Welcome Home
Founded over 170 years ago in 1854, Congregation Gates of Heaven is a reform synagogue in Schenectady, New York, a member synagogue of the Union for Reform Judaism, and the oldest Jewish congregation in Schenectady. We are the spiritual home of over 300 member families, including over 100 students in Gates Quest, our re-imagined supplemental school.
High School Students: Apply now for TCSC Internships
Temple Community Service Corps High School Students can now apply for community service internships locally. See the opportunities for summer here. Applications due by May 15, Apply here.
Mitzvah of the Month
See weekly programming links on bottom of this page
“Let all who are hungry come and eat…”—these powerful words from the Haggadah remind us that no one should face hunger alone. As we prepare to gather around our seder tables, let's extend this message of compassion and justice into our community. We are collecting donations of non-perishable food items to support our local food banks and help ensure that everyone has a seat at the table. Please join us in this mitzvah by bringing your donations to Congregation Gates of Heaven through the month of April, and together, let’s bring nourishment and hope to those in need.
In addition to our Mitzvah of the Month cause, Sycamore Collaborative has a desperate need for diapers, all sizes. Please consider donating diapers now. All donations can be dropped off at our main entrance.
Thank you for all the shoes, books, & diapers. Please keep the diapers coming!
April - June
See weekly programming links on bottom of this page
BROTHERHOOD BREAKFAST - Sunday, April 27, 9:30 am
Speaker: Tracey Chance, Schenectady County Conflict Defender
Is There Justice in the Justice System? Tracey Chance was the first African American to become an Assistant Public Defender in Schenectady County. She later became a criminal prosecutor in Albany County and then returned to Schenectady, where she became the head of the Conflict Defender’s Office. Tracey oversees both criminal and family court cases for indigent clients and fights for justice regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Please join us for our breakfast and speaker presentation. All temple members and their guests: No charge. All others: $5.00. The presentation will also be live streamed through the temple website for those who cannot attend in person.
Please click on the flyer below to sign up:
April 29 & May 6. Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 PM "What's it all About? Poetry Class" Led by CGOH member, Susan Comninos, a widely published poet. Individual classes are $15/class. Sign up now!
COMING UP SOON: MAY & JUNE
Pre Order tickets here for May 1 Drive Through Chicken BBQ
May 6. Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 PM "What's it all About? Poetry Class" Led by CGOH member, Susan Comninos, a widely published poet. Individual classes are $15/class. Sign up now!
Wednesday, May 14 Sisterhood Book Group Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, 7:00 PM home of Ellen Eisenberg
Join us for weekly programming:
Community and Coffee Wednesdays at 1:00 PM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Talmud Study Thursdays at 12:00 PM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Torah Study Saturdays at 9:00 AM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Fri, April 25 2025
27 Nisan 5785
Our Japanese Cherry Trees
4-21-2025 
World Zionist Congress March 10 - May 4, 2025
Mitzvah of the Month
“Let all who are hungry come and eat…”—these powerful words from the Haggadah remind us that no one should face hunger alone. As we prepare to gather around our seder tables, let's extend this message of compassion and justice into our community. We are collecting donations of non-perishable food items to support our local food banks and help ensure that everyone has a seat at the table. Please join us in this mitzvah by bringing your donations to Congregation Gates of Heaven through the month of April, and together, let’s bring nourishment and hope to those in need.
ValleyCats 6/15 Sunday, Father's Day -CGOH to attend game
Josh Cooper-Ginsburg will sing the National Anthem & Rabbi Matt Cutler will throw the first pitch. Sign up here $11/person
B'Mitzvah Projects
Link for Jill Gilman's Project For Jill's bat mitzvah project, she decided to collect supplies and raise money for the Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of New York (HBDRNY). HBDRNY is not a shelter and does not have a facility, all the dogs live in foster homes in the area. The dogs eat, sleep, and live with their foster family so the family gets to know the dog well, which gives them the opportunity to match families up with the dogs so a home really is forever! The rescue group relies on donations to pay for food and medical bills (including spaying and neutering all the dogs, and vaccinations).
Noah Baxt's Bar Mitzvah project is asking for donations for Linclusion. It is an organization started by a friend of the family from summer camp for kids like her youngest son who is nonverbal and has been diagnosed with autism. Its mission is to provide the opportunity for kids of all abilities to be able to experience the magic of summer camp with the organization’s support. Here is the website for more information https://www.linclusion.org
To donate to Linclusion in honor of Noah use this QR code:
Tessa Lynch’s Bat Mitzvah project is raising money for the non- profit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This organization works with not just Broadway performers and crew but for theater professionals across the country. They work to inform, teach, and help support those living with HIV/AIDS. They also work to support the national theater community whenever there is a disease (COVID) or other medical issue that affects the theater community. This issue is very close to Tessa’s heart, as she’s been involved with our local theater groups, whether it’s performing with DramaKids, doing a summer program with SCT, or with her dance studio. Link to donate in honor of Tessa Lynch
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Rachel & Ashden Roberts B'Mitzvah Project is to help those affected by the fires in Los Angeles. Please donate in their honor to any of the reputable LA groups in need.
Murray Heck’s Bar Mitzvah Project: Murray is collecting food & personal care items for the Regional Food Bank. Please place food & personal care items in Murray's collection box near the Judaica Shop.
You can donate monetary funds by scanning the QR code below:
Max Valentine's Bar Mitzvah project is to collect donations for the Dake Foundation. A 501c3 not-for-profit corporation through the Stewart's Shops - helps children with disabilities access opportunities unavailable through medical insurance & family budgets. To make a donation in Max's honor go to https://www.dakefoundation.org/
Julia Ziomek’s Bat Mitzvah project is dedicated to supporting children and young adults receiving treatment at the Melodies Care Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center. She has a box in the foyer to collect donations of fidget toys, coloring books, crayons, arts and crafts supplies, and other engaging toys to provide comfort and entertainment during treatment. These items will be assembled into activity bags and distributed to patients at the Melodies Care Center. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.
