Cherry Blossom Fund

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Dear Supporter,

The Psalmist says that, “the Torah is a Tree of Life to those who hold fast to it.” Indeed, the image of a tree is what sustains us. Inside, it’s the “tree” of learning and knowledge, as well as good and evil– the Tree of Life is a metaphor for Torah. The other “tree” is what is visible outdoors. Congregation Gates of Heaven is fondly known as “the place with the cherry blossom trees.” When our trees are in bloom, people drive from all over the Capital Region to see the beautiful pink cherry blossom flowers and take photographs in their shade. They are iconic– a true landmark in our community.

Right now, our trees are in urgent need of care. Some of the trees have died and need to be replaced entirely. Others have been pruned, grafted, or cabled to help them thrive, but may not be viable for many more years. There is also regular maintenance, or perpetual care, that happens annually for all twelve weeping higan cherry trees on our lawn, including the new ones that will replace others soon.

Our goal is to raise at least $18,000 to build a new Cherry Blossom Fund to keep our trees vibrant for many years to come. Please consider supporting this important ongoing project today, at one of the following levels of support:

Etz / Tree: $3600.00 (includes a mounted plaque on a stand to be installed near the tree(s) of your sponsorship and a special gift recognizing this generous sponsorship)
Shoresh / Root: $1800.00 (includes a special gift recognizing this generous sponsorship)
Giza / Trunk: $720.00 (includes a special gift recognizing this generous sponsorship)
Z’morah / Branch: $360.00
Aleh / Leaf: $180.00

All donors at Z'morah / Branch level or above will receive a dedicated leaf on the Tree of Life in the Nusbaum Foyer at CGOH. All donors will receive special recognition in the fall issue of the CGOH Connect bulletin.

Just as our congregation prides itself with a look toward the future, educating and encouraging people to hold onto the Tree of Life, which is Torah, we encourage the community to look toward us and embrace our trees, so that we can be a beacon in this community for many years to come.

Thank you for your support in keeping the beauty of our cherry blossom trees.

* First Name

* Last Name

* Phone Number

* Email Address

street address, city/town, state & zip code

Additional Support/Custom Donation

Additional support will help us grow this important new fund and, in time, keep our cherry blossom trees healthy. Please consider making an additional or custom-set voluntary contribution today.

Total

Mon, May 5 2025
7 Iyar 5785

Tomorrow's Calendar

Wonders of Judaism

: 12:00pm

Poetry Class

: 6:30pm

Upcoming Programs & Events

May

Wonders of Judaism
Tuesday, May 6 12:00pm

May

Poetry Class
Tuesday, May 6 6:30pm

May

Shikum HaNefesh
Wednesday, May 7 8:00am

May

Community & Coffee
Wednesday, May 7 1:00pm

May

Wonders of Judaism
Tuesday, May 13 12:00pm

Lag BaOmer

Friday, May 16

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Our Japanese Cherry Trees

Taken 4-21-2025 Note: 5-5-2025 The beauty is past! Help sponsor future trees & their care. See the link at the top of the website.

World Zionist Congress March 10 - May 4, 2025

Click here to Vote today!

Mitzvah of the Month

Join us on a meaningful journey where each month, we focus on a different organization or cause that makes a difference in the world. We will explore the mission of an organization or cause, learn about the impact they have, and actively contribute. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Tzedakah (charitable giving), Gemilut Khasadim (acts of kindness), and the power of community, all while building friendships and growing as leaders.

This month's 2025 Mitzvahs

We are collecting donations for the upcoming May B'nai Mitzvahs (see next section below).

We love learning about organizations or causes to collaborate with for our ongoing Mitzvah of the Month social action projects.

Call the office with your suggestions, or email Tammy at tammy@cgoh.org or Arnie at arotenberg @cgoh.org.

B'Mitzvah Projects

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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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).

Mon, May 5 2025 7 Iyar 5785