Cheers for Working with Youth

By COLlive reporter

Rabbi Moishe Feiglin, Executive Director of A.L.I.Y.A. (Alternative Learning Institute for Young Adults) in Crown Heights, was awarded a Youth Advocate Proclamation in a ceremony at the SUNY Downstate Auditorium on Thursday.

New York State Assemblyman Karim Camara, extolling the need for working with youth in the district, lauded the Australian-born rabbi and teacher for his efforts in providing for the spiritual, physical, vocational, and emotional health of hundreds of young people.

Feiglin grew up in Melbourne, Australia where he graduated from Yeshiva College beginning advanced Judaic studies until 1995, later moving to the United States to learn at the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ.

In 1998, he completed his Rabbinical studies, received his Bachelors degree in Talmudic studies as well as his Rabbinic Ordination, and also completed a year of outreach work at Yale University.

In 2001, Rabbi Feiglin and his wife Sara noticed a tremendous need for outreach on the streets of Brooklyn, which fueled the establishment of Aliya, or Chabad In Reach, for young adults who are not enrolled in any full-time Yeshiva or education system.

The current building at 525-527 E New York Avenue which houses all Aliya’s related activities was purchased in 2005, including amenities such as a shul, lounge, gym, music recording studio, as well as an open kitchen.

The Aliya center provides several needed functions in the community including GED classes, JLI classes, vocational counseling, religious and spiritual services, iJam music school, trips, farbrengens and other positive community events.

Rabbi Feiglin thanked the 43rd District Assemblyman for bestowing on him this state honorarium.

He also praised the Assemblyman for being a legislator that is concerned with improving the welfare of all his constituents, especially those in need of remedial assistance.

Joining the rabbi was his wife and their young children, along with enthusiastic staff, students, friends and representatives of various communal organizations and political entities.

The program began with an invocation by Rabbi Mendel Lerman, spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Levi Yitzchak in Crown Heights. In his remarks he outlined to the Crown Heights audience the seven Noahide Laws and the importance of incorporating them in our daily lives.

At the end of the meaningful program many stayed on to talk and partake of light refreshments, which included a kosher table.

Others honored at the event were Anthony Newerls, Executive Director of Brooklyn Blizzards Youth Organization, and youth advocate Mark Saroda.