Rabbi Joshua Rabin

Cantor Emeritus George Lindenblatt

Judaism With Open Arms

We are seeking donations of red hats for babies with congenital heart disease! The CHD Coalition's "Little Hats, Big Hearts" program supports families of children with congenital heart disease. They donate bags to families at local hospitals including Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, NYU and Morristown Memorial. We have a donation basket set up in the lobby for contributions. Need inspiration? Here are sample patterns for knitters and crocheters. Please contact Irene Sprung with any questions!

The New York Blood Center will be at ACI from 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sunday, March 8. Use the link below to make your appointment now!

Additionally, if you're available to help out on March 8, please reach out to Irene.

King Ahasuerus is an underrated villain of Purim. While Haman conspires to annihilate the Jews of Shushan, Ahasuerus’s incompetence enables him. The king is impulsive, violent, unthinking, and easily swayed by flattery. Get prepared for Purim by taking a close look at Ahasuerus’s “leadership” style, and what we can learn from him as an anti-role model.

We'll meet over Zoom on Sunday, March 1 from 8-9pm.

Join us for a hamantaschen baking contest, PJ Library books, face painting, a fun photo booth, music, Purim crafts, games, prizes, and an amazing bubble magic show! Costumes are highly encouraged, so come dressed to impress!

Location: ACI
Date: Sunday, March 1st
Time: 2:00–5:00 PM

Tickets are $36 per family ($18 for members) and $10 for individuals, available in advance and at the door.

To enter the hamantaschen baking contest please print out the form and bring with your dessert by 3:30pm on Sunday, March 1st!

Let's make sure this Purim Carnival is a success! Help us out by purchasing supplies from our Wish List. Or help

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!

Get your final donations in by 2pm today (Friday, February 27)!!

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

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 we continued learning about Purim, reviewing key Hebrew words like pur (lottery), tachposet (costume), mitzvah (good deed/commandment), and megillah (scroll). Students explored the month of Adar, the characters of Megilat Esther, Purim customs, and the importance of giving tzedakah (matanot la evyonim). Classes enjoyed hands-on activities including a Purim play, crafts, stories, and interactive word games. It was a joyful week filled with learning, creativity, and celebration! Rabbi Josh showed the kids a real megillah during Tfillah (prayers).

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

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

This week (11 - 17 Adar), we observe the yahrzeits of the following ACI members, family and friends. May their memories always be a blessing.