Dear Friends,

As we prepare to celebrate the 5874 High Holy Days season and to launch our Kol Nidre Appeal, we do so with great optimism. Last year, we were able to pray, sing, observe, enjoy, reflect, and celebrate together after a long span apart. A short time later, we welcomed Rabbi Josh Rabin to join our synagogue as its religious leader and we have enjoyed a year of bonding, learning, and growing together.

Our community is built on a strong foundation of values that guide us in providing exceptional programming for community members of all ages. From our engaging religious services to our dynamic educational initiatives, culture events, and social activities, we have created a space that fosters growth, connection, and celebration. By supporting our annual Kol Nidre Appeal, you are investing in the very fabric that binds us together and allows us to act as a hub of Jewish life, spirituality, education, and social connections in Western Queens.

Generous Kol Nidre contributions last year allowed us to make significant improvements to our physical space, such as the installation of new air-conditioning units for our main sanctuary. We must continue to maintain and improve our Center. We are thrilled to announce that a generous donor has come forward to MATCH THE FIRST $10,000 OF DONATIONS to this year’s Kol Nidre Appeal. This means your $500 donation immediately becomes $1000 or your $100 donation becomes $200 for the first $10,000 donated to the Center for this appeal.

To help ensure ACI’s future, we ask that you please give generously to our annual Kol Nidre Appeal. Donations from all – members, non-members, visitors, extended family, and all friends of ACI – are vital, valued, and greatly appreciated. Your generosity makes a difference, especially now as we look for new members and support for our progressive house of worship in the greater Western Queens community.

Donations by check, made out to Astoria Center of Israel, may be mailed or brought to the ACI office. If you prefer, you may donate online here.

However, a more impactful way of making donations to ACI is by gifting securities (such as stocks or shares in a mutual fund) that have appreciated in value. When you support ACI by making a gift of appreciated stock, there may be significant tax advantages that could benefit both the donor and the charity.

Please consult your financial planner or tax advisor to determine what  potential tax advantages, if any, might apply to your specific situation. Some of those advantages might include:

• avoiding federal and state tax on long-term capital gains
• receiving an income tax deduction for the value of your gift

The Astoria Center of Israel now has a charitable brokerage account with Vanguard which was set up for just that purpose and can accept securities instead of cash. Details and videos explaining the benefits of this donation vehicle as well as the instructions to provide your custodian are available on the ACI website.

We humbly request your contribution to our annual Kol Nidre Appeal. Your support is a testament to the strength of our community and the commitment we share to sustain and grow the Astoria Center of Israel. Together, we can create a vibrant and enduring legacy that will continue to impact lives for years to come. Thank you for your dedication and ongoing support.

Wishing you and your family a Shanah Tovah U’metukah, a good and sweet New Year ahead.

Aryeh Gershon, President
Eric Black, Chair, Board of Governors and Trustees
Elysa Blumenthal, Chair, Kol Nidre Appeal