By SUSAN WOLLNER The laughter of the children and the smiles on their faces as they climbed onto the new playground built by a team of interfaith, community partners for the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) in Albany, was a “feel good” moment for the adults at the July 11 dedication and ribbon cutting. The dedication of […]

Niskayuna, NY – Congregation Agudat Achim in Niskayuna is excited to announce the appointment of Rabbi Rafi Spitzer as its new spiritual leader commencing on August 1.  Rabbi Spitzer, who grew up in Sharon, MA, was ordained as a rabbi and teacher by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.  In addition to ordination, he earned a Masters of Arts degree […]

ALBANY–One hundred and fifty people gathered early on the morning of May 20 at the Albany Marriott for the Jewish National Fund’s Breakfast for Israel. The event co-chairpersons were Lauren Iselin and Alan Lobel. Life in Israel’s Negev Desert was the main focus, but an overview of JNF efforts in the last year was also presented. Tania Pons Allon, who […]

ALBANY– David E. Siegfeld, a partner at Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP, was installed as chairman of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York’s board of directors at its annual meeting on June 13. Siegfeld has served on the board for eight years. The mission of Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York is to build and maintain a strong and […]

ALBANY– Colonie Chabad Chai Jewish Center is celebrating and restoring a 100-year old Torah saved from Gomel, Belarus. A dinner celebration/dedication has been set for the main meeting room at the Crossings of Colonie Park, 580 Albany Shaker Rd., on Wednesday, June 26, at 5:30 p.m. The program is open to the community. In 1989, after years of living under […]

The Empire State Association of Assisted Living (ESAAL) recently held its multi-day annual conference in Saratoga Springs . A panel of five residents from The Massry Residence at Daughters of Sarah spoke to more than 150 professional staff about the impact resident-driven activities and programs can have in assisted living communities. The five panelists included: Diane Koenig, Irene Selchick, Dr. […]

SCHENECTADY–Congregation Gates of Heaven will honor Rabbi Eleanor Beth Ginsburg Pearlman, who will be retiring from her active rabbinate and will be given the title of “Adjunct Rabbi Emeritus.” She will preach at a farewell Shabbat service on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. and a brunch will be held in her honor at the temple, 852 Ashmore Ave., Schenectady […]

SCHENECTADY– The Schenectady and Albany Jewish Community Centers teamed up to send 20 athletes, coaches and delegation heads to participate in at the Mid-Atlantic Mini and Junior Maccabi Games in Philadelphia on May 5 at the Kaiserman JCC. Athletes ages 9-12 years old tested their skills in swimming, soccer and basketball at the one-day Olympic-style sporting competition. Overall, 925 athletes […]

SCHENECTADY–Congregation Gates of Heaven (CGOH), has announced that Jesse Holland has been chosen by the CGOH Board of Advisors to be the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Service Award. The award will be presented at a reception in his honor at the temple, 852 Ashmore Ave., Schenectady, on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. The program is free and open […]

By MARILYN SHAPIRO When Dr. Liz Ross joins her fellow women congregants at Shalom Aleichem Synagogue on the bima for the blessing over the candles, she pulls the hood of her kuspuk, her traditional Native Alaskan snow dress, over her head. And on her neck, her gold Star of David catches the light of the flickering flames. A businesswoman, a […]