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Friday Flyer
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May 8, 2026 • 21 Iyyar, 5786
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Join Our Green Committee!
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
More dates to remember:
Monday, May 11 from 8-9:30pm — Find Your People @ ACI
Sunday, May 17 from 3-5pm — Hebrew School Open House May 17
Saturday, May 23rd after Kiddush — ACI's Next Book Club
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Shabbat Services
Children’s Programs
Tot Shabbat 10:30–11:30 am For preschool children › May 16 › June 6 › June 20 Junior Congregation 10:30–11:30 am For school-aged children › June 6 Full calendar PDF →
Candle Lighting
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Find Your People @ ACI
Synagogues are wonderful, but they're not always designed for deeper connection. So join us for a 90-minute Zoom gathering where we'll slow down, move past small talk, and make room for real conversation, one-on-one and in small groups. Come as you are, member or not: Monday, May 11, 8:00–9:30 PM (Zoom link provided after registration).
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ACI Turns 100! Be a Part of It
Be part of something truly special as we celebrate the Astoria Center of Israel’s centennial milestone! This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor our rich history, vibrant community, and shared future.
Check out the new “100 Year” button on our website’s navigation bar to learn how you can get involved. There, you’ll find details on:
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring this meaningful celebration to life—whether through planning, outreach, event support, or creative contributions. Your time and energy will make a real difference in creating an unforgettable experience for all.
We’d love your ideas, talents, and energy to help make this a truly memorable occasion. Whether you have skills in marketing or public relations, a talent for organizing, or even connections to something fun like a balloon artist, there’s a place for you to contribute. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out—we’d be honored to have you be part of this historic moment.
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Hebrew School Open House May 17
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.
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ACI's Next Book Club
May's book group pick is Hunting in America by Tehila Hakimi (translated by Joanna Chen) — a haunting debut about an Israeli woman relocating to America, learning to hunt, and losing her grip on reality. Join us Saturday, May 23 after Shabbat services and Kiddush; email [email protected] if you need help tracking down a copy.
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Ongoing Programs & Opportunities
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Pathways to Judaism
An introduction to Judaism course via Zoom for those exploring Judaism or considering conversion.
Learn more and register →
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Adult Jewish Learning: Money and Power
Join our virtual four-week course with Hadar's Project Zug exploring how Jewish sources can guide us through the moral complexities of power, money, and influence in our relationships — free for ACI members, $36 suggested donation for non-members. Wednesdays in May from 8-9:30pm: 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27
Register Here →
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Open Door Shabbat
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:
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Rikers Island Services
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 to
find out more.
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This Week in Hebrew School
This week students learned about Lag BaOmer. Shana joined our class to read Sadie's Lag Ba'Omer Mystery. Our younger classes sang songs around a virtual campfire, creating a festive and fun atmosphere that the students truly enjoyed. Students began decorating their scrolls for Shavuot for an upcoming take home project. If you are interested in enrollment for next year, please reach out to [email protected] or come to our open house on Sunday, May 17th from 3-5pm!
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Pastoral Requests
If you would like to inform the synagogue about a hospital visit or
death, or request pastoral care, please fill out this form. All submissions
are confidential.
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Support ACI’s Mission
Help us continue to serve our community with meaningful programs,
welcoming services, and a well-maintained sacred space.
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Messages
In memory of Walter Hochbberg, from Phylis Hochberg
In memory of my beloved uncle, Joseph Dym, from Brenda Hamby
In memory of my beloved father, Dr. Robert Felsher, from Carol Felsher
In memory of my beloved parents, Alex and Jeanne Siegel, from Barbara Palmadesso
In memory of Jeffrey's beloved father, Maurice Badler, from Jennie and Jeffrey Badler
In memory of my beloved brother, Harold Hochberg, from Phylis Hochberg
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Mi Sheberachs
Please keep the following people in your hearts and prayers for the blessing of r'fua sh'leima:
Aaron Vajda
Avram Michel Ben Sylvia V'Fred Wishnoff
Devora bat Hendl
Elizabeth Bruner
Eric David Laxman
Esther bat Chana
Faiga bat Feivel v’Leia
Gary Lefkowitz
Joel Tarlowe
Malcolm Mungo
Margaret Hall
Menachem Mendel Yonah Ben Beila V'Yakov
Michael Laster
Pia Yehudit bat Pesha
Reynah Rosendorf
Richard and Laura Cohen
Rony Joel
Sarah Chana bat Zeesl v Dov-Beryl ben Rev Chaim HaLevi
Shalom ben Haim
Shandel Gittle bat Rifka
Shari Levin
Sidney Williams and Baby
Wilton Mungo
Zalman Mordechai Aaron ben Yehudit
Want to pray
for someone who is sick? You can add anyone to the list, regardless of whether the person is
Jewish. Submit a name here.
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Yahrzeits
This week (22–28 Iyyar), we observe the yahrzeits of the following ACI members, family and friends. May their memories always be a blessing.
Moe Cohen
Max Himoff
Hyman Weinstein
Grete Meyer
Barbara Rose
Philip A. Slaner
David Steiner
Karl Neuburger
Rose Wishnia
Manuel Gelber
Barnet Kramer
Leopold Schwartz
Leo Bard
Isaac Varon
Fannie Wohl
Robert Weber
Jeanne Siegel
Jack Mickel
Dorothy Zinn
Harold Hochberg
Jean Simon
Isaac J. Bogart
Fannie Hoffberg
Bernard Rabinowitz
Sarah Sohmer
Lillian Risik Moss
Clara Feinstein
Boruch Goldberg
Bertha Nussenblatt
Juliusz Rodkowsky
Sam Markowitz
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