Rabbi Joshua Rabin

Cantor Emeritus George Lindenblatt

Judaism With Open Arms

Celebrate Purim and ACI's 100th year by participating in our annual mishloach manot fundraiser! Mishloach manot (literally "sending portions") is the joyful Purim tradition of giving gifts of food to friends and neighbors - and this year's bags include both traditional Purim treats and special centennial keepsakes.

How it works: We deliver a festive gift bag to every ACI member and Hebrew School family. You can sponsor bags for specific households ($18 each) or sponsor everyone in our community ($118). Each bag includes a decorative tag listing all the sponsors who made that person's gift possible. 100% of your contribution supports ACI!

Sponsor by February 25

Bags will be distributed at the Purim Carnival (March 1) and Megillah Reading (March 2), with delivery available to homebound members.

Centennial Shabbat Across America

Save the date! ACI will host a Professionals Kabbalat Shabbat and potluck dinner in partnership with the Wandering Jews of Astoria on Friday, March 6th. Reach out to Allie at [email protected] to RSVP early. Additional details to follow!

The Astoria Center of Israel Book Club will be launching next month. The club will meet approximately every other month. The first book will be A Rich Brew by Shachar Pinsker, and we'll meet following Shabbat Services and Kiddush on Saturday, March 28th.

Please complete the form here if you would like to participate, or reach out to Allie at [email protected].

As the Astoria Center of Israel celebrates 100 years of serving the Jewish community in Western Queens in 2026, we are inviting members of our community past and present to share their favorite moments and memories at the Center.

Over the course of the year, we will share your reflections — in emails to our community, on social media, on our website, and with the press — to tell the story of the many lives ACI has touched.

What’s your ACI story?

Fill out the form to share your favorite memories.

Join the ACI community once a month for a no-experience-necessary Shabbat service, where we will explore the structure and meaning behind the prayer service. Learn more here. The next dates:

• March 14
• April 11
• May 9
• June 6

ACI is offering an introduction to Judaism course via Zoom for those exploring Judaism or considering conversion. The Spring session will be held Thursday nights from February to June. Learn more and register here.

ACI is partnering with the NY Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform to organize volunteer groups for worship services at Rikers Island - contact Litza Stark to participate or find out more.

This Week in Hebrew School

This week, our students dove into the festive spirit with an introduction to the story and traditions of Purim. We explored the Four Mitzvot of the holiday (the four "Mems"): Megillah (hearing the story), Matanot La’evyonim (giving to the needy), Mishloach Manot (sending food gifts), and Mishteh (the festive meal). To sharpen their Hebrew  language skills, the classes also played an interactive game using Hebrew vocabulary specific to the holiday, making the learning both competitive and fun.

Pastoral Requests

ACI is committed to serving our community’s needs. If you would like to inform the synagogue about a hospital visit or death, or request pastoral care for yourself or someone you know, please fill out this simple form. All submissions are confidential.

Support ACI's Mission

Help us continue to serve our community with meaningful programs, welcoming services, and a well-maintained sacred space. Donate Here.

Messages

In memory of my cherished mother, Lisa Toback, from Arthur Toback

Please keep the following people in your hearts and prayers for the blessing of r'fua sh'leima:

This week (27 Shevat - 3 Adar), we observe the yahrzeits of the following ACI members, family and friends. May their memories always be a blessing.