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Salute to Service
NOVEMBER 2026 | CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5787
BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG
FROM THEN TO NOW…
Three WNY Jewish veterans share their stories P. 4
INSIDE: ART TO ISRAEL (6)
LOOK:
JOY & COMMUNITY ( 12 )
DON’T MISS: FIRST THANKSGIVING ( 32 )
WHAT’S INSIDE...
November 2026 President’s Message
»
Salute to Service
On The Cover
BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG
NOVEMBER 2026 | CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5787
FROM THEN TO NOW…
Three WNY Jewish veterans share their stories P. 4
BUFFALO, NY PERMIT NO. 4348
PAID
PRESORTED STD U.S. POSTAGE
Blaine Schwartz President, Buffalo Jewish Federation
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Federation’s CEO: What Jewish Buffalo Needs to Flourish
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Community Relations: Jewish Voices Have a Platform
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Answering the Call to Serve
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Art Becomes an Act of Remembrance: Helmets That Tell a Story
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Kristallnacht Commemoration Concert: Three Cities Unite
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MidLife Engagement Opportunities
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A New Season of Adult Engagement
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JRT Opens 24th Season with The Last Yiddish Speaker
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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 Assistant Director of Operations....................................Mandy Weiss Copyeditor...............................................................................Sara O’Brien
The Buffalo Jewish Federation is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America and the American Jewish Press Association
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What an impressive Jewish community we have. At the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s wonderful Kickoff event at UB’s Center for the Arts, I learned a great deal about our community. I learned that more than 400 of us can come together and agree on something: our support for the Buffalo Jewish Federation and our Jewish community. I also learned that outsiders, like our terrific speaker, Sarah Hurwitz, can look at what we are doing and come away extremely impressed. I learned that our midsize Federation is ahead of the curve and a real leader in areas such as security and engagement. Most importantly, I learned that despite significant differences in how we practice Judaism, we have so much in common. We recognize the Torah as the foundation of our faith. We share the Shema, celebrate major holidays, and embrace core beliefs, including the covenant between God and the Jewish people. We recognize the importance of Jewish ethics and values in our daily lives. And we share something even more fundamental: a sense of community. We may disagree about which synagogue to join—or whether to join one at all—how to practice our faith, or even who is a Jew. Yet Genesis traces the Jewish people back to one family: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and Jacob’s twelve sons, who became the twelve tribes of Israel. We can probably argue about that, too. But at the end of the day, we are family. We are one community. Let’s work together to strengthen it and plan for the future.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed each year on November 11 to honor all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This INSIDE: DON’T MISS: LOOK: ART FIRST JOY & November, Buffalo Jewish Federation proudly recognizes TO ISRAEL THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY (6) ( 32 ) ( 12 ) local Jewish veterans who have served our country. In this issue, get to know three local veterans and their stories, from enlisting to present day. We thank them, and all veterans, for their service. Buffalo Jewish Federation 338 Harris Hill Rd. – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221
Blaine Schwartz, President
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Foundation Highlights
12-13 Thank you, Jewish Buffalo! 14
TBT: A Gift to Bring Back Home
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Hanukkah Toolkit & Community Kristallnacht Commemoration
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November: A Month of Responsibility and Gratitude
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Light Up The Night! PJ Library Hanukkah Kids Concert
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BBYO: So Much More Than A Summer Plan
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The Eruv: A Quiet Act of Dedication
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A Year of Learning, Growth and Jewish Connection with Kadimah Scholars
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A New Season at the Jewish Museum of Buffalo
24-25 Community Happenings 28
Five Things to Do This Fall the PJ Library Way
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Organizations & Synagogues Listings
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In Loving Memory: Joseph Sterman
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(Not) the Last Word, by Levi Fichman
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...................................................................................Josh Flanigan Lead Designer.....................................................................................Kimberly Miers Senior Graphic Designer............................................................... Nicholas Vitello Graphic Designer...............................................................................Rachel Kaznica 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:
If you would like to submit content to be published in a future issue of the Jewish Journal, please email jjwny@buffalojewishfederation.org Upcoming Submission Deadlines:
December 2026 – material due on October 29, 2026 January/February 2027 – material due on November 24, 2026
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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
FEDERATION
What Jewish Buffalo Needs to Flourish BY MIRIAM ABRAMOVICH The following is adapted from remarks delivered at the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s 2027 Annual Campaign Kickoff on September 23, 2026. There are so many ways people show up in a community: as learners and doers, as leaders and participants, and sometimes as observers from afar. Some bring deep Jewish knowledge. Others bring curiosity, professional expertise or generosity. And so many bring a willingness to engage in whatever way feels right for them. A flourishing community does not require us all to show up the same way. In fact, it needs us not to. The strength of a community comes from bringing different people and perspectives, the wisdom each of us carries and our many ways of being Jewish into relationship with one another. That is, in many ways, the work of the Buffalo Jewish Federation: to see each individual and take responsibility for the whole. The Annual Campaign for Jewish Buffalo is how Federation puts those responsibilities into action. For 123 years, Federation has been committed to this work: raising funds, investing in our local partner agencies and synagogues, paying attention, responding to evolving needs, and bringing people and resources together to act. During the past year: • We placed 3,900 PJ Library books in the hands of families raising Jewish children and created 4,000 Jewish experiences through 114 programs. • We brought BBYO back to Buffalo, helping Jewish teens find their people, shape their purpose, and grow as leaders. • Our K-12 and combatting antisemitism initiatives reached over 20,000 students and educators across 43 Western New York school districts and school systems. • The Kindness Suitcase™, designed by our own HERO team to teach empathy and kindness to Buffalo’s youngest learners, now lives in more than 100 school libraries across Western New York. • We welcomed a delegation of ninth graders from Eshkol to Buffalo over the summer; they spent time building connections with local teens and families. • Through Secure Jewish Buffalo, we expanded training and emergency planning, strengthened physical security at synagogues and agencies, and brought our priorities directly to more than 20 elected leaders. These may sound like very different kinds of work: a PJ Library book on a child’s nightstand, a Kindness Suitcase™ in a school library, teens from Buffalo and Israel building friendships, or a security exercise inside a synagogue. But together, they tell one powerful story: Federation’s story. This is only a snapshot of what our community made possible this year. The question now is: What will Jewish Buffalo need from us next? Looking ahead,
CEO Miriam Abramovich speaks to an audience of about 400 people at the annual Kickoff event on September 23.
Federation is focused on three conditions Jewish Buffalo needs to flourish. First, resilience. In a crisis, preparedness and planning saves lives. We will continue investing in Secure Jewish Buffalo, expanding security training, advocating for public resources, and building the long-term financial capacity to sustain this work ourselves. Second, connection. We will create more opportunities for people to find their way into Jewish life and to go deeper once they are here. We are nurturing NextGen Jewish Buffalo, growing our adult learning offerings and creating new pathways back into community for adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s (see all the opportunities on page 9!). Third, a shared vision for our future. Nearly 500 people participated in our recent community study. They gave us what any serious plan for the future must
begin with: an honest understanding of what draws people into Jewish life, what leaves them at the margins, and what opportunities exist. Now we have to turn that understanding into choices about what we sustain, what we strengthen, where we invest, and where we may need to change. Federation cannot build that future alone. The future of Jewish Buffalo belongs to all of us, and each of us has a role in shaping it. Give to the Annual Campaign for Jewish Buffalo. Participate in Jewish life. Step forward to lead. Share your voice. If you are not sure where you fit or how you can participate, please reach out. I would love to help you find a pathway in and a place to belong: miriam@buffalojewishfederation.org. There is a place for you in Jewish Buffalo. Let’s find it together.
from the Board and Professional Staff
November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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FEDERATION
From the Mailbox to the Living Room, Jewish Voices Have a Platform
Happy Thanksgiving
Over the past year, the stories of Jewish Buffalo have reached living rooms, newspapers, radio airwaves and digital audiences across Western New York, and the Buffalo Jewish Federation is proud to help tell them. Since September 2025, Federation leaders, staff and community partners have appeared dozens of times—just under 50, to be exact—across local media, including WGRZ, WIVB, WKBW, Spectrum News, WBEN Radio, and The Buffalo News. At difficult moments, Federation has been there to provide a trusted Jewish voice: responding to the October 7 anniversary, antisemitic violence around the world, concerns about local security and rapidly developing events in Israel and the Middle East. Being a voice for Jewish Buffalo, however, means sharing more than our challenges. Just as importantly, we have helped our neighbors see the joy, generosity and meaning of Jewish life. Federation shared how Jews celebrate Hanukkah and explained Passover’s story and traditions. Our team members shared the remarkable milestone of HERO delivering its 100th Kindness Suitcase™ to a local school. Coverage also highlighted Jewish philanthropy addressing food insecurity across Western New York, Holocaust remembrance and education, community service, and the history and traditions that connect us. Some of these stories earned multiple television reports or prominent newspaper coverage—including front-page recognition. Each represents an opportunity to help the broader community better understand who we are. Buffalo Jewish Federation is proud to help tell the stories of a strong, caring and connected Jewish Buffalo.
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November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
Answering the Call to Serve
Irving Sellers
Jewish Buffalo has been home to many dedicated U.S. service members who defended our country in times of war and peace. Among them are Irving Sellers, Michael Serota and Joshua Adkins, who served abroad and returned home to enrich our community.
Michael Serota
Raised in North Buffalo, Irv attended From his childhood in North Buffalo, religious school, became a Bar Mitzvah at Mike enjoyed the power of community as he Congregation Ahavas Achim and graduated learned in Cong. Ahavas Achim’s religious from Bennett High School. As a dear friend school and became a Bar Mitzvah before of Michael Serota since childhood—a kinship graduating from Bennett High School. Upon that has been strong for over 75 years —both receiving his draft letter in 1968 and aware men received their draft notices on the same of the dangers of combat in Vietnam, he day during the Vietnam War. made the decision to expose himself to new After training, Irv was sent to opportunities, soak up learning, and take Vietnam, where he served with the U.S. advantage of the time that he had. This Army Americal Division, 11th Light thoughtfulness is reflected in the thorough Infantry Brigade. He recalls believing scrapbooks he created during his deployment. that he had received a “one-way ticket,” Mike was a Specialist 4th Class-Corporal, a fear shared by his family. Irv served 4th Infantry Division, HQ Company, and Irv Sellers and Mike Serota gather with their families on active duty from 1968 to 1970 and in received medals for his performance prior to the Reserves until 1974, earning medals his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army before his honorable discharge. in 1970 and his service in the Reserves until Upon returning to civilian life, Irv 1974. became a father to his daughter, Amy. He Grateful for making it home safely, Mike later met and married his beloved wife, ultimately married his bride, Sharon, and Doris, of blessed memory, and together raised two children, Marc and Renee. His they raised Amy. Irv is also the proud favorite current vocation is being grandfather grandfather of Kelsey Villone and Justin to Meghan and Rachel. As a civilian, Mike Villone. channeled his curiosity during his studies at A graduate of the University at Buffalo, the University at Buffalo and was a beloved Irv built a successful and rewarding teacher in both Buffalo Public Schools and career in banking that spanned decades. at Temple Beth El’s Tikvah religious school In retirement, he applied for and was for decades. accepted to receive a service dog. Today, This summer, members of Jewish Buffalo Irv and dog Ella (left), with Mike (right) Irv and Mike with Irv’s service dog and Mike’s scrap books at the Veterans Memorial Wall Irv and his partner, Linda Barat, are attended Irv’s and Mike’s induction onto active throughout the community. Irv is always accompanied by his service dog, Ella, with the Amherst Veterans Memorial Wall at Amherst State Park. In tribute to their whom he completed American Working Dog certification through WNY Heroes’ “Pawsitive lifelong friendship, their names were engraved side by side on the wall. The Class for Heroes” program. of 2026 stonework During the Vietnam War era, many service members were not warmly welcomed was crafted by home and received little support as they transitioned back into civilian life. Harnessing Leon Komm & his desire for other veterans not to experience that harsh homecoming, Irv has become Son Monument active in veterans support Co., the family business owned by organizations, including as fellow TBT member an active member of the Leon Komm. At Town of Amherst Veterans the ceremony, Irv Committee. His work introduced his is driven by his desire to childhood friend. help veterans learn about Mike honored both available services and those who served resources, educating the and those who community about service Mike Serota and family supported them, dogs, and advocate for concluding with a message of shalom, peace. veterans. Amherst Supervisor Shawn Lavin, who currently serves in the Air National Irv’s leadership and his Guard, profiled Irv and Mike ahead of the ceremony. He notes, “The Amherst concern for others also Veterans Memorial Wall is a tremendous symbol of the rich military history found show in his dedication to Irv Sellers and family throughout our town. Amherst veterans have been there, in conflicts and wars Temple Beth Tzedek (TBT), throughout the decades. The honorees each answered the call to serve, and each from his term as President of its predecessor congregation, Temple Beth El, to his played an important role in protecting our freedoms. They are deserving of our involvement in various committees over the years. In addition to Temple governance, appreciation and recognition.” Irv regularly attends Shabbat, where clergy are happy to call upon him to lead services. 4 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2026
COMMUNITY
Joshua Adkins As a child in Williamsville, Josh was interested in the military from an early age. He recalls a student teacher at Maple West Elementary who had returned from serving in Operation Desert Storm and kindled Josh’s interest by giving the kids in his classroom ranks. Active in football and basketball, his determination to serve was strengthened in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Signing up shortly after graduating from Williamsville North High School in 2004, Josh enlisted and began training in 2005 as a Forward Observer, a role that monitors an area and calls for mortars, artillery, and naval gunfire to blow up high-value targets. After combined basic and advanced training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, he was sent to Germany and then Kuwait before entering the Iraq theater. During his first tour, he served in Ramadi, one of the terrorist capitals at the time. Raised in a secular home, Josh knew he was Jewish from his mother and Jewish grandparents in Rochester, but he didn’t have a strong connection to his heritage.
That changed during his service. While arriving for onboarding on base in Germany as a new soldier, a German woman working at the base asked him his religion to stamp his military ID tags (dog tags). He replied, “Jewish,” to which the woman advised against selecting due to risks from Turkish gangs who were kidnapping soldiers in Germany at the time and fear of the double status as a Jewish U.S. soldier, should he be captured in Iraq. Josh persisted in having a Jewish dog tag anyway.
Upon his exposure to areas of Iraq mentioned in the Torah, and curiosity about Islamic in-fighting, he became more interested about Judaism. It was something he explored in his ensuing time in Germany and at Fort Lewis in Washington State. Then, days into his return to Iraq for his second tour, this time to Basra,
he saw a siddur (Jewish prayer book) among the religious materials available at his base. Josh instantly recognized it, and he kept it on his person for much of his deployment. He felt it was a sign and that it helped protect him during many close calls. Josh served in the 1st Armored Division and the 17th Fire Brigade as a fire support specialist and as personal security to visiting government officials, respectively. Josh was honorably discharged in 2010. Josh married Amanda Chertoff a month before his discharge and then earned a communication degree from SUNY Fredonia. He spent several years as a stay-at-home father to sons Jackson and Victor and pursued work drawing upon his military experience, behavioral science and communication skills. Josh has reconnected with his faith and is a member of Kehillat Ohr Tzion, where his sons had their Bar Mitzvah and which has a Veterans Shabbat every November. Ezra N. Rich is Secretary of the Buffalo Jewish Federation and Co-Chair of Temple Beth Tzedek’s Youth Education Committee.
November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
From Buffalo to Israel, Art Becomes an Act of Remembrance: Helmets That Tell a Story When Buffalo artist Sonia Gellman Young traveled to Israel for a friend’s wedding, she had no idea she would return home carrying an unusual piece of luggage: a retired Israeli military helmet. Months later, that helmet would become part of an extraordinary artistic initiative, connecting Sonia to a community of artists united by their love for Israel and their desire to help in the aftermath of October 7, 2023. Sonia is among approximately 100 artists participating in Helmets 4 Chayalim, founded by Seagal Hagege. Helmets 4 Chayalim began after October 7, when Hagege began raising funds to provide Israeli soldiers with essential protective equipment. Each helmet carries the history of a soldier who once wore it, protecting him as he protected others. What began as a fundraiser became something deeper: a way to preserve memory, process grief, and transform darkness into hope. The exhibition at the Jerusalem Theatre moves from the trauma of October 7 toward healing, resilience, and light. Sonia learned about the project through a mutual connection while visiting Israel for the wedding of former Buffalo Jewish communal professional Juliana Teibel, which Sonia’s husband officiated. A professional artist and community art teacher who attended art school at Pratt Institute and later the University at Buffalo, Sonia embraced the opportunity
While some artists painted helmets, others transformed helmets into sculptures.
Artist Sonia Gellman Young paints a retired Israeli military helmet.
Artist Sonia Gellman Young with her finished helmet. Her theme, “The Seven Species of Israel,” is inspired by Torah.
to put her skills toward a deeply meaningful purpose. “I carefully prepared its surface, preserving the marks and character that reflect its history,” Sonia said. “This is a helmet that was there during the The helmet arrived in Jerusalem in time for the battles of October 7. There is so much contained October 7 commemoration. within this—the living, breathing soldiers it protected, the moments it witnessed, and everything it has endured. The physical marks and traces on its surface are only a glimpse into the stories and experiences it carries. To me, this helmet is more than an object; it is a piece of history, carrying the memory, strength, and resilience of those who wore it.” For Sonia, the helmet’s history was inseparable from the artwork it would become. She chose the Seven Species of the Land of Israel mentioned in the Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates, which symbolize the blessing of the land and connect Jews to their heritage and generations before us. “We’re taking something that may represent grief and loss to some, but also protection and resilience, and transforming it into art,” she said. “Through that transformation, we hope to create something that brings healing, helps us process what we’ve experienced, and ultimately brings beauty, hope, and joy to others.” Her completed piece also carries a deeply personal Buffalo connection. Young dedicated the helmet in loving memory of Adar Ross, a Buffalo native who served as a lone soldier in Israel. But completing the artwork was only part of the journey. Sonia finished the helmet while spending Sukkot and Simchat Torah in Florida, determined to get it to Israel for the October 7 anniversary. With time running out, she turned to social media. Her appeal spread through numerous online communities, including an Instagram post by the popular account “That Jewish Family.” Eventually, strangers stepped forward to carry the helmet from Florida to New York City, then onward to Israel.
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“These were people that I had never met before, but they cared that much to get this artwork to an exhibit in Israel for both the purposes of tzedakah, charity that it would generate, and for the idea that viewing these helmets would bring joy and healing to others,” Sonia said. The helmet arrived in time for an installation at Nefesh B’Nefesh headquarters, while another collection of transformed helmets was displayed at the Jerusalem Theatre. The initiative’s impact extends beyond Israel. Young has organized art workshops for a Jewish women’s group in Buffalo, inviting participants to make donations to Helmets 4 Chayalim. Other community members have contributed independently. This is not Young’s first artistic response to October 7. She previously created artwork used by Buffalo Jewish Federation, Jewish Federations of North America, the JCC and other organizations in fundraising efforts supporting Israeli soldiers and affected families. For Sonia, both projects reflect a question many Jews asked themselves after October 7: What can I do to help? “Everyone tried to do something with their skillset to help,” she said. “And I feel that this is the way that I can help.” In helping, Sonia transformed a piece of Israel’s military history into a tribute to memory, heritage, resilience, and hope, using art to carry a story forward and bring beauty and healing to others.
COMMUNITY
Three Cities Unite in Buffalo for A Kristallnacht Commemoration Concert On the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass,” the community is invited to gather in remembrance, reflection, and hope as several choirs and guest Cantors combine their talents to perform as one. Through the universal language of music, this extraordinary concert honors the lives forever changed by hatred while affirming the enduring resilience of the Jewish people and the shared responsibility to remember. Set beneath the stained-glass windows of Temple Beth Zion, voices from Chicago, Toronto, and Buffalo come together in a moving evening of sacred music, remembrance, and inspiration. In a space filled with beauty and light, music becomes an act of memory and a promise that the lessons of history will never be forgotten.
Participating Choirs • Kol Zimrah Community Singers (Chicago) • Holy Blossom Temple Choir & Cantor David Rosen (Toronto) • Temple Beth Zion Choir & Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman (Buffalo) • Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir led by Garrett Martin (Buffalo) • Featuring guest Cantors “For me, this concert is more than a performance,” said Rebecca Bernstein, choir member and co-chair of the TBZ music committee. “It’s an opportunity to honor those whose voices were silenced by ensuring that ours are raised in remembrance, hope, and the enduring power of music.” Whether you come to remember loved ones, to honor history, or to stand against hatred, the November 10 performance aims to gather in remembrance, united through music, and inspired by hope. Contact Cantor Susie Lewis-Friedman for more information at cantorsusie@tbz.org.
November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
Enjoyinig Nature with JFS As the days grow shorter, Jewish Family Services of WNY is grateful for time spent outdoors in good company, regardless of what the weather brings. Even when a chill begins to creep in, it’s still a blessing to join in programming outside in the fresh air. These opportunities can create a meditative environment ripe for good discussion, and JFS’s Rabbi Yonina has launched a series of nature walks aimed at providing these sorts of spaces. Earlier this fall, Rabbi Yonina led a small group on a meditative nature walk at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. They gathered to learn a little bit more about the High Holidays and meditate on some themes of the season, including forgiveness, improvement, and hopefulness. Engaging in a journaling activity along the trail provided ample opportunities for reflection and introspection, while group gatherings at the beginning and end of the event offered time for connection and conversation over donuts and cider. Thanks to all who joined this time around! If you are interested in joining a future nature walk or in connecting with Rabbi Yonina, please reach out to her at yfoster@jfswny.org.
November 10, 2026
PRESENTS
7:00pm PARTICIPATING CHOIRS
Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers, Chicago Holy Blossom Temple Singers, Toronto Temple Beth Zion Choir and guests, Buffalo Westminster Presbyterian Church Choir, Buffalo FEATURING Cantor Pavel Roytman Cantor David Rosen Cantor Susan LewisFriedman Director of Music Ministries, Garrett Martin
SPONSORED BY
TICKETS
Location to be provided upon registration. Tickets are on a pay-whatyou-wish basis at: https://bit.ly/3TupvhP
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FEDERATION
A New Season of Adult Engagement This fall, the Buffalo Jewish Federation is trying something new...actually, we’re trying a lot of new things! Why? Because Jewish life should have something fun and engaging for everyone, no matter their age or stage of life. We are launching a new slate of adult programs designed to spark curiosity, create connections, and bring people together in new and unexpected ways. From social gatherings and learning opportunities to experiences that invite us to enjoy and explore Jewish life, culture, and community, we have them all. We are intentionally creating more ways for adults to weave threads of connection and find their place of belonging. We are especially excited to welcome adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who may be looking for new friendships, new ideas, or simply a reason to get out and do something different with other members of our Jewish community. This work is made possible through a New York State grant supporting increased social opportunities for adults of all ages. It gives us a chance to experiment, listen, and imagine what adult Jewish engagement can look like today. This is why we are offering a diverse menu of experiences and creating opportunities for connection in ways that feel relevant, welcoming, and fun. So, what are you waiting for? This fall, say yes to something new. Come with curiosity. Come with a friend or ready to meet a new one. Whether you are looking to learn, laugh, connect, celebrate, or simply spend time with other people, we have a place for you here! Reach out to Robin Kurss with any questions: robin@buffalojewishfederation.org.
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November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
JRT Opens 24th Season with The Last Yiddish Speaker Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York will open its 24th season with Deborah Zoe Laufer’s The Last Yiddish Speaker, a provocative, suspenseful, and unexpectedly funny new play about Jewish identity, assimilation, resistance, and the enduring power of language and culture. Set in a near-future America, The Last Yiddish Speaker imagines a country transformed after the January 6 insurrection succeeds and a white supremacist government comes to power. Paul and his teenage daughter, Sarah, have fled New York City and settled in a small upstate town, where they attempt to survive by concealing their Jewish identities. Their carefully constructed life is disrupted by the sudden arrival of a mysterious woman from the past who speaks Yiddish. Her presence forces father and daughter to confront questions they have desperately tried to avoid: How much of yourself can you give up in order to survive? What happens when hiding your
identity becomes easier than preserving it? And at what point does survival require resistance? While its premise is unsettling, Laufer balances the play’s high stakes with warmth, humanity, and humor. At its center is a deeply personal story about a father and daughter wrestling with what it means to be Jewish when openly embracing that identity comes with a cost. One of the most talked-about new Jewish plays in the country, The Last Yiddish Speaker has received productions and readings across the United States. Laufer is an award-winning playwright whose work has been produced at theatres across the country, including Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Cincinnati Playhouse
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in the Park, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Florida Stage. Directed by Kyle LoConti, JRT’s regional premiere production features Christian Brandjes, Arin Lee Dandes, Devin Klumpp, and Sam Prezioso. The 2026-2027 season continues JRT’s commitment to thought-provoking theatre through three mainstage productions examining issues through the past, present, and future. Following The Last Yiddish
Speaker, JRT will present Jeff Cohen’s The Soap Myth in February and Jason Odell Williams’ Church & State in May. JRT enters its 24th season following a record year for the company, which received 12 Artie Award nominations for its 2025–2026 season. LoConti received the Artie Award for Outstanding Direction of a Play for JRT’s production of Sheltered, while Jordan Levin was named Best Actor by Buffalo Spree for his performance in Just For Us. With The Last Yiddish Speaker, JRT begins its new season with a play that asks audiences to consider what we carry forward, what we risk losing, and what parts of our identity are worth fighting to preserve. The Last Yiddish Speaker runs October 29 through November 22. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 3:30 and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm at the Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre at the JCC Benderson Family Building. For tickets and more information, visit jccbuffalo.org/the-last-yiddish-speaker.
COMMUNITY
Foundation Highlights Israel Scholarships Are Now Open
For more than 30 years, the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies (FJP) has helped Jewish high school and college students travel, study, volunteer, and experience Israel. Applications are now being accepted for 2026 Israel Scholarships, with awards typically ranging from $1,000$3,000 based on merit and/or financial need. Scholarships are available to eligible Jewish students ages 14 to 28 who have attended high school in Erie or Niagara County, or who reside in Erie or Niagara County and are new Americans. Students may seek support for approved Israel experiences involving study, work, volunteer service, or travel. Eligible programs include those organized by recognized Jewish camps and national Jewish youth movements, as well as programs approved by Masa Israel Journey. Other programs may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The scholarships were created to strengthen Jewish identity, deepen connections to Israel and the Buffalo Jewish community, and encourage future involvement and leadership in Jewish life. This opportunity is made possible through permanent funds established by donors specifically to support Israel experiences. Planning an Israel experience in 2026? Visit JewishPhilanthropies.org/IsraelScholarships to review eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines and submit your application. These scholarships were created to help make that experience possible.
practice your philanthropy, generosity reflects what is meaningful to you while helping FJP strengthen the community today and build a lasting impact.
A Few Year-End Giving Reminders
Celebrating the Magic of Philanthropy
Last month, FJP welcomed donors, friends, and community members for The Magic of Philanthropy, its 2026 Donor Appreciation and Award Ceremony. The evening celebrated the generosity of donors and the many ways philanthropy continues to shape Jewish Buffalo. A highlight was the presentation of the 2026 Endowment Leadership Awards. Bob Hirsch and Adele Henderson were recognized as visionary founders of the Jewish Museum of Buffalo for their work preserving and sharing Jewish art, culture, and history. Stuart and Caren Shapiro were also honored as founders
of the Stuart and Caren Shapiro Jewish Genealogy Center of Buffalo, helping individuals and families discover, preserve, and share their family histories. Learn more about both organizations at jmbuffalo.org. Guests were also treated to a performance by award-winning magician Joshua Jay, bringing the evening’s theme to life. At its heart, The Magic of Philanthropy celebrated donors and the impact they make possible. However you choose to
As 2026 comes to a close, consider several tax-smart charitable giving strategies, including gifts of appreciated securities to potentially avoid capital gains, qualified charitable distributions from an IRA, donor-advised funds, and combining multiple years of charitable giving into a single year to maximize the potential tax benefit. Everyone’s circumstances are different. FJP is happy to work with donors and their professional advisors to explore charitable giving strategies that help accomplish their philanthropic goals. For gifts intended to qualify in 2026, checks must be postmarked by December 31, and securities must be received in the Foundation’s account before year-end. Contact Irv Levy at Irv@JewishPhilanthropies.org or (716)204-1139.
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FEDERATION
Thank you for showing Federation’s 2027 Campaign Kickoff Event was a joyful evening of catching up with friends, meeting new people, and celebrating a community we are all proud to call ours. You brought our theme, Rooted in Joy, Connected in Community, to life, and we loved sharing the evening with you. That gratitude extends to everyone whose generosity supports our work throughout the year. Because of you, families discover Jewish traditions through PJ Library, teens share their Jewish experiences with peers through Student to Student, and people of all ages find opportunities to learn, gather, and build friendships. Your support strengthens the security of Jewish Buffalo and helps bolster our work to combat antisemitism. These are just some of the ways your dollars make a difference every day, often in moments you may never see: a child asking for a favorite Jewish bedtime story, a meaningful conversation between students, or someone walking into a program and finding a familiar face. You help create a community where those moments can happen. We are grateful for your generosity, participation, and your belief in this work. Thank you for helping Jewish Buffalo grow, thrive, and find joy.
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FEDERATION
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Happy Thanksgiving
COMMUNITY
A Gift to Bring Back Home When Temple Beth Tzedek (TBT) and its Brotherhood hosted a guest speaker from Uganda in August to talk about the Jewish communities of Africa, synagogue leaders decided that a traditional parting gift wasn’t enough.
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Sarah Nakintu from the village of Mukono spoke over Shabbat about challenges the Abayudaya community in Uganda and Kenya face, their love for Judaism, and their desire for more—more observance and ritual, more learning, and more connection to world Jewry. At the suggestion of TBT Brotherhood President Jonathan Epstein, who brought Nakintu to Buffalo—and with the support of Rabbi Sara Rich, TBT President Rob Goldberg and past-president Harvey Sanders—TBT gifted something far more precious to Nakintu’s village: a Torah to bring home. The Torah, in the possession of TBT and its predecessors for decades, was one of 21 scrolls owned by the synagogue and had not been used in years. It was in good condition but not thought to be kosher, as it likely needed some letter repairs. It had been deemed surplus and available for donation or sale. For Nakintu, it was a dream come true: the first Torah for her village, which has two synagogues—one Sephardic and one Orthodox—but no scroll. As her community’s lay leader, she said bringing a Torah would be her greatest achievement for her members, even if they would still have to find a way to kasher it. Nakintu is a social worker, women’s advocate and vice president of the Sub-Saharan African Jewish Alliance, representing mostly indigenous Jewish
communities in 13 African countries. She spent four months this spring and summer at the Isabella Freedman Retreat Center in Connecticut as an Adamah fellow, with support from Kulanu. Her Buffalo visit was part of TBT Brotherhood’s connection to the Abayudaya through FJMC International, the global brotherhood of Jewish men formerly known as Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. FJMC has helped the Abayudaya for more than 10 years, and the Epsteins traveled to Uganda with an FJMC group in December 2024. This is the second Torah donated to the Abayudaya by the Buffalo Jewish community, after one the Buffalo Jewish Federation gave to the Hadassah Primary School, transported by the Epsteins on their last trip. TBT has also donated siddurim to be shipped to Africa, while members of TBT and Kehillat Ohr Tzion donated tefillin and tallitot that Nakintu brought back. The Torah will be dedicated at Nakintu’s shul, Tsion Beit Hamitzvot Synagogue, in late December during a visit by a U.S. tour group of 20 travelers organized by the Epsteins through FJMC International. To learn more about the Abayudaya and how you can help, visit fjmc.org/initiatives/abayudaya/ or email Jonathan Epstein at jepstein@ fjmc.org.
FEDERATION
Hey, Parents (and Grandparents)! Hanukkah is around the corner, and Buffalo Jewish Federation is here to help you share our traditions in your child’s classroom. The “Hanukkah Toolkit,” intended for grades K-5, will be available for pickup and demonstration on November 30.
Email Samantha Stevens at samantha@buffalojewishfederation.org for more information.
November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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FEDERATION
PJ Library will offer families a November: A Month of new way to celebrate Hanukkah Responsibility and Gratitude PJ Library will offer families a new way to celebrate Hanukkah this year with Light Up the Night: A PJ Library Hanukkah Kids Concert, taking place Sunday, Dec. 6, from 11:30 am–1:30 pm. The afternoon will bring together music, movement, and Jewish learning, creating an opportunity for children and families to connect with one another while exploring the traditions and spirit of Hanukkah. The program will feature Carla Friend, a children’s musician, educator, and founder of Tkiya Music, a nonprofit organization that uses participatory music and dance to connect families with Jewish culture and community. Through an interactive musical experience, Friend will invite children and adults to participate together, using music and movement as a way to engage with Jewish culture. The approach reflects Tkiya Music’s broader mission of making Jewish experiences accessible and meaningful for families. For PJ Library, the concert represents a new opportunity to bring families together
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around Hanukkah and create shared experiences that can become part of their holiday traditions. Rather than simply attending a performance, families will have the opportunity to participate, learn, and celebrate together. Light Up the Night is made possible through the generous support of Howard and Karen Wiseman.
November has a way of asking something of us.
As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, the month brings several distinctly American observances: Election Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving. For Jewish Americans, these occasions can also be opportunities to reflect on values deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. While these days may not appear on the Jewish calendar, they invite us to consider ideas that are very much at home in Jewish life: responsibility, service, gratitude, and our obligations to one another. Election Day reminds us that citizenship is not simply a privilege; it is a responsibility. Judaism places great emphasis on our obligations to the community. The Jewish concept of tikkun olam, often understood as a responsibility to help repair and improve the world, encourages us to look beyond ourselves and consider the kind of community we want to create. Voting is one tangible way we participate in that responsibility. People may disagree passionately about candidates, policies, and more, but the act of participating in our democracy reflects the Jewish value of being engaged in the community. It is a reminder that our voices matter and that with a voice comes responsibility. Veterans Day offers another opportunity to reflect on responsibility, this time through the lens of service and sacrifice. Judaism teaches us to recognize those who contribute to the welfare of others. Our tradition repeatedly honors people who put the needs of the community ahead of their own. Veterans have made extraordinary commitments in service to our country, and Veterans Day gives all Americans an opportunity to pause, remember, and say todah, or thank you. That same spirit of appreciation carries naturally into Thanksgiving. One of the
central ideas of Jewish spiritual practice is hakarat hatov, literally “recognizing the good.” It is more than simply saying thank you. Hakarat hatov asks us to notice the good in our lives and acknowledge the people, circumstances, and blessings that make that goodness possible. This is closely connected to the Mussar trait of gratitude. We can pause to appreciate a meal, a friend, a family member, a teacher, a neighbor, or simply the opportunity to gather together. Thanksgiving provides an especially American setting for practicing this deeply Jewish value. Perhaps that is what makes November so meaningful. These observances remind us that being part of a society involves both responsibility and gratitude. We participate. We serve. We remember. And we give thanks. For Jewish Americans, these November traditions can become more than dates on a national calendar. They can be invitations to live our Jewish values in the wider world—to recognize our obligations to our community, honor those who serve, and cultivate hakarat hatov for the blessings we sometimes take for granted. November asks us to notice what we owe one anotherand what we have to be grateful for.
FEDERATION
BBYO: So Much More Than A Summer Plan
Fall back in Time…
BY ADELINE VEDERMAN I didn’t grow up in a Jewish community. At school, in sports, and in my friend groups, I was usually the only Jewish person. I was raised to have a strong Jewish identity and to be proud of who I am, but I never had the opportunity to connect with other Jewish teens who understood that part of me.
Step forward in Style!
Timeless Style Together…
Two Iconic Buffalo Businesses Together… BBYO teens have fun tie-dying while watching the Bills game. Adeline is pictured third from left.
I discovered BBYO while looking for summer plans and came across its Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC), a 12-day leadership-based summer camp. The idea of a place where Jewish teens could build leadership skills, strengthen their Jewish identity, and make friendships with people from all over stood out to me. I signed up, and since then, BBYO has become a part of my life. I’ve been to the International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC), joined the new Buffalo BBYO chapter, and signed up for the International Convention. BBYO has given me a place to explore my Jewish identity while meeting people who I genuinely connect with. I’m
grateful for the friendships I’ve made and the sense of community I didn’t have before. Now, I want to become more involved in the Buffalo chapter and help create that experience for other Jewish teens who may feel like they are looking for their people. I want to be someone future members can turn to, whether they need advice, support, or someone who understands what they’re going through. BBYO has given me a community I didn’t know I was missing, and I can’t wait to help make sure other Jewish teens can find that too. Interested teens or the parents who love them can reach out to buffalobbyo@ gmail.com.
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COMMUNITY
The Eruv: A Quiet Act of Dedication That Enhances Our Shabbos One of the beautiful aspects of Shabbos is the opportunity to step away from weekday routines and enter a day of holiness, rest, family, and connection. As part of Shabbos observance, observant Jews refrain from carrying items in public areas. An eruv, established according to halachic guidelines, creates a designated area in which carrying is permitted. It uses existing fences, telephone poles, specially placed strings, and other structures to create the necessary halachic boundaries. For many of us, the eruv is something we rarely think about. We push our strollers to shul, carry what we need, and visit family and friends. Yet behind this everyday convenience is an extraordinary commitment of time, effort, and dedication.
A Legacy of Community
The Amherst Eruv was established around 2011 through the efforts of Rabbi Moshe Taub, then rabbi of Young Israel of Greater Buffalo. From the beginning, it was a community-wide initiative, requiring extensive planning, coordination, and ongoing maintenance. Today, the Amherst Eruv encompasses approximately 20 miles, making it one of the larger eruvin in the United States. It serves families throughout Amherst and benefits multiple synagogues and Jewish institutions across the community.
The Volunteers Who Make It Possible
An eruv does not simply maintain itself. Every week, dedicated volunteers inspect its boundaries to ensure that everything remains intact and that the eruv continues to meet the necessary halachic requirements. Once the inspection is completed and the eruv’s status is confirmed, an announcement is sent to community members who have signed up to receive the weekly update.
From left to right-Rachel Shanowitz, Chaya Shuman, Sarah Heimowitz, Marc Brown, Menachem Shmukler, Rabbi Avi Okin, Dr. Richard Laub, Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz (Current caretaker of Eruv)
Supporting the Amherst Eruv
Appreciation packages arranged by Devora Polter
Recently, special appreciation packages were presented to the volunteers as a heartfelt expression of the community’s gratitude. Their work is often done quietly and behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by families throughout Amherst every Shabbos. The gifts were a small way of saying thank you to those who give their time so that the entire community can benefit. This Shabbos, as we make use of the eruv, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate the people who make it possible. Their dedication is a beautiful example of how individuals working on behalf of others can enhance Shabbos for an entire community.
Looking Toward the Future
The Eruv Committee is currently exploring the possibility of expanding the eruv to additional areas, including the University at Buffalo campus, the JCC, and Chabad. For Jewish students at UB for whom Shabbos observance is a priority, an eruv that includes the campus could make Shabbos observance more accessible and potentially contribute to a stronger Jewish presence and greater Jewish vibrancy on campus and throughout the broader community.
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Maintaining an eruv is a significant ongoing responsibility. The annual budget can range from approximately $5,000$10,000, depending on the year’s needs. Expenses include insurance required by the New York State Department of Transportation, an annual comprehensive inspection by professional eruv experts, and ongoing repairs. Weather, construction, utility work, and other changes to the surrounding infrastructure can all create the need for repairs or adjustments throughout the year. The Amherst Eruv depends on the generosity of community members to continue this important work. Donations can be made to Amherst Eruv Inc.
Want to Learn More?
For those interested in learning more about the halachic concept and practical function of an eruv, see “What Is an Eruv?” on Chabad.org. This Shabbos, as we benefit from the Amherst Eruv, let us remember that what may seem like a simple convenience is actually the result of years of planning, weekly inspections, ongoing repairs, and the dedication of volunteers who give their time for the benefit of us all.
COMMUNITY
Can We Still Be Optimistic About the Future? Jewish Discovery Center launches provocative new five-part course At a time of war, division, anxiety and rapid change, optimism can feel naïve. Technology advances, yet many of humanity’s deepest problems remain unresolved. A new five-session course at the Jewish Discovery Center will ask one of Judaism’s boldest questions: Is history actually going somewhere? This course will explore Moshiach and redemption not simply as predictions about tomorrow, but as a guide for how to think and live today. Furthermore, the course will explore how Judaism’s vision of a redeemed world speaks to purpose, perspective, ego, comparison, spirituality, and human potential. Rather than presenting redemption as an escape from the world, the series will examine the Jewish idea that the world itself is meant to become something greater. Participants will study original Jewish texts and examine five provocative questions (among others): What if the world is not broken, but unfinished? Are people seeing reality, or only the surface? Who would a person be if there were nothing to prove? What if ordinary life is more sacred than it seems? And what if the future has already begun? The central question is therefore not only what the future will look like, but what that future asks of people now. This course begins Sunday, November 8 at 11 am. at the Jewish Discovery Center, 831 Maple Rd. Brunch will be served. No previous background is necessary. To enroll, visit jewishdiscovery.org/course or call (716)400-1550.
November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
A Year of Learning, Growth, and Jewish Connection As the leaves began to change and backpacks returned to shoulders, the Jewish calendar reminded us that we were beginning something even more meaningful than a new school year: we were beginning a new year of the soul.
At Kadimah Scholars, the start of the academic year and the arrival of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur naturally intertwined. Both invited us to consider important questions: Who were we becoming? How could we be kinder? How could we strengthen our community? These were questions that mattered just as much in a classroom as they did in a synagogue. This year, our classrooms have once again been filled with the joyful sounds of students learning Hebrew, exploring Jewish history, celebrating traditions, asking thoughtful questions, and
discovering that Judaism is not simply something we study. It is something we live. One of the greatest gifts we could give our children is a strong sense of identity. In a world that often asks young people to fit in, Kadimah Scholars encourages students to understand where they come from, embrace who they are, and appreciate the rich diversity of Jewish life. Whether a child comes from a Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, secular, or interfaith family, they find a welcoming environment where every question is valued and every learner belongs.
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Jewish values are woven throughout everything we do. Students learn that chesed (kindness), kavod (respect), kehillah (community), and tikkun olam (repairing the world) are not abstract ideas but daily choices. These values guide how they treat classmates, support friends, contribute to their communities, and engage with the world around them. The High Holy Days provided countless opportunities for these lessons to come alive. Younger students experienced the sweetness of Rosh Hashanah through apples and honey, heard the call of the shofar, and began to understand the themes of kindness and renewal. Older students explored the deeper concepts of teshuvah (personal growth and return), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (justice and generosity), learning that every individual had the power to grow, change, and make a positive impact.
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As the holiday season continued, students celebrated Sukkot together. Learning in and around the sukkah brought Jewish tradition to life through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Students explored gratitude for the harvest, the mitzvah of welcoming guests (hachnasat orchim), and the importance of community. In doing so, they discovered that Jewish values extended well beyond the classroom. By celebrating together, they built lasting memories, strengthened their Jewish identity, and experienced the joy of living Judaism. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Park School, which allows us to provide a rich Jewish educational experience within an outstanding independent school environment. Together, we help students grow academically while nurturing confidence, curiosity, compassion, and a lifelong connection to Jewish life. The year is filled with opportunities for learning and growth. Students will participate in engaging holiday celebrations, meaningful Hebrew instruction, community service projects, music, prayer, and hands-on activities that transform Jewish traditions into lasting memories. Families remain essential partners in this journey, helping us build a vibrant, connected, and supportive Jewish community. As we welcomed 5787, our hope was that every child who walked through our doors felt seen, valued, challenged, and inspired. May this continue to be a year filled with learning, laughter, meaningful connections, and countless opportunities to grow.
COMMUNITY
Preserving Heritage and Building Community: A New Season at the Jewish Museum of Buffalo Following a landmark milestone, the museum’s recent marquee event, An Evening with Wolf Blitzer, brought the community together at 805 Delaware Avenue for a memorable night. Legendary news anchor and Buffalo native Wolf Blitzer returned home to join the family of beloved late broadcaster Irv Weinstein. Together, they shared reflections on journalism, storytelling, and deep-rooted local history. The evening featured a ribboncutting ceremony for the opening of the Stuart & Caren Shapiro Jewish Genealogy Center of Buffalo, establishing a permanent public resource to help area families explore their ancestral heritage. Building on this energy, the museum launches its fall educational initiatives with school tours already underway. Aligned with New York State Standards, these guided experiences invite K-12 students and university groups to explore rich exhibits detailing Jewish art, symbolism, activism, and local history. Through hands-on engagement with historical artifacts and interactive displays, the tours aim to inspire critical thinking, foster interfaith understanding, and connect younger generations with the enduring stories of Buffalo’s Jewish community. Looking ahead, the museum will present ‘Tis the Season: Jewish Contributions to American Christmas. This upcoming exhibition and cultural initiative highlights how Jewish composers, lyricists, artists, and businesses helped shape the American holiday landscape and festive traditions. Through interactive displays, engaging experiences, and cultural storytelling, complemented by a live holiday concert performance on December 5, the series celebrates cross-cultural influence and shared heritage. Through it all, the Jewish Museum of Buffalo remains dedicated to preserving heritage, inspiring discovery, and fostering meaningful community dialogue. For tour bookings, genealogy inquiries, or upcoming event schedules, visit the Jewish Museum of Buffalo: www.jmbuffalo.org November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
Mireille Schapiro—One of the Founding Members of KOT
B’COL Students Step into Learning and Leadership
What does it take to make a small synagogue like Kehillat Ohr Tzion a welcoming and thriving community? It obviously takes a lot of dedicated members who are willing to spend time and energy to make the shul work. And Mireille Schapiro epitomizes such dedication. She was instrumental in forming the North Forest Minyan in 2002, which then became Kehillat Ohr Tzion the following year.
November has arrived, and after a later start to the school year due to the Jewish holidays, Buffalo Community of Learners (B’COL) is now fully in swing. Sunday classrooms are filled with energy, learning, laughter, and ruach as students build connections with teachers, friends, and the larger B’COL community. One highlight this year is the return of almost all of B’COL’s seventh graders as Madrichim, serving as classroom assistants and role models for younger learners. Their involvement reflects the Jewish tradition of learning from one generation to the next. As Pirkei Avot teaches, “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” B’COL’s Madrichim program combines Jewish learning with social and leadership opportunities. Madrichim continue growing as Jewish learners while developing skills to mentor younger students, work as a team, and become thoughtful leaders within their community. Across grades K–7, Sunday sessions engage students in Jewish stories and traditions, Hebrew skills, discussion, creativity, and meaningful time together. November also offers an opportunity to reflect on hakarat hatov, recognizing the good and expressing gratitude. B’COL is grateful for the leadership, rabbis, teachers, Madrichim, students, and families who make the school community possible. As the school year continues, B’COL celebrates growing students, inspiring teachers, emerging leaders, and a community continuing to learn together.
From its inception, Mireille has been the Chesed Chairperson. If someone is ill, Mireille contacts them and works with Cheryl Stein to set up a meal train. She also coordinates gift purchases for simchas, but it’s hard to list all the behindthe-scenes things that Mireille does. She always hosts Shabbat and holidays dinners, and if anyone is at shul Friday night and doesn’t have a place to go for dinner, her husband Jeff usually brings them back to their house, and another place at the table is quickly arranged. She bakes cakes for all shul luncheons and dinners and is in the kitchen right after services to help set up kiddush. And she always greets new people and invites them to the house for Shabbos. Mireille earned a BS Degree in Nutrition and Public Health and has taken many additional advanced classes at Buffalo State College. She worked at Buffalo General for four years as a therapeutic dietician and for 19 years in the Buffalo Public Schools as a cafeteria manager, where she also gave monthly classes to the students about the Jewish holidays and proper meal etiquette. When she finished her stint with Buffalo school children, she decided to work with senior citizens and worked at the Amherst Senior Center as the Director of Food Services, where she also helped make sure that special diets were followed.
In addition to her work and family obligations, she learned to be a mashgiach under the guidance of Rabbi Plaut, when he was at Young Israel, and she has functioned as a mashgiach with Lori Morrrison at Luscious by Lori and the University of Buffalo Kosher dining hall, where she has been working for the past 8 years. Mireille takes a weekly parsha class with KOT Rabbi Schacter and has been enrolled in Hebrew classes because she always wants to improve her Hebrew for when she visits her family in Israel two or three times a year. Mireille and Jeff have three children: Anyce, Randy, and Becca; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Any time she mentions them, she says what a blessing it is! And everyone at KOT and elsewhere who knows Mireille thinks that’s a blessing as well.
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Kabbalah at the Center for Jewish Life Soulmates, dreams, reincarnation, names, and the journey of the soul are among the subjects at the heart of a new six-week adult education course being offered this fall at the Center for Jewish Life in Williamsville. The course, Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You, invites participants to explore some of the most intriguing questions in Jewish mystical thought and to consider what those questions may reveal about their own lives. Why do soulmates exist, and how do you find yours? What actually happens to your soul when you sleep? Have you lived before? And if so, what did you come back to finish? What can your name reveal about who you are? Drawing on Kabbalistic and Chassidic teachings, the course examines the idea that beneath everyday life is a deeper spiritual structure. Rather than treating these subjects as distant or abstract, the classes connect them to familiar experiences such as relationships, recurring challenges, personal identity, and the search for meaning. This six-week course takes the most fascinating ideas in kabbalah and unlocks them with the clarity and depth they’ve always deserved. Participants will leave with a completely new way of seeing themselves and everything around them. The course will meet Mondays from 7-8:30 pm, October 26 through November 30. Dinner will be served, the program is open to the community, and there is no charge. The Center for Jewish Life also offers weekly adult education for which there is no charge. Torah Studies on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 pm, dinner is served, and Talmud class on Thursdays from 9-10 am. All classes are held at the Center for Jewish Life in Williamsville. For more information, visit JewishBuffalo.com or call (716)639-7600.
COMMUNITY
Fall at TBZ Religious School With the conclusion of the High Holidays and the arrival of fall in the 716, TBZ Religious School is pleased to report a strong and enthusiastic start to the new academic year. The school is delighted to welcome students back into the building for another year dedicated to learning, community engagement, and the development of core Jewish values and life skills. The Sue Carrel Mazel Tots program began the year with a lesson centered on the story of Jonah, accompanied by a creative craft depicting Jonah in the belly of the whale. Designed for the youngest members of the community and their caregivers, the program provides an engaging and nurturing introduction to Jewish learning. The next session will take place on November 15 at 10 am (free play beforehand at 9:30 am) at the Broder Center on Sweet Home. Program components include story time, singing, a craft activity and snack. All grade levels have begun their age appropriate curricula and are actively engaged in weekly learning. In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in weekly singing with Cantor Susie and Tefillah with Rabbit Brent and Cantor Susie. Students in grades 2–7 also receive Hebrew instruction consisting of 30 minutes of school-wide Hebrew on Sunday and an additional onehour Aleph Champ session on either Sundays, 12–1 pm or Thursdays, 4:30–5:30 pm. The Aleph Champ program is open to the broader community. TBZ continues to support teen engagement beyond Religious School through additional programming, including Rock Climbing on November 1 (offsite) and a Family Scramble Minute to Win It event on December 6. Contact TBZ for more information. Individuals interested in learning more about TBZ Religious School or visiting on a Sunday are welcome to reach out to Sue Goldberg at (716)836-6565 ext. 130 or education@tbz.org.
Buffalo Hadassah Tours Seneca Chief Program Chairperson, Marlene Katzel, always plans interesting and educational programs for Hadasah Buffalo. This summer, a group of Hadassah members met at the Buffalo Maritime Center to learn about the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. They learned a great deal about the history of the canal as well as the history of New York State. What was especially interesting to the group was hearing about the boatbuilding project that was made possible because of the hundreds of volunteers who met in the Longshed at Canalside to rebuild the Seneca Chief. Among the loyal volunteers was Hadassah Associate Member Bob Ackerhalt. His wife Frima is one of the members of the Leadership Team of Buffalo Hadassah. The tour guide to the Seneca Chief praised the efforts of Bob and all the other volunteers that made the Seneca Chief Project possible. Some programs that are being planned for the upcoming months include a tour of the Jewish Museum housed at Temple Beth Zion as well as a showing of the movie Labor of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold, the founder of Hadassah more than 100 years ago. Plans are also being made for another jewelry sale at the Benderson JCC before Chanukah. It will include the sale of jewelry and Judaica. For more information about Buffalo Hadassah email mkatzel@me.com or frimaackerhalt@gmail.com. Hadassah book club meets monthly on Zoom to discuss contemporary books of Jewish interest. Different participants lead these discussions. The selection for November is Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity and Belonging by Angela Buchdahl. Email phyllismksteinberg@gmail.com for information about book club.
Your Buffalo & Erie County Public Library card unlocks new worlds & opportunities through books, movies and more – now also special discounts to Erie County theatres, galleries, museums & attractions!
Check www.BuffaloLib.org for participating locations and discount offers. Buffalo & Erie County Public
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THANKSGIVING
RECIPE
Pumpkin Everything! BY ROBIN KURSS If it’s November, it’s “pumpkin everything” season. I love pumpkin pie in all its variations as much as the next guy, but this year, I’m going to try these Pumkin Pie Crumb Bars for a change. I am grateful, always, for your kind words about recipes shared. Wishing everyone a lovely and delicious Thanksgiving!
Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars (makes 24 bars)
From your friends at
Ingredients: For the crust and the topping: 1 c brown sugar 3 c flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 2 tsp cinnamon Pinch of salt 1 c butter, melted For the filling: 3 ¾ c canned pumpkin pie filling 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Next Issue of The Jewish Journal is the big Holiday issue! Featuring a SPECIAL SECTION focused on
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Directions: 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment paper and leave a bit of paper hanging over the sides for easy lift out. 2. In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, baking soda and powder, cinnamon, and salt to combine. Stir in melted butter and mix till a crumbly dough is formed. Put aside 1 ½ cups of the crumbs for the topping and press the rest into the bottom of the pan evenly. 3. With a whisk, mix pumpkin pie filling, eggs, and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Pour over the crust and sprinkle on the reserved crumbs. 4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Cool. Note: These store well in the refrigerator for a few days.
26 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2026
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27
FEDERATION
Five Things To Do This Fall the PJ Library Way!
November is all about gratitude. It’s a month to consider mindful moments, enjoy and appreciate the rich natural colors and harvest, and express thanks to those who fill our lives with joy. Here are five activities rooted in Jewish values to do with the children we love.
1 Gratitude Scavenger Hunt at Delaware Park Take a family walk at Delaware Park and invite kids to find five things they are thankful for: a beautiful leaf, a friend to walk with, the sun, a bird, or a favorite tree. Give each child a little gratitude checklist and collect memories with drawings or photos rather than picking things from nature. Jewish value: Hakarat hatov — recognizing the good.
2 Read Together Infuse the bedtime routine with gratitude when you the read the PJ Library story Give Thanks. Written by Naomi Shulman, Give Thanks describes that the more we notice and appreciate all the good things around us, the better we feel. This book offers simple activities to help kids wake up to the everyday joys all around them—and may also inspire them to help create more joy for others along the way. Jewish value: Hakarat hatov — recognizing the good. Jewish value: Shabbat — appreciating the blessings we already have.
3 Send Thank-You Notes to the Buffalo Jewish Community Create handmade cards for the people who make Jewish life in Buffalo special: rabbis, teachers, librarians, grandparents, synagogue volunteers, or PJ Library organizers. Decorate each card together and have children dictate one sentence about what they appreciate. Deliver the cards in person or mail them to the recipients to make someone’s day. Jewish value: Kavod — honoring others.
4 Turn Thankfulness Into Tzedakah Talk with your children about having enough food, warm clothes, and a safe place to sleep. Then choose one way to help another family. You could let each child select shelfstable food to donate or explore volunteering or supporting local food programs through Feed More WNY. Connect the activity to the Jewish idea that gratitude inspires us to help others! Jewish value: Tzedakah —giving and helping create a more caring world.
5 Say Thank You for Creation at Buffalo’s Waterfront Visit Canalside or Buffalo’s Outer Harbor to enjoy Lake Erie, watch the water, and talk about the natural world. Talk about what outdoor things your children enjoy. Pick up litter only when it is safe to do so, with adult supervision. Close with the Jewish blessing Shehecheyanu on an appropriate occasion, or simply say, “We are thankful for this beautiful world.” Jewish value: Bal tashchit — caring for the world and avoiding waste. 28 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2026
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
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 U.S.A. 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 Erica Brecher - Senior Director of Communications 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
Jewish Museum of Buffalo
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 Mitch Steinhorn - President
Knesset Center (Orthodox) 500 Starin Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214 716-832-5063 chabadofbuffalo.com Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow
Kadimah Scholars at Park kadimah.org Jeff Clark - 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 saranacsynagogue.org Shmuel Rashkin - President Reuven Alt - Vice President 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) 1641 North Forest Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-838-3232 btzbuffalo.org Rabbi Sara Rich Cantor Emeritus Mark Spindler Rob Goldberg - President Kim Jones - Administrator
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
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
Benderson Family Building 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-4033 jccbuffalo.org Patty Simonson - CEO Sheryl Schechter - President
Chabad House of Buffalo (unaffiliated)
Holland Family Building 787 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 716-886-3145
Chabad of Niagara Falls U.S.A.
Jewish Discovery Center
Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative)
2450 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-1642 chabadofbuffalo.com Rabbi Moshe Gurary Rabbi Avrohom Gurary
716-703-8770 ChabadNiagaraFallsUSA.org Rabbi Yehuda Lorber Mrs. Yehudis Lorber
831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-0467 jewishdiscovery.org Rabbi Heschel Greenberg
1073 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222 congregationbethabraham.net Cantor Irwin Gelman Nancy Atkinson - President
Jewish Family Services of Western New York
Congregation Havurah (Reform)
70 Barker Street Buffalo, NY 14209 716-883-1914 jfswny.org Molly Short Carr - CEO Marnie Cerrato - 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
6320 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221 716-833-3165 congregationhavurah.org president.havurah@gmail.com Daniel Mink - President
Congregation Shir Shalom
SYNAGOGUES
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 - President
(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 November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
29
I N LOV I N G M E M O RY
In Loving Memory ofJoseph Sterman Joseph Sterman, a proud and active member of both Buffalo and Chautauqua Jewish communities, passed on August 22. He was 97 years old. The follow combines excerpts from moving eulogies delivered by his daughter, Ellen Sterman, and his granddaughter, Alli Chertak. Ellen – Joe truly lived a wonderful life. His secrets to longevity were exercise, positivity, a strong Jewish community, and, above all, family and friends. He started every day with a positive outlook on life. If you asked him how he was, the answer was always the same: “Excellent.” Joe made sure to exercise nearly every day. Whether he was working out, playing tennis, skiing, or golfing, he rarely made excuses to take a day off. Staying active wasn’t something he did. It was simply who he was. Wherever Joe lived, he became part of a synagogue. He belonged to temples in Buffalo, Chautauqua, and Florida. He attended services every Saturday and enjoyed them tremendously. His true talent, however, was being able to recall the rabbi’s entire sermon, despite appearing to sleep intermittently throughout the service. Joe was the embodiment of a mensch. He never hesitated to bring someone food, lend a helping hand, support a friend, or help his temple in a time of need. Joe treasured friendships and maintained them for decades. Joe and Toni were fortunate to have close friends living just around the corner, including the Redlos,
Joe Sterman, pictured bottom left, and his daughter, Ellen, welcomed Federation friends at their Chautauqua home this past summer.
Saffers, and Lettmans. Their friendships spanned not years, but generations. He maintained lifelong friendships from childhood, stayed close with friends he skied and traveled with for decades. Joe joined the army at 17 with two friends with whom
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Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a delicious turkey. Go Bills!
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30 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2026
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he celebrated their 70th anniversary of enlisting. In 2016, they participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. together. Joe remained close with his fellow pharmacy professionals and business partners throughout his life and was an active participant in the Pharmacy Association of Western New York. And finally, family. Family meant everything to Joe. He shared a close bond with his three siblings, Netty, Avy, and Irving. For many years, Avy and Joe attended morning minyan services together and sat in the front row every Saturday. On the very Saturday he passed away, Joe made his brief weekly call to Irving to wish him a Good Shabbos. Joe was also fortunate enough to find not one, but two great loves in his lifetime. He was married to our mother, Toni, for 50 wonderful years. He loved her deeply, and the home they built together held so many cherished memories that he insisted on staying there, along with every last tchotchke, for years after her passing. After losing Toni, Joe and Sylvia found each other and shared more than 20 wonderful years together. Joe passed his commitment to family on to his four children and three grandchildren...Passover was perhaps the best example of Joe’s dedication to family traditions. Even in his later years, he was still making the gefilte fish, chicken soup, and all the accoutrements from scratch. Joe wasn’t a particularly emotional man, but after our mother passed away,
I N LOV I N G M E M O RY we began and ended every conversation with “I love you.” Joe was an extraordinary role model. He was caring, kind, generous, and thoughtful. He taught us the importance of showing up for family, investing in friendships, contributing to our community, and approaching every day with gratitude. We truly hit the lottery with Joe Sterman as our father. Joe lived a remarkable life and set an incredible example for how to live our own lives. While we will miss him deeply, we are grateful for the lessons he taught us, the traditions he created, and the love he gave so freely. Alli – My grandfather was a bit like the Queen of England. Everywhere he went, people knew him. He was a fixture in every community he lived in. Growing up, whenever I met someone who knew Gramps, they would tell me the same things: how kind, generous, smart, and genuinely good he was. As my mom so beautifully described him, Gramps was an extraordinary role model. He believed in hard work, the importance of a wellwritten thank-you note, and making everyone feel welcome. He wasn’t particularly good at slowing down or taking other people’s advice, but he was exceptional at finding the silver lining in every situation. He lived life fully and had a great sense of humor. When my brother and I were young, we spent a lot of time with my grandparents. One Saturday, Gramps took us skiing and decided to lead us down his favorite trail, completely ignoring the many signs marked “closed.” As you can imagine, two rulefollowing kids were horrified. We were practically in tears, pointing frantically
at the closed signs and the chunks of ice that Gramps thought looked “nice.” Gramps just laughed and yelled back, “It doesn’t say ‘Closed’ It just says ‘No Smoking!’” He taught us the importance of family, of community, and how easily the line between the two can disappear. Everyone was welcome at Passover Seder, and Gramps had a knack for turning strangers into lifelong friends. His legendary rib-crushing hugs were his signature expression of love and acceptance. As I’ve reflected on Gramps’ life, I’ve thought often about something my dad always said: when someone you love passes away, you hope your first thoughts are not regrets, but gratitude for the time and memories you shared together. My heart is full when I think about the more than 30 years I was lucky enough to have with my grandfather. He taught me the importance of community, the pride that comes from doing something well, whether in my career or while baking a loaf of challah, and above all, the value of family. I am grateful for his unwavering love and support. I am grateful for the example he set. And I am especially grateful that he helped shape the incredible woman I am lucky enough to call my mother. In a world that often feels filled with pain and division, Gramps chose kindness, optimism, and connection. If each of us can carry even a small piece of the joy, generosity, and humor that he brought into the world, we’ll be better for it. May we all be a little more like Gramps.
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In Remembrance The following individuals in our community passed away during the period from August 25, 2026- October 20, 2026. May their memories forever be a blessing, and may their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
Frida Akman Helene Barish Judith Bluestone Michael J. Borins Freda Brody Therese Clarke Dr. Stanford S. Copley Hon. Judith J. Gische Linda K. Gleckel Edward A. Gould Michael Harris Anne Judelsohn Hazel Kaiser Arlyne Levy
Martin Rosenberg Ann Elizabeth Schapiro Susan Siegel Leah Levine Stern Nelli Toporskaya Alexander Vinder Deborah Gellman Zaretsky Beverly Zoeller Macklin Zukoff
If we inadvertently missed printing the listing of your loved one, please email jjwny@buffalojewishfederation.org and we will include the name in the next issue. November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
31
(NOT) THE LAST WORD
My First Thanksgiving BY LEVI FICHMAN
of Buffalo
As an Israeli preparing to experience my first Thanksgiving in Buffalo, I’m excited to take part in a holiday that is all about gratitude, family, and togetherness.
One of the things I find most beautiful about Thanksgiving is that it brings people together regardless of their religion or background. Families travel from all over to return home, share a meal, eat turkey, and spend time with the people they love. I especially love the idea of celebrating Thanksgiving at a time of year when everything outside is getting colder, but inside, homes are filled with warmth, love, and family. As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been thinking about everything I’m grateful for this year. Since arriving in Buffalo, I’ve been amazed by how kind and welcoming everyone has been. I’m especially grateful for the Jewish community here, which has made me feel at home and connected, even though I’m thousands of miles from Israel. I’ve already had so many opportunities to get to know Jewish Buffalo. From working out almost daily at the JCC to praying at local synagogues, I’ve been able to see the many different ways people build and experience Jewish community here. I’ve also had the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat in people’s homes and to open my apartment to our students for shabbat meals. These experiences have shown me how much hospitality and personal relationships are at the heart of Jewish life in Buffalo. I’ve also been learning how to adapt to Buffalo itself. Watching the trees change with the seasons has reminded me that adapting to a new environment is part of growing. The trees look very different from when I first arrived, and in some ways, so do I.
32 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2026
I’m learning to embrace the changes, including this increasingly cold weather! One experience I’m especially proud of was running a half marathon with my friend and Hillel of Buffalo Executive Director Mike Steklof during my first weekend in Buffalo. Running 13.1 miles was certainly one way to get introduced to my new home! It was a memorable beginning to what has already become an incredible experience.
Most of all, I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve as an Israel Fellow at Hillel of Buffalo and work with such wonderful students. One of my favorite parts of this experience has
WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions dining guide - style & living - area architecture - food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture - food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture - food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture - food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts THE MAGAZINE OF WESTERN NEW YORK & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture - food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar since 1967 - WNY GIVE -UNLIMITED SUBSCRIPTIONS neighborhoodsand - restaurant reviews arts && entertainment - regional attractions - dining give a gift that -Food Drink for only guide - style & living - area architecture - food & drink - people to know - home & garden Arts & Entertainment - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new$- movers & shakers Places - local events calendar - since 1967People - WNY&neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts with -code GIFT26 & guide History & entertainment - regional attractionsHomes - dining - style & living area architecture (expires 12/31/26) so much more! & getaways - WNY life - area food & drink - people to know - homeand & garden - daytrips architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture - food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture food & drink - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining Order, ordrink visit BuffaloSpree.com guideTo - style & livingCall - area716-972-2230 architecture - food & - people to know - home & garden - daytrips & getaways - WNY life - area architecture - what’s new - movers & shakers - local events calendar - since 1967 - WNY neighborhoods - restaurant reviews - arts & entertainment - regional attractions - dining guide - style & living - area architecture -
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been learning to see Judaism and Israel through new and different perspectives. When I plan holidays, programs, and activities for students, I often find myself rethinking traditions and ideas that I’ve known my entire life. Things that seem natural or familiar to me in Israel can look very different here. Finding creative ways to share those experiences with students, while also learning from their perspectives, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Hillel.
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CELEBRATES WNY’S
And while I’m excited to experience my first American Thanksgiving, there’s one more Buffalo experience I’m looking forward to: my first REAL winter! Coming from Israel, I have a feeling I have no idea what I’m in for. This Thanksgiving, I’ll be celebrating the wonderful people I’ve met, the community that has welcomed me, and all the new experiences still ahead of me. I can’t wait to experience this special holiday for the first time! Levi Fichman is the 2026–2028 Israel Fellow at Hillel of Buffalo. He can be reached at israelfellow@hillelofbuffalo.org.
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November 2026 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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