A Place to Call Home
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 and you belong here.
Join Rabbi Matt for a trip to Israel - leaving February 14, 2024 -Trip details
High Holy Days 2023/5784
2023 High Holy Days Schedule
The schedule for the High Holy Days is available here. It was mailed to members on the back of the card with member tickets and in our printed Connection bulletin. Tickets will be required for entry and were mailed to members. If you would like to bring guests, they will also need tickets. See the High Holy Days page for details to have tickets held for them at the entry will-call area or call the office, 518-374-8173 to obtain tickets.
2023 Book of Memory
Copies of the Book of Memory are available now in the synagogue. A copy may be sent to you by mail upon request.
You may also find a digital copy of this year's Book of Memory at the link here.
Coming Up at Gates of Heaven
Event summary listing and links here
OFFICE HOURS are: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
September/October: (See Community Events: 9/28 7am USA Breakfast for Israel, Sunday, 10/15 2pm The Faith of Others: Agudat Achim)
Friday, September 29, 2023- Family Sukkot Decorating & Dinner- 5:00 decorating starts, Dinner 5:30- 6:30. Service in the Sukkah at 7:00 $10/person or $20/family for Dinner
Sunday, October 1 River Road Park Picnic, Opening Day of Gates Quest: Meet teachers, families & friends. We bring the food, you bring families & friends! River Road where it meets Rosendale Road. 12:30 p.m. No registration necessary.
Friday, October 5- Jammies & Jeans- sign up here
October 22- Noon- GOHTY (5th grade and up) Pizza at CGOH (after Gates Quest) & go to Ellms Farm, $18.00/person- sign up here
Gates Quest
Gates Quest 2023-2024
Classes start Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
Click here for the Google Form application.
Click here for a PDF form you can print and mail back.
If your child attended last year, your registration for the upcoming school year will be automatically carried over. If you have any changes or updates to your registration, please feel free to contact the office at 518-374-8173 or email us at tammy@cgoh.org.
Kesher Mishpacha--The Family Connection
On three occasions during this coming year, we invite families to come and learn about the Friday evening and Saturday morning services to build familiarity with the service.
3rd-6th Grade on Fridays: November 10, January 26 & March 15 at 7 p.m.
7th Grade on Saturdays: November 11, January 27 & March 16 at 9:30 a.m.
- Familiarity leads to increased efficiency. When we are familiar with a process or task, we can navigate it more effectively.
- Familiarity creates a sense of comfort and ease. When we are familiar with something, we feel more relaxed and at ease.
- Familiarity also fosters collaboration and teamwork. When individuals are familiar with each other's strengths, they can coordinate more effectively and help each other to achieve common goals.
Opening Day of Gates Quest
Join us for a Picnic--Sunday, October 1st at 12:30 pm
River Road where it meets Rosendale Rd.
Bring family & friends, meet teachers & eat well!
Wednesdays: An Optional Day
If your child is seeking additional Hebrew or Judaic classes, whether it's for decoding (beginning Hebrew reading), learning various prayer chants, understanding the meaning behind liturgical texts, or delving deeper into the Torah, this opportunity is tailored for you. Join us on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:45 for small group sessions. Attendance can be flexible, allowing you to attend weekly, once or twice a month, or even a few times throughout the year. The only requirement is to inform us of your attendance by contacting Arnie at arotenberg@cgoh.org, calling/texting 203-521-4591, or reaching out to the synagogue office at 518-374-8173.
Click the link above to view all upcoming Sisterhood programs and Join Now for 2023-2024 membership information
We will be having an evening program that brings out the artist inside you called Zentangle. It will be held on Thursday, November 2nd at 7:00 pm taught by Holly Loth. There is a cost to members of $10.00, non members cost is $15.00. Click here to sign-up & pay.
On Monday, December 4, we will have our annual White Elephant Evening which is fun for all who attend.
Click the link above to view all upcoming Brotherhood programs and Join Now for 2023-2024 membership information
Sign up for guests (not brotherhood members) attending October 1, 2023 Brotherhood Breakfast/Speaker at 10:00 AM
ONGOING SYNAGOGUE PROGRAMS
Here is a list of the many ways you can connect with your Gates community:
Zenobics Tai Chi Mondays at 6:30 PM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Community and Coffee Wednesdays at 1:00 PM Zoom / Room 13
Talmud Study Thursdays at 12:00 PM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Shabbat Services Fridays at 7:00 PM Livestream or Hatkoff Room for Summer
Torah Study Saturdays at 9:00 AM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
