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Founded in 1854, Congregation Gates of Heaven is a reform synagogue in Schenectady, New York, and a member synagogue of the Union for Reform Judaism. We are the spiritual home of over 350 member families, including over 100 students in Gates Quest, our re-imagined supplemental school. We’re a caring family united in social action, prayer, education, and social activities. We encourage you to engage with Judaism on your own level, on your own terms. Gates welcomes members of all backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Our members consist of Jews each with unique experiences within Judaism, young and older adults, married and unmarried, and members of the LBGTQ+ community.
Our Gates are open to all.
Community Events Information
Upcoming CGOH Events & Link
Friday, March 29, 7:00 PM Founders' Day at B'nai Sholom, 420 Whitehall Rd, Albany NO Services at CGOH, Register to attend at B'nai Sholom- All registrants get Zoom link. Here is the zoom link to join virtually at 7:00 on Friday, 3/29!
Saturday, March 30, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM Fehr Ave/Ashmore Ave closed- be aware for those coming to Saturday AM Torah Study
Sunday, March 31, NO Gates Quest, NO Adult Hebrew, & Postponed -NO Sisterhood meeting to discuss Reproductive Women's Rights
Tuesday, April 2, 1:00 PM Sisterhood Movie, A Stranger Among Us. Bring your own snacks & beverage. Discussion after the movie. RSVP to Erica.
Wednesday, April 3, 4:30 Gates Quest Walk-in Hebrew
Wednesday, April 3, 5, 10, 12, & 17
Let's Learn Shabbat Prayers-Embark on a journey of spiritual enrichment with our exclusive six-session course. Dive into the essence of Shabbat prayers as you explore their profound meanings, learn key Hebrew prayer vocabulary, and immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies that accompany the sacred texts. In person dates: Fridays, March 8, 15, 22 and April 5 & 12 from 6:30 to 7:15 PM , then join services OR Online dates: Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 (27th 7-8:00 PM) and April 3, 10 & 17 from 7:30 to 8:15 PM $25 to sign up for all weeks
Let's Learn Shabbat Prayers-Embark on a journey of spiritual enrichment with our exclusive six-session course. Dive into the essence of Shabbat prayers as you explore their profound meanings, learn key Hebrew prayer vocabulary, and immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies that accompany the sacred texts. In person dates: Fridays, March 8, 15, 22 and April 5 & 12 from 6:30 to 7:15 PM , then join services OR Online dates: Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 (27th 7-8:00 PM) and April 3, 10 & 17 from 7:30 to 8:15 PM $25 to sign up for all weeks
Friday, April 5, 5:45 PM Jammies & Jeans, magical musical family oriented Shabbat followed by a dinner of Mac & Cheese/ Pizza for $12/family RSVP & pay here
Sunday, April 7,
10:00 AM Purim Celebration- Carnival booths for a K-7 Purim Celebration Mitzvah Fair made by the 7th grade class to raise funds/donations for their social action projects
and 10:00 AM Brotherhood Breakfast/ learn more about Paul Zonderman-Speaker, Zoom Link , Brotherhood members and veterans no cost for breakfast; Guests: $5.00 at the door
and 12:15 PM Adult Hebrew
and 2:30 PM Sisterhood Chair Yoga: $8 for members $10 non members. All are welcome to participate- to be held at CGOH Sign up here & pay by April 3
Monday, April 8, Office closed- enjoy the eclipse safely!
Wednesday, April 10, 6:00 PM GOHTY Nintendo Night, RSVP to Parker
and 7:00 PM Sisterhood Speaker Mindy Holland on Books Banned! Libraries Threatened! Mindy will share her insights on children's books and school libraries, including book banning, sexuality in children's books, the fate of classics, the Own voice movement, librarians as targets, and the influence of the left and right on books in our school libraries. RSVP to join us (and perhaps bring food)
Thursdays April 11 & 18, 7:00 PM Spirituality of Redemption Register here on-line only. This on-line course, taught by Rabbi Matt, is designed to delve deeply into the Passover Seder, unlocking its profound relevance to our personal lives. Passover is not merely a commemoration of historical events, but a living tradition that speaks to the human experience of redemption and liberation. Through this course participants will explore the spiritual dimensions of the Seder, uncovering the universal messages of freedom, transformation, and renewal.
Friday, April 12, 6:00 PM Grandparents Shabbat Dinner Bring your Grandkids, Bring the whole family! RSVP by April 10 -->$10/individual; $25/family Be sure we have your name and the name(s) of your grandchild(ren). Services and oneg are in your honor!
Friday, April 19, 6:00 PM Community Shabbat at the Albany JCC ;
Service types: Conservative, Orthodox, Reform & PJ Library Family Service
7:00 PM Community Kiddush & Dinner supervised by Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District, Tickets: $10 per adult, $8 per Senior (65+), $5 per child (up to 12; 2 and younger are free), Gluten-free, vegetarian and kid-friendly option; also Shabbat swag. Registration required by Friday, April 12. No Services at CGOH
Sunday, April 21, 12:15 PM GOHTY Passover Interfaith Seder- for our young non-Jewish friends, after Gates Quest RSVP to Parker by 4/17
***Monday, April 22, 5:30 PM arrival for 6:00 PM Community Passover Seder- open to the public: $45/adult and $15/child's meal. Catered by Gershon's: Matzah Ball Soup, Salad, Choice of Eggplant Parmigiana, Beef Brisket or Chicken Marsala & desserts.
Tuesday, April 23 & Monday, April 29, office closed for Passover
Wednesday, April 24 8:00 PM Sci Fi & Fantasy Book Group Registration Link the book is The Light of the Midnight Stars by Rena Rossner.
Monday, April 29, 9:00 AM Yizkor Service
Friday, May 3, 5:45 PM Jammies & Jeans, Sign up here
ONGOING PROGRAMS
Zenobics Tai Chi Mondays at 6:30 PM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Community and Coffee Wednesdays at 1:00 PM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Talmud Study Thursdays at 12:00 PM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Shabbat Services Fridays at 7:00 PM Livestream or Sanctuary (NOT at CGOH on 3/29/2024, Community-Wide Founders' Day Services being held 7:00 PM at B'nai Sholom, Zoom Link or in person at 420 Whitehall Rd, Albany)
Torah Study Saturdays at 9:00 AM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Fri, March 29 2024
19 Adar II 5784
Today's Calendar
: 7:00pm |
Tomorrow's Calendar
: 9:00am |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Mar 29 |
Mar 31 |
Apr 2 |
Apr 3 Gates Quest Walk-In Hebrew Wednesday, Apr 3 4:30pm |
Apr 3 Learn the Shabbat Prayers Classes (on-line) Wednesday, Apr 3 7:30pm |
Erev Passover
Monday, Apr 22 |
Today's Calendar
: 7:00pm |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Mar 29 |
Mar 31 |
Apr 2 |
Apr 3 Gates Quest Walk-In Hebrew Wednesday, Apr 3 4:30pm |
Apr 3 Learn the Shabbat Prayers Classes (on-line) Wednesday, Apr 3 7:30pm |
This week's Torah portion is Parashat Tzav
Shabbat, Mar 30 |
Erev Passover
Monday, Apr 22 |
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Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784