Shabbat Aliyah: Israeli communities that make aliyah possible come together to honor new olim

Forty-two congregations across Israel are marking Shabbat Aliyah this weekend, honoring new immigrants (olim) with special celebrations including communal meals, sermons, and personal reflections. The event, organized by Young Israel in Israel and the Mizrachi-Young Israel Shuls Network, coincides with the Torah portion Lech Lecha and Israel's official Aliyah Day.

Forty-two congregations across Israel are marking Shabbat Aliyah this weekend, a national moment to recognize those who have made aliyah (immigrated to Israel). The event, organized by Young Israel in Israel and the Mizrachi-Young Israel Shuls Network, coincides with the Torah portion Lech Lecha and follows Israel's official Aliyah Day on October 18. Participating communities range from Zichron Ya'acov and Mitzpe Netofa in the north to Karmei Gat and Beersheba in the south, including Beit Shemesh, Gush Etzion, and Jerusalem. Activities include communal kiddush, aliyah-themed sermons, personal reflections from olim, and classes by a Scholar-in-Residence. Organizers emphasize the importance of community support for olim. Rabbi Yossi Goldin notes that olim bring idealism and excitement. The event also highlights the synagogue-based community model that many olim have brought from the Diaspora, which differs from the typical Israeli approach where synagogues are primarily for prayer. Rabbi Shlomo Sobol, who spent four years in Michigan, describes being impressed by the power of community and mutual responsibility he encountered there, which he now seeks to adapt in Israel.