»
The Award Winning
Am Yisrael Chai!
NOVEMBER 2023 | CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5784
BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG
( PG 4 )
DON’T MISS: HRC is now HERO (6)
INSIDE:
Challah Prince (7)
LOOK:
Meet Regina ( 11 )
WHAT’S INSIDE...
November 2023 The Award Winning
Editor’s Note
»
Am Yisrael Chai!
On The Cover
BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG
NOVEMBER 2023 | CHESHVAN-KISLEV 5784
Published by
Buffalo Jewish Federation 338 Harris Hill Rd., Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 716-463-5050 www.buffalojewishfederation.org
CEO/Executive Director..........................................................................................Rob Goldberg President..........................................................................................................................Margie Bryen Editor....................................................................................................................... Ellen S. Goldstein Chief Creative Officer ................................................................................................... Jill Komm
The Buffalo Jewish Federation Is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America and the American Jewish Press Association
( PG 4 )
PAID
PRESORTED STD U.S. POSTAGE
2 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2023
BUFFALO, NY PERMIT NO. 4348
Ellen Goldstein - Editor
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
It’s early July 2006. I’m sitting on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel with two extraordinary Buffalo leaders, Holly Levy and Judy Katzenelson Brownstein. Our flight from Odessa has just landed, and we, along with other Jewish leaders on a JFNA Mission, are waiting to get off the plane. The captain comes on the loudspeaker and announces that a war between Israel and Lebanon was just declared that morning and we will be shortly deplaning into a nation at war. We are shocked and stunned. Some passengers begin to cry and shout while others begin to pray. We slowly pull ourselves together, gather our luggage and get off into a place and time we have never been before. A war. Seventeen years ago, our group from America was able to stay safe, and we traveled to see parts of Israel’s south instead of the planned itinerary in the north. We were then able to go back to Buffalo several days later, but changed by our experience, and not for the better. Here we are once again with Israel at war. And this time much worse, and with grandmothers, infants, school children, and civilians, paying the ultimate price for this millennia-long hate. This war between Israel and Hamas began as we were working on this issue of The Journal. Today we are coming together as a North American Jewish community and also as a world-wide Jewish community. We are shocked, stunned, but we are also wiser. We know our Israeli family is counting on us to help them survive. And so we will do what we must to help them- and us- survive. Most important right now is helping to raise money for all segments of the Israel population. Before you do anything else, please turn to page 4, read the story about Buffalo’s vigil for Israel on October 9 and the JFNA Campaign to support Israel. Either scan the QR code to make a critical gift, go to jfeds.org/ israelfund2023, or call our Federation office at 716-463-5050. Please make your gift today in whatever amount you can afford, because our worldwide Jewish community can’t afford to fail our Israeli family. Am Yisrael Chai!
Local buildings and landmarks lit up blue and white for Israel: (from left- clockwise) Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo City Hall, Old Erie County Hall, Niagara Falls, Erie DON’T MISS: INSIDE: LOOK: Challah Prince Meet Regina HRC is now HERO County Medical Center. (7) ( 11 ) (6) Buffalo Jewish Federation 338 Harris Hill Rd. – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221
Ellen Goldstein, Editor
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President.............................................................................................Sharon C. Levite Vice President/Chief Revenue Officer.................................... Barbara E. Macks Vice President/Administrative & Finance........................... Michele Ferguson
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A Message from Federation
Publisher........................................................................Barbara E. Macks
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Buffalo Stands with Israel!
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JCRC Meets with Gov. Hochul’s Team
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The New HERO in our Midst By Wendy Weisbrot & Lauren Bloomberg
ART, EDITORIAL, & PRODUCTION Executive Editor..............................................................................Sabrina Kahwaty Creative Director........................................................................Jean-Pierre Thimot Lead Designer.....................................................................................Kimberly Miers Senior Graphic Designers................................ Josh Flanigan, Nicholas Vitello Graphic Designers................................... Rachel Kaznica, Taramarie Mitravich
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The Challah Prince Comes to Buffalo 12/10
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Addressing antisemitism
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Federation & Foundation Annual Meeting 12/6
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Clergy Column: Rabbi - Cantor Penny S. Meyers
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LiNK: Welcome Regina Misercola
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12-13 Moments Like These: 2024 Kickoff Event! 14
Workmen’s Circle Cemetery: A Special Niche
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Foundation Leaders Address Planned Giving Group
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NEW: Jewish Community Film and Video Archive
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LIFE & LEGACY®: Year Two Gathering
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JFS Town Hall on Mental Health & Disability By Todd Geise
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Temple Beth Tzedek Events
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JCC: People of the Book & JRT
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Reverse Tashlich at Unity Island Park
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Hillel in the Community The Shirt Off My Back By Rabbi Alex Lazarus- Klein
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Special Advertising Section: Happy Thanksgiving
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CRS: One Community/ One School
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Special Advertising Section: Dining Guide
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5 Things You Can Do in November to Repair the World Where in Jewish BFLO?
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Organizations & Synagogues Listings
30-31 In Loving Memory: Janet Wisbaum 36
Not the Last Word By Zelda Abramovich
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A MESSAGE FROM FEDERATION
We are Grateful!
immediately realized that our volunteer-professional collegial culture that we enjoy would become critical for making the needed improvements happen faster and with a better ultimate result by working together. We are grateful that we enjoy this unique and productive relationship between our many volunteer leaders and our staff.
BY MARJORIE BRYEN AND MIRIAM ABRAMOVICH Happy Thanksgiving to you, our dear readers, and your families. For many, this is a season to think about and express all that we are grateful for in our lives. However, when you are in the business of working with exceptionally generous people, expressing gratitude is a daily practice, and an especially important one. At the Buffalo Jewish Federation, we thank people for their generosity and their time in a myriad of ways — with handwritten cards, emails, or thoughtful texts; with phone calls or by sending flowers, cookies, or bottles of wine. We extend invitations to our homes, to special dinners at a favorite spot, or to participate in events or trips. And we’re always trying to think about what would be most meaningful for the recipient. The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat hatov, which literally means, “recognizing the good.” Every day we think about how best to recognize all those individuals and families who do so much good for Jewish Buffalo. But, at times, it just doesn’t feel like enough. Sometimes, we want to do more, say more … share more about what we feel grateful for. We decided to write this article together, back in September, as an additional way to share our gratitude for a few things that often go unsaid. However, right before we had to submit this piece to production, our world was turned upside down by the devastating terrorist incursions into our beloved Israel. Our hearts were torn apart and ached for every family impacted. For so many of us this was personal; friends and family members with loved ones who were murdered, injured or captured. The horrors have been beyond comprehension. Over the last weeks we have mourned, processed, prayed, educated, helped, and tried to reconcile how to feel grateful. It is in times like this, when community can be of the utmost importance. We are grateful that we are part of a small but mighty Jewish Buffalo where Jews and friends come together to support each other even during the most trying of times. We want to call out the good: to know that we can come together with others who share our pain and fear, to give and to get comfort, to mobilize a response, to feel less alone, for these things for our community, we are grateful. And now ‘back to our regularly scheduled Thanksgiving article!
GRATITUDE FOR FAMILY
GRATITUDE FOR SUSTAINING DONORS The Buffalo Jewish Federation was established 120 years ago. Historically our function, like all Federations, was primarily to raise and distribute funds to organizations that did the work on the ground of enhancing the wellbeing of Jews locally and worldwide. But today many Federations, like ours, have evolved to include another core function: building community and strengthening its functionality. Even as our evolution in functions has expanded, the heartbeat of the Buffalo Jewish Federation has always been our donors. Our community would not be here and flourishing without the generous and sustaining philanthropy of many hundreds of individuals, families, and local businesses. In particular, there have been several dozen donors who have been generous to the point of becoming pillars of Jewish Buffalo. We stand on their shoulders with pride and humility. One of the special things about Buffalo, the city of good neighbors, is the size of the community. It’s a big enough area to offer rich cultural experiences, outstanding educational opportunities, professional sports teams, a growing job market and a diverse population, while being small enough to be noticed and to make a difference. We depend on our Buffalo Jewish Federation donors to make a difference in our community. Each year in March, the Federation prints an Honor Roll here in the Jewish Journal to “call
FEDERATION
out the good” work of these donors. In addition, all year long we try to thank them in ways noted above, but to all our donors, those who have been giving for just a few years or those who have been giving for a lifetime, we thank you. Thank you for helping support Jews around the globe. Thank you for helping us ensure our teens feel trained and prepared to confront the world in front of them, thank you for helping us honor and support Holocaust Survivors, thank you for helping us send free books into the homes of families raising Jewish children, thank you for helping us invest in relationships with fellow Buffalonians across faith and cultural aisles, and thank you for helping us support our organizational and agency partners, strengthening the fabric of community, and inspiring individuals to access Jewish tradition in powerful and transformative ways.
GRATITUDE FOR PARTNERSHIPS One of the unique elements of non-profit management, which sets it apart from running a forprofit business, is the relationship between agency employees and volunteer leaders. This work is often a striking example of balance, and partnership. We, Margie, and Miriam, for example, are often in daily communication about the strategic vision and operations of the Buffalo Jewish Federation. We exchange ideas, wrestle with challenging problems and puzzles; we challenge one another, motivate one another, and support one another. And the same is the case for all the other dyads and triads of professional and volunteer partners, in all areas of work at the Buffalo Jewish Federation. These are extraordinary teams of people, and we do not often thank them for their efforts. The other day we were talking about one of the operational improvement projects that we are embarking on for Federation this year. We both
One of the many wonderful things about the fabric of our Jewish Buffalo is that we each come to this community with a distinct perspective. Some of us were born into Judaism, others of us have chosen this faith and/or this community. We both have different stories as to how we are here today in Buffalo making a difference. Miriam and her husband, Sam, have chosen to make their home here thanks to UB bringing them to town a decade ago. Margie grew up here and returned “home” to help her family out also about ten years ago. Both of us share a love for Jewish Buffalo and have made a family here in this community. However, we are all a family, bound by deep and strong roots. So however you came to be a part of Jewish Buffalo, we thank you for being a part of our extended family both here in Buffalo, and the family of Jews across the globe. Thank you for showing up, for giving of your time and resources and for reading this article. As you each gather around your respective Thanksgiving tables later this month, please take a moment to be thankful for our community and pray for the continued safety of our extended family in Israel. And we hope that you can take a moment to remember that WE are thankful to you. Margie Bryen is President and Miriam Abramovich is Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo Jewish Federation.
November 2023 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
ISRAEL EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN
Buffalo Stands with Israel
This war is unlike any before. And so are the needs. The North American network of Jewish Communities and Organizations have set a goal to raise $500 Million to provide humanitarian relief for Israel during this critical time. Funds will be used for Victims of Terror, Trauma Relief and Psychosocial Care, Emergency Medical Services and Healthcare, Evacuations, and more.
On Monday, October 9, hundreds of people gathered at the JCC in Getzville and many more via live-stream to stand in solidarity with Israel. Led by Buffalo Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center and the Board of Rabbis and Cantors, the event was originally planned to be held indoors but was moved outside to accommodate the crowd. What began as a cold and rainy evening quickly transformed into a moment of hope when a double rainbow appeared over the American and Israeli flags as soon as Cantor Mark Horowitz sang Hinei Ma Tov.
Israel needs you. Please give generously. jfeds.org/israelfund2023
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COMMUNITY
Meeting with Gov. Hochul’s WNY Team JCRC Senior Director Mara KovenGelman recently met with Governor Kathy Hochul’s WNY Executive Chamber team including Bonnie Kane Lockwood- WNY Regional Director, Quinn Bushen- WNY Representative and Sibu Nair-WNY Asian American deputy director. Quinn and Sibu attended the recent Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Kickoff, representing the Governor, as well as the Israel Solidarity gathering at the JCC on October 9. The Governor recently announced a comprehensive state action to fight antisemitism, including the creation of the New York State AntiHate in Education Center and Annual Convening that will combat hate, and create a safe and inclusive environment. One of JCRC’s priorities is to develop deeper relationships with all legislators. Ms. Lockwood is new to her role as WNY Director but has represented the
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Quinn Bushen, Mara Koven-Gelman, Bonnie Lockwood, Sibu Nair.
Governor in several Jewish community events, including the 2023 Yom HaShoah Commemoration. She is a former Special Project Director to US Representative Brian Higgins and South District Buffalo Councilmember.
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The New HERO in Our Midst BY WENDY WEISBROT & LAUREN BLOOMBERG In 1983, with the unwavering support of the Buffalo Jewish Federation and a dedicated non-sectarian group of founders, Toby Ticktin Back brought the dream of a permanent way of remembering and honoring the survivors and victims of the Holocaust to life, and The Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo (HRC) was established. The HRC is forever grateful and indebted to Toby for her invaluable foresight, vision and iconic leadership that continues to guide and propel us as we honor our mission and take the lessons of the Holocaust forward. Innovative programming and our many partnerships in the community have allowed us to fulfill our mission of teaching the lessons of the Holocaust, remember the survivors and victims and promote social justice, civic responsibility and human rights. Honoring our survivors has always been and will continue to be at the core of HRC. Through engaging programs, meal deliveries and partnerships with the JCC and JFS, our survivors hold a place in our community and are given love, respect, and dignity. Our Speakers Bureau provides our survivors with the opportunity to share their family story and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. As our precious survivors age and are no longer able to speak in classrooms and the community, their recorded videos and testimonies are an invaluable resource. We are fortunate to have a dedicated Descendants group that consists of second and third generation survivors. These committed individuals meet monthly for programs and discussions. Presently, we have ten descendants who have devoted their time to become trained members of our Speakers Bureau, sharing their family stories and messages with students and the community. Last year, our Speakers Bureau reached over 10,000 people through inperson and virtual presentations in classrooms, community programs and in businesses and organizations through their Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives (DEI). Our programming has significantly evolved to include our annual Educators Conference
that features national speakers on the most current trends and practices in Holocaust education. Our Arts and Writing contest engages middle and high school students throughout WNY. Our Sophia Veffer Upstander Awards recognize individuals who have stood up for others and have made a difference in our community by promoting justice and equality. Our signature community events include the Kristallnacht Commemoration, UN Holocaust Remembrance Day programming and Yom HaShoah Commemoration that give us the opportunity to honor and educate while making relevant connections to our future. All of the programming engages both the Jewish and the WNY communities, offering our resources to educate and inform about the Holocaust. As we celebrate the HRC’s 40th anniversary, we must also recognize that the world, our nation and our community have changed, and we have new challenges. Globally and in the US, antisemitic incidents and hate crimes have surged to historic levels. Conspiracy theories, misinformation and Holocaust deniers are undermining the truth as social media amplify their agendas. Our education and outreach are now critical. Through our numerous relationships and partnerships with other Holocaust organizations and associations we have learned that traditional forms of Holocaust education and the ability to reach greater audiences and communities must be continually evolving. With much gratitude to the Jewish Buffalo Archives
housed at UB, we do not have the need for a physical space. Our essential place is being firmly immersed in our community; reaching out and being accessible to meet people and organizations in their space to preserve the legacy of the Holocaust while empowering our community to help create a more just and equitable world. Consequently, the need to have a name that more accurately reflects who we are is imperative to taking our mission forward. We are proud to share that the name of The Holocaust Resource Center will transition to the Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO), emphasizing our importance in providing education and resources to our community. Our purpose and mission in which we were founded will remain the same, with the minor addition of acknowledging our crucial role in inspiring future generations to take positive action as reflected in our mission statement: • Remember the Survivors and Victims • Teach the lessons of the Holocaust • Empower future generations to take action With the rising rates of antisemitism and the escalation of incidents of hatred, it is more important than ever for future generations to learn about the Holocaust and use the lessons learned to be a voice in the community against intolerance. Wendy Weisbrot is the Chair of the HERO Council and Lauren Bloomberg is HERO’s Director.
Update on the HERO Community Mural The mural of Righteous Among Nations Hungarian heroes Dr. Clara Ambrus, Tibor Baranski and Sister Margit Slachta that will be painted on the eastern wall of the Research Studies Center Auditorium at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute will now be unveiled in May 2024. The mural is made possible through the generosity of our partners Senator Tim Kennedy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute, The Noble Family Charitable Foundation, The Ambrus Family, The Baranski/Forgach family and other generous community donors. For more information on the project, please contact Lauren Bloomberg (lauren@buffalojewishfederation.org). 6 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2023
COMMUNITY
The Challah Prince Comes to Buffalo Join the Challah Prince, Idan Chabasov, as he leads a challah braiding demonstration themed around Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10 at 2 pm at Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave. Sponsored by Women’s Philanthropy of the Buffalo Jewish Federation, participants will hear Idan’s personal story, learn new and challenging braiding skills, and go home with a beautiful, ready to bake, Challah. Born and raised in Tel Aviv and now back in Israel after spending 7 years in Berlin, Germany, Idan is an artist with a background in professional dancing, video production, animation, and PR in the lifestyle-industry. Idan now sees his mission to bring art into the baking world, and to demonstrate the beauty of every single piece of Challah. Idan has been baking this traditional Jewish bread for years for friends and family, and in the process discovered a world of beauty, spirituality, and personal growth. But the hobby remained a hobby, until one evening in January 2020. After a breathing and meditation session, Idan spontaneously created the “Challah Prince.” There were no great intentions behind the “Challah
Challah Prince Idan Chabasov
Prince,” but rather an artistic outlet that allowed Idan to combine his drive for the creative process with his versatile identities. What started as a small Instagram account became an ever-growing community of art, creativity, positivity, and deliciousness, and now boasts over 349,000 followers. The Challah Prince is well on his way to spreading this delicious masterpiece to every corner of the world. Registration is now open for the event at bit.ly/challahprince716. General admission is $36. For a special reception with The Challah Prince at 1:30 pm and priority seating, the cost is $72 (limited to the first 32 RSVPs). If you have any questions, please contact Robin Kurss at robin@ buffalojewishfederation.org.
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November 2023 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
Addressing antisemitism Antisemitism and hate of all forms have surged in recent years, highlighting the critical need to improve the tracking of, response to, and prevention of hate crimes, white supremacist violence, and the spread of online hate. The Buffalo Jewish Federation addresses antisemitism throughout Western NY through education, fostering relationships, and skill building to give individuals confidence to recognize, confront and call out hate. Last spring, LiNK Jewish Buffalo gathered over 90 adults and teens to talk about antisemitism. During this gathering, we explored the history and definition of antisemitism and how to address it in our workplaces, on social media, through our relationships, and in conversation with our children. Antisemitism is not going away. Adults, teens and children continue to report these incidents and acts of microaggression that are directly related to antisemitism. In addition, individuals
Volunteers gathered last December at the PJ Library Hanukkah event addressing antisemitism.
report being fearful of being targets of racism and being “cancelled” when they consistently participate in Jewish events. Based on this feedback, the Buffalo Jewish Federation has committed to continuing to explore issues of coping
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with and confronting antisemitism in our programming. This includes creating safe spaces for families to share their traditions and cultures with one another, training teens as part of the Student to Student® program to share their Jewish identity with peers who attend schools
that have a predominantly non-Jewish population and creating an internal incident response team within the Federation to respond to antisemitic incidents. In December of 2023, in partnership with the Community Religious School, we will hold a community event for parents and children in grades 5-7 [separately but simultaneously] that will explore in depth the following topics: • How do we process and address incidents and experiences of antisemitism? • How can we recognize hateful ideology? • How can we serve as upstanders, by not tolerating, perpetuating, or exacerbating behaviors that can lead to antisemitism? The program will include sessions for parents led by a clinical mental health professional who will facilitate critical conversations about antisemitism, offer role play opportunities, and provide case studies to help parents understand how to help their children address the questions above in an ageappropriate way. For students, sessions will be co-led by Student to Student® facilitators who will share their personal experiences combatting antisemitism. A clinical social worker will also be on site to help create a safe space for children to process incidents of antisemitism they have experienced. The program will culminate in an experience for parents and children to come together to combat hate. This event is open to all of Jewish Buffalo, and more details will be forthcoming. For more information, contact Mike Steklof, Senior Director of LiNK Jewish Buffalo, at mike@ buffalojewishfederation.org.
COMMUNITY
JCRC attends re-dedication of Hindu Cultural Society of WNY temple
PPG Workshop and JCRC
Sibu Nair, Mara Koven-Gelman, Prachee Samant, Bharathy Ravi, both leaders of the Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI), and Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein.
Mara Koven-Gelman and Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein were honored to represent the Jewish community at the recent re-dedication of the Hindu Cultural Society of WNY. The site was closed for two years after a fire and water caused much damage in the main communal space. Ringing of bells, sprinkling of pure water, and hosting a communal meal was part of the re-dedication. There are about 20,000 people who practice the Hindu faith in Greater Buffalo.
Deborah Cohen, Rachel Beerman and Mara Koven-Gelman participated at a recent Partnership for Public Good (PPG) workshop on how the Buffalo Common Council works so citizens can feel confident in making one’s voice hear in council chambers. To learn more about this recently published guide, visit ppgbuffalo.org or contact mara@buffalojewishfederation.org.
November 2023 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
CLERGY COLUMN
Make no mistake, this is war. BY RABBI - CANTOR PENNY S. MYERS “When the terrorists put down their weapons there will be peace in Israel. When Israelis stop fighting terrorists, there will be no Israel.” The battle in Israel, after the barbaric attack over Shabbat and Simchat Torah on October 7, evokes images of the Holocaust and the cries of “Never Again”. But as opposed to the Shoah, this time we are fully aware, updated in real time, as we watch the murderous campaign waged upon our homeland and people. By a simple click on our phones, we see sickening atrocities of people murdered, taken hostage, being ripped from arms of loved ones. We are bearing witness to the slaughtering of innocent people. Some are sabras (those born in Israel), and many others made Aliyah, and came to experience the magic and wonder of our home, Israel. There are no words sufficient in our lexicon to describe what we are feeling and thinking as we helplessly watch the annihilations happening to our people. I offer this Torah, these sage words of Israel’s matriarch, Golda Meir, z”l, and as I
do, I suggest that as Jews, because we are often lumped into an antisemitic category by terrorists and white supremacists, I altered nouns of these quoted texts to reflect the respect I have for our peaceful Arab friends. “We can forgive the terrorists (‘Arabs’) for killing our children. We cannot forgive
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them for forcing us to kill their children. We will only have peace with the terrorists (‘Arabs’) when they love their children more than they hate us”. What can we do? We will do as we always have done; we will endure so that our home and people will survive. Because as Jews, we have no choice but to defend ourselves for the sake of Israel. It is because of our fiercely unending loyalty, and support we have for our collective home and birthright: Israel is our country, our tiny sliver of desert, surrounded by countries who refuse to acknowledge it as ours, and whether we are here or in Israel we will stop at nothing to protect Her. She, Israel, is ours. On that subject Meir goes on to say: “It was not as if there were a Palestinian people in Palestine and we came and threw them out and took their country away from them. They did not exist.”
So, we ask, who are they? Hamas.(noun) meaning: VIOLENCE. The tiny font above is intentional. Consider it symbolic as there is and, Hashem willing, will be no more space in our future world for these murderers and terrorists. We will not give parity to inhumane animals, as they deserve no room in our world, both in the United States and Israel. Arm in arm, hand in hand, we will continue to stand for Israel. May Hashem, our rock and redeemer, watch over and protect our beloved Israel.
Am Yisrael Chai. Rabbi–Hazzan Penny S. Myers is Regional Chair of Great Lakes and Rivers Region of Cantors Assembly, and Director of B’nei Mitzvah program, Temple Beth El, Rochester NY.
COMMUNITY
Welcome Regina Misercola, New LiNK Manager of Jewish Experience Regina Misercola, a recent graduate of Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), has been appointed Manager of Jewish Experience at LiNK Jewish Buffalo overseeing the Buffalo Jewish Teen Initiative and Young Adult Engagement efforts. Regina already has a Buffalo connection as her grandmother and uncle reside in Williamsville. During her time at SCSU, Regina was deeply involved in Jewish Life ultimately becoming a student leader at Hillel and upon graduation an advisor. Outside of Hillel, Regina was involved on campus working with the school’s administration to combat antisemitism and creating a successful student philanthropy campaign in partnership with the Office of Annual Giving. Regina is excited to build relationships with young adults and teens throughout Jewish Buffalo and create extraordinary Jewish living and learning experiences that will help them thrive. Regina would love to connect with you. She can be reached at regina@buffalojewishfederation.org.
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November 2023 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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Moments Like These! Federation Kickoff 2024 On September 20, over 450 people gathered to celebrate Jewish Buffalo at the Federation Annual Kickoff event. We paid tribute to Gary Greenfield with the Nathan Benderson Community Service Award and Randi Morkisz with the Judith and Daniel Kantor Professional Service Award and were moved by a touching documentary created by Brenda Feldstein showcasing stories of three Jewish Buffalonians who have been impacted by the Federation. Visit youtube.com/jewishbuffalo to watch “It’s Moments Like This: Meet Melinda, Zelda and Frank”. If you were not able to join us, please consider making a gift to the 2024 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo at buffalojewishfederation.org/2024-pledge.
12 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2023
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November 2023 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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Happy Thanksgiving Workmen’s Circle Cemetery: A Special Niche
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The Workmen’s Circle Cemetery of Buffalo was formed on December 23, 1918. Situated on Pine Ridge Road in Cheektowaga, the Workmen’s Circle cemetery has been serving Workmen’s Circle members and other Jewish individuals for 105 years. Managed by a Buffalo-based Independent Board of trustees since its creation, the cemetery fit a special niche for the early 20th century immigrants who were Jewish spiritually but unreligious in practice, and who did not want to be buried in non-Jewish cemeteries. Toward the end of the 19th century, Jewish emigration from Eastern Europe to the United States reached explosive
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proportions. Many of the newly-arrived immigrants had made great sacrifices and endured many hardships to reach the United States, a land where they thought they would be welcome and have opportunities that were denied to them in their homelands. When they arrived, many were shocked by what greeted them in America: a land of freedom and opportunity to be sure, but one, too, of exploitative labor practices, blighted and overcrowded tenements, ethnic rivalries, and the daunting job of assimilating into an unfamiliar culture. The newcomers recognized the importance of facing these challenges with a unified front, and of keeping traditional and deeply held Jewish values of community and social justice alive. So, a convocation of progressive-minded, Yiddish speaking Jewish immigrants gathered in 1900 to found Der Arbeter Ring, Yiddish for “the Workmen’s Circle.” Initially Workmen’s Circle acted as a mutual aid society, helping its members to adapt to their new life in America. It provided life insurance, unemployment relief, healthcare, social interaction, credit unions, burial assistance and general education through its branches throughout the US as well as through its national office. If you are looking for burial space, you can email Keith Bookbinder at kbooky238@gmail.com.
COMMUNITY
Foundation Leaders Address WNY Planned Giving Consortium On September 12, the Western New York Planned Giving Consortium gathered at the Saturn Club and heard from Foundation leaders Lisa J. Allen and Irv Levy on “Why a Donor Comes to Us.” The event commenced with opening remarks by Linda A. Kahn, Consortium Board Member, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on planned giving and its profound impact on the world of philanthropy. Lisa and Irv delved into the myriad of factors that inspire individuals, couples, and families to embrace philanthropy. Their presentation also highlighted creative and effective strategies employed by donors to fulfill their charitable aspirations. The Western New York Planned Giving Consortium is a collaborative effort between non-profit organizations and estate and financial planning professionals in the shared mission of promoting
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philanthropy. Together, they share best practices for channeling gifts to charitable organizations through wills and estate plans. The Foundation extends its gratitude to all who attended, fostering a spirit of
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philanthropy that continues to shape the future of our community. For inquiries and further information, please contact Lorne Steinhart at 716-2041133 or Lorne@jewishphilanthropies.org.
COMMUNITY
The New Buffalo Jewish Community Film and Video Archive Rich Newberg, retired Senior Correspondent with WIVB, has created a moving image history of Jewish Buffalo consisting of documentaries, series pieces and individual reports housed at the Jewish Community Center. “I’m so grateful to the JCC, WIVB-TV, and its General Manager Joe Abouzeid, for allowing me to share this collection with the Jewish community of Western New York,” said Rich. “Putting it together was truly a labor of love. My hope is that new generations of students will view this moving image history with great interest.” Rich began working at the CBS affiliate in Buffalo in 1978 and retired from nightly news reporting in 2015. During his thirty-seven years at Buffalo’s first television station, Rich produced and hosted groundbreaking documentaries on local Holocaust survivors who settled in Western New York. The half hour documentary Survivors of the Holocaust was presented on WIVB-TV on April 10, 1983. The documentary was distributed nationally by the Anti-Defamation League and served as a teaching tool in Buffalo public schools. “I believe the lessons we can learn from local Holocaust survivors are perhaps most important of all,” Rich remarked. “Hearing their stories firsthand and producing them for a television audience helped me come to grips with history’s darkest chapter.” Following the broadcast, Rich and photojournalist Dan Summerville traveled with a Buffalo delegation of survivors attending The American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors in Washington, DC. Rich reported live from the event where thousands of Holocaust survivors shared stories, were reunited with childhood friends from Europe, and were given the opportunity to search through a data base listing the fate of those who suffered under Nazi tyranny. His essay, “A Newsman Views The Gathering,” is included in the commemorative documentary album “From Holocaust To New Life.” Rich interviewed the late Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel on several occasions, including his Faith in Humankind tribute to righteous gentiles who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Tibor Baranski, who settled in Western New York after World War II, was among them. Honored as a “Righteous Among
taken to the gas chambers and ovens in Birkenau. Lost Childhood: The Story of the Birkenau Boys received two New York Emmy Awards for Historical Programming and Documentary Photography. The program was also distributed nationally by Churchill Media and is currently in the video collections at Yad Vashem and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. In addition to covering Buffalo’s survivor community, Rich reported on many joyful Jewish events which he included in his collection now appearing on the website of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo. “There are many upbeat stories,” said Rich, “that include wonderful family reunions of shtetl descendants, as well as the contributions of outstanding Jewish artists, journalists, playwrights and scientists whose Buffalo legacies will live on forever.”
Rich received the Toby Tickten Back Award from the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo, which made him a board member for life. His work was recognized by the National Conference of Christians and Jews and later by the National Conference for Community and Justice. Rich, along with fellow Buffalo broadcast journalists Rich Kellman and the late Irv Weinstein, were honored by the American Jewish Committee in Buffalo for “exemplifying the finest traditions of their heritage through their dedicated service to the community.” Lori (Levin) Newberg served as a Sunday School art teacher at Temple Beth El. Lori and Rich were honored by the congregation for what they gave of themselves to their temple and to the greater Buffalo community. Lori’s creation of a post 9/11 Faith Club was featured in a CBS Sunday Morning report on community efforts throughout the country to bring Jewish, Christian, and Muslim women together to foster a greater understanding of each other’s faiths. Lori’s sister, Sandy Saada, served as a former Executive Director of the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo.
Top: Elie Weisel and Rich Newberg. Above: Graphic design for The Birkenau Boys story Lost Childhood.
the Nations” by Yad Vashem, Baranski is credited with saving more than three thousand Hungarian Jewish women, men and children and will be remembered along with two other heroes who called WNY home this spring (see page 6 for details). During an extraordinary period when Holocaust survivors began publicly relating their experiences, Rich traveled with local delegations to gatherings in New York and Philadelphia, as well as documenting local yearly Yom HaShoah commemorations. Rich and his wife Lori chaired two of these “Day of Remembrance” ceremonies featuring Sara Bloomfield, director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Ann Weiss, author of The Last Album: Eyes from the Ashes of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In 1994, Rich and photojournalist Mike Mombrea Jr. accompanied the late survivor Henry Silberstern during a European reunion of his fellow “Birkenau Boys.” They were a group of eighty-nine teenage boys who survived the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps. The boys had been transported there from Terezin with their families. Many of their loved ones were November 2023 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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LIFE & LEGACY® at Buffalo Celebrating Year Two “As my forefathers planted these carob trees for me so I too plant these for my children.” — Talmud (Ta’anis 23b)
Total Legacy Commitments Received: 428 Total dollar amount: $12,7000,000 Total Number of Donors: 246
On August 20, Congregation Shir Shalom hosted hundreds of supporters to recognize a successful Year 2 of the LIFE & LEGACY® at Buffalo initiative. Jewish Buffalo came together as one united community through the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies’ partnership with Buffalo Jewish Federation and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All 11 LIFE & LEGACY® at Buffalo participating organizations were honored during a candle lighting ceremony represented by leaders of each organization. Each lit a candle, symbolizing the passing of traditions and values to future generations – the continuation of legacy. Candle lighters and their representative organizations included the following:
Through 10/2/2023
LIFE & LEGACY® is a partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that promotes after-lifetime giving to benefit Jewish synagogues and organizations. Legacy giving ensures that you will be remembered by those who directly benefit from your generosity as well as those who will be inspired by your example for future generations. In 2021, the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Buffalo Jewish Federation, was selected to join more than 70 other communities across North America in this Jewish legacy giving initiative. To-date, the initiative has secured more than 30,000 permanently endowed commitments amounting to more than $1 Billion. The four-year LIFE & LEGACY® program provides coaching, training, and resources to ensure that a culture of philanthropy and legacy giving becomes an integral part of the Buffalo Jewish community. Together, the Foundation and Federation are committed to helping secure the future of Jewish Buffalo. Each month, please visit this LIFE & LEGACY® @ Buffalo section to learn about the local agencies and synagogues partnering in this effort. For more information, please contact Linda Barat, LIFE & LEGACY® Coordinator for the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies at linda@jewishphilanthropies.org or 716-204-2259. 18 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2023
Buffalo Jewish Federation – Ellen Weiss Center for Jewish Life – Rabbi Laizer & Chani Labkovski Congregation Shir Shalom – Craig Small Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies – Rick Steinberg Hillel of Buffalo – Iris Danziger & Jeff Clark Jewish Community Center – Sue Freed & Sheryl Schechter Jewish Discovery Center – Sandy Schechter Jewish Family Services – Dan Kester Kadimah Scholars – Jonathan Epstein Temple Beth Tzedek – Marcia Goldstein Temple Beth Zion – Ken Polk
COMMUNITY
A Town Hall: Conversations About Mental Health & Physical Disability BY TODD GEISE Recently, I had an eye-opening opportunity to speak with a few individuals in preparation for A Town Hall: Conversations About Mental Health & Physical Disability. JFS is proudly co-sponsoring this event Sunday, November 12 at Congregation Shir Shalom from 11 am to noon. The United States has 331.9 million people and is the third most populous country in a world of 8.1 billion. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (cdc.gov), it is estimated that 25% of the US population live with some type of disability. The range of disabilities includes cognitive and mobility as the largest proportions, but also includes those with vision, hearing, and self-care. It seems reasonable to ask: If 1 in 4 people are living with a type of disability, a very large portion, then how can we allow the perpetuation of stereotypes and stigma? Glenn Goldman, Founder of First Person Advocacy, is the organizer of the Town Hall and we have spent some time together talking at length about his own story that includes being diagnosed with two disabilities as a young adult. The details of his story are his to tell, but he is inspirational. He successfully obtained an associate degree from Erie Community College in 1992. He then pursued and obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University at Buffalo in 1995. When asked about what his driving force was behind pursuing his education, he stated simply, “I wanted a degree.” His idea to hold the Town Hall stems from a decision he made at age 45 to leave the naysayers behind and live every day to the fullest; to focus on mindfulness and wellness. And through his work as an advocate for those with disabilities, do his part to address all of the hatred that exists in this world. His primary goal is to get people to start to think about how to treat people who are different from themselves. In his words, “be kind and be nice.” BJ Stasio, an advocate at the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, is married and has received many awards throughout his life. His physical disability empowers him. Our
conversation was brief and to the point. To him, “every person with a disability should have a seat at the table.” He said, “you are different based on someone else’s definition, and as that definition is a perception, it’s not reality.” Both Glenn and BJ will be panelists for the town hall event along with Jake Moskal, Manager of Career Services at Jewish Family Services. Jake’s career in the vocational sector includes working with individuals with disabilities. He is mindful of those born with mental health and physical disabilities but is quick to remind that often, these characteristics come about later on in someone’s life. That sometimes, a latent mental health issue can present itself or an accident can change someone’s life from what was once a life driven by physical activity to a life that needs to be completely transformed into one that includes significant reductions in mobility. New lives and means of support need to be developed in these cases. Whether someone is born with a disability, or it is acquired later in life, the goal of the Town Hall is to bring awareness and have meaningful conversations. This goal is crucial to breaking down the barriers that 25% of the country’s population face each day. A Town Hall: Conversations about Mental Health & Physical Disability is free to the public with no advance registration required. If attending the Women of Shir Shalom Rummage Sale, patrons are encouraged to come by the event after to learn and enjoy light refreshments at its conclusion. For additional information, please contact Glenn Goldman at ggoldman@ ggoldmanfirstperson.com. To learn more about First Person Advocacy, please visit firstpersonadvocacy.com Todd Geise is Director of Marketing with Jewish Family Services of Western New York.
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TBT Honors Leaders, Offers Classes This Fall, Rabbi Sara Rich will be offering a new healing service and classes for adults at Temple Beth Tzedek: A Healing Service will be held every Wednesday evening at 6 pm. Beginning with the daily prayer service, followed by Psalms and Prayers for Healing for ourselves and loved ones in need of healing. This will be in person at TBT (1641 N. Forest Rd., Williamsville). Jewish Choices in Eating: This class will explore traditional Jewish dietary law as well as contemporary issues related to kashrut in the synagogue and the home. In-person at TBT from 4:456 pm on Sunday, Nov. 5. & 12. Lunchtime Torah Express: Bring your favorite Torah commentary as we study the weekly parsha together on Zoom. Tuesdays from 12-12:30 pm. A one-time preregistration is required at www.bit.ly/tbtexpress.
Capping off a joyous High Holy Day and Sukkot festival season, Temple Beth Tzedek customarily honors two distinguished members with special Aliyot on Simchat Torah. This year, Steve Jacobs was honored as Chatan Torah (bridegroom of the Torah, for the Aliyah of completing the reading of the Torah) and Myra Werbow as Kallah B’reishit (bride of B’reishit, for the Aliyah of renewing the reading of the Torah with the book of B’reishit/Genesis).
Steve Jacobs is a native Buffalonian married to Sharon Malek. They live in Williamsville where their three children were born and raised. A graduate of Bennett High School and the University at Buffalo, he has been an active member of Temple Beth El, Temple Shaarey Zedek, and Temple Beth Tzedek, serving as a committee member, board member, and officer. In addition, Steve has served as one of the Shabbat Honors Coordinator for many years.
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Myra Werbow was born in New York City and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Educated at Virginia Tech, she married Allen R. Werbow, (z”l), who would later become Executive Director of Temple Shaarey Zedek and of Temple Beth Tzedek. Myra and Allen moved to Buffalo in 1966 and rapidly made Temple life a pillar of their lives, together with their three sons. Myra spent many years as the advisor to our youth programs (USY, Pre-USY, Machar). She has served on committees including Adult Education (including co-chairing), Sisterhood/Women’s Network (including as VP), Judaica Shop, Catering, and many others.
COMMUNITY
JCC People of the Book Fall 2023 Series This Fall the Jewish Community Center presents an exceptional line-up of authors in their PEOPLE OF THE BOOK SPEAKER SERIES, with events continuing through December. In partnership with the Holocaust Resource Center, many of the books included in the series will feature Holocaust-related themes. All the events are $8 except for the Kids program with Rabbi Alex and PJ Library which is free.
November 19
Showcasing local author, Rabbi Alex Lazarus Klein, PJ Library partners with the JCC for a special family event. Rabbi Alex will read stories from his children’s book God’s Final Creation: 12 Stories for 12 Hebrew Months. The book is a collection of stories written to familiarize young kids and families with the Jewish lunar calendar cycle. The event will include fun art activities themed with the book and light snacks.
December 14
Concluding the series is Mindelle Pierce, author of Love with No
their children to present first-hand accounts of the relationships that blossomed in extermination camps, sparking hope in the darkest of times. Mindelle has dedicated over fifteen years of her career to studying and teaching the history of the Holocaust. As a child of Holocaust survivors herself,
she has a personal connection and insight into this history. All events will have books for purchase, and include a light reception. To purchase tickets and view a complete schedule of events visit www.jccbuffalo.org.
Let’s do Lunch at the Tomorrow which includes a foreword by Michael Berenbaum, Founding Director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Love with No Tomorrow shares a spark of light by sharing true love stories of the Holocaust. This heart-wrenching book uses hundreds of hours of interviews with survivors and
JRT Opens 21st Season The Jewish Repertory Theater is honored to open its 21st season with the regional premiere of Sisters In Law by Jonathon Shapiro, based on the New York Times best seller by Linda Hirschman. This keen portrayal of legends Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg tells the story of two polar opposites who just happen to be the first and second women on the US Supreme Court. As they grapple with big questions, the gloves come off, revealing two very different people with a great deal in common. This fascinating production will be directed by noted JRT actor and director Josie DiVincenzo, who also directed last season’s award-winning production of Tuesdays With Morrie and stars Tina Rausa as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Priscilla Young-Anker as Sandra Day O'Connor. Sisters In Law runs from October 29 through November 19, with performances on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the Robert and Maxine Seller Theatre. In addition to these
Daily from Noon to 3 p.m. Choose from the full lunch menu, or our Soup & Salad Buffet Freshly made soups, chopped romaine salad mix and fresh fruit salad. Huge selection of ingredients, toppings & dressings, complemented with garlic bread sticks and fresh rolls.
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$2.00 OFF Lunch with coupon performances, there will be a panel discussion with the cast and Buffalo Legal professionals Wednesday, November 1, at 6:30 pm, as well as a screening of the documentary RBG at 7:30 pm Monday, November 7. For more information on this production, special events, season subscriptions, and ticket sales, please email Adam Yellen at ayellen@jccbuffalo. org or call 716-650-7626.
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KOT Builds for Others Almost 20 members of Kehillat Ohr Tzion joined with volunteers from Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build 10 beds for needy Buffalo children. They spent three hours on a Sunday afternoon participating in this most worthwhile, hands-on social action project.
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COMMUNITY
Jewish Buffalo Gathering for Reverse Tashlich at Unity Island Park On Sunday, September 10, more than 60 people gathered in Buffalo’s Unity Island Park to participate in the Third Annual Reverse Tashlich. Our Buffalo group joined an international cohort of thousands of people who participated in this event created by Tikkun HaYam- Repair the Sea.
Participants of all ages filled tens of bags of garbage and together worked to begin the New Year with a clean slate. This year’s event was hosted by JCRC and PJ Library Buffalo and was
strengthened through the support of many of Jewish Buffalo’s organizational partners, including Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, Hillel of Buffalo, JCC Buffalo, Congregation Beth Abraham, Congregation Shir Shalom, Temple Beth
Zion and Temple Beth Tzedek. We were joined by Rabbi Adam Scheldt, who led participants in a meaningful Jewish learning, Ryan Greer of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeepers who shared information about the ongoing
restoration work in Unity Island Park, and Nicole Chochek from Broken Plastics, who shared about her current community art projects which includes a focus on microplastics in Unity Island Park.
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Life Stories Project The JCC is looking for volunteers with good writing skills for the Life Stories Project, a program based on a life-review process comprising semistructured interviews with individuals from the senior community. This project is a creative way to improve health and quality of life for older adults and to establish a sense of belonging to the community through storytelling. Volunteers will be required to conduct 4-5 interviews per individual and edit the transcript after each session. Each book takes between 30-40 hours over the course of two months. For more details, please contact Gon Erez at Gerez@jccbuffalo.org
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Hillel in the Community
UB students involved with Hillel are great supporters of Jewish Buffalo! This fall they’ve been busy celebrating the Buffalo Jewish Federation, partnering with Jewish Family Services (JFS), and building sukkahs for the holiday of Sukkot. In September, the Federation hosted their annual Kickoff event on University at Buffalo’s campus, and Hillel students flocked to the gala, each wearing a button featuring Hillel’s new logo! Mackenzie Pautler, a freshman who attended the kickoff and has enjoyed participating in numerous Hillel activities, shared, “Everyone is supportive of each other. I’ve made connections with other students…and attended Shabbat services. I’m grateful that Hillel exists and to the people and agencies that support it.” Hillel’s long-standing partnership with JFS continues to thrive. Each week, Hillel and JFS co-host bagel brunch, wellness sessions during Pizza & Learning Thursdays, and opportunities to hang out with therapy dogs during ShaBARK Shalom. For Sukkot, Hillel staff and students showed their passion for Jewish Buffalo by helping to build a sukkah for the Jewish women’s group home, then another at the Amberleigh Senior Living facility. They climbed ladders, drilled nails into wooden planks, hung felt pumpkins, and chatted with other community volunteers. Hillel of Buffalo is honored and grateful to be part of the integrated team of organizations who work together to enhance Jewish Buffalo!
CSS: The Shirt Off My Back BY RABBI ALEX LAZARUS - KLEIN The Haftarah we read on Yom Kippur commands us to: “to share your bread with the hungry, to take the wretched poor into your home; and, when you see the naked, to clothe them “ (Isaiah 58:7). We are a community that prides ourselves in our willingness to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, or in today’s parlance, “to give others the shirts off of our backs.” In honor of the many Western New Yorkers willing to give the shirt off of their backs, here is a poem just for you: This shirt that I have Is weathered and worn Its edges are frayed Its label’s been torn. It’s got grass stains And sweat stains Smells like a yak. But if you asked for it now Babe, I’d give it right off my back. My t-shirt has had Its share of better days. It’s been tossed ‘round And turned ‘round A thousand which ways. Still if you’re doing better You’re OK where you’re at, Then if you wouldn’t mind I’d like my shirt back. Its button’s gone missing Its sleeves are mismatched. On its backside someone Put a butt-ugly patch. I’ve singed it while cooking Turned its threads black But Babe, if you need it I’d give it right off my back.
Buffalo Hillel events with students this fall.
Cause Teslas and Mazdas Picassos, Monets, 20-bedroom homes With a view of the bay, Trips to the Champs Elysees
On your private plane, Won’t compensate For the things we lack. Babe, if I were you, I’d just take This shirt off my back. We’ve forgot what it means To be human, it seems. To collect all these things We don’t even need. To be fancy and formal, Dressed to the nines. To answer okay When we’re not even fine. Look around you, my dear That’s how most of us feel All the time Oh, why do I wear it This old shirt of mine. Should have tossed it perhaps In the trash heap of time. But something in me Won’t give up on it so fast So, it’s there when you need it Whenever you ask.
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Just an old shirt And a ripped one at that But the point is its given From right off my back. Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein serves as rabbi for Congregation Shir Shalom.
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CRS: One Community/ One School
The Community Religious School (CRS) is an inclusive pluralistic program that inspires Jewish identity, literacy, and values. Our Rabbis, educators and role models foster an environment where leadership, lifelong friendships and family connections thrive. CRS serves the students of Temple Beth Tzedek, Temple Beth Zion, Congregation Shir Shalom and unaffiliated families. The Community Religious School (CRS) bustles with energy every Sunday morning! This month, Rabbi Brent Gutmann will be teaching classes on Cyber bullying and will lead a session called “Unplug or Plug In?” Other students will explore our theme for the year M’dor L’dor together with their family members and some will participate in art sessions led
26 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2023
by Cathy Shuman Miller. On November 12, all CRS students and parents will have an opportunity to visit the Cofeld Judaic Museum at Temple Beth Zion. And our youngest students will participate with their parents in our Ganainu program for pre-K children with Ashirah LazarusKlein. We are grateful to our madrichim and the CRS Education Committee for all their support and commitment. A special thank you to CRS Parent Council and Todd Sugarman, CSS President, for bringing into fruition our official CRS fully stocked Kosher kitchen! For more information on CRS, please contact Einav Symons, CRS Director at (716)574-6016. Check out their website crsbuffalo.com for registration and updates.
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Challah Stuffing 1 loaf of challah 1 stick of margarine or 1/4 c olive oil 2 yellow onions, diced 2 c celery, diced 1/2 each, red and green pepper, diced 2 c mushrooms, sliced 3 c chicken soup 1/4 c sherry 1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning 1 tsp each, garlic salt and pepper
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5 THiNGS YOU CAN DO in November to Repair the World SPONSORED BY
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Vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7. You can vote early from October 28-November 5 in New York State. For information about who’s on the ballot and where and what times you can vote early, go to buffalojewishfederation.org/vote. Because every vote matters!
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Support Israel Now! On October 7, 2023, during the holiday of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli citizens from Gaza, firing thousands of rockets, breaching the country’s borders, killing and injuring thousands. Jewish Federations of North America is responding to help victims of terror, help rebuild damaged infrastructure and address the enormous levels of trauma caused by this horrific attack. You can donate here: jfeds.org/israelfund2023.
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Commemorate Kristallnacht this year November 9 at 7 pm with an evening of prayer and music by BPO Cellist Robert Hausmann at Temple Beth Zion’s Sisterhood Chapel, 805 Delaware Avenue.
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Hear about how the Holocaust affected one family Sunday, November 12 at 7 pm. HERO will host a conversation with Dan Grunfeld who will share his family’s journey from Auschwitz to the NBA at Kenmore West Senior High School, 33 Highland Parkway in Kenmore. Contact Lauren Bloomberg at lauren@ buffalojewishfederation.org or register at bit.ly/grunfeldbooktalk. Help feed the hungry this Thanksgiving. Many families in WNY are hungry and there are still food scarcities during this time. You can help by donating to Feedmore WNY, which now encompasses Meals on Wheels and the Food Bank. Go to feedmorewny.org to donate online, volunteer or learn more.
Where in JBFLO
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Where is this found exactly in Jewish Buffalo
The first 5 people to correctly identify the location will be mentioned in the next issue of the Jewish Journal. Email your answers to ellen@buffalojewishfederation.org. For the September/October issue, Cheryl Tobias once again came up with the answer, identifying the Sokelifka Memorial stone at the entrance of Holy Order of the Living Cemetery on Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd. in Cheektowaga. 28 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2023
ORGANIZATIONS Kadimah
Jewish Community Organizations in Western New York
757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-639-7600 koshermow.com Rabbi Laizer Labkovski - Director Jeffery Pasler - President
Buffalo Jewish Federation
LiNK Jewish Buffalo
338 Harris Hill Road - Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 716-463-5050 buffalojewishfederation.org Rob Goldberg - CEO Miriam Abramovich - Chief Operating Officer Margie Bryen - President
Buffalo Vaad of Kashrus
49 Barberry Lane Williamsville, NY 14221 716-534-0230 bvkkosher.com buffalo@yahoo.com, bvkkosher@gmail.com Michael Paskowitz - President
Center for Jewish Life
Suburbs: 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-639-7600 jewishbuffalo.com Rabbi Laizer & Chani Labkovski Downtown: 1016 Lafayette Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 716-545-6806 Rabbi Mendy & Chaya Mushka Labkovski
Chabad House of Buffalo 2450 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-1642 chabadbuffalo.com Rabbi Moshe Gurary
Chai Early Childhood Center 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-580-4600 chainursery.com Chani Labkovski - Director
Community Religious School (CRS) 4660 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 716-574-6016 BuffaloCRS@gmail.com Einav Symons - Director
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 Daniel Kester - 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 716-204-0542 wnyhbla.org Judith Katzenelson Brownstein - President
Hillel of Buffalo
Campus Center of Jewish Life 520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons Suite #101B W. Amherst, NY 14228 716-616-0083 hillelofbuffalo.org Jeff Clark - Executive Director Dr. Iris Danziger - President
Holocaust Education Resource Organization 338 Harris Hill Road – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 hrcbuffalo.org Lauren Bloomberg - Director Wendy Weisbrot - Chair
Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, Inc.
Benderson Family Building 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-4033 jccbuffalo.org Mike Rawl - Executive Director Dr. Irwin Gelman - President Holland Family Building 787 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 716-886-3145
Jewish Community Relations Council 338 Harris Hill Road – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 buffalojewishfederation.org Mara Koven-Gelman - Senior Director Adam Fogel - Co-Chair Deborah Goldman - Co-Chair
Jewish Discovery Center 831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-0467 jewishdiscovery.org Rabbi Heschel Greenberg
Jewish Family Services Of Western New York 70 Barker Street Buffalo, NY 14209 716-883-1914 jfswny.org Molly Short Carr - CEO Harold Star - Chair
Jewish Federation Apartments
275 Essjay Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-631-8471 jewishfederationapartments.org Kathleen Haggerty - Property Manager
Jewish Federation Cemetery Corporation, Inc.
338 Harris Hill Road – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 buffalojewishfederation.org 716-463-5050 Deborah Pivarsi - Director Jonathan Schechter - President
SYNAGOGUES
Knesset Center (Orthodox) 500 Starin Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214 716-832-5063 chabadbuffalo.com Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow
kadimah.org Reneé Lehner - Administrator
Kosher Meals on Wheels
Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) 85 Saranac Avenue Buffalo New York 14216 716-876-1284 saranacsynagogue.org President - Shmuel Rashkin Vice President - Reuven Alt Gabbai David Kunkel
338 Harris Hill Road - Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 Mike Steklof, Ed.D. - Senior Director Brenda Feldstein - Chair
Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative)
411 John James Audubon Parkway W. Amherst, NY 14228 716-568-0226 ohrtemimimschool.com Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz - Principal Sonia Gellman Young - President
1641 North Forest Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-838-3232 btzbuffalo.org Rabbi Sara Rich Cantor Mark Spindler Cantorial Intern Zahava Fried Linda Boxer - President Kim Jones - Administrator
One Stop Jewish Buffalo
Temple Beth Zion (Reform)
Ohr Temimim School
A free website updated weekly about all that’s happening in Jewish Buffalo onestopjewishbuffalo.com Nathan Sull - Publisher Aaron Sull - Editor
Weinberg Campus
2700 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-639-3311 weinbergcampus.org Robert Mayer - President & CEO Kenneth Rogers - Chairman of the Board
Temple Beth El (Reform)
720 Ashland Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14301 templebethelniagara@gmail.com niagarafallstemple.com Rabbi Ellen Franke Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose Adam DePriest - President
Western New York Synagogues and Temples Chabad House of Buffalo (unaffiliated)
2450 North Forest Road, Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-1642 chabadbuffalo.com Rabbi Moshe Gurary - Director
Temple Hesed Abraham of Greater Jamestown (Reform)
Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative)
1073 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222 congregationbethabraham.net Cantor Irwin Gelman Marty Kerker - President
Congregation Havurah (Reform)
6320 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221 716-833-3165 congregationhavurah.org president.havurah@gmail.com Daniel Mink- President
Congregation Shir Shalom
(Reform/Reconstructionist) 4660 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 716-633-8877 shirshalombuffalo.org Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein Cantor Arlene Frank Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director Todd Sugarman - President
Sanctuary 805 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 Offices 700 Sweet Home Road Amherst, NY 14226 716-836-6565 tbz.org Rabbi Brent Gutmann Mark Hayman - Executive Director Ken Polk - President
Meeting biweekly at Jamestown, NY Lutheran Church Rabbi Allen Podet Joe Gerstel - President (716-665-2118) valprojdg@netsync.net
The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Rabbi Laizer Labkovski 716-639-7600 Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) 105 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-634-0212 yibuffalo.org Rabbi Avi Okin Richard Berger and Michael Paskowitz Co-Presidents
JDC Shul (Unafilliated) 831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-245-9520 jewishdiscovery.org Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Rabbi Levi Greenberg Rabbi Yehoshua Greenberg Kehillat Ohr Tzion (Modern Orthodox) 879 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 ohrtzion.org/kot Rabbi Ori Bergman Cheryl Stein - President
November 2023 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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I N LOV I N G M E M O RY
Remembering Janet Katz Wisbaum: 1940-2023 Janet K. Wisbaum was the wife of the late Wayne D. Wisbaum, mother of Karen (late David) Van Dyke (fiancé Gregory Wilkin), Wendy (Jose Campa) Wisbaum and Deborah (Robert) Lee. And also grandmother of Devin (Celestine Warren) & John Van Dyke, Victoria, Carmen and Lucas Campa, Samantha, Jessica and Kate Lee. She was the twin sister of Janie (late Herbert) Polk, sister of Susan (Ronald) Diner, and Nancy Jo (Alan) Feinberg, and sister-in-law of Joyce (late Alan) Underberg. Janet served on the board of Jewish Family Services and as an officer and Women’s Philanthropy Chair of Federation. She partnered with her husband when he led the Soviet Jewry Resettlement Committee in the 1980s. She also served two terms as president of Planned Parenthood of Buffalo and Erie County, served on Planned Parenthood’s national board of directors and lobbied lawmakers for pro-choice legislation. We are honored to share reflections from Janet’s daughter Wendy Wisbaum and her granddaughter, Carmen Campa, delivered at Janet’s funeral at Temple Beth Zion August 21.
Wendy Wisbaum
Some of you might know, but I’d like to tell you a secret: My mom was a SUPER HERO. Like most Super Heroes, Mom had Super Powers. I’d like to tell you about 5 of these. Mom’s 1st superpower was really listening. Mom wanted to know all about us. She really listened, cared and retained the
didn’t say things were good – they were GREAT! They often weren’t just great, they were THE BEST! The Grandkids were SIMPLY AMAZING! This was mom. Miss superlative. But truly, genuinely heartfelt! Mom would sit with the kids at the card table playing Gin Rummy for hours, teaching them all of her tricks. When the kids were smaller, mom spent endless hours sitting on the floor playing Chutes and Ladders, while laughing and gabbing. We would watch wonderful classics together like it’s a Wonderful Life. We have so many incredible memories.
“I’d like to tell you a secret: My mom was a SUPER HERO.” - Wendy Wisbaurm
Janet Katz Wisbaum
information. When the kids were young, Mom was the first to know about the first tooth, the first steps, and then later, the topic of someone’s science fair project, when the difficult geometry exam was, then inquiring afterwards about how it went. She asked for and cared about the names of all of our friends, what they were doing, and she asked about them, often sending them texts and emails.
To place a birth, engagement, wedding, retirement, b’nai mitzvah, anniversary, graduation, death notice or memorial: Contact Cindy Oppenheimer at 716-308-4843 • coppenheimer@jewishjournalwny.com 30 buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2023
We have lived away from Buffalo all of our adult years, but the distance didn’t matter. Mom made it not matter. We talked on the phone every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. She was completely an active part of ours and our children’s daily lives. Of course, this wasn’t just for us. She talked to Karen and Debbie and their kids, as well as Aunt Janie, Aunt Susie and Aunt Nancy Jo multiple times a week. In recent years, Mom would spend maybe 6 hours day on the phone. She was totally interested, connected and present. Mom’s 2nd superpower was that she was always so positive and fun. When we lived in New York, we were starting our careers and then we started our family there. Mom and Dad would come visit often and we would see the sights, go to shows, go to dinner, and after it all, at about midnight, when Manolo and I were exhausted, Mom and Dad would say “Don’t you want to join us for a nightcap at the Algonquin?” And they would go! What boundless energy and fun they both were! Mom
Mom’s 3rd superpower is that she was selfless, and constantly giving and living for others. Mom literally lived to make other people have happier lives. She was the most thoughtful and empathetic person in the world. She would remind us of people’s birthdays or special occasions and would often send get well or greeting cards to different friends or acquaintances. When Mom was in her late 40s, she broke her hip skiing. She had to have a hip replacement and was in the hospital for some time. As a testament to the lives she touched, when she was in the hospital, she received cards from, among others, Ray, the mechanic who serviced her car, and from the hostess at Your Host restaurant, where mom would grab a coffee. Even at the end of her life, Mom was still so positive, so independent, she never wanted to burden anyone. When we would ask about how she was feeling, she would say, “I’m fine but I want to hear about YOU!” She would say,” I’m not so fun anymore” and asked loads of questions about everything we were doing and with whom, remembering and following up the next day on friends, on dinners and parties and happenings.
I N LOV I N G M E M O RY Mom’s 4th superpower was that she was connected, up to date and “cool.” Mom was such a good positive role model for us and our kids as a champion of women’s issues. This started long ago! I still remember like it was yesterday when Mom took me and Maryjo bra shopping in 6th grade. She was open and could talk to her daughters about sex. What a cool mom and grandma! Even before cell phones, Mom had two land lines (which were often busy with Mom and three teenage daughters in the house). She was so connected even long ago! Starting in 2007, she quickly embraced technology and learned how to use the internet. Until the end of her life, she was connected via email, zoom and text and continued to contribute to her community initiatives. FINALLY, Mom’s 5th superpower was to unify people. Mom would bring people together, creating, developing and sustaining relationships. She cared about uniting people, understanding people, caring about their interests and needs and points in common, as opposed to differences. We have lived in Spain for a long time and Mom loved the idea of “La conviviencia”, a period in Spanish history of over 700 years in which Jews, Christians and Muslims lived in coexistence and relative peace. Mom worked towards this kind of unity and understanding. Mom, like all superheros, lives on. In Temple this past Friday, the Rabbi read a passage that I loved and that made me think of mom. I read: “Thus, even when they are gone, the departed are with us, moving us to live as, in their higher moments, they themselves wished to live. We remember them now, they live in our hearts; they are an abiding blessing.” REST IN PEACE.
contribute condoms. Later that week I was upstairs at Grandma’s house at 180 Greenaway, talking to a friend on the phone. Grandma called from downstairs, yelling, “Carmen! Let’s go get your condoms!” My friend asked, “What?!” And I said “that’s my grandma, I’m so sorry but I have to go.” It turns out that she received an enormous donation of condoms from Planned Parenthood, and I am so happy they didn’t open my suitcase at Customs. We have amazing memories we cherish from the time we spent together. We all do. She was so generous. She bought me my first pair of heels and my first pair of nice underwear from Victoria’s Secret. She’d always call and/or text us to know how we were doing, and although we were far away it always felt like she was close by. My friends were always really impressed by how modern she was, and that she even knew how to text. They were even more impressed to find out that I would inherit her old iPhones (I’ve had two of hers already) because she wanted an upgraded phone. She was loving and supportive and showed me what unconditional love really is.
In Remembrance The following individuals in our community passed away during the period from August 20- October 20, 2023. May their memories forever be a blessing, and may their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
Leanore Blechman Eva Wallenfels Blum Barbara S. Fox Annette Kallett Marilyn Kent Marilynn Kregal Faye Kulick Levy
Mark Levy Carl R. Lubick Eugene Morgulis Etta B. Ostroff Donald Sadkin Miriam (Mimi) Schiff Warren I. Simon Simone Smith Anne D. Spiro Suzanne Strauss Diane Ruth Symons David Weinberg Dr. Howard Wolf Marilynn Wolffe Colette D. Zappia
*If we inadvertently missed printing the listing of your loved one, please write to ellen@buffalojewishfederation.org and we will include the name next month.
Carmen Campa
Grandma was a lot of things and we learned a lot from her. I have a fun memory I wanted to share: A couple of summers ago, I volunteered at a refugee camp outside of Paris providing medical care for refugees. She wanted to contribute to the project, and we received a list of items and supplies that were needed in the camp. They wanted donations and needed everyday items such as deodorant, Kleenex, socks, soap, etc. She read the list and since she was such a big advocate for family planning, chose to November 2023 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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(NOT) THE LAST WORD
My Israel Summer BY ZELDA ABRAMOVICH We are delighted to feature a story written by one of Jewish Buffalo’s active teen leaders who spent several weeks in Israel this summer. In light of the current crisis in Israel, we feel more than ever it is important to share stories about the impact Israel has on Jewish Buffalonians and we are grateful to Zelda for her personal story.
To advertise in the
Call Cynthia at 308-4843 coppenheimer@jewishjournalwny.com
It is illegal to hike in Israel after 10 am. So for that reason, and the benefit of watching the sunrise, I, along with 52 other teens participating in Camp Havaya’s 2023 Israel Trip, left kibbutz Ketura at 3 am to drive 2 hours down to Eilat. That bus ride felt ethereal, like I was floating out of my body barely conscious; watching streetlights slide by my head and melt into a puddle of stars. It was too dark to see anything but the road in front of us which slowly turned into gravel, rattling awake those who had drifted back asleep. Eventually we stopped in a lot surrounded by rocks, from there we began our hike. Now, let me pause for a second and describe the conditions I was currently facing. It was 5 in the morning. It was almost completely dark outside. It was already 95 degrees out, and my water bottle was half empty. And then we started the climb. The path was gravel, meaning that every 3 steps forward you slid one step back. It was steep, narrow, and long. I felt as if my muscles deteriorated with every step, my chest swelled like a balloon, sweat poured down my forehead. After 45 minutes of vicious hiking, we finally reached the top. We made it just in time for the sunrise, which we watched drip like egg yolk over the mountains and into the sea and city below, coating the buildings with sticky yellow. The earth and the sky breathed in harmony, and I felt the earth’s heartbeat in the soles of my feet. Suddenly, I understood why this was our homeland. Atop that mountain my friends and I said “Boker Tov” when the light reached our feet and sang when it reached our lips. Soon enough we were dripping sweat and achingly hungry, but I’d never felt such bliss. Our hike down was by no means any easier. By now it was getting dangerously hot and we were all out of water. The new path we took was narrow and sheer and the rocky terrain slid down with us as we descended. But finally, as we emerged from the mountains, we saw the Red Sea.
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Photos of Zelda in Israel this past summer, posing with street art, and hiking in the mountains.
That morning we ate breakfast with our toes in the water. Although they weren’t there physically, I couldn’t have even dreamed of climbing that mountain without the help of the Buffalo Jewish Community. My trip this summer was so incredible, not only for all the amazing experiences I got to have, but also to know that thanks to the scholarship I received from the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, the Buffalo Jewish community was right there alongside me. The application process for this year’s round of scholarships is now open at jewishphilanthropies.org/ israel-scholarships and I encourage teens and college students to utilize this incredibly valuable resource. I cannot put into words how much the support meant to me this summer; I am truly grateful. And everyone else, I’ll tell you one thing. No matter where you are in the world, keep climbing mountains; that’s how you see the sunrise. Zelda Abramovich is a junior at Williamsville North High School. She is
a member of Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Student to Student program, a Youth Ambassador for the Just Buffalo Writing Center, President of Williamsville North’s Chapter of Girl Up, a participant in Brandeis University’s Better to Learn Program, a member of the teen board for Scholastic Magazine, and a poet with works published in Teen Ink and Illustoria Magazine.