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The Award Winning
Happy Purim
MARCH 2024 | ADAR-ADAR II 5784
BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG
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WNY Jewish Scouts ( 10 )
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Community Religious School
Giving Thanks
WHAT’S INSIDE...
March 2024 The Award Winning
President’s Message
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Happy Purim
On The Cover
BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG
MARCH 2024 | ADAR-ADAR II 5784
Published by
Buffalo Jewish Federation 338 Harris Hill Rd., Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 716-463-5050 www.buffalojewishfederation.org
President.............................................................................Marjorie Bryen Chief Executive Officer.................................................... Rob Goldberg Chief Creative Officer ............................................................ Jill Komm Chief Operating Officer .......................................Miriam Abramovich Assistant Director of Operations ..................................Mandy Weiss
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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BUFFALO, NY PERMIT NO. 4348
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Greetings to our vibrant Buffalo Jewish community! As we embark on a new calendar year, I am thrilled to share exciting developments unfolding within the pages of our beloved Jewish Journal. In the coming months the team at the Buffalo Jewish Federation (BJF) will usher in a revamped look for the Journal, and some new elements created to enhance communication and showcase more of the work done to strengthen, support, and grow Jewish Buffalo. To reach Jews more strategically, wherever and however they receive their Jewish news, the Federation is broadening it communication channels by welcoming writers from various Jewish agencies, synagogues, and throughout the community. This expanded collaboration will provide a more comprehensive view of the many initiatives and events happening within our community, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. As we bid farewell to the Jewish Journal’s esteemed and founding editor, Ellen Goldstein, we are excited to have a new editorial team. This team approach will bring diverse perspectives, ensuring a rich and well-rounded representation of our community’s stories, achievements, and challenges. Looking ahead, BJF is dedicated to leading Jewish Buffalo in several key areas. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Israel, combating hate and antisemitism locally, and expanding Jewish engagement through a variety of gatherings and projects. Safeguarding our places of worship, education, and community gathering spaces will remain a top priority, as we strive to create environments where everyone feels acknowledged, uplifted and secure. (See pages 18-19). In tandem with these initiatives, BJF is unwavering in our commitment to fundraising efforts. Ensuring the sustainability of our organization is crucial for supporting our community and we are indebted to our hundreds of donors (see pages 22-27). Your continued support is invaluable as we work together to build bridges, foster connections, and strengthen the bonds that make Jewish Buffalo a resilient and thriving community. Here’s to a year of growth, unity, and shared Marjorie Bryen, President, BJF success!
Following the Tree of Life massacre in 2018, Buffalo along with Jewish communities across North America, raised significantLOOK: dollars to build DON’T security INSIDE: MISS: WNY Community Giving infrastructures to addressJewish and mitigate threats Scouts Religious School Thanks of ( ) ( 11 ) ( 17 ) violence. However, nothing10 could have prepared us for the increase in Jew-hatred experienced after October 7. This month in the Journal we are sharing the ways in which we once again are working to ensure that here in Buffalo we can live securely and proudly express our Jewishness. Buffalo Jewish Federation 338 Harris Hill Rd. – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221
Marjorie Bryen
President’s Message Federation Highlights All About Purim Week of Jewish Learning HERO Arts & Writing Contest HERO Student Upstander Award & I Never Saw Another Butterfly 8-9 Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival 10 JCC highlights 11 Community Religious School and Kadimah Thank You Event 12-14 Community happenings 15 JFS awarded grant from Empire State Development 16 Foundation updates 17 LIFE & LEGACY®: Giving thanks on Tu B’shvat 18 Spotlight on APD Senior Traffic Investigator Brain Kern 19 Securing Jewish Buffalo 20 TELL Fund Auction 21 Special Advertising Section: Kids and Camp 22-27 Honor Roll of Donors 28 Special Advertising Section: Dining Guide 29 Ways to Celebrate Purim at Home 30 Organizations & Synagogues Listings 31 In Loving Memory: Anna Post 32 Not the Last Word By Linda Boxer
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FEDERATION
Israeli and Palestinian Peacemakers Visit Buffalo Let’s Talk About Israel on April 14 Over the past seven months, the Buffalo Jewish Federation has been working cross-departmentally to refresh our approach to Israel Engagement. While this work began in earnest in August, it became more important than ever after the events of October 7. The hallmark of this year’s effort is a full day’s experience entitled, “Let’s Talk About Israel” on April 14. Made possible by a grant from the National Center to Encourage Judaism, this educational event is being planned with a wide range of audiences in mind and will focus on creating a safe space for us to celebrate, connect and create dialogue. We will celebrate the miracle of the creation of the state of Israel and find ways to deepen our connection with Israelis. By bringing Jewish Buffalo together, we will connect, and hold and support each other. We will create by making art, eating Israeli food, and listening to Israeli music. To facilitate this experience, we will be bringing in two internationally known Israel experts who will facilitate this experience: Shalom Orzach, Senior Educator at the iCenter for Israel Education and Omer Friedlander, author of The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land. The community is invited to attend from 9 am-2 pm on April 14, and there will be a session for readers of Omer’s book from 2:30-3:30 pm. More details including registration will be available soon.
Roots/Shorashim/Judur (meaning “roots” in English, Hebrew, and Arabic,) an Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation grassroots group will visit March 3-4. Israeli Roots Co-founder Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Palestinian member Noor A’wad will be embarking on a North American tour speaking at over 40 US venues. A free communitywide event will be held on Sunday March 3, 6:30-8:30 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 724 Delaware Ave. Registration is required: bit. ly/2024RootsEvent. Rabbi Schlesinger and Mr. A’wad have met virtually with international audiences since the deadly attack of October 7. “Roots is surviving a horrific period of violence that Palestinians and Israelis are now experiencing,” said Rabbi Schlesinger. “We continue our work of reducing hate and resentment, creating mutual understanding and recognition, and preparing the human hearts on both sides for true reconciliation.” Roots engages in crucial people-topeople work towards a future peace settlement that guarantees dignity, freedom, equality, human rights, security, and the opportunity for mutual flourishing for both sides. Examples of
Noor A’wad
Rabbi Schlesinger
their work include summer camp for children ages 5-12, high school student group facilitated by university students, youth photography workshops and interreligious learning groups (Islam, Judaism and Christianity). In addition to the community-wide event, Roots will also be meeting with area high school student leaders to discuss parallel issues of racism, antisemitism/ islamophobia/hate/bias, and at the University at Buffalo in a session for college students entitled: “Two Unlikely Partners for Peace in the Mideast: What is the future of living together?”
The Roots’ visit is initiated by the Jewish Community Relations Council and organized by a group of civic leaders who visited Israel through a Buffalo Jewish Federation Civic Leaders trip in 2023. Their organizations include: Trocaire College, Westminster Presbyterian Church, National Federation for Just Communities, Jewish Family Service of WNY, Northland Workforce Training Center, and OLV Charities. The Buffalo Jewish Federation also received a grant from the Baird Foundation for the visit. For more information please contact, mara@buffalojewishfederation.org
Sophia Veffer Upstander Award HERO is pleased to announce it is accepting applications for the 2024 Sophia Veffer Upstander Award. This prestigious award was created in 2018 and is named in honor of local Holocaust survivor, Sophia Veffer. Sophia has dedicated her life to creating a more just world. She encourages students to act as global citizens, to assist those who need help and to stand up in the face of adversity while furthering the mission of HERO to teach the lessons of the Holocaust, remember the survivors and victims and empower future generations to take action. The recipient of this esteemed
award is someone who has highly impacted the Buffalo region and who has promoted equality, social justice, and human rights. Last year’s recipients were Dr. Iris Danzinger and Samantha White. Previous winners include former Buffalo State President Dr. Katherine ConwayTurner and David Rust, Executive Director of Say Yes. Nominations for this award can be submitted to bit.ly/ vefferupstander2024 by March 15th.
Sophia Veffer
March 2024 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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FEDERATION
All About Purim! LiNK Gatherings
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Every month, the Jewish calendar is said to be imbued with different qualities. We are now in the Hebrew month of Adar that contains the festive holiday of Purim. Our sages teach that, “when Adar arrives, joy increases.” It is customary during Purim to do four things: hear the reading of Megillat Esther (the Purim Story), enjoy a festival meal, give monetary donations or matanot l’eyvanim to those in need, and present friends and neighbors with mishloach manot, gift boxes (or bags) containing at least two food items. On Purim, the Megillah is traditionally read on the night of Purim (this year, Saturday, March 23) and the day of Purim (this year, Sunday, March 24). During the story, listeners traditionally yell “boo!” or shake groggers (noise makers) to drown out the name of Haman, the story’s antagonist who persecutes the
Jews. A more modern tradition is to also ring bells and wave flags when Vashti and/ or Esther’s names are mentioned in honor of the courageous women in the story. The festive meal on Purim contributes to the joy of the day. While there are no traditional “musts” for this meal, many include wine and triangular shaped foods as part of the celebration. In the Purim story, there is drinking in almost every chapter. The story concludes with Mordechai instructing the Jewish people to celebrate these days as “days of drinking and rejoicing” (Esther 9:22). The Talmud (a body of work containing ceremonial law and legend) interprets this commandment to mean “It is one’s duty to make oneself fragrant [with wine] on Purim until one cannot tell the difference between cursed be Haman and blessed be Mordecai” (Babylonian Talmud, Megillah 7b). If alcohol isn’t your thing, consider making a l’chaim over grape juice or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage to get in the spirit of the day. Triangular shaped foods are also a mainstay of the Purim meal, the most famous of which is the Hamantaschen, one of Judaism’s oldest delicacies dating back many centuries. The word Tasch in Yiddish means pockets; thus, the term refers to Haman’s pockets or a pocket of poppies (as Mon means poppy in Yiddish). In Hebrew, the word Tash also means “to weaken” denoting that Haman’s plot was weakened and foiled. The origin of eating a poppy-filled pastry dates back to the time of Esther, who was said to have eaten seeds (and beans) in an effort to keep kosher while serving as queen. As an added note in Israel, Hamantaschen are referred to as Ozenei Haman, or Haman’s Ears. Giving gifts to the needy or matanot l’eyvanim is another beautiful custom. The Talmud says, “every person is responsible for one another” (Babylonian Talmud, Shevuot 39a). By giving gifts to the needy, we can ensure that everyone is able to celebrate this festive occasion. The final tradition of Purim is to present friends and neighbors with mishloach manot, gift boxes (or bags) containing at least two food items to bring joy to your friends and neighbors, and to fulfill the verse from the book of Ester 8:16, which reads “The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, happiness and honor…so it should be for us”. We wish you a Happy and Joyful Purim!
Jill Komm Selected for Prestigious Leadership Accelerator
Jill Komm
Jill Komm, Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Chief Creative Officer, has been selected for Executive Accelerator, a new leadership initiative from Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). This program, made possible by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, is designed to equip emerging leaders like Jill with the resources, network and coaching to grow into c-suite roles competently and confidently. Shira Hutt, Jewish Federations’ executive vice president, champions the Executive Accelerator as an “investment in talent, creating a pipeline for premier leadership across the Federation system.” Federation CEO Rob Goldberg adds: “This selective program is an honor for Jill and a testament to her leadership throughout Jewish Buffalo. She and her colleagues will engage in a carefully curated year-long experience, growing their leadership presence and capacities to equip them to move Federations like ours forward so that we ensure flourishing Jewish communities now and in the future.” A lifelong Buffalonian, Jill joined the Buffalo Jewish Federation in 2018 after spending 10 years with the Bureau of Jewish Education. She is one of 35 emerging leaders from Federations across the US chosen to participate in this new program.
COMMUNITY
The Bonnie Clement Team
The 2024 Buffalo Week of Jewish Learning March 3-7 BY PROF. ALEX GREEN Beginning Sunday, March 3, the University at Buffalo will host the 2024 Buffalo Week of Jewish Learning, a week-long event featuring discussions and presentations centering on important Jewish issues for students, faculty and community members. The entire community is invited to the launch of this exciting new event on Sunday March 3 from 11 am-1 pm at the Jewish Discovery Center with the Annual Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Lecture. Rabbi Greenberg will be speaking on “The Role of Unity in Judaism.” Lunch will be served co-sponsored by JDC and Buffalo Jewish Federation.
Rabbi Greenberg
The event then moves to campus on Monday March 4 and Tuesday March 5, when Professor Azzan Yadin-Israel from Rutgers University will be delivering the David Blitzer lectures on the UB North Campus. He will be speaking on his recent book Temptation Transformed: The Story of How the Forbidden Fruit Became an Apple (University of Chicago Press, 2022). The central theme of his talk is how the unnamed fruit in the Garden of Eden became the dominant symbol of temptation, sin, and the Fall. Moving into the middle of the week, on Wednesday March 6, the Blackstone LaunchPad at UB will be hosting a virtual conversation on Israeli startups with UB student Natan Weitzman and other Israeli leaders in the startup world.
Natan is working on his BS in Engineering Physics with a Minor in Mathematics as a Presidential and Honors Scholar. He is also the Co-Founder & CEO of Renova, which is a cloud-based platform that makes designing and remodeling homes and other spaces stress-free and accessible to everyone. On Thursday March 7, Prof. Ed Steinfeld, of UB’s School of Architecture and Planning, will be giving a virtual presentation on universal design and religion using synagogues for a case study. He will address design for disability, aging, gender identity, and security, and will feature Temple Beth Tzedek in Amherst and Congregation Simchas Torah in Manhattan. The community can register online for these events at bit.ly/jewishweekoflearning. There will also be a series of conversations and immersive experiences just for students throughout the week with the goal of displaying the wealth of Jewish ideas, history, culture and tradition to the entire student body. These include a dialogue between an Israeli and a Palestinian leader, Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor A’wad (more details on page 3), about the future of coexistence and peace; a hands-on class about the basics of Jewish cooking with the chef of the NY Deli, Moshe Morrison; discussions from local high school students about their lived experience of antisemitism in student residences along with input from the professional staff; and an interfaith discussion of medical ethics at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, led by local ethicist Jill Abromowitz Gutmann. The Buffalo Week of Learning is a public project of the Home/Hub Partnership between UB’s College of Arts and Sciences, Hillel of Buffalo, and the Buffalo Jewish Federation. The Home/Hub Partnership seeks to draw on the academic resources of the university to address critical issues facing the Jewish community while presenting opportunities to enhance Jewish life on campus and throughout Jewish Buffalo. Feel free to contact Alex at agreen6@ buffalo.edu for more information. Prof. Alex Green is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Jewish Thought at SUNY, University at Buffalo, where he also serves as the Buffalo Community Jewish Educator.
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FEDERATION
Kindertransport is Theme of ‘24 Arts & Writing Contest The theme of HERO’s (Holocaust Education Resource Organization) annual Arts and Writing Contest is the 85th Anniversary of the Kindertransport. The Kindertransport, German for “children’s transport,” was an organized effort by British organizations and others to save Jewish children following Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. Ten thousand children under the age of 18 were allowed by the British Government to enter Great Britain, and on December 2, 1938, the first train with two hundred children arrived. Most of the Jewish children came from Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. The children were placed in British foster homes, hostels, schools, and farms. Students entering this year’s contest will respond to one of two prompts through art or writing. Describe the challenge faced by the parents or children of the Kindertransport or explore the theme of loss experienced by either the parents or children of Kindertransport. Entries are now being accepted at bit.ly/artsandwriting. The deadline for submissions is April 19.
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This year’s contest is sponsored by the Eugene Finton Scholars Fund and the Mary Deane and Robert Freeland Foundation. HERO is deeply indebted to the commitment of these two families to teach the lessons of the Holocaust and create a better world through art, writing and education.
Eugene Finton (z”l), born in Ostrava Czechoslovakia, was eight years old in March of 1939, when Germany occupied Czechoslovakia. When the Nazis began rounding up Jewish men, Gene’s father, mother and sister, Karla Wiseman (z”l) fled across the border to Poland. This began a 31-month, 17,000-mile odyssey of escape eastward from the Nazis. The journey took the family through Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Hawaii and San Francisco. The family endured scarcity, danger, and uncertainty, but through their resourcefulness they survived and settled in Buffalo where a number of family members lived. Sadly, Eugene passed away on September 2, 2022, at the age of 91. It was his long-standing
wish to support the Jewish community with a meaningful donation from his estate. Mary Deane and Robert Freeland, both educators, were dedicated to Holocaust education and served on the Holocaust Resource Center’s board. Mary Deane’s untimely death in 1996, left Bob more committed to responding to the Holocaust, as he stated, “as a moral imperative to remembering the Holocaust and to work to prevent history from repeating itself.” Bob established the HRC’s Arts and Writing Contest and was the judge of the art component of the contest until his passing in July of 2023. The Award Ceremony for the contest will be on May 28 at Congregation Shir Shalom. For questions about the contest, please contact Lauren Bloomberg lauren@buffalojewishfederation.org
COMMUNITY
New HERO Student Upstander Award
I Never Saw Another Butterfly at Starry Night
The Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO) is pleased to announce the Abek Student Upstander Award to be presented annually to a high school student who stands up to injustice. Established through the generosity of the adult children of Gerda Weissman Klein z”l, the award is in honor of Abek Feigenblatt, a childhood friend of Gerda’s who stood up against the Nazis to support her when she was first incarcerated. Abek Feigenblatt was a young man in his early 20’s living in the city of Sosnowitz, Poland at the outbreak of World War II. He was the youngest of 10 children of a deeply religious Jewish family. He had a passion for learning about the world outside the traditional environment in which he was raised. He was intelligent, well-read and a talented artist. Shortly after the Nazis conquered Poland, he was sent to the nearby city of Bielitz where he met 16-year-old Gerda Weissmann and fell in love with her. She welcomed his friendship and kindness but did not share his same romantic feelings. Because of his artistic talent, Abek was compelled to paint portraits of German Officers. This gave him access to additional food, clothing, and books that he sent to Gerda when she was deported to the first of several slave labor camps. Sometime later, unbeknownst to Gerda, Abek volunteered, along with his nephew Lonek to be sent to a notorious camp nearby in order to be closer to her. Like millions of others, Abek perished in the Holocaust. Gerda survived, married Kurt Klein, the American Army officer who liberated her and who, himself, had escaped Germany after the Nazis came to power. Gerda and Kurt settled in Buffalo where they lived for nearly 40 years and raised their family. In her autobiography All But My Life (1957) Gerda wrote extensively about her friendship with Abek and her lasting gratitude to him. The book was adapted for the 1995 short film, One Survivor Remembers, which received both an Academy Award and an Emmy. It is in recognition of the qualities of kindness, generosity and sacrifice that Abek Feigenblatt displayed under the most difficult circumstances that
North Tonawanda’s Starry Night Theatre, Inc. will be performing the second annual I Never Saw Another Butterfly March 6-10, 2024. The play, based on the poem by Pavel Friedmann, is named after the yellow butterfly, a famous symbol of hope. The play centers on the story of the children of Terezin, a concentration camp in the Czech Republic. One experiences the place through the eyes of more than 15,000 children who entered the camp. A teacher at the camp, Irena Synkova, gives the children courage to write and draw their experiences. They write poems and draw pictures to distract them from their dim future. These pictures are buried with the hope that someday someone will find them. Kathy Ellis, assistant director for the show and a member of the WNY Jewish community, believes in the importance of this story to be told and for young people to understand that this really happened. “The survivors and their families are living proof of the horrors of the Holocaust,” says Kathy. “I believe that telling this story will send a message to young people not to repeat the mistakes that happened before. We live in a culturally diverse world and understanding this can help us to continue to treat everyone as best we can.” For tickets and information contact Kathy Ellis at 716-471-7660.
Gerda Klein with her family in 2019
the Upstander award is named in his memory. As Gerda’s son Jim Klein noted, “My sisters Vivian and Leslie and I are so pleased to create a meaningful way to honor Abek. And because of Mom’s tremendous love for Buffalo starting the day she arrived there in 1946, we knew that something involving the Buffalo Jewish community would be especially meaningful. Moreover, since Mom loved addressing audiences of young people — with a real emphasis on the nonJewish community – the idea to establish this annual award for an upstander like Abek aligns beautifully with her life’s mission.” To nominate a student for this prestigious award, please visit bit.ly/ herostudentupstander The HERO Award Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 28 at Congregation Shir Shalom. Nomination deadline is April 19, 2024.
Jewish Heritage Day School/ Ohr Temimim Ski Club
March 2024 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
Jewish Film Festival Returns to the Amherst Dipson BY RICK KOLLINS After three years of virtual and hybrid programming due to the Covid pandemic, the 39th Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival will return to a fully in-person format at the Dipson Amherst Theatre, March 15-21. The 2024 festival includes six dramas and five documentaries, representing films from 12 countries and covering various themes related to Jewish history and concerns. Also featured are documentaries on a renowned justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and the little-known story of Jews who helped develop the American “Wild West.” This year’s festival opens on Friday, March 15 at 4:30 pm with Jews of the Wild West. Are you aware that Wyatt Earp’s wife was Jewish? Or that Bronco Billy Anderson, the star of the first western movie The Great Train Robbery in 1903 was born Max Aronson and the son of Jewish immigrants? It is estimated that by 1912, over 100,000 Jews had moved west to escape poverty and antisemitism and to build better lives for their families. Among these notables were clothing magnate Levi Strauss; Samsonite founder Jesse Shwayder; and Meyer Guggenheim, patriarch of the family that became one of the wealthiest in the world from their mining and smelting ventures in Colorado and California.
Rosalie Silberman Abella
Without Precedent is an award-winning Canadian film that traces the inspiring story of Rosalie Silberman Abella, a World War II refugee and daughter of Holocaust survivors who served as the first Jewish woman on Canada’s Supreme Court 2004-2021. She is known for landmark rulings on employment equity, same sex marriage and the rights of people with disabilities. Abella has been called Canada’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and among her awards is the Knight Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit presented by the German government in 2020.
Without Precedent will be introduced by director Barry Avrich and producer Mark Selby, who will also moderate a discussion following the screening. The film is showing on Sunday, March 17 at 3:30 pm. Barry Avrich
Small Firm Big Difference 8 buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2024
Mark Selby
(716)847-2600
Three documentary films focus on Israel. The Narrow Bridge follows four people who lost children in the violence between Israel and Palestinians yet are striving for reconciliation between the two sides. Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel is the uplifting story of Israel’s participation in the 2017 World Baseball Classic and how the tournament led the American-born players on the Israeli team to connect with their Jewish roots and discover what it means to be a Jew. Who Are The Marcuses? uncovers a little-known Long Island couple who made the largest single gift to Israel ($500 million), which has been applied to critical breakthroughs in water purification and desalination. Four of the dramatic films in this year’s lineup are personal stories inspired by actual events from World War II and the Holocaust. The Boy in the Woods is based on the memoir of a young artist who hid from the Nazis in the forests of Poland. Martha Liebermann: A Stolen Life is about the secret efforts of the wife of noted impressionist painter Max Liebermann to escape Germany in 1943. SHTTL unfolds in real time through the lives of villagers in a “shtetl” during the Nazi occupation. Love Gets A Room follows a group of actors who dare to stage a musical comedy that is reflective of their situation in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942. Shoshana is set in Tel Aviv in the late 1930’s as British authorities struggle to contain militant Zionist groups and surging tensions between Jews and Arabs. The Other Widow is also set in Tel Aviv and explores the tribulations of a woman who is deeply conflicted after the death of her secret lover. Complete information, including schedules, film synopses, trailers, and tickets can be found on the Festival web site at jccbuffalo.org/bijff. Rick Kollins is a member of the Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival committee.
COMMUNITY
39th Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival M A RC H 15 – M A RC H 21 DIPSON AMHERST THEATRE 3500 MAIN STREET
Friday, March 15 Jews of the Wild West 4:30 pm Saturday, March 16 Shoshana 7:30 pm Sunday, March 17 Heading Home 1:30 pm Without Precedent 3:30 pm (Speakers: Director Barry Avrich and Producer Mark Selby) The Narrow Bridge 6:00 pm The Other Widow 8:00 pm
Monday, March 18 Martha Liebermann: A Stolen Life 3:30 pm Who Are the Marcuses 6:00 pm The Boy in the Woods 8:00 pm Tuesday, March 19 The Narrow Bridge 3:30 pm Jews of the Wild West 6:00 pm SHTTL 8:00 pm Wednesday, March 20 The Boy in the Woods 3:30 pm Heading Home 6:00 pm Martha Liebermann: A Stolen Life 8:00 pm Thursday, March 21 SHTTL 3:30 pm Who Are the Marcuses 6:00 pm Love Gets a Room 8:00 pm Film synopses, trailers, and tickets are available at jccbuffalo.org/bijff. For more information, contact Cantor Mark Horowitz at mhorowitz@jccbuffalo.org. March 2024 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY The Jewish Community Center is offering two unique seminars this March for the entire community. Please visit us at jccbuffalo.org for more informationand to register for these seminars.
How to Fall Safely Seminar
Art Galleries
The Jewish Community Center’s art galleries are community spaces providing creative opportunity for local artists to showcase and sell their works. Exhibits are free and open to the community.
Bunis Family Art Gallery at the Benderson Family Building March-April - “Views from my Camera” Milton Ehrenberg
Levy and Daniel Families Art Gallery at the Holland Family Building March-April - “Adventure Antarctica” James Gibbons
This seminar will briefly discuss various aspects of fall prevention, strategies for reducing injury if you fall, and how to get up after a fall. There will be an opportunity for those able-bodied enough to actively participate if they choose in a safe and controlled environment. Having the proper tools to stay safe is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from harm. The seminar will be led by Erin Becker, a Physical Therapist Assistant with Diversified Rehab Services. She has been practicing physical therapy for 10 years
and working for Diversified for the past 4 years. She has worked in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, adult day programs, outpatient offices, and home care with a true passion for health and fitness.
K’rav Maga- Self Defense Krav Maga (Krav) is the official selfdefense system of the Israeli Defense Forces. It has become one of the most widely recognized and preferred methods of self-defense. This seminar will introduce you to Krav and requires no previous martial arts training. We will discuss situational awareness and the impact awareness has on you and
a potential assailant. Since physical force is a last resort, we will discuss alternative means to de-escalate a situation. Once a situation becomes physical, the goal is to get away from the threat as quickly and efficiently as possible. In this seminar you will learn several strikes that can be utilized in various self-defense situations. You will also learn defenses to some of the most common attacks. The seminar will be led by James Boglioli, a black belt in Krav Maga. He earned his CT 707 Israeli Krav System Instructor Certification under Nir Maman.
Local Jewish Scouts Send Message & Supplies to Israeli Soldiers
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The WNY Jewish Committee on scouting has spent the past few months since October 7 raising funds to supply medical aid to the IDF and civilians. The scouts and leaders came together and packed 24 full field medical kits containing items such as tourniquets, snake bite kits, trauma bandages and splints. They also packed bags of overthe-counter medication and first aid supplies for civilians. In the process of raising funds, the scouts also connected with a Scouts BSA troop in New Mexico, who are packing field kits themselves and are shipping them to us this December. All supplies are being delivered directly to those who are in combat. The scouts also recorded encouraging messages to the soldiers. It has been a meaningful mitzvah for us here that will have lasting impact! For more information, please contact Leah Romeo dancerimma@yahoo.com.
COMMUNITY
A Grateful Kadimah Thank you, Parents! BY EINAV SYMONDS Celebrating together brings community together. Whether it is the teachers, Madrichim, students or the many volunteer parents – it is always exciting to see smiling faces! One of my favorite moments this year at the Community Religious School (CRS) was when a couple of parents who volunteered together realized that they have a shared history and many common friends. When parents get involved, they act as role models for their children and gain personally from the experience. Thank you, parent volunteers!
This month is a busy one for CRS. We welcome Gon Erez to lead a 2-part workshop on the situation in Israel for 6th and 7th grade students and their parents. In February we had Ezra Rich speak to our students about his personal connection to the Kindertransport. Being able to draw on the great resources we have within our community is truly a blessing! This year, with Purim falling on a Sunday, the students at CRS will have an opportunity to dress -up, hear the Megillah, prepare Mishloach Manot and partake in a Mishteh (Feast). All the Mitzvot of Purim can be fulfilled with the Maot L’evyonim (giving charity) to start our day! For more information on our academic program for students in Pre-K through 7th grade, our Madrichim program for 8th-12th graders, or to become a supporter, please contact me at (716)574-6016. Wishing all a Happy Purim! Einav Symons is the Community Religious School Director.
Thank you. That was the core message that the leadership of Kadimah Scholars at Park conveyed to our largest donors at a special Tu Bishvat-themed appreciation dinner in late January. It’s the same message we voice here to all our donors in the Buffalo community, and to our alumni throughout the world. That’s because we could not do what we do without you. • We could not have provided a Jewish day school education to an untold number of students over our 60-plus years without you. • We could not teach our children about their Jewish heritage, culture, customs, tradition and history without you. Our students would not have learned Hebrew and Torah without you. • We could not develop young minds into future Jewish leaders, confident in their background and proud of their roots, without you. • And we could not continue to do this today, in our new format as Kadimah Scholars at Park, without you. You have helped us plant the seeds that grow into trees. That is why we chose Tu Bishvat to express our appreciation, with more than 20 of our biggest supporters and Life & Legacy donors joining us for a Tu Bishvat Seder at the Gretchen & Gordon Gross Family Center for Campus Inquiry, inside the Knopp-Hailpern Science Center at Park. We learned together about the
traditions of the holiday, and the species and fruits of Israel. And we celebrated our success together. That success continues to grow. Our students also held their own Seder that day, after learning the customs and blessings. They planted parsley and talked about the Jewish values of B’al Tashchit – prohibiting wasteful destruction, especially of trees
– and Tzaar Baalei Chayim – prohibiting unnecessary cruelty or harm to animals. And they ate. Our middle and upper school students, meanwhile, are working on a spring project to build a model of the Beit Hamikdash, while also continuing to learn Hebrew and other aspects of Judaic Studies. In March, we’ll be celebrating Purim again at Park, with a Megillah reading and costume party on campus, and plenty of hamentaschen.
Kadimah Scholars today has 36 students in grades preK through 10, with more expressing interest in joining our ranks. With three committed teachers and two dedicated and connected classrooms, we are proud and honored to continue the legacy of Jewish community day school education in Buffalo, through our unique partnership with Park and the Buffalo Jewish Federation that enables our students to also benefit from the rigorous secular academics alongside their peers while participating in a variety of extracurricular activities and sports. Do you want to be part of the Kadimah family? Check us out online at kadimah. org/kadimah-scholars-program or on Park’s website at theparkschool.org/ academics/kadimah-academy. Or call us at (716)836-6903 or email us at office@ kadimah.org.
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COMMUNITY
Freedom Seder at TBZ Temple Beth Zion (TBZ) and First Shiloh Baptist Church (FSBC), located approximately 2 miles apart in the City of Buffalo, are coming together again this spring to share stories of liberation from both Jewish and Black perspectives at their second joint Freedom Seder. The event will take place on Thursday, April 11, 6 pm, at TBZ, 805 Delaware Avenue. Senior Rabbi Brent Gutmann, and Reverend Jonathan Staples, Senior Pastor of FSBC, are partnering to create this event for their congregations and the community. Freedom Seders create spaces for unity, reflection and celebration of liberation for both the Black and Jewish communities. In Buffalo, members of both congregations will be preparing and serving the food, and collaborating on the Freedom Seder service, which tells the stories and celebrates the customs of their congregations’ respective cultures. Like most Buffalonians in the wake of the terror attack at Tops Market on May 14, 2022, both congregations wanted to re-examine and deepen their relationships. Reverend Staples, Pastor of FSBC since 2006, had the opportunity at a church in California to participate in a Freedom Seder. “The Tops massacre highlighted
12 buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2024
a great divide in our community, and a Freedom Seder seemed a powerful way to build a bridge over that divide.” Reverend Staples broached the idea of hosting a Freedom Seder in Buffalo to Rabbi Gutmann, who was also familiar with the concept of a Freedom Seder and deeply understood the important history of Black and Jewish unity. Rabbi Gutmann adds: “Reform Judaism played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement. Since the 1960s, activists and legislators have met at the offices of the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism in Washington DC to author many of our country’s most significant pieces of Civil Rights legislation.”
COMMUNITY “God so orchestrated my life so that with Rabbi Brent we can find ways to connect our communities,” reflect Rev. Staples. “I want to continue to have the opportunity to recreate what worked in California, which included ways to combat the negative news, images of cultures, races, and faith perspectives.” Rabbi Gutmann shares, “Pastor Jonathan calls me his brother and I love him genuinely. TBZ has benefited from this relationship with First Shiloh.” Rabbi Gutmann acknowledges, “Last year we had the May 14th massacre on our minds. This year we add the Israel-Hamas War, which has raised the level of fear, and awareness of historically high rates of antiSemitism in the Jewish community. When people learn through shared experiences who Jews really are and what we care about, they learn how seriously we believe in the principal that all human beings are created in God’s image.” This event is free of charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. Registration is open to the community beginning March 12th. Space is limited. To make a reservation, go to bit.ly/ FreedomSeder2024
CBA Brunch Concert Series
Happy Purim!
Congregation Beth Abraham (CBA) will be hosting a quarterly Sunday brunch concert series beginning March 24 at Noon in the synagogue social hall, 1073 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. Each program will include a bagel brunch followed by a live musical performance. Kicking the series off on the 24th will be the folk/American roots duo, Ol’ Paint featuring Neia lively and Phil Knoezer. There is no admission charge, but registration is required. To RSVP, please contact the synagogue at info@congregationbethabraham. net. Further details can be found www.congregationbethabraham.net.
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COMMUNITY
Tu B’Shvet Seder and More at KOT Although the weather outside has been cold and damp, the atmosphere at Kehillat Ohr Tzion (KOT) has been warm and welcoming. The annual Tu B’Shvet Seder led by Rabbi Ori Bergman was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. And, following every Shabbat service there is a kiddush where members and friends spend time kibitzing. The KOT community is also participating in two social action projects. Winter hats, gloves and scarves are being collected in the foyer of the synagogue and money is being collected to plant trees in Israel. In person learning opportunities take place every Tuesday afternoon with a study group discussing the weekly parshah and every Sunday evening with a Beit Midrash meeting exploring different topics of interest. For more information on KOT, or either of these groups, email oribergman@gmail.com.
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TBT Embracing The Purim Season The Talmud teaches us that one should elevate our joy when Adar, the month of Purim, begins. Amidst our ongoing prayers for Israel, Temple Beth Tzedek will have a range of joyous programming for Purim this year. Full details can be found on our website, btzbuffalo.org.
Women’s Network Things will kick off on Sunday morning, March 17 at 10 am as the Women’s Network hosts a Purim Shpiel with a range of local talent!
Universal Design in a Sacred Space The variety of offerings at Temple Beth Tzedek is inspired by the congregation’s culture of inclusion. This hallmark of the congregation was recently noted in our physical building as Temple Beth Tzedek was recognized as the world’s first Universal Design-certified sacred space. Pioneered by SUNY Distinguished Professor Edward Steinfeld, a TBT member, Universal Design (UD) is a design process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation. It utilizes subtle ways to make facilities more welcoming and accessible for people of all abilities. Mazel Tov to all the members of TBT, led by the Project Beit Tfilah Committee, in enabling this inclusive dream to become a reality in Jewish Buffalo.
An Adult Evening With Purim evening beginning after Shabbat on March 23, TBT will host an adult-oriented, exciting evening with Megillah reading beginning at 8:15 pm. Please join us for Rabbi Rich’s first Purim as TBT’s rabbi, with Cantor Spindler and Cantorial Intern Zahava Fried! In addition to Megillah reading at morning minyan at 8:30 am, on March 24, the TBT Kesher Inclusion Committee will be hosting their Outstretched Arm Purim Celebration at 10:30 am.
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50 volunteer and professional leaders gathered at the Park School on February 11 for successful day of giving that raised over $60,000 for the Campaign for Jewish Buffalo.
COMMUNITY
JFS Awarded $400,000 by Empire State Development Earlier this year, Jewish Family Services (JFS) of WNY was awarded $400,000 by Empire State Development to refurbish, reconfigure and expand its space at its corporate offices at 70 Barker Street, Buffalo. Funding for the project was supported by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council. The new space will enhance access to vital services including employment, family wellness, mental health, and community integration, and will reduce childcare barriers for the region’s growing immigrant and refugee population. It will include the build out of multi-purpose spaces and designated child-care areas where parents can drop their children off while they are attending educational and employment training sessions.
Rendering of open office
Rendering of conference room
Rendering of kids area
“The region is experiencing population growth for the first time in a generation because more and more immigrants and refugees see opportunities here as a result of the strong demand in the workplace as well as being a great place to raise a family,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “The programs and services provided by JFS in this new space will further Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts for the resettlement and integration of immigrants and refugees into the community.”
The multi-purpose classrooms will be designed for cultural orientation/ education, wellness and behavioral programming and services. Classrooms will be attached to a childcare room allowing parents to drop off their children while attending the sessions alleviating their worries about the cost of and finding daycare services for their children. “When immigrant and refugee families lack access to childcare, mothers often fall behind in integrating themselves into the community as they are often less able to
access supportive services to build English competency, develop social networks, or enter the workforce,” said Molly Carr, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Jewish Family Services of WNY. “We are extremely grateful to Governor Hochul and the Regional Economic Development Council for their support as these refurbishments will greatly enhance the services to immigrant and refugee families.” Jewish Family Services’ Community Education and Family Wellness programs are designed for the large and diverse immigrant and refugee populations representing over 70 spoken languages, many of whom have experienced forced displacement. The new classroom and childcare programming will build on JFS’s experience in serving this vulnerable population supporting them as they grow in self-sufficiency and contribution to the economy.
Buffalo Hadassah Raises Funds to Support Israelis Buffalo Hadassah has been an active chapter since its inception over 100 years ago. As members of the Hadassah Northern New England Region, Hadassah America and Hadassah International, the Buffalo chapter is a Zionist organization and makes regular financial contributions to the Hadassah Medical Organization. During this critical time in Israel, Hadassah has also been supporting other important projects in Israel as well. The group recently held two successful jewelry and Judaica sales at the JCC in Getzville. The proceeds were sent to Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah Villages, where shelter and solace are being provided to displaced families from the South and at-risk youth are supported. Hadassah is also beginning to collect funds for the Gandel Rehab Center on the East Jerusalem campus, which has recently opened and will be providing the most up to date services for the war wounded. In addition to occupational therapy and physical therapy there will also be hydrotherapy, respiratory, orthopedic rehab and PTSD services. If you are interested in finding out more about Hadassah email: phyllismksteinberg@gmail.com. March 2024 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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COMMUNITY
Foundation Announces Professional Staff Changes The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies (FJP) proudly announces the promotion of Rachael Sandor to the position of Finance Director. As Finance Director, Rachael will serve as the Foundation’s most senior accountant, steering its financial strategy and ensuring the continued success of our philanthropic endeavors. Her promotion illustrates the Foundation’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent and cultivating a culture of growth and opportunity. Rachael’s journey with the Foundation began in 2018 when she joined as a staff accountant. Since then, her Rachael Sandor dedication to excellence has propelled her through the ranks, showcasing her remarkable aptitude for financial management and strategic vision. Rachael holds a Masters’s in Accounting from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Over the past year, Rachael oversaw the successful implementation of the Foundant IT platform, a testament to her leadership skills and technological acumen. This initiative will not only streamline the Foundation’s financial processes but also position it for future growth and innovation. Rachael lives in West Seneca with her husband, Dan, and their daughter, Kylie.
In a bittersweet farewell, Lorne Steinhart, Senior Manager of Client Relations left the Foundation this month to launch a new and exciting business endeavor, a joint venture involving development, implementation and operating an investment program. While serving on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Lorne transitioned to the Foundation’s professional staff to guide the agency’s development and marketing efforts. He was a key contributor to creating the Foundation’s first Marketing Plan and leading marketing strategies including the creation of its social media program. Lorne Steinhart In his development capacity, Lorne helped to expand the agency’s client relations program by engaging existing and prospective Donor clients, co-launching its Professional Advisors Committee, and managing its Life & Legacy® initiative. Life & Legacy is one of the most successful collaborative programs in Jewish Buffalo, ensuring the financial security of Jewish Buffalo institutions for future generations. As Lorne embarks on his new journey, we extend our gratitude and best wishes for continued success and fulfillment. His dedication and contributions to the Foundation and the broader Buffalo Jewish community are appreciated and his impact on the community will endure.
Exciting News: Launching the Foundation’s Donor Advisor Portal! We are thrilled to announce that the Foundation is currently in the beta testing phase of our online Donor Advisor Portal! With a planned May/June rollout, we invite all Fund Advisors eager to explore online access to join us in this exciting journey. Here’s a glimpse of what the new Advisor Portal has in store for you: • Quarterly Statements at Your Fingertips: No more waiting for mail! Access your Quarterly Statements directly on the Advisor Portal. • Real-time Account Updates: Stay informed with updates on contributions received and grants distributed, all reflected in your account balances in real-time. • Effortless Grant Recommendations: Utilize the “Grant Request” section to recommend charitable payments to eligible recipients, making a positive impact on the causes you care about. • Empowering Contributions: Take control of your giving by making contributions to your Fund(s) directly through the portal.
Beta Testing Opportunity: For those eager to be at the forefront of this transformative experience, we invite you to participate in our beta testing program. Reach out to Barb Miller, Development Assistant at Barb@JewishPhilanthropies.org to express your interest. Get ready to experience the Foundation in a whole new way! 16 buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2024
COMMUNITY
LIFE & LEGACY® at Buffalo Giving Thanks on Tu B’shvat! “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it.” – Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Fathers) 2:16
Total Legacy Commitments Received: 438 Total dollar amount: $13,412,333 Total Number of Donors: 248 As of February 1, 2024
Life & Legacy® is a partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF), which supports communities across the US and Canada in promoting legacy giving to build endowments that will provide stability to the organizations comprising the fabric of Jewish life. Now is its third year, Life & Legacy at Buffalo, a collaboration of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies and the Buffalo Jewish Federation, has worked with local synagogues, agencies, and organizations to secure the future of Jewish Buffalo. Among the goals of the program is to make legacy giving central to Buffalo’s communal philanthropic culture. The program also seeks to establish strong stewardship practices in our organizations and community and develop camaraderie and respect among the participating organizations. Life & Legacy is also utilizing a new brand, which is rooted in Judaism through the eternal burning flame, symbolizing the ongoing and future “passing the torch” from generation to generation (L’Dor V’dor). For more information, please contact Linda Barat, Life & Legacy at Buffalo Coordinator, at Linda@jewishphilanthropies.org or 716-204-2259.
Tu B’shvat was the theme for Kadimah Scholars’ donor appreciation event when they honored their Life & Legacy® donors for the ways they help Kadimah grow. The group gathered to experience a Tu B’shvat seder – led by Marci Wiseman, a Kadimah alumna – and dinner while sharing their own personal stories of what “planting for the future” meant to them. Buffalo developer and donor Douglas Jemal shared the importance of the “Jewish people showing up and being there for each other,” just as Kadimah continues a 60-year legacy of providing a Jewish day school education to our community’s youth, preparing them to tackle any challenge and cultivating the future leaders of the Jewish community. This innovative educational partnership between Kadimah Academy, The Park School of Buffalo and the Buffalo Jewish Federation, ensures that the mission of Kadimah Scholars continues. Participating in the Tu B’shvat seder reminded everyone that they are making an impact on our Jewish youth and of their own their Jewish heritage.
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COMMUNITY
SPOTLIGHT
Brian Kern We are honored to cast a spotlight this month on Amherst Police Department (APD) Senior Traffic Investigator Brain Kern, who plays an integral role in securing Jewish Buffalo. Brian has been a police officer with the APD since 2000. Born in Long Island, his father was a federal agent with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and he always wanted
to follow in his father’s footsteps. Kern arrived in Amherst with his parents and brother when he was just a toddler and despite moving around a bit as a child due to his father’s job, he knew he wanted to ultimately work for the Amherst Police Department so he and his family could remain in the area. Brian is a proud graduate of Williamsville North High School, ECC and Buffalo State where he studied criminal justice. He and his wife, a court administrator for the town of Amherst,
have two daughters and love living in the Northtowns. Early in his career, Kern started as a patrolman, then a resource officer at Sweet Home High School for one year, after which he became a traffic investigator, a role he has had now for 8 years. Kern chose to be a traffic investigator because he enjoys being on the road and no two days are the same; every call and every stop is always different and keeps him on his toes. He notes, however, that one downside of working as a police officer is often having to work on holidays. Brian also shared that being a police officer has changed dramatically since the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and that he and his fellow officers feel they are viewed differently now. Brian has a long-standing connection with the Jewish community since he started working with the Buffalo Jewish community back in 2001 when Todd Sugarman of Temple Beth Am contacted him to work security during High Holiday services. Fast forward 17 years to 2018, Susan DeMari, Director of Community Security for the Buffalo Jewish Federation, reached out to him after the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh when Secure Jewish Buffalo started to take root. Since the events of October 7, 2023, Brian has taken on an even greater role with
Secure Jewish Bufalo as he handles all the scheduling for all Amherst locations which now include Chabad at UB, Congregation Shir Shalom, Jewish Discovery Center, Kehillat Ohr Tzion, Temple Beth Tzedek, Temple Beth Zion (Broder), Young Israel and the Benderson Jewish Community Center. Brian jokingly says he’s the most Jewish Catholic guy you’ll ever meet, having built relationships with so many individuals throughout Jewish Buffalo over the years. Senior Traffic Investigator Kern is vital to the work done with Secure Jewish Buffalo in Amherst and we are grateful for his dedication and passion for our safety.
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FEDERATION
Be Secure, Play Secure, Live Secure in Jewish Buffalo In the months following the Tree of Life massacre in Pittsburgh almost 5 ½ years ago, Buffalo, and Jewish communities across North America began to build security infrastructures to address and mitigate threats of violence. However, nothing could have prepared us for the increase in Jew-hatred experienced in the last five months. For 120 years, the Buffalo Jewish Federation has been the voice and the backbone of Jewish Buffalo. In addition to raising critical funds, supporting communal infrastructure, education and engagement, our mission has expanded to include addressing antisemitism, bolstering our place in a shared society, and communal security. The essential work of ensuring the safety and security of Jews here at home, is our sacred responsibility. And now, it is more critical than ever. On October 7th Jewish people awoke to a new reality and Federation was poised and ready to activate a response. On October 8th we began to gather, convene and prepare to face a new wave of antisemitism. The work of Secure Jewish Buffalo has grown exponentially to include responding to unprecedented increases in hate speech online, in person and in schools, doubling efforts to increase visible security at communal agencies and synagogues, strengthening partnerships with all levels of law enforcement, and maintaining intelligence and information sharing protocols, all in a climate of growing fear. In addition to dollars to offset the cost of armed guards, Federation’s support of a Secure Jewish Buffalo includes serving as the single point of contact to maximize efficiency daily and in times of crisis, vetting requests for assistance, intake of emergency issues, responding to antisemitic and inexcusable acts against the Jewish community, ongoing training opportunities, assessments of physical plants, securing grants to support target hardening, and assisting with emergency preparedness. Our relationships with all levels of Law Enforcement are deep and sustaining. Buffalo Jewish Federation Director of Community Security, Susan DeMari, works
collaboratively behind-the-scenes with our partners at the Federal, State, County and local levels of Law Enforcement to help us be better prepared, more resilient, and ready to confront the potential threats that face us. Under Susan’s leadership the Federation has implemented a rapid communication system through SCN (Secure Community Network of the Jewish Federations of North America) to provide alerts and critical information to all sectors of Jewish Buffalo. With support from Mandy Weiss, Assistant Director of Operations, the Federation coordinates scheduling of all off-duty police security details for synagogues and other agencies in the Town of Amherst and the City of Buffalo. Susan has also brought together all branches of Law Enforcement to collaborate and work together to maximize resources and express our appreciation. All of this work is made possible by financial support provided by the Buffalo Jewish Federation through its Secure Jewish Buffalo Fund. Today we need you to help us raise $200,000 to Secure Jewish Buffalo in 2024 and beyond. These critical funds will cover the costs of our work for the next three years. Your donation in support of Secure Jewish Buffalo ensures that Jewish Buffalo has the infrastructure in place to mobilize daily and in times of crisis. Your gift will provide the financial resources needed to sustain a vibrant security infrastructure and ecosystem that will help us meet national Jewish community safety standards. Each dollar will be matched by a generous grant from the Jewish Federations of North America through its LiveSecure program. Perhaps the greatest threat to the Jewish community is complacency and lapsing into a false sense of security. That is why the need to raise funds continues to be a high priority for Federation – to provide the resources needed to strengthen our community’s physical plants, train our leaders and provide a sense of empowerment and increased vigilance that will ensure a more secure Jewish Buffalo. Show your support today by making a gift to the Secure Jewish Buffalo Fund at bit.ly/SECUREJEWISHBUFFALOFUND.
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TELLL Fund Sponsors Auction on Sunday, May 19 “LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUCTION!” is the upcoming event hosted by The TELLL Fund, Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 4 pm in the Joseph L. Fink Auditorium at Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Avenue. Secure your spot by registering in advance and reserving your “Paddle” and Auction ID at bit.ly/ telllauction. With support of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, the Buffalo Jewish Federation, Temple Beth Zion, and many local volunteers and patrons, “LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUCTION” promises to be an engaging experience. Established in 2010, The TELLL Fund, in memory of Dr. Samuel and Mrs. Joan Ellis Shatkin, ob”m, provides Jewish educational and cultural events in Western New York. “LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUCTION!” aligns with the 13th yahrzeit of Dr. Shatkin, an avid art enthusiast and collector.
A notable piece of art from Dr. Shatkin’s private collection will be featured in the live auction. Our aim is to foster inclusivity by offering silent auction items valued at $25 and above, ensuring everyone can partake in the festivities. Registration includes live entertainment, kosher refreshments under the BVK, and an ad program featuring photos and descriptions of the live auction pieces. Calling All Artists, Artisans, and Art Patrons: We eagerly await your donations. To date, we have received generous artwork donations from local artists and collectors including original art by Ronna Mink, Ellen Kossoff, David Ness, Alma Slotkin, and more. We look forward to receiving further contributions in the form of fine art, collectibles, ceramics, jewelry, and Judaica items. The live and silent auctions will showcase this diverse array of art. To contribute artwork, volunteer, sponsor an ad in the auction program, or for more information, please contact: Cindy Oppenheimer - 716-308-4843, or Rus Devorah (Darcy) Wallen 917-584-0440.
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FEDERATION
2023 Buffalo Jewish Federation Honor Roll of Donors The leadership of the Buffalo Jewish Federation extends gratitude to each donor and supporter who made a gift(s) to support our work in 2023. Their extraordinary generosity enables the Federation to be here, day in and day out, in good times and in times of crisis, to support Jews and Jewish community here in Buffalo, and around the globe.
The following individuals, families and corporate partners have contributed to the 2023 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo and, or, one of the following Buffalo Jewish Federation Campaigns in 2023:
If you have any questions or if your name is not listed, please contact Stacey Block at stacey@buffalojewishfederation.org.
Dignity Grows Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO, formerly HRC) Jewish Community Relations Council Jewish Buffalo History Center LiNK Jewish Buffalo
$250,000+
$10,000-24,999
International Leadership Reunion (ILR) Philanthropic leaders who are a part of an international collective who contribute to their local communities and who share a deep interest in supporting Israel and Jewish communities around the world with an individual or family giving $250,000+ to the Annual Campaign. The Benderson Family
$100,000-249,999
Prime Ministers Council Prime Minister Council sets inspiring standards and share a passionate concern for issues that affect the worldwide Jewish community. They represent the ultimate expression of leadership and giving with an individual or family gift of $100,000 -$249,999 to the Annual Campaign. Weiss Family Philanthropic Fund *
$25,000-99,999
King David Society (KDS) Inspiring others through their generosity and commitment, King David Society donors are strong philanthropic leaders are deeply focused on the issues affecting our local and global Jewish community and enable the Federation to better serve our community today and tomorrow with an individual or family gift of $25,00099,999. Mr. George I. Gellman Dr. Grant Golden & Ms. Deborah Goldman Y Mr. Michael L. Joseph Mrs. Judith Lipsey Sylvia L & Melvin Morris Memorial Fund Sanford M. Nobel Y Eric and Cara Reich Sheldon & Elsie Schneiderman Fund Bruce & Marianne Wisbaum Howard & Leslie Zemsky
$5,000-9,999
Lion of Judah Society The Lion of Judah is a symbol of today’s Jewish woman’s strength, her caring about Jewish people, and her financial commitment to the Buffalo Jewish Federation. The Lion of Judah is the symbol of an individual or family gift of $5000 or more to the Annual Campaign. Mr. Arthur M. Gellman * * * Mrs. Bodil K. Gellman * * * Stuart A. Gellman, Esq. Mrs. Susan Gellman * * * Byron & Dorothy Goldman Memorial Fund Gordon & Gretchen Gross Endowment Fund Renee Joffe Mr. Arnold N. Kahn Mrs. Marlene Katzman The Doctors David & Emily Kaye Gunilla and Daniel Kester Y Mrs. Karen Baker Levin Sharon Levite* Mrs. Arlyne G. Levy
Miriam & Samuel AbramovichY Joan B. & David H. AlexanderY Mrs. Susan K. Altman Mrs. Maxine Awner *,* * *, Y Dr. Steven Awner * * *, Y Dr. Howard W. Benatovich * * *, Y Mrs. Lana D. Benatovich *,* * *, Y Mr. James R. Biltekoff Y Mrs. Judi Biltekoff * * * Mr. Marc Brown & Dr. Shira Brown Marjorie Bryen Mr. David N. Bunis Y Mrs. Joan Cohen Y Mrs. Mindy A. Doerfler Robert & Eileen Fine Mr. Lawrence C. Franco Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) *
King David Society * *
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Joshua Society * * *
PJ Library and PJ Our Way Secure Jewish Buffalo Young Adult Engagement (formerly Nickel City Jews)
Joshua Society (JS) Joshua Society honors those who personify loyalty, wisdom, and visionary leadership through their philanthropy. Emulating the strength and courage Joshua used to bring the Israelites to the Promise Land, Joshua Society donors lead by example with their generosity and commitment to our community with an individual or family gift of $10,000-24,999 Dr. Robert & Dr. Tova Ablove Mr. Peter A. Biltekoff Mrs. Elaine Brothman Judith & Joel Brownstein *, Y Bonnie Clement *, Y Mr. David H. Desmon * *, Y Mrs. Janet Desmon *,* *, Y Rose & Bud Frank Fund Jay & Ronna Gershberg Rob & Shira Goldberg *, Y Mrs. Amy Heumann Mr. Eduardo P. Heumann Mrs. Roberta S. Joseph * * Jerald & Terri Katz Kasimov Jim KramerY Mrs. Rise’ P. Kulick *, Y Holly W. Levy *,* * Jordan A. Levy * * Warren Lippa
Dr. Sol Messinger Charles & Ellen Niles Mrs. Ellen S. Reis *, Y Howard Rosenhoch Y Dr. Maxine Seller Dr. Samuel Shatkin, Jr. & Mrs. Joanne M. Shatkin Mr. Kenneth Shuman Marilyn C. Shuman *, Y Charles & Penelope Shuman* Benjamin Smith Charitable Fund Mrs. Cheryl Stein Y Haskell & James Stovroff Memorial Fund Ms. Anne M. Virag *, Y The Late Mrs. Janet K. Wisbaum *, Y Dr. Gil Wolfe Y Mr. Sheldon Yellen Y Anonymous (3)
Irv & Donna Levy Y Jay Levy Memorial Mrs. Susan L. Levy Mr. Steven Lustig Markel Family Fund Mrs. Randi L. Morkisz Armand & Lori Morrison Mrs. Sandra G. Morrison Margery S. Nobel *,* * Dr. Arthur E. Orlick Deborah Pivarsi Dr. Michele Pozarny Dr. Ellen P. Rich * * * Daniel & Laura Rifkin Sylvia Rosen Fund Dr. Laurie S. Sadler Robert & Linda Sanet Mrs. Leslie Shatkin Dr. Todd Ellis Shatkin
Scott & Deborah Shiffner Mr. James L. Shuman Y Dr. Eric L. Snitzer * * * Mrs. Linda E. Steinhorn Mr. Mitch Steinhorn Mr. Joseph Sterman Viola Sterman Peggy Sullivan Y Mrs. Hannah R. Weinberg Mrs. Julie A. Weinberg Y Ms. Amelida Ortiz Weinmann * * * Samuel & Sophie Weinstein Endowment Fund Barbara and Jack Yellen Y Mr. Stephen L. & Mrs. M. Kim Yonaty Rabbi & Mrs. Pinny Young Kayla Zemsky Shirley Zemsky Fund Anonymous (3)
BJF Life & Legacy Y
FEDERATION
$1,800-4,999
Pomegranate Society The Midrash tells us that the pomegranate has 613 seeds, corresponding with the number of mitzvot found in the Torah. The pomegranate is the symbol of a Jewish woman’s philanthropy with and individual or family gift of $1,800-4,999 to the Annual Campaign. Mrs. Jessica Meyers Altman Dr. Michael Altman Stuart & Joyce Angert Judy Babat Jordan & Nikki Balsom Mr. & Mrs. Marc Bernstein Mrs. Joanne Biltekoff Mrs. Stacey E. Block Dr. and Mrs. Richard & Lauren Bloomberg Dr. Drucy Borowitz Dr. Irwin L. Burstein Dr. Jeffrey Lackner & Dr. Ann Marie Carosella Mr. Philip Celniker Ann Cohn Fund Mr. Frederick B. Cohen Michael Cohen Y Dr. Iris Danziger Mr. David Doran Sanford Eisen Dr. & Mrs. Marshall D. Fagin Eve Y. Feigilis Dr. Stuart Lee Fischman
Mrs. Ilene Fleischmann Mr. Peter Fleischmann Howard & Laurie Foster Mrs. Florence Fox Linda Frank Dr. Irwin Gelman Warren & Patricia Gelman Y Patty Glick Dr. Philip Glick Alan & Marcia Goldstein Y Marina Maulucci Finkelstein & Mark Finkelstein Y Ellen Goldstein & Mitch Flynn Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Green Y Mrs. Carin Greenfield Ms. Sharon Greenfield Janet Gunner & Glenn Pincus The Late Mr. Harold & Mrs. Susan Halpern Mr. Ralph L. Halpern Fredric & Donna Hirsh Governor Kathleen Hochul Mark Horowitz
$1,000-1,799
Dr. Deborah Raiken & Mr. Charles Korn Mrs. Tova Kristal Gail Kushner Rion Kweller Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein Dr. & Mrs. Richard Lepie Mr. Kenneth Levin Mrs. Merredith Levin Mr. Allan M. Lewis Dr. P. Jeffrey Lewis Andree & Joel Lippes Leonard & Shelia London Mr. James I. Myers Dennis Nadler Ms. Monica Neuwirt Y Dr. Jan M. Novak Jill Palmeter Frances L. & Michael Paskowitz Kenneth & Cara Polk Y Dr. Stephen B. Pollack Mrs. Rolene Pozarny Dr. Kevin Pranikoff Michael Rawl Professor Robert I. Reis * * * Rabbi Sara & Mr. Ezra Rich Y Mr. & Mrs. Scott Saperston Dr. Steven and Sara Schultz Steven & Susan Schwartz Y Danielle Serotte Mrs. Patricia L. Simonson Craig Small Mr. Carl E. Snitzer Samuel W. Snitzer Memorial Dr. &Mrs. Theodore Steinberg Mr. Lorne H. Steinhart Y Robert Stone Drs. Janice & Gerald Sufrin Mr. Kenneth A. Sull Richard Tobe & Susan Bring Tobe Mrs. Kenneth E. Wagner
Lisa Allen Dr. Frank J. Altman Marian & Harvey Arbesman Corey & Margaret Auerbach The Hon. Rosalie Bailey & Mr. Thomas Bailey Michael B. Berger, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bergman Mr. Alan L. Bernstein Mr. Jack Bibas Mrs. Lisa Bibas Mr. Jeffrey Blum Y Suzanne Bourdeaux Stacey Spokane & David Capretto Mr. & Mrs. Edward M. Case Y Mrs. Maura Cohen David & Nancy Colligan Susan & Joseph DeMari Mrs. Ellen C. Freed Dr. Anthony Freundel Scott & Lisa Friedman Nina Lukin & Elliot Gabelnick Mrs. Charlotte Gendler Dan & Sharon Gerstman Mrs. Zella M. Glickman Mr. Steven D. Goodwin Y The Late Mrs. Esther M. Greene Mr. Eric B. Grossman Mrs. Harriet Halpern Kirstie Henry Mr. and Mrs. Fred & Barbara Holender Mr. Melvyn L. Hurwitz Jacobowitz Family Fund Robert I. Jadd, Esq. Mrs. Beth Ann Joseph Mrs. Joanne Kahn Leonard & Judy Katz Y Dr Kenneth & Elaine Kellick Mr. & Mrs. Cyril Koren
Dr. & Mrs. Brian S. Joseph Mr. Gary A. Joseph Jacob Joseph Bequest Jeffrey H. Katz Y Mrs. Susan Katz Y Marlene & Irwin Katzman Endowment Fund Dr. Elias J. Kaufman & Dr. Madeleine Kaufman Mr. Donald M. Kohnstamm Drs. Carlos & Luisa Kurek Mrs. Julie C. Kweller Steve Yellen & Karen Leeds Dr. Joel Levin Bruce Levine & Corey Wolffe Levine Y Mrs. Dana R. Lewis The Late Mr. Donald & Mrs. Susan Lubick Mrs. Marian B. Lustig Cathy Shuman Miller & S. David Miller Y Mrs. Shelley K. Miller Stuart Scheff & Lori Morreale Barry & Toby Muskat Mrs. Cheryl Orlick Christina Orsi Edwin & Georgina Polokoff Dr. Lance Pozarny Mrs. Zhanna Racine Mr. Eric L. Recoon Y Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin Y
Mr. Kenneth A. Rogers Mr. Richard A. Romer Dr. Ronald J. Sadler Dr. Alan R. Saltzman Mr. Blaine S. Schwartz Y Jeffrey & Susan Schwartz Y Mr. Paul R. Shine Mrs. Chaya Shuman Rabbi Daniel Shuman Mr. Irving Stein Y Judi & Mont Stern The Late Dr. & Mrs. Herman Stone Moises & Steny Sudit Mr. Irving Sultz Y Mrs. Marilyn Sultz Y Mrs. Sheila Trossman* Dr. Jane Vogel Fischman Mrs. Ellen Warner Y Mr. Gene Warner Y Dr. Michael B. Weinberg Y Mr. Neil Weinberg Mr. Peter Allen Weinmann Aaron & Wendy Weisbrot The Late Mr. Sidney N. Weiss Howard & Karen Wiseman Mrs. Heidi Yellen Y Mr. Richard A. Zakalik Peggy Kulick & Arnold Zimmer Anonymous (20)
Victor Wagner Memorial Fund Mark & Susan Wallach Michael & Gina Weiner Mrs. Margit Weinmann Bernard & Helen Weinstein Howard & Shirley Wilinsky Sandra Gross Wolchok
Fremajane Wolfson Mr. & Mrs. Martin P. Wolpin Ms. Judy Sally Zeckhauser Mr. & Mrs. Bruce S. Zeftel Anonymous (26)
$500-999
Ms. Jean Dubow John & Patricia Duffner Dr. Carolyn P. Dukarm Robert Berger and Nitza Ellis Mrs. Nancy Enis Dr. Howard S. Faden Mr. Andrew Feldman Brenda & Eric Feldstein Mrs. Deborah Franco Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth P. Friedman Mr. Sidney Friedman Shawn and Kathie Frier Y The Joseph & Anna Gartner Foundation Robin Raphael & Alan Gellin Y Lawrence & Bonnie Gersh The Late Mrs. Marlene Glickman Mr. Michael F. Godshaw Mrs. Sylvia G. Gold Dr. Scott M. Goldman Mrs. Janice Goldstein Dr. Kenneth T. Goldstein Susan Grelick Anna & Bernard Gross Memorial Fund Rabbi Brent & Mrs. Jill Gutmann Y Dr. Bianca Guttman-Weinstock Mrs. Babette O. Hirschorn Miriam Treger-Honig & Eli Honig Y Mr. Andrew B. Isenberg Fred & Beverly Isenberg Mrs. Jennifer Isenberg
Mrs. Natalie Abramson Eric Balsom Mrs. Suzanne J. Barney Cynthia Benderson Dr. Gerald Berkowitz Mrs. Ellen Berman Mr. Ernest Berman Nancy & Lawrence Birzon Mr. Neil Block Sandra A. Block Dr. Gale Burstein & Dr. Peter Bloom Mrs. Barbara Blotnik Hadar & David Borden Laurence Boxer Linda Boxer Dr. Martin Brecher Mr. Samuel M. Bronsky Mr. Phillip Brothman Molly Carr Mrs. Judith E. Carrel Dr. Mark D. Chazen Ms. Debra L. Chernoff Jeff Clark Y Andrea Cohen Lawrence and Ann Cohen Cynthia Cominsky David Cominsky Ms. Deborah Di Matteo Mr. Richard Dopkins
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FEDERATION Rubin & Luba Literman Memorial Mrs. Wendee G. Lorbeer Mrs. Barbara E. Macks Jerry & Eileen Markzon Ethel Melzer Arlene Merowitz Mr. Jay Mesnekoff Mr. Paul J. Michaels Mrs. Naomi K. Mintzer Mr. & Mrs. Alan R. Mollot Jennie Morrison Robert Moskowitz Ms. Brenda Freedman & Mr. Martin Mutka Phil & Nicole Nobel Y John & Esther Northman Mrs. JoAnne Nover Mrs. Barbara Oliver Ms. Jennifer Patrick Mr. Steven B. Perelstein Mr. Harvey Podolsky Mrs. Merle Pranikoff Mr. Val S. Racine
$500-999 (cont)
Mr. Jacob Katz Y Virginia Kaufman Martin & Shelly Kerker The Late Mr. Louis S. Kimmel Mrs. Donna M. Klein Mr. Mark S. Klein Mr. Dan D. Kohane Jill & Michael Komm Leon & Cynthia Komm Y Mr. Lynn Alan Konovitz Mrs. Paula Kopstick-Ames Ms. Mara Koven-Gellman Ms. Joan M. Kronman Alon Kupferman Jeffrey Lapides Mrs. Cookie Levin Mr. Lawrence H. Levin Dr. Sanford H. Levy Dr. William Lin Allan & Leah Lipman
$1-499
Ms. Patricia L. Abeles David Reisman & Betsy Abramson Aurash Abrishamchi Mrs. Frima Ackerhalt Dr. Robert Ackerhalt Mr. Marc Alan Adel Norma Adel Rachel Adel Mr. Bruce S. Ader June Adler Patti Adler Christina Akers-DiCenzo Mrs. Rosalyn L. Algase Trina Allen Mr. Michael Alpern Beth Alt Mr. Richard Alt Robert Alt Ms. Fran Altman Mr. Robert E. Altman Julian Ambrus Geraldine Amendola Laura Andolina Dr. Martin J. Anisman Helen & Larry Aronoff Milo Atlas Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Augustnyek Harry and Kathryn Babcock Mrs. Gertude Bacol Mrs. Renee Bagel Mr. Alan J. Rosenhoch & Dr. Gabrielle Balderman Cynthia Balderman Lisa Balderman Ms. Tina Ball Mr. Mac I. Barnett Mrs. Barbara Barone Russ Batson Marty Feigen & Gail Bauser Rachel Beerman Drew Beiter Susan Beiter Abby Bell Dr. Stephen B. Bellus Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) *
Mrs. Lea Bendes Mr. Michael Bendes Mr. & Mrs. Michael Berg Mr. Nissan Berg Jacqui Berger Dr. Roseanne Berger Rabbi & Mrs. Ori Bergman Sarah Bergman Mrs. Mary H. Berlow David Berman Sheila Bernard Mr. & Mrs. Raymond S. Bernhardt, Jr. Mrs. Ellen R. Bernstein Fern & Steven Bernstein Mr. Bruce Biltekoff Mr. Robert Andrew Biltekoff Ms. Dara Biltekoff Ordon Mrs. Lily Bink Keith & Dawn Birzon Kerri Blabac Mr. Lincoln Blaisdell Mrs. Annette Blanchard Ms. Lois R. Blaustein Mrs. Joyce Block Mr. & Mrs. Peter Bloom Mr. Edward S. Bloomberg Zoe Bluffestone Mr. Aaron Blum Mrs. Leah Blum Mrs. Laurie Bluman Tara & Kenneth Blumberg Stuart & Karen Blume Keith Boerner Ms. Hope Bongiorno Ruth Borsky Deborah Bossman Laurence & Linda Boxer Arlene Braun Susan Braun Mr. & Mrs. Anthony J. Breckner Amanda Brickman Mr. Laurence Brickman Mrs. Elaine Brody Mr. Irving Brody Mrs. Jill Bronsky King David Society * *
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Mr. Mitchell Recoon Mrs. Robyn Recoon Mrs. Susan E. Recoon Y Mindy Robins-Reis & Shawn Reis Sanford & Annette Rosenberg Mr. Joel Ross Elaine Rubenstein Mr. Laurence K. Rubin Mr. Harvey Sanders Ms. Ina Sanders Joseph & Sandra Scheff Dr. Morton H. Sclair Stuart & Caren Shapiro Y Mr. Ronald Shubert Mr. Evan Shussett Stewart Siskin Mr. & Mrs. Marc Slonim Bari Spokane Mike Steklof Mr. Gary Sterman Dana Stoffman Judith Baron & Steven Stone
Mrs. Ronald Bronstein Mr. & Mrs. Philip Bronstein Kenneth Brooks Mrs. Judy Brothman Debra Brown The Hon. Deborah Bruch Bucki Mrs. Freda Brummer Pam Brunskill Mrs. Gail E. Buch Mrs. Pamela J. Buehler Rusty Buehler Ms. Marcia Bugyi Dr. Ruthellen Bunis Dr. Arlene Burrows Mrs. Lisa Burstein Mrs. Marna Burstein Mrs. Roberta Burstein-Markel Mrs. Sue Buyer Mr. & Mrs. Alan Camhi Helen Capell Tony Cardinale Mr. James E. Carr Dr. Stephen R. Cavior Michele Charles Philip Chazen Ms. Fredricka Cheek Mrs. Diane Church David John Clark Mr. & Mrs. Warren E. Clark Ms. Lynne A. Clarke Christopher and Julia Cohan Mrs. Joy Cohan Mrs. Naomi Cohan Mr. Howard B. Cohen Mrs. Norma K. Cohen Mr. Robert B. Cohen Mr. Ronald S. Cohen Stacey Cohen Steven & Pamela Cohen Bruce Corris Ms. Sarah Coutu Dr. Michael J. Cowen Naomi Cowen Mr. & Mrs. Donald Crawford Jessica Cunningham Susie Daides
Joshua Society * * *
Andre & Marilyn Toth David Vaughn Mrs. Cookie Weil Dr. Norman L. Weinberg Dr. David M. Weinman Iris & Ken Weinstein Dr. Arie Weinstock Mort & Ellen Weintraub Mrs. Sheila J. Weisman Mrs. Linda C. Weiss Mrs. Sylvia Weiss Mrs. Laura Wexler Golda Willig Memorial Mr. Ronald Willig Mrs. Ronna Wiseman Mr. Steven G. Wiseman Mr. Wayne R. Wolchok Mr. Sanford Wolffe Mrs. Karen L. Zakalik Frans de Waal & Margery Zeckhauser Anonymous (25)
Ms. Ellen J. Daly Chelsia Danziger Bruce & Teresa David Mr. Henry L. Davis Mrs. Judith S. Davis The Late Mrs. Marlene DeCarlo Daniela Dehtiar Mildred Dekoff Susan & Joseph DeMari Michael Diamond Joeseph Dispenza Cheryl Finton DiVita Mrs. Laurie Dohn Rebecca Dolan Sergey Dolgopolski Alfred Dolnick Kim Doron Mrs. Shelley C. Drake Ms. Ellen Drexler Mr. Edward Drozen Mr. Samuel Z. Dudek Ms. Louise Dumain Alex Eadie Maggie Early Camille Eichhorn Don Elick Jane Epstein Jonathan & Judith Epstein Gon Erez Brian Ergort Mr. David Essrow Mrs. Roberta Essrow Dr. Murray J. Ettinger Mrs. Pepy Ettinger Anne Evans Mrs. Maureen Fagin Mr. Donald Falk Mrs. Lillian Falk Mark & Micky Farber Rhonda Federick Rob Felber Mr. & Mrs. Edwin R. Feldman Mrs. Joy A. Feldman Mr. Marwin L. Feldman Mr. Alan Feller Dr. Gideon Fersztman
BJF Life & Legacy Y
Rita Fersztman Teresa Fewel Mrs. Jennifer Field Julie Fineberg Mr. Paul Fineberg Dr. Jeremy D. Finn Ms. Shelley Fitt Mrs. Ruth Fleming Adam Fogel Yonina Foster Kathryn M. Foti-Crawford Ms. Brenda Fox Mr. Victor P. Fradin Arlene Frank Mark Frank Ms. Marilyn Frappa Mr. Bernard B. Freedman Mrs. Maryann Freedman The Late Mr. Robert K. Freeland Mrs. Shoshanna Zucker Freundel Mr. & Mrs. Danny Friedman Carol Froehlich Al Frosolone Elaine Frysh Howard Frysh Jeffrey and Linda Frysh Roger Frysh Melinda Galvin Mr. James Gardner Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Garrick David S. Garson, M.D. Dr. Alexander Gelfer & Dr. Frida Gelfer Mr. Ryan L. Gellman & Dr. Wendy Gellman Andrew and Pamela Gewurz Jacob Gewurz Taylor Giannantonio Ms. Roberta Giller Mr. Daniel M. Glaser Mrs. Thelma Glaser Eric L. & Bonnie L. Glazer Mr. Stephen M. Glick Mr. Joseph L. Glickman Mrs. Halli Glina Robert Gluck
FEDERATION Ms. Ida Goeckel Mrs. Sue Goldberg Mr. Glenn Goldman Kitty Goldman Patti Goldman Ms. Amy Goldstein Dee & Les Goldstein Jody Goldstein Martin & Elaine Goldstein Ms. Karen Goodman Leslie Gordon Mr. Kenneth Graber Kenneth & Adrianne Graber Mrs. Adrienne J. Rothstein-Grace Wendy Graczyk Keren & Alex Green Mr. Leslie M. Greenbaum Mrs. Brocha Leah Greenberg Dr. Fred Greenberg Mrs. Marion Greenberg Richard Greenberg Mr. & Mrs. Ilya Grinberg Dr. Regina Grol Ms. Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk Ms. Jesse Grossman Amanda Gulka-Armstrong Paul Haefner Mr. Jerry Haier Stanley, Rose, Abe Halbreich Endowment Fund Dr. Marc Halfon Mrs. Robin Hall Ms. Judith P. Halpern Dr. Jill E. Hamilton Graham Hammill Mrs. Janet Harris Dr. Linda Harris Hugh Hartzberg Ms. Reine Hauser Mr. Robert Hausman Christy Heaton Kathleen Heffern Mr. Barry Heitner Cortney Heitzman Mrs. Robin Helak Mr. Scott W. Heller Robin Hendler Mrs. Judy Henn Kennedy Henry David Herer Mrs. Ilene Herr Mr. Philip Herzbrun Mr. Steven Herzbrun Mrs. June Iris Hesch Dennis & Karen Hirnle Cindy Hirsch Robert Hirsch Mrs. Kathi B. Hoffman Ms. Linda R. Hoffman Dr. Jody Holmlund Mr. & Mrs. Harvey A. Horowitz Mr. Morris L. Horwitz Cheryl M Hughes Leah Hughes Mrs. Hillary Hurwitz Mr. Stephen Hurwitz Shirley Isaacson Jarret Izzo Dorothy Jackman Steven and Sharon Jacobs Mr. Stephen Fey & Ann Jacobs-Fey Dr. Stephen L. Jacobson
Mr. Symond Jacobson Michael James Anna Januszczyk Mrs. Susan Joffe Linda Johnson Dr. Larry E. Jones Ms. Dianne Jordan Melissa Kaczmarski Dr. Kenneth R. Kahn Mrs. Linda A. Kahn Leopold Kaiser Dr. Seth Kaiser Barbara Kajos Debbie Kallus Mr. Barry H. Kantrowitz Dr. Robert E. Kaplan Mrs. Deana Kardaman Mr. Harvey Kardaman Diana & Hiram Kastenbaum Ms. Eileen Katz Ms. Marlene Katzel Ellen Kayton Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kayton Mrs. Lucy Kogler Kempner Larry Kerman Mrs. Helene G. Kershner Maria Khangi Mrs. Flora Khinkis Mrs. Edna Kielar Leah Kimmet Mrs. Ruth G. Kirstein Mr. Howard Kleiman Arthur Klein Mrs. Renee Klein Robert & Lynn Klein Michael & Lauren Klenosky Ms. Laurie Asher-Knipfing Rick Kollins Dr. Sara Koritz Mr. Ronald A. Korman Mrs. Betty F. Korn Mrs. Joan Korus Mr. Nelson Korus Mrs. Sharon D. Kostiner Dr. Chana R. Kotzin Mr. Leonid Kramer Alan Kranitz Ms. Susan S. Krasner Veronica Kraus Barry Krebs Ms. Barbara Krigstin Morgan J. Kristal Mr. Robert Krohn Mr. Jan A. Kublitz Mrs. Joan Kumor Dr. Sara Kunkes Dr. Sharon Kuritzky Robin Kurss Ms. Francine V. Kurtz Laya Kushner Mrs. Joan Kwiatkowski Lisa Robbins Lainey Walsh Mrs. Ruth F. Lansing Margo Lapides Carol & Mike LaPolice Michele Lash Dr. Richard S. Laub Mrs. Shoshanna Laub Mrs. Tillie Lazerson Renata & The Late Charles Lefcourt Ms. Brenda Lehrman Dan Leinwand
Dr. & Mrs. Alan J. Lesse Donald and Betsy Lesses Miss Holly L. Lesses Amy Lettman Miss Linda Levin Ms. Ellen Levine Mrs. Ilene R. Levine Mr. Paul T. Levine Mr. Louis Levinsky Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Levy Mr. and Mrs. Martin Lewin Michael and Dene Lewin Mrs. Dawn Lewis Mr. Harvey Lichtblau Mr. David G. Cohen & Dr. Norah Lincoff Mr. Louis Linsky The Late Dr. Jack Lippes & Mrs. Inez Lippes Joseph Lipsitz Max Lipsitz Ruth Lipsitz Louise Lipton Justin Loeber Miriam Loksen Mr. & Mrs. Leonard G. London
Sheila London Mr. Art Lorbeer Morgan Lord Matilda Lorenzo Miss Joan E. Loring Mrs. Sandra J. Ludwig John MacCallum Constance Macks Mr. Sheldon Macks Mr. Samuel D. Magavern Dr. Annette M. Magid Dr. Hillel Magid Mr. Larry Magil Mrs. Shirley Magil Lauren Maguire Dr. Clifford R. Mahler Mrs. Agi L. Maisel Callie Maister Cary & Elana Maister Dennis Maister Nachman Maister Kelly Maley Dr. Philip I. Malnikof Erica Manhardt Dina Manka
Corporate Partnerships The Buffalo Jewish Federation is honored to recognize these businesses for being Corporate Partners in 2023. Thank you for your partnership that makes us stronger together. (Corporate Donors and Sponsors) v Corporate Donor
$25,000-99,999
Delaware North Companies, Inc. v West Herr Automotive Group Anonymous (1)
$18,000-24,999 M & T Bank v
$10,000-17,999
Capital Realty Group Northtown Companies v Cannon, Heyman & Weiss, LLP v
$5,000-9,999
Altman Dental Amherst Memorial Chapel Keane Family Fund
$1,800-4,999
ABC-Amega, Inc v Aesthetic Associates Alesco Advisors Cheryl L. Stein, LLC Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies Hodgson Russ Howard Hanna – Karen Baker Inspire Dental Group Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo Jewish Family Service of Western New York Merrill Lynch - Sebastian, Awner, Houlding, Spagnolo & O’Brien Group
$1,800-4,999
Merrill Lynch Inc – DBSR & Associates Wealth Management Mesnekoff Funeral Home Shuman Plastics Temple Beth Zion
$1,000-1,799
Allied Financial Jewish Federation Apartments L & M Wealth Management Mod-Pac Charitable Fund Park School R.E. Kelley Wegmans
$500-999
Congregation Shir Shalom Kehillat Ohr Tzion Leon Komm & Son Monument Company Merredith Levin – Keller Williams Realty WNY Temple Beth Tzedek
$1-499
ACF Construction Corporationv Congregation B’rith Hadoshah DeSpirt Foundation Inc. v Eldred Wolrd War II Museumv Lockport Community Television Inc v Starry Night Theatre v Temple Beth Zion Sisterhood v Tesmer Builders v
March 2024 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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FEDERATION
$1-499 (cont)
William Marchione Marni Marciano Lance & Patricia Mark Barbara Markel Joanne Marquisee Mrs. Sheryl Martin Lara Martini Mrs. Lenore Marx Tom Matheny Mr. Joshua Feinstein & Ms. Patricia Mazon Mr. Jim McCabe Jacque McKenna Karen McMahon Orna McNamara The Late Mr. & Mrs. Ronald L. Meer Cheri and Henry Meisels Mrs. Karen Meltser Mrs. Esther Melzer Ms. Cheryl Mesch Mrs. Marcia Mesches Mrs. Rebecca Mesnekoff Mrs. Liz Messer Sarah Metzger Michele Meyer Mr. & Mrs. Jack Meyers Mrs. Carri Milch Mr. & Mrs. Steven Miller Michael Millman Dr. Michael Mogerman & Carol Froehlich Emma Montague Ms. Michelle Cohen-Monte William Moore Ms. Gail A. Morgan Jenna Morkisz Racheal Morris Mrs. Selma Morris Stephen Moscov Simon Moverguz Kirsten Moysich Rabbi Moshe & Mrs. Rivka Gurary Jessica Muenter Mrs. Eileen Mullaney Anne Myers Larry Jones & Nancy Rosenbloom Ms. Nancy Nathan Mrs. Joan Nemirov Ann & Greg Neumann Rich & Lori Newberg David & Julie Newberger Carol Newman David & Carol Newman Susan Nickbarg Dia Nicolatos Eric Niles Michael Nisengard Sharon Nisengard Dr. & Mrs. Allyn Norman Lisa Norman Mr. Gerald Nover Mrs. Amy O’Donnell Mr. & Mrs. Randall M. Odza Ms. Judith Olin Dr. Benjamin D. Oppenheimer Robert Ortt Rebecca Oshlag Faye Oskin Marilyn & Fred Oskin Michael Oskin Robin Ostrov Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) *
Mary O’Sullivan Ms. Ellen Goldberg Palmer Ms. Laurie Pastena Melanie Patterson Mr. George Pearlman Mr. Paul D. Pearson Judith Perelstein Mr. Sanford R. Perlmuter Mrs. Beverly J. Pierce Stephen and Dianne Pierce Ms. Ann L. Pikoff Susan Pisarek-Freatman Laura Platzer Eric Pleskow Mrs. Janie Polk Mrs. Sharon Pollack Mr. Steven Pollack Mark C. Poloncarz, Erie Country Executive Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Portin Donna Possenti Mr. Laurence Posses Mr. Menahem Ari Potash Mrs. Jackie Povitz Saul Presberg Ms. Janet Presser Michael Pressman Mrs. Wendy Pressman Mrs. Melania Puius Edward & Polina Purizhansky Kira Purizhansky Carol Quarantillo Ms. Alissa Rabach Charles & Ann Raderman Mr. Barry L . Radlin Shmuel & Laurie Rashkin Mrs. Sally Raskin Lori Raybold Mrs. Laura Recoon Dr. Phillip Recoon Barbara Reden Bernard & Helene Redlich Thomas & Lindy Redmond Mr. & Mrs. Edward Reich Mrs. Judy Reich Shari Jo Reich, Esq. Dr. Jonathan F. Reichert Jenna Reiner Mr. Mark Richheimer Mr. Gary P. Richmond Richard Ridenour Darlene Robb Cheryl Robbins Mrs. Janice M. Robins Mr. Edward C. Robinson Kim Robinson Mrs. Marla Robinson Mr. Richard Rockford Mark & Barbara Rodman Benjamin Rodwin Mrs. Kathy Corff Rogers Shiri Kester & Colton Rogers Mrs. Judi B. Romer Alan Rosen Mrs. Amy Rosen Mrs. Brenda Rosen Jennifer Rosen Mr. Jonathan M. Rosen Mrs. Rosalie Rosenband Adam Rosenbaum Dr. Nancy J. Rosenbloom Dr. Jerold C. Rosenfeld
King David Society * *
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Joshua Society * * *
Alan Ruttenberg & Lori Rosenthal Dr. Alice M. Rosenthal Mrs. Marcia Rosenthal Dr. Robert L. Rosenthal Thomas & Georgia Rosenthal Mr. Leonard N. Rosokoff Leonard & Phyllis Rosokoff Mrs. Sheila Ross Ms. Rachel Roth Ellen Rothschild Inna Rozov-Ung Mrs. Barbara Rubin Mr. Lawrence M. Rubin Mrs. Mary Ellen Rubin Dr. Stuart H. Rubin Vickie & Mitch Rubin Steven & Susan Rubinstein Mrs. Velina Ruckenstein Ellen Silver & Russell Steinberg Ms. Shellie Rutstein Mary Ruttenstein Memorial Fund Max, Kalman, Rose Ruttenstein Memorial Fund Yetty Sachs Mr. Barry Safier Mr. Howard T. Saperston, Jr. Mrs. Marcia Saran Ms. Melinda R. Saran Gillian Sarfin Ken Sass Kristin Savard Mrs. Ann M. Sawusch Jeffrey & Mireille Schapiro Mrs. Linda Scharf Mrs. Heidi B. Schatz Sanford & Elizabeth Schechter Ina & Herb Scheer Marjorie Scheff Rabbi Adam Scheldt Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Schenkler Mr. William Schierlitz Todd Schifferle Mr. Harvey & The Late Nancy Schiller Mrs. Marilyn Schillroth Ms. Carol Schmeidler Seth & Elana Schrank Mrs. Noreen Schreiber Mrs. Judith Tulchin Schroff Jennifer & Kaith Schulefand Mrs. Gertrude Schwab Mr. Arthur Schwartz Edward & Sharon Schwartz Mrs. Ruth L. Schwartz Mr. Scott M. Schwartz Jo Schweitzer Mrs. Penny W. Sclair Anita Sclar Peter Scott Mr. Sanford Seide Rabbi Joseph Aryeh Selevan Carol Sellers Mr. Richard Sellers Mrs. Karla Serapiglia Vilasini Shanbhag Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz Mrs. Rochel Shanowitz Drew,Mimi Ilana & Renee Shapiro Mr. & Mrs. Gary Shapiro Lori Shapiro Jared Shatkin Natalie Shatkin BJF Life & Legacy Y
Rebecca Shaw Drs. Lawrence & Lucille Sherlick Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Sherman Mr. Grigory Shershnevsky Mrs. Raisa Shershnevsky Moses Shire Ms. Lynne M. Shuster Judy Siehnel Marcy Sikorski Mr. Robert S. Silkes Mrs. Clareanne Silver Mrs. Carol Silverman Roger and Joan Simon The Late Karen Simon Neiman Gail Siskin Mr. & Mrs. Larry J. Skerker Mr. George J. Skiba, Jr. Max and Elizabeth Sloan Suzanne Sluizer Dr. Bruce M. Small Mrs. Karen Small Dr. Teresa Jen Small Julie Smith Mrs. Anita Snyder Mr. Steven C. Sofferin Peter Solender Debra Soman Mr. Sheldon S. Soman Bob & Jackie Sommer Mrs. Patricia Spector Kerry Spicer Randal and Ruth Spivack Doug and Ashley St. Cyr Mrs. Robin G. Stall Sheryl Stapleron Lori Stein Mr. & Mrs. Richard Steinacher Mrs. Beth Steinberg Mr. Richard A. Steinberg Mr. James M. Steinhorn Mr. David Stemerman Mr. James Sterman Pearl & Nathan Sterman Scholarship Samuel Sternberg Memorial Fund Richard Stone Mr. Robert M. Stone Mrs. Cindy E. Stover Jason Stowell Alyssa Strang Mrs. Annette Strauss Mrs. Bernadine Strauss Mrs. Penny Strauss Mr. Randy S. Strauss Dr. & Mrs. Bruce J. Stringer Mr. & Mrs. Mark Stulmaker Dr. Robert C. Sugarman Steven Sugarman Nathan Sull Margaret Sullivan Podgorski Ms. Judy A. Sunshine Mrs. Judith F. Swadron Kathleen Sweet Israel Tabone Dr. Emily Tall Jason Tambour Nicole Tankus Joan Taulbee Edie Teibel Mrs. Lori Teibel Mr. Richard Teibel Mr. Richard Teplitsky
FEDERATION Mr. Sheldon Tetewsky Tim Tindall Mrs. Marilyn Toth Hon. Sharon & Bradlee W. Townsend Vilona Trachtenberg Mrs. Wende Tragash Mr. & Mrs. Gary Treger Laura Uselding Charlie Vacanti Mrs. Marcia Valente Elina Valentine Ms. Sophia Veffer Kathleen Vester Dr. Sephra Vigna John Vitale The Late Mrs. Arlene Vogel Mrs. Candace Vogel Yood Mrs. Rus Devorah Wallen Mrs. Lisa D. Wallenfels Mr. David Wasserman Hayley Waugh Ms. Elissa Waykoff Carolyn Weil Sharon Weinfurtner Mr. Norman C. Weingarten Dr. Alan G. Weinstein Hon. Barry A. Weinstein Mr. Barry E. Weinstein Mr. Bernhard Weinstein Mrs. Evelyn Weinstein Mr. Michael Weinstein Mrs. Sandra H. Weinstein Annette Weintraub Mr. & Mrs. Bernard A. Weisbond Heather Weisman Elinor & Joel Weiss Dr. & Mrs. Everett Weiss Rachel Weiss Mr. & Mrs. Alan Weissman Joan A. Weissman Dr. Barbara Weitner-Lin Mrs. Elaine Werner Mrs. Elinor Wexler Mr. Richard L. Wexler Mr. Scott Wexler Mrs. Sharon Wexler Samantha White Michelle Wienke Max Willig Dr. Gail R. Wilsky Lucille Wisbaum Andrew & Gloria Wise The Late Karla Wiseman The Late Dr. Howard R. Wolf Mrs. Michele Wolffe Mrs. Susan Wolfson Dr. Richard E. Wolin Mr. Logan Woodard Mrs. Marcia Wright Nina Wright Susan Wright, DPM Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Wyner Mary Lou Wyrobek Katie Wzontek Mark Yablin Jeanette Zalba Jeremy Zellner Mr. Arnold N. Zelman Mr. Nathan Zimmerman Mendy Zippel Mr. Craig H. Zuckerman Anonymous (61) March 2024 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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28 buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2024
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1. Make Mishloach Manot (Purim Basket) Decorate a paper bag with markers and stickers, gather up your favorite treats, and deliver your Mishloach Manot to your friends and neighbors. Need some ideas? Visit pjlibrary.org/ beyond-books/pjblog/2020-01/what-are-mishloach-manot
2. Create Your Own Grogger (Noise Maker) Run to the pantry and grab a box of Mac N Cheese or Rice! Wrap the box in colorful tissue paper, and then decorate with glitter, stickers, and doodles galore! When your little one has BOO’d Haman more times than you can count, unwrap the box and donate it to your local food pantry!
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March 2024 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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SYNAGOGUES
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 - COO 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
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 Armand Morrison - Co-Chair Wendy Weisbrot - Co-Chair
Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, Inc.
Benderson Family Building 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-4033 jccbuffalo.org Patty Simonson - CEO 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 Harvey Sanders - 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
2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-1133 jewishphilanthropies.org Irv Levy - Executive Director Daniel Kester - President
Jewish Federation Apartments
Hadassah
Jewish Federation Cemetery Corporation, Inc.
2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-929-6504 buffalohadassah@gmail.com Frima Ackerhalt and Phyllis Steinberg - Co-Presidents
30 buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2024
275 Essjay Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-631-8471 jewishfederationapartments.org Kathleen Haggerty - Property Manager
338 Harris Hill Road – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 buffalojewishfederation.org 716-463-5050 Deborah Pivarsi - Director Jonathan Schechter - President
kadimah.org Reneé Lehner - Administrator
Kosher Meals on Wheels
338 Harris Hill Road - Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 Mike Steklof, Ed.D. - Senior Director Marni Marciano - Chair
Knesset Center (Orthodox) 500 Starin Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214 716-832-5063 chabadbuffalo.com Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Temple Hesed Abraham of Greater Jamestown (Reform)
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
I N LOV I N G M E M O RY
Remembering Anna Post This month we remember one of our community’s beloved Holocaust survivors, Anna Post. Anna was a nurturing, gifted and devoted teacher, and a founding member of the Holocaust Resource Center (now Holocaust Education Resource Organization - HERO). Her survivor testimony was among the first that was documented by HRC founder Toby Ticktin Back in the early1980’s. Anna (Dula) Post was born in 1923 in the small village of Bronocice, Poland. She was the youngest of six siblings and raised in a religious household. The Dula family ran the local flour mill and was the only Jewish family living in the area. As a result, the family moved to Dzialosyce which had an established Jewish community. The city of Dzialoysyce was occupied by the Nazis on September 1, 1939. By 1941, all Jews were required to register their identities with the government and wear yellow armbands. Her father’s business became “aryanized” and
Sara Berg Catherine Englehart Ellis Herman A. Engel Shirley L. Feldman Roberta J. Freedman Gerald R. Gardner Barry Ganz Marlene F. Glickman Anna Post
liberated the remaining survivors. When asked how she survived such terror, she answered, “Luck and youth and physical vigor and an incurably optimistic disposition.” After some recovery, Anna went back to Poland to search for any
Anna was a nurturing, gifted and devoted teacher, and a founding member of the Holocaust Resource Center confiscated to non-Jewish owners. Anna was fortunate that she was blonde haired and blue eyed. Bravely, she snuck out to nearby cities and would trade linens and other items for food. During one of her trips, Anna was discovered by the SS and taken to Gestapo headquarters. Luckily, she was released and able to return home. In 1942, able-bodied workers were sent for forced labor. Anna went out daily on work detail, one day she was warned not to return home, as the entire Jewish population of her city had been killed or taken by the Nazis. Anna took the warning seriously and was able to get to Wislica, where she was able to stay with former neighbors. While there, Anna was able to get false papers bearing a non-Jewish identity. Anna saw the SS checking identities, knowing her false papers would not pass inspection, she destroyed them. She was arrested for failing to carry identification and sent to Auschwitz as a person of suspect identity. Upon arrival at Auschwitz, she was shaved and tattooed with number 32127. Anna spent three years in Auschwitz and was then sent on the death march ending up in Ravensbruck Camp. In the spring of 1945, the US Army rescued and
In Remembrance
The following individuals in our community passed away during the period from December 18, 2023 - February 19, 2024. May their memories forever be a blessing, and may their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
of her relatives. Tragically, she discovered all her family members had been murdered. Anna settled in Krakow where she met her husband Jacob, also a Holocaust survivor. Anna and Jacob had two children. In 1961, the family emigrated to the United States, settling in Buffalo. “As a vibrant founder of our organization with an incurably optimistic disposition, we are forever indebted to Anna Dula Post for her bravery in sharing her story that allowed all of us to become witnesses to the incomprehensible horrors that she endured,” reflected Lauren Bloomberg, current Director of HERO. “Her trailblazing vision and leadership will continue to inspire our work for years to come.” To read more about Anna’s story, visit buffalojewishfederation. org/anna-post.
Samuel L. Golden Dr. David Lewis Haniford, Ph.D. Rae A. Freedman Kassirer Arlene Kissin Sandra Klaiman Michael L. Montgomery Leslie Cheryl Okun Barbara Organek Anna Post Jan Ellen Ruderman Clifford L. Rogers Gary T. Treger Betteann Umof-Joseph Regina V. Vinder Sidney Weiss
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.
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FIXED ANNUITIES
(NOT) THE LAST WORD
Our New Reality: Post-Pittsburgh Preparedness BY LINDA BOXER
Growing up in Detroit, I never thought much about security. I walked to elementary school and then junior high. I got a ride or rode my bike or hopped on a city bus to go to high school. We always rode our bikes around the community and my friends, and I would take three buses to get downtown to go to Tiger Stadium to watch a game. During the High Holy Days, too many of us escaped from Junior Congregation to roam the neighborhood. If there was antisemitism or fear, I was oblivious. It’s different now. As president of Temple Beth Tzedek, I hear from congregants who are simply afraid to come to shul because of what might happen. The Tree of Life attack scared us and scarred us. Our beautiful sanctuary has floor to ceiling windows where we can see nature and watch the seasons change as we pray. Yet, we had to spend about $50,000 to put up protective film on those very windows to deter bullets. We worry about evacuation of the congregants in the event of an incident. We are mindful of the very young and those who are not so young. Alan L. Kranitz CLU, ChFC I worry and I urge preparedness. At first, after Pittsburgh happened, I had thoughts of ‘Post Pittsburgh Paranoia’ but now I think of ‘Post Pittsburgh Preparedness.’ • Principal Protection All that being said, we can’t let the background fear keep us away. As Federation CEO Rob • No annual fees Goldberg said to me one Shabbat morning, we or commission come together to celebrate our Judaism. We remain • Tax deferred growth alert. We have alarm fobs to summon help. We have camera doorbells to see who is trying to enter • Monthly life time on weekdays. On Shabbat, we have our security income option guard, an off-duty Amherst Police Officer, at the front door and we keep all the other doors locked. • Competitive interest Our regular security officer has gotten to know crediting our community, and we see him as part of our Beth Tzedek family. When he is not present, even though we have others protecting us, he is missed. For inquiries of $50,000 Our Federation allows us access to the Secure Community Network (SCN) that offers updates, briefings, and training webinars or more call on many subjects. One webinar I attended was all about greeting, The Power of Hello. So true. You get a good sense of who belongs, who is a member of the tribe, and who is not. When there is a simcha and we have guests, we need to be more diligent. We work so hard to be ‘warm and welcoming’ and we need to be on alert. It’s the world we live in today. Through Federation and SCN, I was able to attend a tabletop security training last spring. I’ve watched many other webinars 475 International Drive Suite 400 about preparedness. Temple Beth Tzedek is not alone in being cautious. And we are not alone in continuing our services and Williamsville, NY 14221 programming. It isn’t easy to do. For each service, each program, each event, we must decide if we need to hire a security officer. *Subject to the claims paying ability Ideally, we’d have an officer on duty every time we are open. However, we are faced with the financial burden of paying for security. of New York State Insurance Companies We appreciate Federation’s coordination of hiring security officers and financial support to offset the cost. We have a security fund and encourage donations; we ask committees to factor in the cost of security into their event planning; we look for angels to pay for one event, one service. We’ve already started discussing what we For the Answers You Need can do better for the High Holidays. In 2024, we don’t do anything without adding the FIRST “I DO.” topic of security to the discussion. on Finances, Legal Issues, THEN “I DON’T.” On a positive note, we’ve opened our doors to our neighbor, Congregation Shir Real Estate, Reconnecting Shalom; they use our minyan room for a service of their own most Saturday mornings. with Yourself, Your Goals, THEN COMES, While their Saturday morning group is small, if they were to keep their own building Dating and More. open, they would need to hire a security officer, too. Resources, both financial “NOW WHAT?” Available on Amazon, and personnel, would be spread a bit thinner. Instead, we share one building and READ MY NEW BOOK paperback and Kindle. one officer. It’s not only collaborative, but also a sound financial decision. At the conclusion of services, we share kiddish, so as a bonus, we are building community. While the Anti-Defamation League reports escalating incidents of antisemitism ADRIENNE ROTHSTEIN GRACE around the globe, we pray for peace in Israel at every service and we hope that we are secure within our own gates. We are moving onward with the hope of a brighter future. ADRIENNEGRACE.COM Am Yisrael Chai. 716-817-6425 Linda Boxer is the current president of Temple Beth Tzedek.
A. Kranitz Associates, inc
716-932-7023
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March 2024 | buffalojewishfederation.org
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