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.

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].

Gather with the Astoria community on Sunday, June 14th, at 3 PM for a joyful afternoon filled with inspiring speeches, cherished stories, and a delicious sweet spread as we honor a century of memories, milestones, and community.

Attendance is open to all. No cost is necessary to attend but we highly encourage RSVP’s and a centennial donation of $100 per guest.

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 Jewish symbols, ritual objects, and traditions that connect Jewish communities across generations. Students in Kita Adom and Kita Katom searched for Jewish symbols throughout the sanctuary, while all classes participated in a fun "What's in the Sack?" activity, identifying ritual objects and discussing their meaning and use. Students also continued working on their end-of-the-year Hamsa projects. In Kita Katom, students practiced several Hebrew vocabulary words, including smalim yehudiyim (Jewish symbols), Magen David (Star of David), menorah (Hanukkah lamp), Torah (our holy book), nerot Shabbat (Shabbat candles), challah, mezuzah, and sevivon (dreidel). They learned how these symbols and objects help connect Jewish families and traditions. We also discussed shared Jewish practices, including Shabbat, blessings, prayer, and holiday traditions, helping students deepen their understanding of Jewish identity and community. A special note from our Kita Adom teacher, Morah Esther: June 2nd will be her last day as she travels to Israel to visit an ill family member. We thank her for helping create a warm and meaningful community of Jewish learners this year. Also, our Kita Tzahov teacher, Ariane has relocated to California. We had a new teacher, Morah Haftam, demo a lesson in the class this past week and we hope to have her come back for more!