Welcome Home
Link to OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER- June 2025
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.
June
See weekly programming links on bottom of this page
Summer office hours at CGOH
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fridays, (May 30 - August 29): 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Friday, June 6, 5:45 PM, Jammies & Jeans
Friday, June 6, 7:00 PM, Pride Shabbat
Sunday, June 8, 11:30 AM, Washington Park, Albany, Capital Pride Parade
Due to a number of pre-planned events, CGOH will not be having a place in the Pride Parade. Please join the Federation as they have kindly offered- Please RSVP to march with Federation in the Albany Pride parade. Federation will also have a table in the community tent you can use as a home base or meeting spot for your groups.
Sign up to donate blood at CGOH drives by clicking on the flyer below:
Community Solidarity Gathering Tuesday, June 10, 7:00 PM, Sanctuary
In response to the recent surge in antisemitic incidents across the US, including the disturbing events in Boulder, Colorado, CGOH will host a gathering open to the public. Security will be present.
The evening will include reflections from Rabbi Cutler, local clergy, and community leaders. This will be a call for unity, understanding, and collective responsibility in confronting hatred.
Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 PM, Sisterhood Book Group Annual book selection and Dessert Potluck at the Dashew home
Thursday, June 12, No Talmud Study
Friday, June 13, 7:00 PM, College Scholarship Shabbat
Sunday, June 15 at 5:00 PM, Josh Cooper-Ginsburg will sing the National Anthem & Arnie Rotenberg will throw the first pitch. Sign up here $11/person
Thursday, June 19, Office Closed, Juneteenth, No Talmud Study
Please apply
Temple Community Service Corps High School Students can now apply for community service internships locally. See the details. Applications due as soon as you can, Apply here.
July- August
Get Ready for Sycamore Collaborative's 2025 Summer Meals Program!
This year, instead of CGOH setting up volunteers for a whole week, we're inviting individuals and groups to sign up directly with the collaborative for one or more specific days to help serve meals. The program will run Tuesday, July 1 through Friday, August 29, with sites open Monday through Friday (except Friday, July 4). Training is required, either on June 3rd or by video. Expect a total of two hours (set up, serving and clean up) for each day you volunteer.
We are looking for volunteers to help at the following sites:
- Tribute Park: volunteer arrival at 11:00AM, lunch service 11:30AM-12:30PM
- Central Park: volunteer arrival at 11:30AM, lunch service 12:00-1:00PM
- Southgate Apartments: volunteer arrival at 11:45AM, lunch service 12:15-1:15PM
- Jerry Burrell Park: volunteer arrival at 11:45AM, lunch service 12:15-1:15PM
- Mont Pleasant Library: volunteer arrival at 12:00PM, lunch service 12:30PM-1:30PM
For more information and/or to volunteer to help at a Summer Lunch site, email Kerrie
Wolf-Piechota at kerrie@sycamorecollab.org or Kate Koutsourades at kate@sycamorecollab.org.
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 Not 6/12 or 6/19
Torah Study Saturdays at 9:00 AM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Mon, June 9 2025
13 Sivan 5785
Chai School - Middle & High School Program
Ignite: Conversation & Connection
Spark your identity. Shape your future.
A monthly space to explore Jewish values, leadership, and life.
Ever wonder if someone’s really listening to you? What actually makes a best friend? How do you stay chill when everything feels chaotic? And what does being Jewish in America even mean right now?
At Ignite, we talk about real stuff that matters—friendship, identity, stress, belonging—through games, debates, and conversations that aren’t boring. It’s a space to speak your mind, hear new perspectives, and figure things out together.
Come for the fun. Stay for the deep stuff.
ON THESE SUNDAYS 10:30 AM -12:30 PM
October 19, November 23, December 21, January 25, March 22, April 26
10:30-11:20 Period 1
11:20-11:40- Bagels/Community Time
11:40-12:30- Period 2
Tuition: $36 per year
Sign up here
Our Weeping Higan Japanese Cherry Trees
Taken 4-21-2025 Note: 5-5-2025 The beauty is past! Help sponsor future trees & their care. Cherry Blossom Fund Link
Mitzvah of the Month
Select a Summer cause you wish to support.
We love learning about organizations or causes to collaborate with for our ongoing Mitzvah of the Month social action projects.
