For the first time in Crown Heights, Aliya hosted a live shechita demonstration of a ram, turkey, and chickens for Bnei Aliya students, Aliya Kollel members, and members of the wider Aliya community.

The idea came from Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, Rosh Kollel of the new Aliya Kollel, who felt that a hands-on shechita class would be an incredible Torah-learning experience. Shortly afterward, Aliya learned that Rabbi Eliyahu Ezagui, a trained shochet, would be visiting Crown Heights for his brother’s wedding. It was the perfect opportunity to bring the idea to life.

Rabbi Ezagui’s relationship with Aliya began years ago when he helped run Aliya’s well-known Friday afternoon tefillin booth on Kingston Avenue. Through the booth, he connected with many young people and became very close with Aliya. He later became a shochet, got married, and moved to Eretz Yisroel.

Before the shechita, Rabbi Ezagui explained the halachos, the special knives used, and the precision required. He also discussed the Torah’s sensitivity to animals and how shechita is performed swiftly in order to minimize suffering.

Everyone then gathered on Aliya’s rooftop deck to watch the demonstration. Under close supervision, the boys helped with different parts of preparing the animals and meat.

Within three hours, they were already enjoying freshly barbecued lamb ribs, turkey and chicken together.

It was hands-on Torah learning at its best. The boys gained a new understanding of where kosher meat comes from and how much knowledge, care and halachic expertise go into the process. It was an experience they will remember for a very long time.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to all of Aliya’s friends and supporters who make programs like this possible. Your partnership allows Aliya to continue finding creative ways to keep our young community engaged, excited, and connected to living Yiddishkeit.