Aliya Celebrates 13 with ‘Bar Mitzvah Gala’

Marking thirteen years to its founding, Aliya celebrated with a gala ‘Bar Mitzva’ dinner honoring its supporters and members.

Taking place this past Thursday in the Jewish Children’s Museum, Aliya celebrated its 13 year Gala Bar Mitzvah Dinner together with friends, alumni and supports.

Lavie Popack and Mordechi Werde were honored on the evening both being involved with Aliya over the years as well as supporters of Aliya.

The food which was catered by Mendy’s looked and tasted magnificent. Even though the event was only catered for 100 people, Mendys was easily able to feed the 150 people that joined in the celebrate that night.

The hall was decorated by Mrs. Tzipporah Hahn who has seen Aliya’s great work first hand and did her best to make it really special evening. Ebers Liquor provided a very plentiful and upscale wine tasting stand.

Awards were also given to Nachi Goldshmidt and Chaim Drizin for their support of Aliya.

The speeches were short yet heartfelt and to the point. Aliya member Mendy Alexander served as the evenings emcee. He spoke about how he became involved with Aliya and how it changed him for the better. A Siyum with Kaddish was then done by Moshe Simon in honor and memory of all the young men of Crown Heights that left us tragically early.

Then came Rabbi Moshe Feiglin, when walking up to the podium there was a three minute standing ovation where the young men cheered joyfully. Many shouts were heard from the crowd “we love you Rabbi”.

Rabbi Noteh Shemtov then spoke from his heart and even broke down in tears several times as he related what goes on at Aliya.

Then came the video presentation which was very professionally organized by Aliya Alumni Chaim Lazarus who is getting married this week in Italy.

The evening ended off with a delicious buffet dessert and auctioning off some hand paintings of the Rebbe and Frierdiker Rebbe.

The evening was a real boost for Aliya, for its members and supporters. The resolution from the dinner was its time for Aliya to take down its shabby hut and rebuild a beautiful edifice to house the many amazing programs and events that go on at Aliya and take Aliya out of its childhood and into manhood which is where is needs to be after its Bar Mitzvah.

A special thanks to Moishe Okunov, who donated the most stunning lighting system which completely transformed the room. And to Nachman Blizinsky, for his photography services.