2015 Gates College Scholarships: Applications now being accepted for the Dr. Ralph and Edna Marwill Scholarship (click for form) and the Rena Weifenbach Educational Scholarship (click for form). For families of Gates members only; due date March 15, 2015. More info.

2015 Tu B'Shevat Trees For Israel Drive: The holiday of Tu B' Shevat occurs this year on February 4. Make a contribution to the Jewish National fund to have a tree planted in Israel. Trees are $10 each and can be made in memory/honor of someone and a certificate of acknowledgment will be mailed to them. Click for form. This drive is sponsored by Sisterhood and Our Religious School. Special Thanks to Jane Golub for her dedication to this program.

Pillar of Fire..A 5-Week DVD Lecture Series

The Israel Committee will continue the DVD and lecture series facilitated by Rabbi Matt on the documentary Pillar of Fire. The last two episodes will shown on Thursday, January 22 and 29, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sisterhood-Hatkoff room. Rabbi Matt will lead a short discussion following the showing. This film The Rise and Fall of German Jews covers the period 1919-1937, the rise to power of Hitler and thousands of Jews immigrate to Palestine. Refreshments will be served. It is free and open to the public, click here for more information.

Brotherhood Breakfast and Speaker

The public is invited to the Brotherhood sponsored breakfast on Sunday, February 8 with guest speaker Howard Altschule, CCM, on the unique subject of Forensic Meteorology. Mr. Altschule is a Certified Consulting Meteorologist, and President of Albany-based Forensic Weather Consultants, LLC. He has appeared on the Today Show and consulted for such TV shows as C.S.I. and Forensic Files. Breakfast begins at 10:00 a.m. and is free for Gates Brotherhood members; all others pay $4. The speaker begins at 10:30 a.m. and is free. No reservations required.

Senior Moments Free Luncheon & Program

Join us on Wednesday, February 11 with our very own Rabbi Matt Cutler. Rabbi Matt will discuss the Civil Rights Movement. At the end of January Rabbi Matt and a group of our teens joined teens from 20 other congregations on a trip to Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, to learn about the Civil Rights Movement. Rabbi Matt will share the highlights of their trip at the luncheon from noon to 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Kathy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the office at 374-8173. This program, facilitated by Rabbi Pearlman, is free and open to the public. $5 donations accepted.

Valentines Day Dinner and A Movie

What are you doing for Valentines Day? Join us on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. for dinner and a movie. Spend some time with special people and your friends (and make some new ones) in a comfortable, convenient, and familiar place at Congregation Gates of Heaven. We will have hors-d’oeuvres and beverages, then specialty dinners from a local Italian  restaurant including appetizers, entrée, and salad. Desserts and the movie will follow. Watch a choice of two separate classic romantic comedies (tba) suitable for all ages as you enjoy snacks, popcorn, and beverages. And for an affordable price of $15 per person which is sure to be much less than other options when going out on a very busy night to restaurants, movies, etc. Try this alternative! To RSVP or  please contact Michael at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Purim Celebration 2015

Join us for a special Purim Celebration for both children and adults on Wednesday, March 4, 2015. Our theme of A Visit To The Casino will take a tongue in cheek look at the new casino in our neighborhood. Reservations are mandatory by March 2 at noon to order the correct amount of food. Please RSVP to Kathy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 374-8173.

Highlights:

• Dinner will be catered by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Cost is $10 per person with a $25 max per family. Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m.; those attending the adult study session should arrive early to get their food and be ready to study by 6:00 p.m.
• Adult study session for adults only (21yrs and older) will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Get your dinner in the auditorium and bring to the Sisterhood Hatkoff Room by 6:00 p.m. to be ready to study.
• Crafts: we will have crafts for the children during dinner.
• Social Action Collection: Please bring travel size toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc… The GOHTY Teens & Kids will be packaging these items for donation to the Safe House (see page 11 for more details).
• Purim Program begins at 7:00 p.m. which will include the Megillah Reading and our famous Purim skit.
• Don't forget to dress in costume!

Annual Jewish Food Festival
Join us for the 12th Annual Jewish Food Festival on Sunday, March 22 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Festival includes unlimited samples of traditional and modern gourmet foods prepared by restaurants, caterers, and members of our synagogue and activities for kids. At the door: Adults $15, kids 13-17 $5, kids 12 and under are free. This is a great family event.

Trip to Israel 2016

Join Rabbi Matt and Congregation Gates of Heaven for a memorable adventure to Israel on February 10-21, 2016.

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