JAN_FEB_JJ_2026

B’Mitzvah

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Happy 13th Birthday

Welcome 2026!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | TEVET - SHEVAT 5786

BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG

Our B’Mitzvah Year: Celebrating 13 years of connecting Jewish Buffalo through storytelling

(P. 19)

LOOK:

Bringing Hope (5)

INSIDE:

Toby’s Legacy ( 16 )

DON’T MISS:

New Security Grant ( 23 )

WHAT’S INSIDE...

January/February 2026 » B’Mitzvah

President’s Message

Welcome 2026!

Happy 13th Birthday

On The Cover

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | TEVET - SHEVAT 5786

BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG

Our B’Mitzvah Year:

Published by

Buffalo Jewish Federation 338 Harris Hill Rd., Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 716-463-5050 www.buffalojewishfederation.org President.......................................................................... Blaine Schwartz Chief Executive Officer.........................................Miriam Abramovich Chief of Administration...........................................................Jill Komm Senior Director of Communications............................ Erica Brecher Senior Advisor..................................................................... Rob Goldberg Assistant Director of Operations....................................Mandy Weiss

Celebrating 13 years of connecting Jewish Buffalo through storytelling

(P. 19)

The Buffalo Jewish Federation Is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America and the American Jewish Press Association

PRODUCED BY

PAID

PRESORTED STD U.S. POSTAGE

Blaine Schwartz President, Buffalo Jewish Federation

BUFFALO, NY PERMIT NO. 4348

It is an honor and a privilege to introduce myself as the new President of the Buffalo Jewish Federation. As I step into this role, I am deeply grateful for the trust our community has placed in me and for the inspiring leadership of my wonderful predecessor, Marjorie Bryen, with whom I have worked closely for the last year.

We are living in complicated times post 10/7, a turbulent era in which antisemitism has been on the rise, requiring an immense community relations and security infrastructure. Many Jews across Buffalo are not involved in institutional Jewish life but still feel a sense of Jewish identity. Considering this, the Federation has two major objectives for the year ahead: First, to deepen engagement across our diverse community, and second, to expand Secure Jewish Buffalo, both financially and structurally.

Finally, we will not overlook our other committees and activities, all of which we hope to enhance during the coming year, especially in the areas of community relations and Jewish engagement.

I look forward to working with our amazing CEO, Miriam Abramovich, our dedicated board, professional staff, and community partners. With your support, we will ensure that our Federation remains a beacon of strength, compassion, and unity for generations to come.

As for me, after law school and several years as a journalist and doing sports play by play, I worked as an attorney for Benderson Development Company and now at Lippes Mathias LLP. I have spent the last two decades dedicated to this community through a variety of leadership positions in both synagogues and agencies and have always had a strong connection to the Federation. My wife, Joanie, and I live in Getzville, and our son, Michael, is a third-year resident in family medicine.

Thank you for your trust, your warmth, and your partnership. I look forward to the journey ahead, together.

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

The Next Chapter for the Buffalo Jewish Federation

As we begin the 13th year of The Jewish Journal, we’re taking a page from the Jewish life-cycle playbook and celebrating our very own B’Mitzvah! To mark the occasion, INSIDE: DON’T MISS: LOOK: we’ve gathered a wonderfully diverse collection of and Toby’s Legacy NewBar Security Grant Bringing Hope ( 16 ) ( 23 ) (5) Bat Mitzvah photos from Jewish Buffalonians over the years. Think you can identify who’s who—and when each celebration took place? Test your knowledge! If you get stuck, the answers are waiting for you on page 10.

Buffalo Jewish Federation 338 Harris Hill Rd. – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221

Blaine Schwartz, President

BUFFALO SPREE PUBLISHING, INC. President.............................................................................................Sharon C. Levite Vice President/Chief Revenue Officer.................................... Barbara E. Macks Publisher........................................................................Barbara E. Macks ART, EDITORIAL, & PRODUCTION Executive Editor........................................................................................Katie Smith Creative Director........................................................................Jean-Pierre Thimot Lead Designer.....................................................................................Kimberly Miers Senior Graphic Designers................................ Josh Flanigan, Nicholas Vitello Graphic Designer...............................................................................Rachel Kaznica

1-2

Federation’s CEO: A Fifth New Year

3

Super Sunday 2026: Save the Date!

4

Buffalo Jewish Federation Board 2026

5

Community Relations: Rais Bhuiyan Visit

6-7

Buffalo Jewish Federation: Making An Impact

8

International Holocaust Remembrance Day with HERO

9

LiNK Spring 2026 Adult Learning Experiences

10

JRT features Tree of Life

12

Hillel Interns

If you would like to submit content to be published in a future issue of the Jewish Journal, please email jjwny@buffalojewishfederation.org

13

Federation/Foundation Annual Meeting

Upcoming Submission Deadlines:

14

Foundation’s Newly Elected Board Members

15

Life & Legacy® at Buffalo: Building a Legacy of Culture and Community

16

Honoring the Legacy of Toby Ticktin Back

17

Explore Jewish Buffalo History with Dr. Chana Kotzin

18

JFS Mezuzah Dedication and Capital Campaign Celebration

19

Chabad Bringing Jewish Life Back to Niagara Falls

20

PJ & Me: Growing, Learning and Connecting Together

21

Jewish Buffalo’s Living History

22

Building Interfaith Bridges at TBZ

23

Federation Security Grant to Protect Community’s Youngest

24

Kadimah Scholars Share Kindness

25

CJL Happenings

26

Remembering Jack Yellen

28

Not the Last Word by Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein

29

Organizations & Synagogues Listings

ADVERTISING & SALES Director of Advertising................................................................ Barbara E. Macks Account Executives.........................................Keren Green, Rachel Wasserman National Ad Director.............................................................................Terri Downey Senior Account Executives.......................... Mary Beth Holly, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard Sales Coordinator...............................................................................Robin Lenhard FINANCE Finance Manager...................................................................................Brittany Baer

SUBMISSIONS:

March 2026 – material due on January 29, 2026 April 2026 – material due on February 26, 2026 May/June 2026 – material due on March 26, 2026 July/August 2026 – material due on May 28, 2026 September/October 2026 – material due on July 30, 2026 November 2026 – material due on October 1, 2026 December 2026 – material due on October 29, 2026 January/February 2027 - material due on November 24, 2026

TO ADVERTISE:

Please contact Rachel Wasserman at rwasserman@buffalospree.com, 716-725-1173, or Keren Green at kgreen@buffalospree.com, 347-400-9939.

Ad space & materials are due by the 10th of each month prior to publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please email Barbara Macks at bmacks@buffalospree.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE:

To subscribe to The Jewish Journal, please email info@ buffalojewishfederation.org. Free for Western New York area residents and donors to the Campaign.

The Jewish Journal reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at any time. The Buffalo Jewish Federation and Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. are not liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The Jewish Journal does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. Editorials, columns, advertisements, agency reports and other outside articles do not necessarily represent the views of the newspaper or the Buffalo Jewish Federation, but rather express the view of the writer.

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it “illegal to advertise “based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

A Fifth New Year

BY MIRIAM ABRAMOVICH In Jewish tradition, the calendar begins not once but four different times! Rosh Hashanah, the most familiar Jewish New Year, is our spiritual restart. The first day of the month of Nisan is the beginning of our Hebrew calendar of months; ushering in Passover and the spring. The first day of the month of Elul, a spiritual month of preparation for the High Holy Days, also marks the new year for tithing animals, recalling our ancient agricultural and ethical responsibilities. And the fifteenth day of the month of Shevat, or Tu B’Shevat, is the new year for trees, grounding us in our connection to nature.

At the Buffalo Jewish Federation, we also observe a fifth new year: our January 1 new fiscal year. Not as glamourous or spiritual, but each January, in step with secular rhythms, we set goals, sharpen priorities, and recommit ourselves to our mission to build toward a flourishing Jewish Buffalo.

While the Federation’s ongoing work continues across many areas, two strategic priorities rise to the forefront of our efforts in the year ahead: security for Jewish Buffalo and community planning. In addition, in the spirit of multiple beginnings, here are five items shaping Federation’s ‘fifth’ new year ahead, AKA 2026.

1. New Volunteer Leadership The Federation is powered by the partnership between our professional team and an extraordinary corps of volunteer leaders. Under the leadership of our newly installed Board President, Blaine Schwartz, our governance bodies - the Board of Governors to include three new Governors, Executive Committee, and eight separate committees and leadership councils - guide strategy, steward resources, and help shape the initiatives that move our community forward. Their influence touches fiscal development, community relations, antisemitism response, PJ Library, NEXTGen, Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO), and more.

Throughout the year we will be exploring opportunities to enhance leadership skills for our current and emerging volunteer leaders. Read more about our three new Governors and see the list of volunteers supporting each area of Federation’s work in the year ahead on page 4.

2. The Return of B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) to Buffalo After years of discussion, BBYO, a celebrated and respected pluralistic Jewish youth movement, is returning to Buffalo. In the post-COVID era, teen engagement has shifted dramatically. Hebrew High Schools have closed, overnight camps are more geographically diverse, and the synagogue-based youth groups of our youth no longer function the same way. At the Federation, teen engagement in recent years has centered on Student to Student.

BBYO’s updated shared-staffing model offers an answer for communities like ours: access to professionals, relationship-building with teens who are dispersed across schools and neighborhoods, and programming that develops leadership and Jewish identity. With staffing and fiscal support from the Federation and the endorsement of our clergy partners and the JCC, we are ready to welcome this next chapter.

Contact samantha@buffalojewishfederation.org to learn more.

FEDERATION

3. Federation’s Annual Leadership Briefing Featuring Rais Bhuiyan Federation’s 2026 Annual Community Relations Leadership Briefing builds on last year’s powerful gathering that featured civil rights leader Eric Ward. This February, we are honored to feature Rais Bhuiyan, an internationally recognized voice on combating hate and violence. After surviving a white supremacist attack, Rais led a global campaign to spare his attacker from death row. He later founded World Without Hate, an organization dedicated to education as a tool for preventing violence.

Details of his visit can be found on page 5.

Rais’ visit to Buffalo and the film screening is made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

4. Bringing to Life our Partnership with Eshkol Partnership2Gether is a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel that connects communities in the Diaspora with communities in Israel to build relationships, strengthen Jewish identity, and support connection through joint initiatives, cultural exchanges, and leadership development.

In July we began a new Partnership2Gether relationship with the Eshkol Region. Part of the Gaza Envelope, Eshkol encompasses many of the communities, moshavim and kibbutzim that were attacked by Hamas on October 7. Grounded in person-to-person relationships—Partnership programming can range from small group learning to collaborative arts or civic projects. In November, to kick off our exchanges— five Buffalo moms joined five mothers from Eshkol on a Momentum journey, forming lasting relationships. Over the coming year, we will expand opportunities for exchanges, shared learning, and future travel—keep an eye on this paper and in our Friday My Jewish Buffalo community email conversation for upcoming opportunities to engage.

(cont'd next page) January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

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FEDERATION

A Fifth New Year (cont'd)

5. Visibly and Proudly Jewish

SAVE THE DATES PJ & ME Sunday, January 4 3 - 4 pm

PJ PALS: SHABBAT Friday, January 9 5:30 - 6:30 pm

PJ & ME Sunday, February 1 3 - 4 pm

PJ PALS: SHABBAT Friday, February 13 5:30 - 6:30 pm FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG/LiNK-GATHERINGS

QUESTIONS? CONTACT ROBIN KURSS

robin@buffalojewishfederation.org 2 buffalojewishfederation.org | January/February 2026

As we look to the year ahead, one of the most important opportunities before us is strengthening the way Jewish Buffalo shows up in the broader information landscape.

The platforms where people form opinions are not neutral spaces, and the algorithms that shape public understanding often amplify misinformation and bias. This year the Federation is laying the groundwork for a strategic media approach that operates on two fronts: building relationships with those who shape the news and proactively elevating the positive stories of Jewish life in Buffalo.

Strengthening relationships with newsroom leaders and communications professionals across sectors is essential. These trusted relationships help ensure that when questions arise—about Israel, antisemitism, Jewish communal life, or the needs of our community—journalists have a direct line to accurate information, context, and expertise.

Jewish Buffalo has powerful stories to tell—from the growth of Student to Student to the expansion of Kindness Suitcases and the presence of NEXTGen across the city. Our goal is to strengthen both how Jewish Buffalo is understood and how our community understands itself. This year we are committed to showing up in the media and public square visibly, proudly, and effectively Jewish.

FEDERATION

Super Sunday 2026: Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Extraordinary Day of Philanthropy

Wishing all a happy, healthy New Year!

On Sunday, February 22, from 10 am to 1 pm, the Buffalo Jewish Federation will once again bring our community together for one of the most meaningful traditions of the year: Super Sunday, the Federation’s Extraordinary Day of Philanthropy.

Each year, Super Sunday energizes our community, mobilizes volunteers of all ages, and inspires generosity that makes a real impact across Jewish Buffalo and around the world.

Federation staff and volunteers spend the morning reaching out to community members, inviting them to support the 2026 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo. Each call helps raise the critical funds that sustain our agencies, strengthen Jewish life, and ensure that every member of our community feels included, supported, and cared for.

The funds raised on Super Sunday support essential programs and services that weave the threads of Jewish connection, secure Jewish Buffalo by supporting security enhancements and training for our institutions and ensure a vibrant future for our community.

This year, the Federation is excited to bring back a hands-on volunteer opportunity as part of the day. In addition to making donor calls and writing thank you notes, participants can also join a Dignity Grows™ pack, assembling personal hygiene kits for our neighbors in need. These kits provide essentials that many individuals and families struggle to afford—items that often go overlooked but are crucial to health, comfort, and confidence. By participating in this initiative, you’ll not only help raise funds but also make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing hardship. It’s philanthropy in action and an opportunity to give back in multiple ways on one extraordinary day.

Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or joining for the first time, Super Sunday offers something special. It’s a chance to connect with others, to experience the strength of our shared community, and to see firsthand how collective giving can transform lives. You’ll feel the energy in the room with conversations flowing,

volunteers cheering each other on and witness Buffalo’s Jewish community unite behind a common purpose.

We know that philanthropy takes many forms. Some people give through their donations; others give through their time, their voices, or their willingness to show up and help. Super Sunday brings all of those expressions of generosity together under one roof. Every volunteer and every contribution matters.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we invite the entire community to be a part of this uplifting and impactful day. Join us on February 22 to support a flourishing Jewish Buffalo, strengthen the relationships that sustain our community, and help ensure that we continue to be joyful, inclusive and resilient for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more information and if you have any questions, reach out to Erin Casper, 716-463-5054, erin@buffalojewishfederation.org.

Beth Joseph, Bonnie Clement, Sheryl Martin

BONNIE CLEMENT Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Cell: 716.553.8384

bsclement@aol.com | BonnieClement.com HUNT ERA Williamsville Village Branch: 5570 Main Street, 1st Floor, Williamsville, NY 14221

2026

Happy New Year

Craig Z. Small

(Injured?)

A Personal Injury Law Firm

(716)847-2600

thesmallfirm.com csmall@thesmallfirm.com

January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

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FEDERATION

Buffalo Jewish Federation Board 2026 OFFICERS

2026 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

President: Blaine Schwartz* Vice President: Deborah Goldman* Vice President: Marc Brown* Treasurer: Shawn Frier* Secretary: Ezra Rich* Immediate Past President: Marjorie Bryen*

Corey Auerbach* Maxine Awner Hadar Borden Ann Marie Carosella Kirstie Henry

NEW MEMBERS Hadar Borden Hadar Borden is the Director of the University at Buffalo’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory and oversees the WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program. She previously served as Administrative Director of UB’s Undergraduate Academies, as well as assistant director positions in the University Honors College and the Office of Admissions. A proud UB alumna, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography with a focus on international business and world trade.

Her work has been recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Professional Service (2012), Buffalo Business First’s Forty Under 40 (2013), Women of Influence (2021), and InfoTech WNY’s BETAS Innovative Educator Award (2022).

Beyond campus, Hadar serves on the Board of the Amherst Industrial Agency and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Buffalo. She was also a founding board member of The Tool Library, contributed to Explore Buffalo, and received the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Ann Holland Cohn Community Impact Award in 2023.

Maxine Awner Maxine Awner is a Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She joined Merrill Lynch in 1989 after earning her Bachelor of Science in Business from Ithaca College. Maxine also holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation, enabling her to guide clients and prospective donors through meaningful legacy planning and charitable giving strategies.

A dedicated community leader, Maxine has served on the Make-A-Wish board for 12 years and is a past board member of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies. She is married to Dr. Steven Awner and is the proud mother of two adult daughters.

Samuel Shatkin Jr. Samuel (Sam) Shatkin Jr. is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in private practice in Amherst, NY. He has served on multiple foundation boards in the past and has been the recipient of awards including; Buffalo-Niagara Business Ethics Award, American Academy of Hospitality Sciences Star Diamond Award and America’s Best Plastic Surgeons Award from Newsweek Magazine. He is author of articles and book chapters and is the Medical Director of the Aesthetic Associates Centre in Amherst, NY and Tres Aurae Spa in Williamsville. He is founder of the International Society of Aesthetic Medical Professionals, and current President of the Aesthetic Learning Academy. He holds faculty positions with University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine, D’Youville University and Daemen University.

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Jim Kramer* Marni Marciano Armand Morrison Robin Raphael Ron Sadler

Sam Shatkin Kenneth Shuman* Cheryl Stein* Gil Wolfe Sonia Gellman Young *2026 Executive Committee members

2026 Finance Committee Shawn Frier, Chair Blaine Schwartz Harvey Sanders Jim Kramer Margie Bryen

2026 Israel Engagement Committee Ron Sadler, Chair Cheryl Stein Gil Wolfe Laurie Sadler Lori Morrison

2026 HERO Leadership Council Armand Morrison, Chair Andrew Dugan, Social Justice Vice Chair Ann Marie Carosella, Past Chair Brenda Feldstein, Community Engagement Vice Chair Ellen Dubie, Honoring Survivors and Descendants Vice Chair Jack Shainbrown, Student Representative Jeff Blum, Community Engagement Chair Justin Loeber, Teacher Support Chair Lisa Bloch Rodwin, Social Justice Chair Megan Wright, Teacher Support Vice Chair Monica Neuwirt, Honoring Survivors and Descendants Chair Naomi Haefner, Teacher Support Vice Chair

2026 Development Leadership Council Deborah Goldman, Chair Marc Brown, Corporate Cheryl Stein, Women’s Philanthropy Armand Morrison, Supplemental Gifts Howard Rosenhoch, Life & Legacy Rise Kulick, Major Gifts Shelly Yellen, New Donors/Development Strategy

2026 Personnel Committee Ken Shuman, Chair Hadar Borden Margie Bryen Randi Murphy

2026 Community Relations Leadership Council Harvey Sanders, Chair & Legislative Partners Corey Auerbach, Business & Civic Leaders Nancy Brock, Business & Civic Leaders Ann Marie Carosella, K-12 Dr. Iris Danziger, Campus Marni Marciano, K-12 Daniel Mink, Interfaith/Intergroup Relations Armand Morrison, Holocaust Education Robin Raphael, Interfaith/Intergroup Relations

2026 Engagement Council Kirstie Henry, Chair Donna Levy, Midlife Engagement Chair Talia Fuld, NEXTGen Chair Jordan Edelstein, NEXTGen Chair Shira Silverstein, NEXTGen Chair

Nominating Committee members are named each spring.

FEDERATION

A Community Relations Partnership Bringing Hope to Buffalo The Buffalo Jewish Federation, through its expanding Community Relations initiative, is proud to bring Rais Bhuiyan to Buffalo in February. His visit is made possible through a generous grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and will be facilitated in partnership with The Chapel, one of Federation’s cherished interfaith partners.

Rais Bhuiyan knows firsthand the devastating cost of hate and the transformative power of forgiveness. Just 10 days after the attacks of 9/11, Bhuiyan, a Bangladeshi-born immigrant, was shot in the face by a white supremacist in a racially motivated hate crime in Dallas, Texas. His long recovery—physical, emotional, and spiritual—required confronting trauma, fear, and the desire for justice. Ultimately, guided by his parents’ teachings and his Islamic faith, he chose an extraordinary path: he forgave his attacker and campaigned to save him from execution.

“Teshuvah, or repentance, is a fundamental Jewish value,” writes Rabbi Alex Lazarus Klein, who is helping to

coordinate Rais’ visit. “I would take it a step further to say it’s a fundamental human value. And to see Rais carry it out not just for himself, but for the greater world, is incredible and a testament to his outstanding character.”

Refusing to let that moment of violence define him, Bhuiyan rebuilt his life, returned to school, and committed himself to understanding why people hate and how empathy, human stories, and personal connection can dismantle fear and violence.

He went on to found World Without Hate, an international initiative dedicated to sharing the narratives of those impacted by hate-based violence and promoting a more compassionate, interconnected world.

As part of this visit: Federation will host its annual Leadership Briefing with Rais Bhuiyan (invitation-only) on February 27.

The Chapel and Buffalo Jewish Federation will co-host screening segments from Pain and Peace, Bhuiyan’s compelling documentary, followed by conversation, on Thursday, February 26 at 200 Thruway Plaza in Cheektowaga. Doors open at 6 pm and the event will be held from 6:30-9 pm. To register, go to https://bit.ly/painandpeace.

Plans are underway to bring his message directly to Buffalo-area high school students, as Rais helps young people explore empathy, courage, and the dangers of hate-based violence.

The partnership with The Chapel reflects the core of Federation’s Community Relations mission: strengthening relationships, building understanding, fostering conwnection across differences, and working together to create a safer, more compassionate Buffalo region.

“Good dialogue through relationship strengthens community bonds,” shares John Camardo, The Chapel’s Executive Pastor. “This is essential to our faith because loving our neighbor requires understanding one another’s most deeply held concerns.”

Bhuiyan’s story reminds us that empathy is a choice, courage is a practice, and healing is possible. We look forward to welcoming him and inviting our entire community into this vital conversation.

To register for the screening on Feb. 26, visit https://bit.ly/painandpeace. For more information or if you have questions about Rais’ visit to Buffalo, email Rachel Beerman at rachel@buffalojewishfederation.org.

January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

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FEDERATION

Honoring the Past, Inspiring Moral Courage Each year on January 27, the world pauses to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, honoring the six million Jews and millions of others persecuted and murdered by the Nazi regime.

The date marks the 1945 liberation of AuschwitzBirkenau, the largest Nazi death camp and a stark reminder of humanity’s capacity for cruelty.

This day is both a memorial and a call to moral responsibility. As survivors age and firsthand testimony becomes increasingly rare, the urgency to preserve their stories grows. Educators, museums, and community organizations use this moment to reaffirm the importance of Holocaust education and to teach how unchecked hatred, discrimination, and indifference can lead to catastrophe.

In Western New York, the Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO) advances this mission through its partnership with the Chair of Polish Culture at Canisius University. Together, they honor victims and heroes of the Holocaust while fostering dialogue, learning, and remembrance. Their collaboration highlights how communities can work collectively to illuminate history and confront hatred.

On Wednesday, January 21, the community will have a rare opportunity to hear Holocaust survivor Grigory Shershnevsky, joined by his daughter, Dr. Rose Berkun.

In this moving program, they will recount how Greg’s mother, Rose Shershnevsky, and a Polish woman, Aleksandra Drzewiecka, each made the ultimate sacrifice to save his life. Their story is one of profound loss, extraordinary courage, and enduring resilience.

Programming continues Sunday, January 25 with a virtual presentation by historian Dr. Samuel Kassow, who will discuss his translation of Warsaw Testament, the memoir of Rokhl Auerbach, one of only three surviving members of the Oyneg Shabes secret archival group in the Warsaw Ghetto. Her account provides an intimate window into the final days of Warsaw’s once-thriving Yiddish cultural world and the bravery of those who sought to preserve its memory.

Together, these programs invite reflection, deepen understanding, and honor the millions of lives lost and the heroes whose courage continues to inspire.

For registration information, contact HERO Director Lauren Bloomberg, at lauren@buffalojewishfederation.org.

5530 Sheridan Drive, Suite #1

Attorneys: Michael B. Berger, Esq • Lee M. Sobieski, Esq

716-634-6500 usavisa.net

8 buffalojewishfederation.org | January/February 2026

FEDERATION

Spring 2026 Adult Learning Experiences LiNK Jewish Buffalo offers a variety of semester-long and year-long learning experiences for adults. Details about each class, cohort or learning experience can be found below.

For more information contact Stacey Block at stacey@buffalojewishfederation.org.

Adult Hebrew (Virtual Classes)

2nd Semester: classes run 2/4/2026 – 5/14/2026 Fee: $236/ Semester (book purchased separately) Location: Zoom Hebrew Coordinator: Stacey Block

Beginning Hebrew Thursday, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Instructor: Cantor Susie Lewis-Friedman No experience necessary. This course is for Beginners interested in learning the Hebrew alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary with a focus on reading prayers for Shabbat, synagogue services, and traditional blessings.

Intermediate Hebrew Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Schachter This course is designed to further develop skills for those who already know the Hebrew alphabet and can read several words and phrases. The focus of this course is on developing basic vocabulary and words commonly used in Scripture and Hebrew prayer.

Advanced Hebrew

Wednesdays, 7:30 – 8:30 pm Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Schachter This course is designed for those who can read and understand both simple Biblical and modern Hebrew phrases.

The primary focus of this class is conversational Hebrew.

Belonging is a core value of LiNK Jewish Buffalo. Individuals of all abilities, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender expressions are welcome. Please share your specific access needs with us as part of the registration process and we’ll ensure, to the best of our ability, that your experience is meaningful.

Gathering Cohorts Women Gathering

Women Gathering, facilitated by Miriam Abramovich and Rabbi Sara Rich, is a monthly opportunity for women ages 30-55 to gather over food and drink for informal conversation, through a Jewish lens, about issues that matter to us the most such as business trends, gender equality, health, antisemitism and more.

Upcoming gatherings: January 22, February 12, March 19 and May 7

Men Gathering Men Gathering, facilitated by Rob Goldberg and Rabbi Brent Gutmann, is a monthly opportunity for men ages 30-55 to gather over food and drink for casual conversation about issues and events that matter such as fatherhood, politics, Jewish culture, and antisemitism.

Upcoming gatherings: February 26, April 16 and June 4

Intro to Judaism Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:30 pm, 1/21/2026 – 4/29/2026 Jewish Community Center Fee: $180/Semester (books purchased separately) Facilitated by local clergy and educators, this exceptional course is designed for individuals exploring conversion, those—Jewish and non- Jewish—seeking a deeper understanding of Judaism, and interfaith couples, and covers topics including the Jewish calendar, life cycles, worship, beliefs, the Bible, Rabbinic literature, antisemitism, the Holocaust, Zionism, and the State of Israel.

Register for LiNK ADULT LEARNING EXPERIENCES and GATHERING COHORTS at buffalojewishfederation.org/link-gatherings January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

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COMMUNITY

JRT Staged Readings Highlight Weekend with Midwest Playwright

Sisters in Spirit: Connecting with the Women of Eshkol Through Momentum

BY JUDITH EPSTEIN Before we departed for Israel, I thought about the words to express what we would see, hear and sense. Now that we are home, wow. It was amazing (that’s the catch phrase used so much in Israel that it is appropriate to include here as well).

A unique collaboration between the JCC’s Jewish Repertory Theatre (JRT), Buffalo’s synagogue community, and the Jewish Community Legacy Project (JCLP) will bring Kansas City playwright Victor Wishna to Buffalo for a weekend of learning, theatre, and reflection, March 20–22, 2026.

The highlight: two staged readings of Wishna’s acclaimed play Tree of Life.

Tree of Life tells the deeply moving story of a small synagogue in Ottumwa, Iowa, as it faces its final days and wrestles with the question of what to do with its last Torah scroll. Poignant yet hopeful, the play explores how Jewish communities honor their past while finding meaning and continuity for the future.

Over the course of the weekend, Wishna will take part in multiple community programs: Friday evening, March 20 – Guest speaker at Congregation Beth Abraham.

Shabbat morning, March 21 – Special guest at Temple Beth Tzedek.

Saturday evening, March 21 – First staged reading at the Sellers Theatre, JCC Getzville.

Sunday afternoon, March 22 – Second staged reading at Temple Beth Zion (Delaware Ave), presented as a benefit for JCLP in partnership with the Buffalo Jewish Federation and the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Wishna will also join post-performance discussions with community

ANSWERS to WHO'S WHO on the COVER

members who grew up in small Jewish congregations.

This collaboration marks an exciting first for Buffalo’s Jewish arts and legacy community. The project began when former Federation CEO and current JCLP consultant Rob Goldberg connected with Wishna through his colleague Jay Lewis, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, after the play’s premiere. Early conversations with JRT Artistic Director Adam Yellen and Alyssa Strang, a Federation Kolot Fellow who will direct the readings, helped bring the idea to life. With partial grant funding secured by JRT and enthusiastic support from Buffalo’s major congregations, the partnership quickly took root.

For JCLP, Tree of Life captures its mission to help small congregations plan for the future with dignity, foresight, and faith. “The play reflects exactly what we see in so many communities,” said Goldberg. “It’s about love of place, honoring memory, and finding new ways for sacred stories to live on.”

Blending art, memory, and meaning, Tree of Life promises to be more than a performance—it will be a shared reflection on what it means to sustain Jewish life from generation to generation.

Tickets for each reading are $36 per person. For more information, visit Jewishrepertorytheatre.org.

CLOCKWISE: Mandy Weiss, Chicago 1989; Zelda Abramovich, Virtual 2020; Shlomo Schachter, Philadelphia, PA 1994; Aviva Weisman, San Diego, CA 2024; Taylor McLanahan, Temple Shaarey Tzedek, 2001; Maggie Early, Congregation Shir Shalom 2025; Stan Shainbrown, Brooklyn,NY 1960; Shira Goldberg, Temple Sinai, 1972; Michael Sanders, Temple Shaarey Tzedek, 2016; Corey Auerbach, Ellenville, NY 1994; Jody Goldstein, Temple Beth Zion 2023; Lewis Shaevel, St. Thomas, 2018.

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Our senses were reawakened throughout the fast-paced trip to Israel with Momentum. Momentum is a global initiative that brings mothers raising Jewish children to Israel for a powerful journey of identity, learning, and connection. Our cohort of five women from across the spectrum of Judaism, connection to Israel, and parenting, were paired with a group of women from the Eshkol region (formerly known as the Gaza Envelope). They became our family and part of our community.

Friday night with hundreds of other Jews from across the world. We listened to a group of brave young women who are soldiers in the IDF. We ate—did we eat! And drink…and ate some more! Falafel, shwarma, schnitzel, Station 9, whiskey bar, fresh fruit, and chocolate, and while learning about all the sweets available to us.

We smelled the fragrance of beautiful flowers around the country, spices in our food, everything for sale in Machane Yehuda – a famous marketplace.

We touched the Kotel. Some of us toured the tunnels dating back to Herod’s time, where we were able to see the room “closest to the holy of

We saw Tel Aviv at its finest: So much traffic and cranes across the bustling city with a booming economy, like other metropolitan cities. We visited the Nova festival site, where we heard from a Nova festival survivor and paid tribute to the events of October 7. We spent time in Jerusalem, learning the history of the city, exploring the sights in the Old City and Machane Yehuda, Yad LeKashish.

We dipped in the Dead Sea, early in the morning.

We heard firsthand testimony on a very personal tour of Kibbutz Nir Oz from our new friend Dorin. She shared with us her story and others. Sights from around the kibbutz to give us perspective of how close the kibbutz is to Khan Younis.

We heard the imam calling for prayer in Jerusalem. We danced at the kotel on

holies” (part of the old temple). We were touched by the outpouring of openness from our new Israeli friends who shared heartfelt stories and challenges that they face daily.

Our educators worked to ensure that each day had a Jewish value connected to being a mom and being Jewish today.

We departed Israel with new friends, new perspectives on Israel and Judaism, and new awareness of how intertwined we are all are with each other, whether from around the corner, or across the world.

The energy on the trip was palpable; it felt like a dance party each day with time to reflect and connect.

We look forward to connecting with Jewish Buffalo to share our stories and reflections and offer encouragement for anyone who wants to go to Israel!

COMMUNITY

Hillel Interns Making an Impact

BY RYAN PIKEN Every year, Hillel of Buffalo partners with Repair the World to launch our of Buffalo Service Engagement Internship. This program empowers Jewish students to give back to the greater Buffalo community in ways that inspire them most.

This year, we are proud to work with three incredible interns: Violet Cole, Jonathan Hirsch, and Hannah Klein.

Each intern commits to participating in 10 community service events while also recruiting 25 peers to volunteer alongside them.

Although they have until June to complete their service and volunteer recruitment goals, each has already gone above and beyond this past semester by organizing meaningful and enjoyable events that have made an impact in Buffalo and beyond.

After recent cuts to SNAP benefits, Hannah and Violet teamed up to advocate for food security. They partnered with Mazon, a Jewish organization fighting hunger, and recruited peers to write over 50 letters demanding food security for all. Their efforts didn’t stop there; they also organized food drives, with all donations going to FeedMore WNY. Next semester, Jonathan will recruit students to volunteer at local soup kitchens to continue this important work.

Our interns are also collaborating closely with UB clubs and organizations to host their programs. This work not only helps them

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reach their goals but also brings Jewish students closer together while fostering connections with non-Jewish allies through shared efforts toward positive change.

“These events have been really meaningful to me,” said intern Hannah Klein. “It’s been a fun way for me to get involved in the Buffalo community and learn more about how I can help.”

Other events have included a walk to support people experiencing homelessness, a day spent volunteering at a rescue shelter, dog toy-making workshops, and care package creation for children in need.

With six months left in their time as Service Engagement interns, we can’t wait to see what these three Jewish changemakers will accomplish next.

Ryan Piken is the 2024-2026 Springboard Fellow at Hillel of Buffalo.

She can be reached at springboard@ hillelofbuffalo.org.

COMMUNITY

All Smiles at Federation/ Foundation Annual Meeting For the fifth consecutive year, the Buffalo Jewish Federation and the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies joined together for their Annual Meetings. Nearly 150 community members gathered at The Foundry for wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a brief program. The Foundation installed new officers and board members, and President Craig Small shared a slide show highlighting the year’s accomplishments. The Federation installed its new President, Blaine Schwartz, along with new officers and board members, while outgoing President Margie Bryen offered remarks and was honored with a heartfelt testimonial delivered by Ken Shuman.

January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

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COMMUNITY

Introducing Newly Elected FJP Board Members The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies (FJP) is pleased to announce new officers of its Board of Trustees: Eric Recoon, Vice President, and Susan Freed, Secretary.

Continuing in their roles are Craig Small, President; Brian Snyder and Richard Steinberg, Vice Presidents; and Penny Howard, Treasurer.

FJP is also proud to welcome new trustees Susan Grelick, Larry Cohen, Alan Goldstein, and Rion Kweller.

Eric Recoon – Vice President Eric Recoon is a graduate of UB’s School of Law, which followed his undergraduate business school education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, as well as a general course degree from the London School of Economics. Eric is currently the Vice President of Development & Leasing with Benderson Development Company. He is a member of the UB Masters of Real Estate Development (RED) Advisory Committee, a Buffalo Niagara Partnership Advisory Council Member, and serves on the Holy Order Cemetery Corporation Board. Eric is the proud father of Jacob and Carly and resides in Clarence with his wife Susan.

Susan Freed – Secretary Susan Freed is a Senior Vice President at M&T Bank in Buffalo with extensive experience in commercial lending and treasury solutions, specializing in building strong client partnerships and delivering tailored financial solutions that drive results. A graduate of Boston University earning a BS/BA in Accounting, she began her professional career as a CPA. Susan, a member of Temple Beth Zion, is past president of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo and remains active on the board, co-chairing the JCC’s Life & Legacy program. She is the proud mother of Jacqueline and Andrew Oestreicher and resides in Williamsville.

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Susan Grelick – Trustee Susan Grelick served as the first woman elected Town of Amherst Supervisor from 1997 through 2005 and served as the first woman elected Town of Amherst Town Clerk from 1992 through 1996. From 2009 to 2021 Susan was Counsel and Legislative Director to the New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. She was an adjunct Faculty Member at University at Buffalo Law School from 2007 to 2018. An attorney with an MBA, Susan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Union College. In addition to a law degree and MBA, she also earned masters in Information Science (MLS), and American Economic History (MA).

Larry Cohen – Trustee Larry Cohen is a co-owner of Shipping HQ in Amherst, NY, and the former co-owner of BarCodeParts, where he helped lead operations, marketing, and business development.

A graduate of Nichols School in Buffalo and SUNY Binghamton, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Management. Larry has served on the boards of the American Jewish Committee, Buffalo Jewish Federation Housing, Temple Beth Am (now Shir Shalom), and the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network. He lives in East Amherst with his wife, Gail, and enjoys traveling, playing and watching tennis, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Alan Goldstein – Trustee Alan Goldstein has served as Controller and Executive Director of Accounting at Benderson Development Company, LLC since 1990, overseeing financial operations and contributing to the company’s long-term growth.

Before joining Benderson, he worked at FreedMaxick, Sachs & Murphy P.C., where he built a strong foundation in public accounting. Alan serves as Temple Beth Tzedek’s Board Secretary and has previously served Board Chair and Vice President. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from SUNY Buffalo. In his free time, Alan enjoys practicing and teaching Judo.

Rion Kweller – Trustee Rion Kweller is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in supporting adults facing emotional and behavioral challenges. He has maintained a private practice in Williamsville since 1988. Rion earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brandeis University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University. He is a former board member of JCC Buffalo and Jewish Family Services. In his free time, Rion enjoys traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with his wife Julie, their grown children and their families.

COMMUNITY

Life & Legacy® at Buffalo Building a Legacy of Culture and Community Life & Legacy Buffalo

(7/1/2021 – 12/12/2025)

Total Legacy Commitments: 587 Total Number of Donors: 317 Total Estimated Value: $22.2 million

David Bunis profile.

“What you give to a community is what lasts” Sheldon Harnick (lyricist, Fiddler on the Roof)

TOGETHER,

the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies and the Buffalo Jewish Federation are working with many organizations in Jewish Buffalo to secure the future of our community.

These organizations include: Center for Jewish Life Congregation Shir Shalom Hillel of Buffalo Jewish Community Center The Jewish Discovery Center Jewish Family Services Kadimah Scholars Program at Park Temple Beth Tzedek Temple Beth Zion Legacy giving ensures your values live on through the generations.

Legacy gifts—made during or for after one’s lifetime—create endowments that sustain synagogues, schools, and Jewish organizations. L’Dor vdor—from generation to generation.

Your participation matters, and every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference.

Contact Linda Barat, Coordinator, at 716-204-2259 or Linda@jewishphilanthropies.org for more information.

When David Bunis thinks of legacy, he thinks about what will remain long after he is gone.

“Legacy means asking: What am I leaving behind that will help people, and also remember the values I care about? And I freely admit,” he smiles, “I want to leave something lasting.”

For David, that “something” has always been Jewish cultural arts. Following the example of his parents, his first fund at the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies (FJP) centered on cultural arts— a commitment that led to envisioning and co-founding the Jewish Repertory Theatre (JRT).

More than two decades ago, he imagined a professional Jewish theatre that would tell Jewish stories, welcome broader audiences, and anchor cultural expression in Jewish Buffalo. He brought the idea to Saul Elkin, a beloved actor, professor, and advocate for the arts. “Saul was incredibly busy,” David recalls. “He had his families, Shakespeare in the Park, teaching… everything. But after we talked it through, he said yes.”

They presented the proposal to the JCC. The response: “Absolutely—we need this. Do it.”

Followed by: “But we don’t have any money for you.”

So, the theatre began with a borrowed desk, a filing cabinet, a few chairs, and a handful of staff hours from Marci Frankel. From those humble beginnings, JRT grew into a respected institution— one that continues to flourish today under Director of Performing Arts Adam Yellen.

“I’m very proud of it,” David says. “It has legs.

It has a strong reputation. It has funding for the future. That’s legacy.”

Ensuring the Future of Jewish Cultural Arts David has ensured that his commitment will continue beyond his lifetime. Through his legacy gift to the Buffalo Jewish Federation, he has designated ongoing support for the JRT and Jewish cultural arts across Buffalo.

“My Federation gifts will be funded after I’m Bunis family. gone,” he says. “That allocation is in writing. That’s legacy.”

He has also established an endowment at Congregation Shir Shalom for an annual Bunis family lecture - another way to nurture culture and lifelong learning.

Jewish Values at Home David’s sense of obligation to give was instilled by his father, who was deeply involved in philanthropy and worked hard to ensure his children understood the importance of giving back. At old-school donor events, David watched him stand and announce a gift he could barely afford, modeling tzedakah through action.

Just as he learned from watching his father, David hopes his children see the same example. “If you want your kids to understand the importance of giving back, you have to model it,” he says. “My kids know what the Bunis family has done. They may not be big donors, but they will be givers. That matters.”

Bunis siblings: Maer, Anita, and David.

“Legacy is what you leave and who you inspire.”

David’s story is about more than theatre, philanthropy, or endowment. It is about values passed through generations—a father’s example, a son’s vision, and a community strengthened through acts of generosity.

His legacy lives in stage lights and lecture halls, in community spaces, and in the hearts of those who believe Jewish culture should flourish.

And like all meaningful legacies, it began with one person deciding that giving back was both a responsibility and a joy.

Daughters Jenifer & Mollie with grandson Sylvan.

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New Innovative Teen Honoring the Legacy of Program for Grades 8-12 Toby Ticktin Back, Pioneer of Holocaust Education Educators Rachel Brownstein Weiss and Daryl Helfman, each with over 30 years of experience in Jewish and secular education, are launching a new Jewish teen program for students in grades 8–12. This innovative initiative offers a flexible, engaging alternative created to meet the needs of today’s busy teens.

Weiss brings 31 years of teaching experience across New York, along with a lifelong connection to Jewish education as a Kadimah graduate and Momentum participant. Her work includes teaching at Temple Beth Zion, staffing Camps Centerland and Lakeland, and leading two Taglit-Birthright Israel trips.

Helfman adds 33 years in the Orchard Park Central School District, Hebrew high school teaching experience, and leadership roles at multiple Jewish camps. He has contributed to numerous committees shaping Jewish education and curriculum.

The monthly program focuses on real-world issues, Jewish identity, and personal empowerment in a relaxed, community-centered environment. Teens will explore key topics such as: Understanding Antisemitism: Its origins, impact, and relevance today; Advocacy Skills: How to identify and respond to antisemitism; Jewish Culture & Values: Traditions, ethics, and identity; Israel Education: Its history, modern relevance, and global role; Jewish Pop Culture: Media, music, and modern representation; Krav Maga Training; Public Speaking & Leadership Development; and fields trips and meaningful volunteer hours for school and college applications.

“Our goal is to create a meaningful space where teens can connect, learn, and grow,” said Helfman. “This is a vibrant, supportive community where Jewish teens explore who they are and how they can impact the world and navigate their future in today’s world.”

Please contact Rachel Weiss racheldweiss1224@gmail.com for more information.

Toby Ticktin Back, founder of the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo (today’s Holocaust Education Resource Organization/HERO), passed away in Jerusalem on November 10, 2025, at the age of 98.

Toby began her career as an innovative educator at Kadimah in the 1970s and 80s, where she invited Holocaust survivors into her classroom to share their stories. She witnessed firsthand the profound impact of these voices - many speaking publicly for the first time -whose accounts of courage, loss, and resilience deeply shaped her understanding of remembrance and moral education. Guided by their testimony, Toby recognized the urgent need to transform Holocaust education in Western New York.

As founder of the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo, Toby built far more than a respected institution. She created a sanctuary for truth, empathy, and courageous dialogue. Over the course of her work, she personally interviewed more than 120 local survivors, witnesses, and liberators. These interviews now reside in the Oral History Collection of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

A visionary pioneer, Toby developed pedagogically rigorous curricula and enduring friendships and approached resources that earned national acclaim. life with curiosity and adventure—traits Today, every program and partnership at she shared with Nate. HERO mourns the HERO carries the imprint of her brilliance, loss of its guiding light and continues to compassion, and leadership. honor her legacy through the annual Toby Toby’s commitment to Jewish life Ticktin Back Educator Award, presented to extended well beyond Buffalo. After a teacher who exemplifies her devotion to moving to Jerusalem with her husband, Holocaust education.

Nate (Nissan), in 2000, she served on the Toby is survived by her children— Board of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Ephraim, Aaron, Rachel, and Sara—their Studies and contributed her time and partners, nine grandchildren, and three insight to numerous community initiatives. great-grandchildren. She was predeceased Wherever she engaged, Toby brought by her husband, Nate, and daughter, clarity, warmth, and purpose.

Adina. Her legacy endures in her family, Known for her vitality, generosity, her students, and the communities she and legendary hospitality, Toby nurtured helped shape.

Introducing our NEW Food & Dining newsletter— now served on Mondays. SIGN UP TODAY! 16 buffalojewishfederation.org | January/February 2026

COMMUNITY

Exploring Jewish Buffalo History Jewish Buffalo’s story is rich, complex, and often overlooked, spanning nearly two centuries of community-building, migration, innovation, and resilience.

The JCC’s three-part online series invites participants to explore how Jewish life took root, evolved, and continues to shape Greater Buffalo today.

History is everywhere in the news, but what about the diverse stories of Jewish Buffalo?

Since the 19th century, Jews have made their home in this region, forging community ties, founding organizations and businesses, and responding to changing local and global circumstances. From utopian dreams that never materialized to neighborhoods and institutions that flourished, this course traces the local, national, and international threads that shaped Jewish Buffalo from the 1820s to the present.

Participants will explore questions such as: What drew Jews to Buffalo? Who settled here and why? How did communities evolve, and how did their experiences mirror—or diverge from - other American Jewish histories?

Drawing from organizational archives and individual, family, and business papers, the course will examine the varied stories that define Jewish life in Greater Buffalo.

Session 1 explores the Ararat story and its enduring fascination, the earliest Jewish settlers, and the beginnings of communal formation Session 2 follows the exponential community growth beginning in 1881, including the emergence of the first Jewish neighborhood on William Street and the influence of global events such as flight, refuge, and war.

Session 3 turns to North Buffalo and other city neighborhoods, suburban expansion, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the impact of the State of Israel, concluding with contemporary communal developments and new forms of Jewish connection.

For over a decade, Dr. Chana Revell Kotzin directed the Jewish Buffalo History Project, building more than fifty organizational and personal archival collections. She later led the Jewish Buffalo History Center, curated the reimagined Cofeld Judaic Museum at Temple Beth Zion, and recently authored the successful National Register nomination for the Ahavas Achim cemetery.

This program will be held on Zoom and is free to the public.

Mondays in February on Zoom: February 9, 16, 23, 7 pm-8 pm, ET. To register please visit: l.feathr.co/ JewishBuffalo where you will find the Zoom link.

Questions? Contact Cantor Mark Horowitz at mhorowitz@jccbuffalo.org.

You Are Doing an Excellent Job! Be Kind Show Gratitude Sponsored by Gratitude and Kindness Movement TM I am not a professional. This is based upon my personal experiences.

January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

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COMMUNITY

JFS Mezuzah Dedication and Capital Campaign Celebration A mezuzah is a powerful symbol of faith, identity, and protection. Jewish Family Services (JFS) was proud to bless and install several mezuzot in its newly refreshed offices at 70 Barker Street in Buffalo, joined by friends, donors, and supporters at a Building Blessing and Donor Reception in November. These small yet profound expressions of JFS’s Jewish roots are daily reminders of the agency’s values and its commitment to serving the community with compassion and dignity.

In addition to the mezuzah dedication, JFS celebrated the generosity of major donors to its ongoing capital campaign. These donors and the wider community of supporters uplift and empower JFS’ mission and clients every day. Special gratitude is extended to the following named space donors: Rose and Leonard Frank Eduardo and Amy Heumann Daniel and Gunilla Kester M&T Bank Mark and Andrea Patters The Schlein Family Blaine and Joan Schwartz To see more photos from the event, visit JFS’s Facebook or Instagram pages. To help close the final gap in the capital campaign, contact Andrea Walh at awalh@jfswny.org.

(L-R) Craig Small, Molly Carr, Irv Levy, and Lauren Maguire in the Rose and Bud Frank Family Room.

Chani Labkovski and Mollie Cohen admire and reflect in the newly dedicated Karen Greenspan fireplace and sitting room.

Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein (R) and David Schlein (L) prepare to install the mezzuzah at the Schlein Family Childcare Room.

(L-R) Rabbi Brent Gutmann, Bijoux Bahati Sr Manager of TST-R programs, and Katie Diebold, VP of Behavioral Health and Wellness.

The Buffalo Community of Learners (B’COL) All great accomplishments begin with a compelling idea, and at The Buffalo Community of Learners (B’COL), that idea comes alive each time students enter the classroom. What began as a vision for joyful Jewish learning has flourished thanks to creative teachers, forward-thinking leadership, and families deeply committed to Jewish education. The vibrancy within B’COL is no accident—it is the result of a community dedicated to growth, knowledge, and connection.

As Tu BiShvat approaches, the winter landscape contrasts with the bright growth taking place inside B’COL. Tu BiShvat teaches that life begins quietly beneath the surface, long before leaves appear. Similarly, whenever students explore a new idea or discover something about themselves and their heritage, they plant roots of learning that will bear fruit for years to come.

December offered a powerful example of this growth.

B’COL’s Madrichim (high school participants) planned and 18 buffalojewishfederation.org | January/February 2026

led the school-wide Hanukkah celebration, bringing energy and leadership to the entire community. Students extended the holiday’s light outward by writing letters to Jewish soldiers stationed around the world through the Jewish Soldiers Project. With support from families and the TBZ Sisterhood, more than 140 Chanukah candle boxes were collected and shipped, ensuring that soldiers could kindle light and hope wherever they were serving.

As the new year unfolds, B’COL looks forward to continuing hands-on, engaging learning. Students in grades 4–7 will explore electives ranging from Jewish cooking to kibbutz-building to the always-popular Jewish humor workshop led by Rabbi Alex and Mr. Rob. The youngest learners in the growing Ganainu program bring joyful beginnings each month through play, song, and stories—early shoots of a vibrant future.

B’COL remains grateful for its students, families, teachers, teen leaders, and Education Committee members who make this community possible.

As Tu BiShvat invites reflection and renewal, may all continue to draw strength from shared values, grow with courage and creativity, and bring forth acts of compassion that uplift the world.

For more information, contact Buffalocommunityoflearners@ gmail.com or Rabbi Einav Symons at 716-574-6016.

COMMUNITY

Chabad Bringing Jewish Life Back to Niagara Falls

Kick Off 2026 with Temple Beth Tzedek

Since establishing a permanent presence on the American side of the Falls, Rabbi Yehuda and Mrs. Yehudis Lorber have turned Niagara’s world-famous waterfront into a warm, welcoming Jewish home away from home. What began with a Mitzvah Tank—Jewish Mobile Center, has grown into a full Chabad, offering holiday celebrations, visitor services, Torah classes, and community programming tailored to both residents and the tourists who visit each year.

Chabad’s recent public programming has captured regional attention. A large, scenic sukkah in Niagara Falls State Park drew thousands for Sukkot, and public menorah lightings and Chanukah events have become highlights on the seasonal calendar. The Chabad Mobile Center, stationed at key locations in the heart of the State Park—especially during the high-season summer months—has become a vibrant hub of Jewish connection, welcoming and attracting Jews from across the world for tefillin, inspiration, and friendly conversation. These highvisibility initiatives reflect Chabad’s simple mission—meet Jews where they are, with warmth and respect while showcasing Niagara’s natural beauty as a backdrop for Jewish life.

Beyond celebrations, Chabad Niagara Falls USA is making Jewish culture accessible for visitors. Its online hub and visitor guides now offer practical support for travelers seeking kosher options, holiday information, and meaningful experiences during their stay. It has also launched weekly Torah classes and family-friendly gatherings, enriching the life of the permanent and temporary Jewish community in the region.

Looking ahead, the Lorbers envision a welcoming visitor center and expanded yearround programming that will make Niagara Falls USA a recognized Jewish destination on par with its natural attractions. With plans to build on the mobile center’s success, deepen local partnerships, and grow community education and family programming, Chabad aims to ensure every Jew who comes to the Falls finds a place to celebrate, learn, and connect.

For more information about upcoming events, sign up to Torah classes or to support their work, visit ChabadNiagaraFallsUSA.org or follow their social media channels.

Temple Beth Tzedek (TBT) welcomes members of Jewish Buffalo and friends to a range of opportunities to begin the New Year. In addition to our regular weekday and Shabbat minyan (services), please join us for:

Prophets: Voice & Vision

Join Rabbi Rich and Morah Zahava Fried for a new adult education class, which will delve into the teachings of the Prophets. Participants will explore the message of the prophets with Rabbi Rich and then learn the basics of the Haftorah trope with Morah Zahava to bring voice to these timeless messages. The class will be at TBT on five Sundays from January 4 through February 1, from 4:30-5:45 pm.

Women’s Network Shabbat

We are excited to celebrate the ladies of Temple Beth Tzedek as they inspire us with a special Shabbat service, words of Torah, and a Women’s League for Conservative Judaism-caliber kiddush on Saturday morning, January 17.

TBT will also be lifting the voices of children during our youth services spanning:

Tot Shabbat

A warm and loving environment for children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers, kids will experience Jewish stories and songs, joyful Tefillah (prayer), play-based learning, and themed snacks.

Come join the fun on Saturday mornings, January 10 and February 14 at 11 am.

Junior Congregation

Children in Grades 1-5 are invited to this fun and interactive Shabbat service, where they will learn parts of the traditional prayers and discuss the weekly Parshah (Torah portion), followed by an engaging modern Hebrew lesson, on January 3 and 7, and February 7 at 10:30 am.

Family Service

Children ages 0-10 and their caregivers will join Morah Zahava for a themed Shabbat morning service as we celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees, at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 31, as well as one in honor of Purim at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 28.

To learn more, please visit btzbuffalo.org.

Winter Bulletin Boards at Ohr Temimim This winter, the hallways of Ohr Temimim School have come alive with bulletin boards that showcase the incredible learning happening in every classroom. These winter bulletin boards do more than decorate our walls—they celebrate the joyful, meaningful learning taking place each day at Ohr Temimim. Through creativity, warmth, and dedication, our teachers ensure that this season shines with inspiration.

Each teacher added their own creative touch, transforming lessons into eye-catching displays that brighten even the coldest days. From the colorful umbrella-themed board in Morah Nechama Dina Munitz’s class, to the cheerful “Snow Much Fun” display outside Morah Valerie Mortellaro’s room, every board reflects the growth and enthusiasm of our students. Morah Valerie’s display features writing stories, a globe representing the seven continents her class is studying in social studies, and artwork from art class with pieces that highlight different seasons and holidays. Mrs. Nancy Bolles also has her students’ impressive work proudly displayed, highlighting their studies in animal classification and writing.

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COMMUNITY

PJ & Me: Growing, Learning, and Connecting Together Early childhood years are precious—full of first giggles, first steps, and early sparks of curiosity. They’re also when families begin weaving the threads of Jewish home life: bedtime songs, favorite books, and holiday rituals that become cherished traditions. For years, PJ Library has nurtured these moments in Buffalo by delivering curated, values-based books to families raising Jewish children.

PJ Library is made possible through the support of the Grinspoon Foundation, the Buffalo Jewish Federation, and generous local donors.

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The first Shabbat following the end of Daylight Saving Time is marked by an annual tradition at Young Israel.

Following Friday evening services, the entire congregation gathered for a communal dinner, and those living too far to walk at night were accorded home hospitality by other member families.

This year, additional overnight guests included several young men from the Rochester (NY) Yeshiva, and from SUNY Fredonia.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2026 716-874-6000

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Independent Living with amenities such as Security, Social Activities, Elevators and Laundry Facilities.

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children today is both beautiful and challenging, and parents consistently express how vital it is to find one another, to share wisdom, exchange resources, and feel supported. Programs like PJ & Me strengthen Jewish Buffalo by helping parents (and grandparents) develop relationships during this pivotal stage of life. Community grows through small acts of showing up; this program helps families do just that.

The relaunch of PJ & Me marks an exciting new chapter for PJ Library in Buffalo, made possible through the extraordinary generosity of a donor who believes in investing in families from the very beginning. This renewed program invites families to come together, build community, and help shape Jewish Buffalo from its earliest stages, one gathering, one shared moment, and one growing relationship at a time.

We warmly invite you to join us for the first PJ & Me program on Sunday, January 4, from 3-4 pm. Location will be shared upon registration at buffalojewishfederation.org/link-gatherings.

“First Early Friday” Dinner at Young Israel

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In a recent Jewish Journal article, we introduced PJ & Me as a new initiative for children ages 0–5. Under the caring leadership of PJ Library co-directors Robin Kurss and Samantha Stevens, PJ & Me is now being reintroduced in a format designed specifically for children ages 0–2.

Parenting tools may evolve, but our need for connection remains. Jewish tradition teaches that kehillah–community–is built through steady, intentional relationships.

The refreshed PJ & Me honors that value by offering families with infants and toddlers a warm space to explore and nurture friendships. Narrowing the age range allows the program to be more developmentally attuned, meeting babies, toddlers, and the adults who love them right where they are.

Each monthly session will feature simple, joyful activities for little ones—songs, puppets, movement, sensory play, and storytelling—all rooted in Jewish ideas and values. These moments spark early learning and give parents practical tools for bringing Jewish experiences into everyday life.

Just as importantly, PJ & Me creates community for adults. Raising Jewish

Preparing the potato kugel:- Moshe Heimowitz (l.) and Mendy Polter (r.)

Everyone pitched in to make the evening a success. Among the numerous home-made dishes were potato kugel, special salads, a large pot of delicious soup, and Moshe Heimowitz’ signature “chicken à la Moshe.”

Words of Torah were offered by Rabbi Avi Okin and Moshe Morrison.

Following this, two gramen were delivered by Moshe Heimowitz and, (in absentia), Alex Green. Gramen are original, humorous poems or songs that raise the level of cheer at Jewish gatherings, and these were in honor of a surprise birthday recognition of one of our members.

COMMUNITY

Jewish Buffalo’s Living History

Preserving the Legacy of Jewish Niagara Falls The Jewish community of Niagara Falls, NY, holds a rich and enduring history dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. Like many American cities along key transportation routes, Niagara Falls attracted Jewish immigrants who established thriving businesses and built community institutions crucial to their religious and social lives.

The community was served primarily by four synagogues, of which two synagogues served until recently: Temple Beth Israel (Conservative, founded in 1898, disbanded in 2012) and Temple Beth El (Reform, held services in the 1860s, adopted reform style worship in the 1880s, formally incorporated in 1905, and celebrated its last high holiday services this fall).

Ellen Franke, who has served Beth El’s rabbi, was nice enough to show me around Niagara Falls this Fall, so that the Jewish Museum of Buffalo, JMB, could document the four cemeteries in Niagara County, photograph important Jewish sites, and document this once vibrant Jewish community.

A favorite stop was in the Old Hebrew Cemetery, adjacent to Oakwood Cemetery. The land was purchased in 1864 by a group of Jewish settlers who bought it to be a cemetery. The first burial was that of a fallen Civil War soldier in 1865 named Daniel Cohn. The community is unsure of how many actual graves are on the site, but some records show that up to 30 plots were purchased by early Jewish settlers from the region. Daniel Cohn did not have a headstone placed at the times of his death. However, leaders of Temple Beth El located the grave and put a headstone on it. In 2019, living relatives came from Ohio to an unveiling with military honors and taps played on the presentation of the flag.

As Niagara Falls’ Jewish population declined, the challenge of preserving communal assets grew. The story of their community now continues through the Jewish Museum of Buffalo. The museum is a repository for the history of Jewish life throughout Western New York, and it holds artifacts from the Niagara Falls community, including one of Temple Beth El’s remaining Torah scrolls. As visitors engage with the Torah scroll, the memory of those who read and learned from this scroll continues. This sacred scroll represents the literal continuity of the Jewish tradition. By being housed in the JMB, the Torah serves to educate visitors about the Jews of Niagara Falls, the families who founded Temple Beth El and Temple Beth Israel, the Jews who built their lives, and contributed to the city, and remain visible, honored, and accessible for future generations.

The Jewish Museum of Buffalo: Cofeld Judaic Collection, co-located within Temple Beth Zion, proudly shares a piece of local Jewish history in each issue of the Jewish Journal. Jill Abromowitz Gutmann, Jill@jmbuffalo.org, serves as the Director of the Jewish Museum of Buffalo.

January/February: Tu B’shevat the PJ Library Way! 1. Listen to JKids Radio JKids (www.jkidsradio.com) is an online streaming platform featuring music from the beloved PJ Library CDs that once arrived by snail mail. Today, families can simply open the app, play holiday songs, and enjoy a wide array of music for young Jewish learning. A wonderful example includes Some Houses by Billy Jonas—a song exploring what things are made from and what they all have in common. Spoiler: everything comes from the ground, and much of it comes from trees!

2. Listen to For Trees by Ellen Allard This song appeals to kids and adults alike, with a cool pop vibe, lively instrumentation, and lyrics about different kinds of trees and the many things trees provide. It also lends itself beautifully to movement, especially encouraging children to try out playful tree poses.

3. Build a Tu B’shevat Sleeping Tree at home Jewish scholars have long taught that the most important place to cultivate Jewish life is in the home. Have the children grab some cardboard, crayons, markers and whatever other arts and crafts supplies they can find and have them create a big, beautiful tree—then prop it up or display it on a wall, take out the sleeping bags and have a family sleepover beneath it. Enjoy a special Tu B’shevat meal under the tree as well that only includes the seven species: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.

4. Read Planting Parsley by Pamela Ehrenberg, illustrated by Constanze v. Kitzing This sweet story follows two young children discovering the joy of planting seeds and watching them grow. As they celebrate the Birthday of the Trees, they offer thanks in their own heartfelt ways for all that trees provide.

The children demonstrate each step of planting—from choosing the right pot, to spotting the first sprout, to singing to the parsley, and finally, to harvesting.

5. Have a Tu B’shevat Seder This ritual meal celebrates the deep connection between people and nature. A particularly fun element involves four cups of wine or grape juice—starting with red, then gradually mixing red and white, and ending with all white. Participants enjoy fruits and nuts with various textures and shells in a specific order. Like the Passover Seder, this one includes blessings and prayers (a great opportunity for kids to practice Hebrew!) and plenty of spirited singing, including the songs mentioned above.

January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

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COMMUNITY

Building Interfaith Bridges at TBZ In 2009, Rabbi Brent Gutmann received a call about a local controversy in his small student congregation. The school board candidate wanted to rename “Winter Break” as “Christmas Break.” The town’s small Jewish community feared the implications.

Rabbi Gutmann’s teacher, Rabbi Samuel Joseph, advised, “The best defense is to activate the voices of our interfaith allies.” That counsel would shape his rabbinate.

At the close of 2025, the Israel–Hamas War has strained interfaith relationships across the country, but not in Buffalo. Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz comments, “So many colleagues mourn the loss of interfaith partners, yet Temple Beth Zion is bringing them together.”

On October 9, Interfaith Friends in the Sukkah brought together unexpected allies. Dr. Mustafa Gokcek of the Muslim community said, “I need to stand with my Jewish friends when they face antisemitism, just like they stand with us when we face Islamophobia.”

Sikh leader Manjit Leo Singh added, “When you have these sorts of exchanges, you give someone else that spark to carry forward into the world.”

The next month, TBZ’s choir was joined by the Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir for a joint Kristallnacht service. Hearing from children of survivors, one Westminster member reflected, “I’ve read about Kristallnacht, but hearing children describe what their families endured made it real.”

As the year closed, a final opportunity emerged. Buffalo charity, None Like You/We Care’s annual gift-giving program, which serves more than five hundred neighbors in need, required a new venue. Simultaneously, representatives from the Peace Drums Project, a steel-drumming initiative from Haifa for Christian, Muslim and Jewish children, were in Buffalo. They offered steel drums workshops to strengthen understanding through shared activity.

Cooperation not only remains possible, but also it is essential for increasing understanding at a time of tension.

Buffalo Hadassah: Strengthening Connections Near and Far Buffalo Hadassah, the westernmost chapter in the Northern New England Region, maintains strong ties with regional and national chapters through personal relationships and a wide range of programs. Recently, regional officers traveled from the Boston area to meet with the Buffalo Board, strengthening collaboration and shared learning.

Members also participate in virtual programs, including meetings with chapter leadership, book club gatherings, and lunch-and-learn sessions that bring together Hadassah members across the region.

The Buffalo chapter continues to offer in-person meetings and events while maintaining popular virtual options such as the well-attended book club, which meets year-round - even when members are traveling. Those interested in joining can contact phyllismksteinberg@gmail.com. In December, Carol Silverman led a discussion of A Pigeon and a Boy by Meir Shalev.

At a recent board meeting, members discussed strategies to address anti-Israel rhetoric and the challenges facing Israelis after October 7. Certificates and thankyou notes were sent by Marlene Katzel to speakers from a recent virtual program on transgender issues. Marlene also hosted a well-attended Hanukkah dessert potluck, where guests admired her impressive chanukiah collection. Upcoming programs include guided tours of the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the AKG. For program information, email mkatzel@ me.com.

Buffalo Hadassah’s popular jewelry and Judaica sales at the JCC will continue thanks to generous donations from members.

Proceeds support rehabilitation equipment in Israel that benefits injured IDF soldiers.

Appreciation goes to Mitzvah Chair Janeen Morris for coordinating donations to Jewish Family Service, and to Maxine Seller for arranging board meetings at Canterbury Woods in Williamsville.

KOT Activities When the call went out to the members of Kehillat Ohr Tzion (KOT) that local food pantries were in urgent need of non-perishable items, the community responded with remarkable generosity. Within two weeks, the synagogue foyer was overflowing with donations.

Several KOT members recently traveled to New Jersey to celebrate a special milestone with High Holiday Chazan Jeff Braverman, who is retiring from his role as Director of Camp Nesher after 30 years. Fortunately for the community, he will continue to lead KOT’s High Holiday davening each Tishrei.

Learning opportunities with Rabbi Schachter abound throughout the week. In addition to his sermons during services, he teaches daily across the Buffalo area: • Sunday evenings – Bible for Grownups at KOT, currently studying the Book of Samuel.

• Monday evenings – Discussions with UB Hillel students on ancient teachings and contemporary issues.

• Tuesday afternoons – A parsha class for KOT members and guests at a local law office.

• Wednesday evenings – Hebrew instruction via Zoom.

• Thursday afternoons – A Zoom class exploring the weekly parsha through the lens of the Sefirot.

• Friday mornings – Study of adult themes in the parsha with Federation staff at KOT. For more information about any class, contact Rabbi Schachter at rabbischacter75@gmail.com.

KOT also enjoys gathering for special Shabbat dinners, including recent celebrations with UB Hillel students, and the joyous occasion of Jeff and Mireille Schapiro’s celebration of their 55th wedding anniversary with a 1950s-style sock hop.

22 buffalojewishfederation.org | January/February 2026

COMMUNITY

Federation Receives Security Grant to Protect Community’s Youngest The Buffalo Jewish Federation has received nearly $70,000 in security funding from The Tepper Foundation, distributed through the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) as part of a major 2025 initiative. This grant is one component of The Tepper Foundation’s $8.75 million national investment to enhance security for Jewish early childhood programs and to strengthen interfaith and intercultural partnerships amid rising threats faced by Jewish communities across North America.

The funding arrives at a critical time. As antisemitic incidents continue to grow in the United States and Canada, Jewish Federations are intensifying their efforts to ensure that families can participate fully and confidently in Jewish communal life. Since 2023, The Tepper Foundation’s Security Fund has awarded $23.1 million in grants, with nearly $18 million distributed through JFNA in 2024 and 2025, an indication of the foundation’s sustained commitment to Jewish safety and broad community collaboration.

In Western New York, the Buffalo Jewish Federation has directed the new resources toward bolstering security at local partner agencies and synagogues serving children ages 0–5. Recipients include PJ Library, Camp Gan Israel, JCC Early Childhood, JCC Camp Centerland, Temple Beth Tzedek, Congregation Shir Shalom, and Temple Beth Zion.

These settings play a formative role in the lives of young families, offering the first experiences of Jewish learning, community, and tradition. Ensuring that these spaces remain both welcoming and secure is central to the Federation’s mission. The grant will help enhance physical protection measures and improve emergency preparedness, ensuring families feel supported and safe.

The initiative also looks outward.

As part of the grant’s requirements, the Federation is sharing its security knowledge with neighboring faithbased and cultural institutions.

Through assessments, training opportunities, and joint planning, the Federation aims to strengthen the resilience of the broader community while fostering trust

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and cooperation. This work underscores a central belief: safeguarding Jewish life also supports the well-being and solidarity of all communities.

Miriam Abramovich, CEO of the Buffalo Jewish Federation, highlighted the importance of this work, explaining, “Security is sacred work, and this investment from the Tepper Foundation supports the work we do to keep our youngest community members safe while deepening the partnerships that keep all of Jewish Buffalo strong.” The Buffalo Federation is one of more than 100 Federations across 39 states and Canada to receive support in 2025. The initiative builds on JFNA’s LiveSecure program, launched in 2018 and considered the largest philanthropic endeavor focused on Jewish communal security.

With gratitude for this meaningful support, Buffalo Jewish Federation reaffirms its responsibility: to foster a sense of collective Jewish identity, working to end antisemitism, and ensuring that Jewish Buffalo remains secure, resilient and flourishes for generations to come.

January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

23

COMMUNITY

Kadimah Scholars Share Kindness and Celebrate Identity Kadimah Scholars at

In a world where connection can feel fleeting, the Kadimah Scholars Program recently created personalized greeting cards for the Jewish Soldiers Project, an initiative that supports Jewish service members and helps them stay connected to their heritage.

As scholars gathered around tables filled with colorful materials, the spirit of Ahavat Chesed—the love of kindness—was unmistakable. Each card became a meaningful expression of Kedusha (holiness) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), infused with personal messages that reflected the value of Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh La’zeh - the belief that all Jews are responsible for one another.

Within the Kadimah space, students also created a vibrant bulletin board exploring identity through the lens of names.

A highlight of the month was a joyful naming ceremony for one of the scholars, Shavit, celebrated with parents, classmates, and of course, an oneg.

As part of the After-School program, now renamed Sababa, a Hebrew word meaning “great,” “cool,” or “fantastic,” students engaged in conversations about the significance of their Hebrew names and the values they represent. The renaming process was collaborative, as students brainstormed options in both Hebrew and English

and voted on the final choice. This effort underscored the importance of names while fostering community, ownership, and shared identity.

The new bulletin board proudly displays each student’s reflection, with crowns symbolizing Keter Shem Tov, the crown of a good name. As the program embraces its new name, the Kadimah community is reminded of the reputations we build and the positive impact we can have on one another. Sababa now stands as a joyful expression of shared values—and it’s a delight to say!

Exodus: The Journey That Made Us New Series at the Jewish Discovery Center This winter, the Jewish Discovery Center is launching a new 10-week series that brings the Book of Exodus to life in a way that is meaningful, relevant, and deeply connected to today’s Jewish experience.

Exodus: The Journey That Made Us explores one of history’s most defining narratives—not only as ancient text, but as the living heartbeat of Jewish identity.

Guided by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, participants will encounter the Exodus story as historical drama, spiritual blueprint, and a core source of Jewish values and practice.

From the descent into Egypt to the revelation at Sinai, the narrative shapes how we understand freedom, responsibility, justice, compassion, and our shared mission as a people. Over 10 weeks, attendees will consider how key moments—from the plagues to the splitting of the sea—continue to inform Jewish life and character today.

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Each session blends classical commentary, historical insight, and contemporary application. Rabbi Greenberg, known for his clarity and accessible teaching, invites participants into reflection, dialogue, and personal connection. “This is the story that formed us,” he notes. “It tells us not only where we come from, but who we are meant to be.”

The class meets Monday evenings from 7-8 pm at the Jewish Discovery Center, 831 Maple Road. In the Center’s warm tradition, each session includes hot matzah-ball chicken soup.

Participants of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge are welcome. At a time when many seek meaning and rootedness, Exodus: The Journey That Made Us offers a chance to rediscover the story that has sustained the Jewish people for more than three millennia.

For more information or to register, contact the Jewish Discovery Center at 716-400-1550 or rabbigreenberg@ jewishdiscovery.org.

C O DMI M NU I NN GI T Y

A Global Taste of Tradition: CJL’s Monthly Shabbat Dinner

Dining Guide

Every third Friday of the month, the Center for Jewish Life (CJL) hosts a special Shabbat dinner that invites the community to explore the flavors, stories, and traditions of Jewish life around the globe. This unique monthly event blends the comfort and ritual of Shabbat with a vibrant culinary journey, featuring dishes from many different regions.

Each dinner highlights a specific country, from North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, or the Far East, showcasing how Jewish culture has taken root and evolved in diverse places throughout history. Guests not only enjoy authentic recipes and traditional foods but also learn about the deep and varied Jewish connections to these regions. Whether the evening features aromatic Moroccan tagines, flavorful Hungarian chicken paprikash, or the spicy warmth of Yemenite soups, every dish tells a story.

Participants also experience a Shabbat dinner in an atmosphere of song, story, and discussion, creating a meaningful and immersive environment that brings the traditions of each region to life. This warm, welcoming setting makes the dinner a perfect gathering for regular participants, newcomers, and anyone curious about Jewish culture.

On January 16 at 6:30 pm, guests will enjoy an Indian-themed Shabbat dinner, highlighting the unique Jewish connections to India. For more information and reservations, visit JewishBuffalo.com or call 716-639-7600.

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25

I N LOV I N G M E M O RY

Remembering Jack Yellen This issue’s In Loving Memory honors Jack Yellen, a visionary businessman, devoted family man, and steadfast community builder. We are honored to share excerpts from two of the eulogies delivered at his funeral on November 16, 2025.

Shelly Yellen, Son My father was born in the Bronx in 1937. My father enrolled at Hobart College after completing his 3rd year of High School. After College, my father was in the NY City area in the National Guard when his cousin suggested he ask out a girl from Buffalo. My mother was attending school in the City and as it turns out, also the girl’s roommate. For some reason, the girl was not ready when my father arrived, so she suggested my mother go on the date in her place. My mother was 19 and my father 21 when they got engaged on their 2nd date. The way my father tells it, they were discussing getting engaged SOME DAY and my mother did not hear the SOME DAY part! Next thing he knew they were on the telephone announcing their engagement.

My father started his career in the insurance business, a few years later he joined my grandfather, Fred Lippa, in the scrap business. My father soon realized that some of the scrap steel was still in good condition and could be resold rather than scrapped. He visioned that selling new steel was a good business model and founded Lancaster Steel Service Company.

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Along the way, he and my mom raised 3 children, my sister Debbie, my brother Mark, and me.

My father was very active in the community, serving as President of Temple Shaarey Zedek, and several other local organizations.

He was on the National Board of the Steel Service Center Institute, served in leadership roles for the Buffalo Jewish Federation, and later volunteered as a Docent for the Albright Knox Art Gallery. He was very proud of his work as President of the Niagara Frontier Vocational Rehabilitation Center, a sheltered workshop for adults with disabilities.

My father deeply loved Debbie and Mark. He was very proud of Debbie’s fierce independence, especially when she became a vice president at a Wall Street investment bank, when few women reached this level.

He loved visiting her in NYC. They had a shared interest in Art and Culture and together spent time visiting museums and

vacationing in their happy place, St. Thomas. They developed many longlasting relationships and together spent days on errands, visiting friends on the white sand beaches, and having casual dinners. My parents were like the King and Queen of the island; they seemed to know everyone, and everyone loved seeing them.

I have always looked up to my father. As with so many young boys, my dad was my hero, something that has not changed even as I have grown older. Sure, we fought and battled, especially working together, however, we always wanted to be together. I spoke with my father every day for as long as I can remember, even if just for a few minutes, his voice comforted me and put me at ease.

My father deeply loved all his grandchildren, Kayla, Iggy, Noah, Ethan, and Adam, very proud of each one, all such good people and driven to succeed in life. He knew Kayla had chosen the right life partner in Iggy, loving the way they love and care for each other.

neighborhoods. He loved Jerry and it made him happy knowing Debbie and Jerry were so happy together.

My brother Mark and my father shared many skills, including the ability to envision success. Like my dad, Mark could see what could be successful and used his strong computer and business skills to create so many endeavors. There remained a hole in my parents’ heart after his loss.

My father was proud of Adam, Mark’s son, and enjoyed going to his many plays.

My father really enjoyed his relationship with my Uncle Warren, my mother’s brother. They worked together for many years, and my father referred to him as his brother.

My parents were married for 66 years and loved spending time with family and

Noah Yellen, Grandson My grandfather, or Poppy as we called him, was a one-of-a-kind guy; to give him the label of just grandfather isn’t fitting considering how much more he was to me. He was a role model, a confidant, a shoulder to lean on, and most importantly, a friend.

One of the greatest compliments I could give to my grandfather is that despite being roughly 60 years apart in age, we had so much in common and were genuinely friends. Whether it was discussing golf, business, watches, jewelry, food and in the last year or two, girls, we always had something to talk about. Anyone who knew him can attest to the unique ability he had to make people feel seen, heard and

respected. My siblings and I always felt so supported by him, any endeavor, any thoughts or feelings, he had a real ability to put himself into the shoes of others.

My grandfather did not ask us for much, however, if he was here today, I know for a fact that his number one concern would be my grandmother. He would be worried about her grief, her health, her ability to move on and live a life without him. If my grandfather could ask everyone here one favor it would be that after the funeral, after shiva, as weeks go by and life turns to a new normal, you check in on my grandma. Poppy and my family would be incredibly grateful, and I know this is what would matter to him the most.

Poppy will be missed every day but I’m grateful for all the memories with him, and if I can carry even one of the many qualities that made Poppy so great, then I know I am becoming the man that I want to be.

Heidi Yellen, Daughter-in-Law I really loved my Father-in-Law, everybody did, but there was really no In-Law distinction, Jack loved me and treated me like a daughter for as long as I can remember. The moment Shelly and I got engaged Jack referred to himself as Dad. Having lost my Dad, shortly before meeting Shelly, I knew I could never call anyone else Dad, despite my deep love and affection for Jack, it was just too painful. However, about 15 years into my marriage, Mark passed away, Father’s Day was approaching and without a thought it became the most natural thing in the world to call this amazing man Dad. This speaks volumes to the connection I felt to Jack. How lucky am I to have had not one, but two extraordinary giving and loving men to call Dad.

In Remembrance The following individuals in our community passed away during the period from November 17, 2025 – December 12, 2025, their memories forever be a blessing, and may their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion.

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January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

27

(NOT) THE LAST WORD

My Friend Rais: Confronting Hate with Courage

BY RABBI ALEX LAZARUS - KLEIN I remember exactly where I was when I first heard the news. I was on the phone with my sister—who happened to live in New York City at the time—to wish her a happy birthday. A plane had hit the twin towers, she told me. At first, I did not believe it, so I rushed off to check it out on the World Wide Web, and there on the tiny screen of my computer was an image full of smoke and fire.

This was no small twin engine, but a full 747. When I went to call my sister back, all the lines were busy. It would take almost until the evening to finally get back to her. Thankfully, she was on the upper West Side, miles from the disaster.

The rest of the day, I was in a daze. I had called into the rabbinical school to see if we still had class. They assured me there were, but after making the fortyfive-minute trek up to the Philadelphia suburbs, I found out everything was, in fact, canceled. It was a beautiful sunny September day and I remember watching children playing outside having just been dismissed from school, thinking nothing ever would be the same again.

For those of us who lived through it, we all have our 9/11 stories. We know exactly where we were and what we

were doing when we heard the news.

Some of us may even know people who were lost or even present in Lower Manhattan when it happened. No matter our individual circumstances, the event changed us in big and small ways. Maybe it made us more fearful of airports, or of traveling, or just of life. It was impossible to live through something like that without being affected by it.

Few of us more so than my friend Rais Bhuiyan, a recent Bangladeshi immigrant, who was attacked in the days that followed 9/11 for one reason

28 buffalojewishfederation.org | January/February 2026

Rabbi Alex (second from left) joins community leaders and Rais Bhuiyan (second from right) for a community conversation last year.

and one reason alone, because he was Muslim. “Where are you from?” the man with the shotgun asked when he charged into the small bodega where Rais was behind the register. Before he could even answer, the man shot him in the face, leaving both a physical and emotional scar that the future film producer would

spend the next two decades trying to come to terms with. His documentary “Pain and Peace” is a result of a promise he made to himself that awful morning: “God, if you give me a chance to live, I would help others,” he had told himself.

Traveling across the country for the film, he interviewed both perpetrators and victims of hate crimes, including survivors of the May 14, 2022 attack in Buffalo. The documentary delves into both why people hate, and also why they love. On Thursday, February 26, he will be coming to our area once again to share about his journey. Thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, our Buffalo Jewish Federation, and The Chapel, we will be showing the film and having deeper discussions about the topic of hate (read more on p. 5). He was last here this past June, where he and I were part of a panel discussion on the film at Shae’s 710 Theatre. I am especially proud of our new partnerships within the Evangelical Christian community who have not only been big supporters of our Jewish community after the October 7 attack but have dealt with many of the same issues of violence and hate as we have over the last few years.

Thank you Rais for coming back to WNY to open up this important dialogue in our community, and to the Community Foundation for making all of this possible.

Alex Lazarus-Klein is the rabbi of Congregation Shir Shalom, along with serving as the Rabbinic Advisor of the Community Relations Council of the Buffalo Jewish Federation.

ORGANIZATIONS

Jewish Community Organizations in Western New York Buffalo Jewish Federation

338 Harris Hill Road – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 716-463-5050 buffalojewishfederation.org Miriam Abramovich - CEO Blaine Schwartz - President

Buffalo Vaad of Kashrus

716-634-0212 buffalovaad.com Rabbi Avi Okin - Rabbinic Administrator Mike Steklof, Ed.D. – President

Center for Jewish Life

Suburbs: 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-639-7600 jewishbuffalo.com Rabbi Laizer & Chani Labkovski Downtown: 1016 Lafayette Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 716-545-6806 Rabbi Mendy & Chaya Mushka Labkovski

Chabad House of Buffalo 2450 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-1642 chabadofbuffalo.com Rabbi Moshe Gurary Rabbi Avrohom Gurary

Chabad of Niagara Falls USA 716-703-8770 ChabadNiagaraFallsUSA.org Rabbi Yehuda Lorber Mrs. Yehudis Lorber

Chai Early Childhood Center 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-580-4600 chainursery.com Chani Labkovski - Director

Community Relations

338 Harris Hill Road – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 buffalojewishfederation.org Rob Goldberg - Senior Advisor Harvey Sanders - Chair

Department of Jewish Thought

712 Clemens Hall – University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14260 716-645-3695 jewish-studies@buffalo.edu jewishstudies.buffalo.edu Dr. Noam Pines - Chair

Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-1133 jewishphilanthropies.org Irv Levy - Executive Director Craig Small - President

Hadassah

2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-929-6504 buffalohadassah@gmail.com Frima Ackerhalt and Phyllis Steinberg - Co-Presidents

Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association

2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Getzville, NY 14068 716-463-5065 wnyhbla.org Judith Katzenelson Brownstein - President

Hillel of Buffalo

Campus Center of Jewish Life 520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons Suite #101B Amherst, NY 14228 716-616-0083 hillelofbuffalo.org Mike Steklof, Ed.D., Executive Director Laura Hemlock-Schaeffer - President

Holocaust Education Resource Organization 338 Harris Hill Road – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 buffalojewishfederation.org/herobuffalo Lauren Bloomberg - Director Armand Morrison - Chair

Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo

Benderson Family Building 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-4033 jccbuffalo.org Patty Simonson - CEO Sheryl Schechter - President Holland Family Building 787 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 716-886-3145

Jewish Discovery Center 831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-0467 jewishdiscovery.org Rabbi Heschel Greenberg

Jewish Family Services of Western New York 70 Barker Street Buffalo, NY 14209 716-883-1914 jfswny.org Molly Short Carr - CEO Harold Star - Chair

Jewish Federation Apartments 275 Essjay Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-631-8471 jewishfederationapartments.org Krista Bryk - Property Manager

Jewish Federation Cemetery Corporation, Inc.

P.O. Box 440 West Seneca, NY 14224 buffalojewishfederation.org 716-548-7676 Debbie Pivarsi - Manager Jonathan Schechter - President

Jewish Museum of Buffalo

SYNAGOGUES

Kehillat Ohr Tzion (Modern Orthodox)

Cofeld Judaic Collection Co-located within Temple Beth Zion 805 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 Jewishmuseumofbuffalo.org Jill Abromowitz Gutmann - Director Robert Hirsch - President

879 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 ohrtzion.org/kot Rabbi Shlomo Schachter Jeff Schapiro - President

Knesset Center (Orthodox) 500 Starin Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214 716-832-5063 chabadofbuffalo.com Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow

Kadimah Scholars at Park

kadimah.org Reneé Lehner - Administrator miriam treger - President

Kosher Meals on Wheels

757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-639-7600 koshermow.com Rabbi Laizer Labkovski - Director Jeffery Pasler - President

Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) 85 Saranac Avenue Buffalo New York 14216 716-876-1284 saranacsynagogue.org President - Shmuel Rashkin Vice President - Reuven Alt Gabbai David Kunkel

LiNK Jewish Buffalo

338 Harris Hill Road – Suite 108B buffalojewishfederation.org/link Williamsville, NY 14221 Kirstie Henry - Chair

Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative)

Ohr Temimim School

411 John James Audubon Parkway W. Amherst, NY 14228 716-568-0226 ohrtemimimschool.com Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz - Principal Sonia Gellman Young - President

Western New York Synagogues and Temples Chabad House of Buffalo (unaffiliated) 2450 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-1642 chabadofbuffalo.com Rabbi Moshe Gurary Rabbi Avrohom Gurary

Chabad of Niagara Falls USA 716-703-8770 ChabadNiagaraFallsUSA.org Rabbi Yehuda Lorber Mrs. Yehudis Lorber

Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative)

1073 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222 congregationbethabraham.net Cantor Irwin Gelman Marty Kerker - President

Congregation Havurah (Reform)

6320 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221 716-833-3165 congregationhavurah.org president.havurah@gmail.com Daniel Mink - President

1641 North Forest Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-838-3232 btzbuffalo.org Rabbi Sara Rich Cantor Mark Spindler Cantorial Soloist Zahava Fried Beth Kassirer - President Kim Jones - Administrator

Temple Beth Zion (Reform)

Sanctuary & Offices 805 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 Religious School 700 Sweet Home Road Amherst, NY 14226 716-836-6565 tbz.org Rabbi Brent Gutmann Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman Ken Graber - President

The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Rabbi Laizer Labkovski 716-639-7600 Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) 105 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-634-0212 yibuffalo.org Rabbi Avi Okin Richard Berger and Michael Paskowitz Co-Presidents

Congregation Shir Shalom

(Reform/Reconstructionist) 4660 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 716-633-8877 shirshalombuffalo.org Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein Cantor Arlene Frank Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director Joe Glickman - President

JDC Shul (Unafilliated) 831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-245-9520 jewishdiscovery.org Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Rabbi Levi Greenberg Rabbi Yehoshua Greenberg January/February 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org

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