Welcome Home
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.
High School Students: Apply now for TCSC Internships
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.
May - June
See weekly programming links on bottom of this page
Wednesday, May 14 Sisterhood Book Group Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, 7:00 PM home of Ellen Eisenberg
Sunday, May 18, 9:30AM - 12:00 PM, Gates Quest Last Day of School
Sunday, May 18, 1:00 PM, Congregation GOH, Annual Meeting
Monday, May 26, Office Closed, Memorial Day
Senior Moments, Wednesday, May 28, Noon to 1:30 PM
Sunday, June 1, 7:30 PM, Confirmation Service, Erev Shavuot
Monday, June 2, 9:00 AM, Yizkor Service, In person Hatkoff Room or Virtually through LiveStream. Office Closed
Thursday, June 5, 7:00 PM, Mensches & Mimosas recognition of Elisa Harrington-Verb, Hatkoff Room
FRIDAY Office Summer hours begin (June-August), 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Friday, June 6, 5:45 PM, Jammies & Jeans
Sunday, June 15 at 5:00 PM, Josh Cooper-Ginsburg will sing the National Anthem & Rabbi Matt Cutler will throw the first pitch. Sign up here $11/person
Thursday, June 19, Office Closed, Juneteenth 
Mitzvah of the Month
See weekly programming links on bottom of this page
We are collecting donations for the upcoming May (or very recent) B'nai Mitzvahs:
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
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).
In addition to our Mitzvah of the Month cause, Sycamore Collaborative has a desperate need for diapers, all sizes. Please consider donating diapers now. All donations can be dropped off at our main entrance.
Thank you for all the shoes, children's books, & diapers. Please keep the diapers coming!
CGOH Trip to Cuba, January 25 - February 1, 2026
Led by Rabbi Matt Cutler
See the exciting places & activities here
Stays in Trinidad and Havana, Land Price (double occupancy)/person: $3800 by card, discount if paid by check, additional cost for single occupancy,
Flight to/from Miami & hotel (pre-post trip) not included
Contact Ayelet 518-783-6001 for details
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
Torah Study Saturdays at 9:00 AM Zoom / Hatkoff Room
Tue, May 13 2025
15 Iyar 5785
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
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.
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).
