origins are linked to a specialized school created in the Brooklyn Heights community (at the Congregation B’nei  Avraham, Rabbi A. Raskin) which consisted of half the day devoted to personalized Torah learning and the other half focusing on English and Math, more specifically in preparation for the GED (High School equivalence test).

In addition to the school, a weekly Shabbos minyan was created in the Yam (Youth Action Movement) building on Albany Ave, moving later to the Shalom Senior Center. The minyan was unique with its Chabad House style and warm accepting atmosphere. It welcomed young people with open arms, many who felt out of place in more conventional Shuls. Much of the Davening was sung in order to capture the prayers’ beauty and  meaning; as well, the davening was always followed with a generous kiddush. The minyan proved to be a huge attraction to many who had not been to Shul in a very long time. In the past five years, the original crowd who started Aliya grew up and started their own minyan for married couples.

In 2006, the board of A.L.I.Y.A. successfully found a permanent location on E New York Ave which enabled A.L.I.Y.A.  to consolidate its activities into one central location and provide a local ‘round the clock’ center for young adults. Since its purchase, the building has undergone extensive construction in order to better facilitate all of its programs.

Currently, the new A.L.I.Y.A. center houses the Shul which runs the Shabbos minyanim as well as minyanim and shiurim throughout the week. Shachris is held at 7:30 AM and Maariv 9PM during the week. Friday night minyan starts one hour after sunset, Shabbos Shachris at 11AM and Mincha /Maariv one hour before Shabbos ends. The Shiurim consist of a weekly group shiur on Tuesday nights and one on one chavrusahs throughout the week.

Starting In the month of February members will be attending weekly JLI (Jewish Learning Institute) classes with Simona Tzikurnink. JLI is offered to help students pursuing intellectual and spiritual growth in their adult years. JLI courses are designed for students ranging from first-time learners to those with years of prior study. The Institute follows a powerful path of discovery and depth, touching the Jewish soul of its learners. Participants in JLI courses share an experience of such magnitude that many form lasting ties of close friendship with each other and the community.

Every Thursday night a different guest comes to Aliya to speak at the famous Thursday night “Cholent chill”. The “Cholent chill” is a great way to prepare for Shabbos: holding a bowl of hot cholent and listening to various Rabbis, counselors and professionals. Speakers have included Rabbi Daniel Schoenbach, the hand-writing expert Yaakov Lowethal, Dr Yaakov Ugowits and many other community members.

In addition to the Shul, A.L.I.Y.A. has built a lounge in Memory of Ben Tzion Keller. The lounge, which is situated in A.L.I.Y.A.’s basement, provides a comfortable atmosphere for members to enjoy at the end of each day. A.L.I.Y.A. also has a large multi purpose room which is set up with a phone line and computers for various actives.

The Aliya gym ,which was built to encourage members of Aliya to come to Shul (Shul members come for $10 per month), was also designed to offer a place for the community to exercise. Much effort and money has been invested in the gym in order to make it a comfortable place to exercise. The gym has been running successfully for six months. The men’s hours are managed by Mr. Chaim Hershkop who also offers training and the women’s hours are managed by Mrs. Nechomie Losh. As well, Various aerobics and boxing classes are offered at the gym.

In continuation of it original program, Aliya currently offers a GED course. The GED (General Educational Development Test) is a program offered to young adults in the community who haven’t had the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. The Ged certifies that the taker has attained American level academic skills in the subjects of Mathematics, English, Science, writing skills and Social Studies.

A.L.I.Y.A.  offers a course every Monday and Wednesday night from 6:30-9:30 which helps prepare the attendants for the GED. Upon completion of the course, the participants take the test at one of the cities testing centers. Currently, 90% of students that took the course has passed their test.

A.L.I.Y.A. is also committed to the helping its members with various employment opportunities. As part of this effort, A.L.I.Y.A. has matched its members with local businesses as well as created our own in-house business through eBay.

eBay is a web site which has led to creating many of the country's fastest growing businesses. It allows the potential user to create lucrative sales through an auction style business providing they have the right product at the right price.

Thanks to Mr. Federman, the CEO of 1saleaday.com who has provided Aliya with various in-demand items on consignment, sellers are equipped with products to sell. Many members have taken advantage of this program, are learning tricks to make their product stand out and are currently making profit. The A.L.I.Y.A. sales team has sold many different items including cell phones, flat screen monitors, Harry Potter books, stereos, glasses, corkscrews, and wireless presenters.

A.L.I.Y.A. also offers its members various exciting trips. One such trip is a free 10 day Birthright Israel trips with Yeladim Netivot. Aliya has taken 5 groups and close to 200 people to Israel over the past 5 years. Members enjoy an extremely uplifting journey, touring many of Israel’s holy sites and tourist attractions. Many have returned from this exciting trip inspired and rejuvenated with a new appreciation Yiddishkeit and connection to the Holy land.  

Other trips offered by Aliya include an annual Ski trip Shabbaton which is spent over Shabbos at the home of a Shliach near the slopes of Bellaire Mountain. As well, A.L.I.Y.A. members participate in a summer camping trip over Shabbos at the home of a Shliach followed by 2 days of camping and kayaking down the Delaware River.

Kiddush Levanah takes on a new light at Aliya which now hosts the monthly “YAM JAM”. Yam Jam is an open mike evening which enables individuals to step up on stage, sing a song, play an instrument or say a story. Yam Jam provides a popular and fun Motsoi Shabbos activity for young men.

For more information about Aliya , if you know a young adults who could benefit from Aliya’s activities or if you would like to partner with us please visit www.chabadinreach.com or call 347-342-9777.