The Bake Bread with Adamah event that had previously been scheduled for next Sunday, May 3 has been postponed. Stay tuned for the new date!

Our synagogue is a proud member of the Adamah Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition, which offers members access to interest-free loans and matching grants to fund real facility improvements — from energy efficiency and solar to waste reduction and sustainable purchasing.

To take advantage of these opportunities, we need a few motivated members to help us build a proactive plan. No prior expertise required — just enthusiasm for our community and our planet.

Interested? Reach out to Rebecca Dengrove

At our monthly board meeting on Monday, May 5 at 8pm, we'll be holding a special facilitated conversation about Israel, led by Daniel Langenthal from USCJ. Our aim isn't to set synagogue policy, just to create a safe space for our community's many perspectives, fostering understanding and meaningful dialogue around a sensitive topic.

All members are warmly invited; we're hoping for as many voices as possible. Usual board business will be covered briefly at the end. Members should have received an email with the Zoom link. If you didn't, or would like more information, please reach out to [email protected].

PJ Library, the organization that sends free Jewish storybooks to children in Queens and around the world every month, is partnering with us this spring cleaning season for a special Book Drop at Astoria Center of Israel!

Do you have PJ Library books at home that your kids have outgrown? Drop them off in the lobby between Friday, April 24 and Monday, May 4. Your gently used books will go on to spark Jewish joy for another family — while making space on your shelves for new stories!

Drop-off hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Interested in Jewish education for your child in Astoria this fall? The whole family is welcome for our Hebrew School open house on Sunday, May 17 (pizza provided!). Join us to learn about our program, which meets Tuesday afternoons starting in Kindergarten.

Please fill out the survey to RSVP. Can't make it but want to learn more? Fill it out anyway and we'll be in touch.

We're also always looking for teachers, teaching assistants, and volunteers! If you know of any qualified candidates, please let us know.

This week in class, we explored the holiday of Shabbat. Students began by sharing their prior knowledge and experiences, helping to build a collective understanding of the holiday’s meaning and traditions. We learned and practiced several key Hebrew words related to Shabbat, including Shabbat, challah, nerot (candles), kiddush, yayin/gefen (wine or grape), and havdalah (the separation marking the end of Shabbat). Through discussion, students gained insight into Shabbat customs, prayers, and traditional foods, as well as when Shabbat begins and ends and the significance of using two challahs. To bring the learning to life, the class participated in a simulated Shabbat ceremony. Teachers led the ritual by lighting the candles, pouring grape juice, and breaking the challah, while students joined in reciting the prayers together.