This year's Anniversary Journal is special: we're honoring ACI itself, celebrating 100 years of community in our historic sanctuary. You can place a tribute to a fellow congregant, commemorate a milestone, or just celebrate the centennial!

Questions? Email Elysa at [email protected].

We would like to invite all members of the congregation to join us on May 26th at 8pm to participate in the second part of our conversation about Israel. This conversation will once again be facilitated by Daniel Langenthal from USCJ.

After our initial meeting, which was highly productive, compassionate, and respectful; we hope to include as many voices as possible in the next step of this process.

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:

• Submitting your ACI memories and photos
• Placing a journal ad
• Participating in the upcoming 100 Year Celebration on Sunday, June 14th

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.

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

This week in Hebrew School, students explored the meaning of Shavuot and continued learning about the Torah as the “best gift” given to the Jewish people. Adom and Katom classes created beautiful flower crowns inspired by the tradition that Mount Sinai bloomed with flowers when the Torah was received. The students paraded down to the “Kotel” and gave their bikkurim ( first fruits). All students enjoyed festive cheesecake and ice pops together. Tzahov class shared a heartfelt farewell with Morah Ariane before her move to Los Angeles while also learning about the Ten Commandments. Yarok class engaged in lively Torah debates and explored Gematria, discovering how the Hebrew word “chalav” (milk) connects to the Shavuot story.