 His advice was sought after by the leading "Roshei Yeshiva" in America - including the deans of his own "alma mater" - Bais Medrash Govoha in Lakewood.He was the leading force behind the establishment of Sinai Academy in Brooklyn, a middle school and high school catering to the children of primarily non-observant Russian Jewish immigrants.Rav Elya is also known to be the Rebbe Muvhak of Hagoan Rav Shaye Portnoy, Rosh Yeshiva of Beis Medrash Letorah in Yerushalayim.