The Award Winning » BE HAPPY! IT’S ADAR!

BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | WWW.BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG MARCH 2019 | ADAR I - ADAR II 5779

BE HAPPY! It’s Purim Everywhere! (10-11)

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The Award Winning BE HAPPY! IT’S ADAR! Published by March 2019 Buffalo Jewish Federation 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 Editor’s Note On The Cover 716-204-2241 BUFFALO, ISRAEL THE JEWISH WORLD WWW.BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG MARCH 2019 ADAR I - ADAR II 5779 www.buffalojewishfederation.org

CEO/Executive Director...... Rob Goldberg President...... Leslie Shuman Kramer Editor, Public Relations Director...... Ellen S. Goldstein

! The Buffalo Jewish Federation Is a proud member BE HAPPY of the Jewish Federations of North America and the It’s Purim Everywhere! American Jewish Press Association (10-11) Produced by Ellen Goldstein, Editor In anticipation of the JCC’s 70th anniversary May 19, Early Childhood program participants in the Benderson JCC and

Be happy. It’s Adar! What does that mean? For one thing, Holland JCC Building are jumping with excitement, and also

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED SERVICE CHANGE LOOK: DON’T MISS: INSIDE:

our tradition tells us that when the Hebrew month of Adar 4 No. Permit SECURE JEWISH WESTERN GALILEE BUFFALO JEWISH

Williamsport, PA lookingWilliamsport, forward to Purim this month, too. Photos by kc kratt.

PAID Getzville, NY 14068 NY Getzville, BUFFALO UPDATE PARTNERS FILM FEST

US Postage US

2640 North Forest Road Forest North 2640 (3) (6-7) (36) comes, joy is increased. Adar, the current month in the Hebrew STD. Presorted Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer...... Buffalo Jewish Federation Jewish Buffalo Barbara E. Macks calendar signals the end of winter in Israel And this year, [email protected] because there is a leap year in the Jewish calendar, we have Senior Vice President/Creative Director...... Chastity O'Shei [email protected] two Adars. Extra happiness? We certainly can aim for that. And Vice President/Production...... Jennifer Tudor how can you not be happy looking at the adorable faces of [email protected] the JCC preschoolers gracing the cover of this month’s Jewish Lead Designer...... Kimberly Miers Journal? They are so joyous! 3 Secure Jewish Buffalo Fund UPDATE [email protected] Senior Graphic Designers...... Josh Flanigan, Andrea Rowley, These beautiful children are on the cover of the paper for 4-5 Buffalo Lions Roar: Susan Gellman, two reasons. First, dressed in costumes, they are reminding us Jean-Pierre Thimot, Nicholas Vitello Sonia Gellman Young Traffic Coordinator...... that Purim is coming this month, a time for rejoicing, for eating Adam Van Schoonhoven The Western Galilee: Stories from Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager...... Marianne Potratz and dancing, reading the Megillah, and drinking until we can’t 6-7 [email protected] tell the difference between the good Mordechai and the evil Buffalo’s Partner Region in Israel Sales Director...... Cynthia Oppenheimer, Haman. Second, these kids are letting us know that the 70th 8-9 Thank you Super Sunday Donors [email protected] anniversary of the Jewish Community Center will soon be here. & Prize Sponsors! Senior Account Executives...... Keren Green, [email protected] Slated for May 19, the celebration will honor the past while Robin Kurss, [email protected] acclaiming the future of the JCC, as well as highlighting the Anti-Semitism is not Acceptable by Rev. Betty Tata, [email protected] Proofreaders ...... Sharon C. Levite, Amy Goldstein beautifully refurbished Holland Family Building on Delaware William Hennessy Avenue. Learn more about it on page 33, and in the next two 10-11 Purim Events in Buffalo Members of issues of the Jewish Journal. Finally, as we celebrate Purim this year and spin our 12 Benjy Bluman: A story for March groggers at the mention of the word “Haman,” it is important to Madness! remember that are still modern-day Hamans in the world who 13 Jewish Disability Awareness and Submissions: Submit editorial stories, photos, and calendar items by the 1st of the would do us harm. We don’t have to look further than Pittsburgh Inclusion Month in Buffalo to remember this. That is why you still have an opportunity to preceding month of issue to [email protected]. make a generous gift to the Secure Jewish Buffalo Fund (see 14 Cantor’s Column: Cantor Penny Myers To Advertise: To advertise, call Cynthia Oppenheimer at 716-783-9119 x2240. page 3) and help all of Jewish Buffalo be a safe place for 15 5 Things You Can Do to Repair everyone. If you have already made a gift, thank you. If you Ad space & materials are due by the 10th of each month prior to the World in March publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please have not, please make email Cynthia Oppenheimer [email protected] one today—for yourself, 16 Food: Challah for Purim By Robin Kurss or Barbara Macks [email protected]. for your children, for all 16-17 Special Advertising Supplement: To Subscribe: of us. Hag Sameach! Dining Guide To subscribe, visit www.buffalojewishfederation.org and click on Ellen Goldstein - Editor 18-19 Special Advertising Supplement: Purim “JJWNY subscription.” Free for Western New York area residents and donors to the Campaign. Non-resident subscription is $36 for 12 20-21 Organizations & Synagogue Listings issues, payable to The Jewish Journal.

22-24 Synagogue Happenings The Jewish Journal of WNY (JJWNY) reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at any time. The Buffalo Jewish Federation and Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. are not 25 March Calendar liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The JJWNY does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of 26-29 Special Advertising Supplement: any product or service advertised in this paper. Editorials, columns, advertisements, agency reports and other outside articles do not necessarily represent the views Kids & Camps of the newspaper or the Buffalo Jewish Federation, but rather express the view of the writer. 30-40 Agency Events All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing 41 In Loving Memory Act of 1968, which makes it “illegal to advertise “based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept 42 Jews in the News any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal 44 Not The Last Word: David Schiller opportunity basis.

2 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 COMMUNITY Buffalo MOMentum: Women’s

Trip to Israel Next December Last month, the cover of the Jewish Journal highlighted efforts to raise funds to ensure a safer and more secure Jewish Buffalo. As of February 19th, we’ve raised We’ve had an overwhelming response to the Jewish Women’s Renaissance nearly $95,000 from 245 individuals or groups for the new Secure Jewish Buffalo Project (JWRP) MOMentum opportunity. Yet, there is still time to apply to Fund. We are particularly grateful to the Joseph Family and the families of Dr. join other women from Buffalo on a year-long journey that includes 8 days in Samuel and Joni Shatkin and Dr. Todd and Leslie Shatkin who provided matching Israel December 10-17, 2019. Apply today at www.jwrp.org. Note that space funds to incentivize dozens of donors to contribute. is limited and some restrictions apply. Also, acceptance into the program is granted based on criteria determined by the JWRP. In addition, President of Federation, Leslie Shuman Kramer, initiated a new task force to lead the effort for how best to invest these resources, including grant-making to local synagogues and agencies, and the potential hire of a security expert to serve as a point of contact for law enforcement. At the first meeting last month, the task force heard from Pat Daly, Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer of Secure Community Network (SCN), who reviewed information on facility security, community-law enforcement engagement and provided a threat overview. Next month, the task force will be meeting with Susan Case DeMari, the Security Liaison for the Jewish Federation of Central NY. A graduate of Brockport State and Syracuse University College of Law, Susan has provided trainings and seminars to strengthen the security infrastructure for the Syracuse Jewish Community.

Please consider a gift to support the Secure Jewish Buffalo Fund. Below is information on three easy ways to contribute.

SECURE JEWISH BUFFALO FUND

NAME: ______

$180 $360 $500 $1000 Other $______

Connect with women from all over the world for a revitalizing year of self- THREE EASY WAYS TO GIVE TODAY: exploration, unforgettable experiences in Israel, and inspiring Jewish learning. CHECK ONLINE Enjoy empowering Jewish classes led by world-class speakers and Israeli thought Make your check out to: Visit our website leaders. Explore spiritual Tsfat, dynamic Tel Aviv, Masada’s desert magic, Shabbat Buffalo Jewish Federation and mail it to make a secure gift online: in Jerusalem, and many more unique experiences. Discover how to connect deeper to the address below. buffalojewishfederation.org with yourself, your family, and your community. The JWRP‘s MOMentum trip, run CREDIT CARD in partnership with the Buffalo Jewish Federation, brings mothers to Israel who have children at home under the age of 18. Other restrictions may apply. MASTERCARD VISA AMEX The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) was established in 2008 by eight Jewish women who came from all walks of life. Together, they started a global Name of cardholder ______movement designed to empower women through Jewish values. Since that time more than 10,000 individuals from 26 different countries have experienced this Card number ______Security Code______life-changing journey, returning home with a connection to Jewish values, ties to Israel and the tools to take action in their own homes and communities. MAIL TO: Buffalo Jewish Federation, 2640 North Forest Road, Getzville, NY 14068

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 3 COMMUNITY Buffalo Lions of Judah…the Story Continues The Power of Tradition: Susan Kaplan Gellman and Sonia Gellman Young

The Jewish Journal of WNY continues to profile Buffalo women who make an annual Lion of Judah (LOJ) level gift ($5,000) to the Campaign for Jewish Buffalo. This month, meet mother and daughter Susan Gellman and Sonia Gellman Young, two more Jewish women who exemplify the qualities of “Women of Valor” in our midst. Family, community, Jewish living are the reasons they became and proudly remain Lions of Judah. Their stories also illustrate the idea that when they are young, children learn from their parents how to act and what values to acquire. L’dor v’dor – instilling character and passing down values and tradition from one generation to the next.

Temple Beth Israel.” The Youngs have seven Arthur Gellman and Susan Kaplan met when they children: 21-year old Leah, were both patients at the infirmary while students an artist in her own right at UB in 1968. They both then left Buffalo—Arthur who lives in New York off to Europe, Susan to New York City where she City, attends the New York became a high school English teacher. In 1972 they School of Interior Design, started writing letters back and forth and ultimately and runs Chabad teen and reconnected and married in 1975, in Florida, so youth programs nationally; Susan’s 94 year-old grandfather could attend. Today 18-year old Yaakov–a they have four married children: In addition to Sonia, student in yeshiva in New one son Jonathan lives in Buffalo and works in real Haven; Michel, 15 years old, estate. He is also president of the Ohr Temimim who studies in a yeshiva in School. Their other daughter, Chana Gellman Burston, Toronto; 12-year old Dov Ber lives in Orange County, New York and runs a large who attends Ohr Temimim Chabad. Their second son, Daniel (Tzvi) Gellman, school and is studying for Susan Kaplan Gellman lives in Pomona, New York. Susan and Arthur also Sonia Gellman Young his bar mitzvah; 7-year old Susan Kaplan Gellman believes have 18 grandchildren (ka”h). Sonia Gellman Young radiates Avremmy who also attends wholeheartedly that the purpose of Susan and Arthur have taken an active role in passion, compassion and vitality. An Ohr Temimim, as does his tzedakah is to repair the world, and our accomplished artist, passionate donor 5-year old brother, Mendel, purpose is to make sure it happens. “I love the outcome of and devoted community leader, as noted and 3-year old Rosie, who She illustrated the point with a story above, she grew up in Williamsville as attends Jewish Discovery from The Jewish Press of New York. what has happened because one of four children of Arthur and Susan Center’s pre-school. “The famous philanthropist Sir Moses of my becoming religious.” Gellman. Sonia relates so much of her Sonia says that growing Montefiore was asked by the Queen commitment to her parents and also to up, she was always of England how much money he Buffalo’s Jewish Community. Notably, together with her mother’s parents- David & Beatrice hearing about her family’s possesses. Sir Moses told the queen ‘I the Shuman Family, the Gellmans were founders Kaplan, and her father’s parents, Jack involvement in Jewish possess 3 million pounds.’ The queen of the Jewish Heritage School (now Ohr Temimim & Elizabeth Gellman. Jack was very Federation. “Whether was surprised, and asked ‘are you sure School). “We founded it about twenty years ago so involved in Jewish life in Niagara Falls the topic was my father that is all the money you have?’ Sir our kids would have an observant Jewish school to go and at Niagara University. Later on, they speaking to a large forum Moses answered ‘Yes I am sure, because to,” she said. Also, along with the Dautch Family, they also contributed to Jewish life in Miami. in Israel on a Federation the only money that really belongs to contributed to the Weinberg Campus, creating the Her parents and grandparents passed on mission in the 1980s or me is what I gave away to tzedakah.’” Gellman – Dautch Gymnasium. a legacy of giving, and getting involved about his board meetings, Susan feels that being a Lion of Judah is “When I was raising my children, I also belonged both locally and in supporting the State or my grandmother a good vehicle for her personal tzedakah. to National Council of Jewish Women. There is no of Israel. Her uncle and aunt, George Elizabeth Gellman sporting “I have been a Lion of Judah for many longer a chapter in Buffalo, but I enjoyed that very and Bodil Gellman, also carry on this a sparkling Lion of Judah years. I strongly believe it is important much,” Susan said. “Today I belong to Hadassah, and family tradition of Jewish philanthropy. pin years ago, Federation to contribute to the community in which I also volunteer at Ohr Temimim, tutoring reading to So being a part of the Buffalo Jewish was part of the Gellman you live, and to support all the agencies first graders. The children are so cute and sweet, and community is a natural family legacy, as communal vocabulary.” so they can function well, and the schools they are eager to learn,” she said. The Gellmans are well as a perfect fit for her. “I also learned from my can prosper.” members of Young Israel and the Jewish Discovery Sonia’s husband, Pinny, is from London, parents and grandparents David and Beatrice Kaplan, Susan’s Center, and attend shul in both places when they are England, and grew up playing soccer as a not only about supporting parents, were from Long Island. Their in Buffalo. secular Jew, though he attended an elite organizations, but also life’s work was building and supporting Susan, honored by the Jewish Federation as a Jewish boarding school. He was inspired about helping individuals in a synagogue in their area. “My parents Woman of Distinction in 2017, explained that Judaism after high school to become a rabbi and their personal and business were my inspiration to give to Federation became much more central to her life around 1989 or decided to attend yeshiva in New York lives, providing private loans in New York,” she said. “They made an 1990 when she embarked on a spiritual journey and and New Jersey. The couple first met in to students and individuals. example for me to follow. They founded became “frum” (Jewishly religious/observant), which Morristown, later married, then moved to My parents’ personal and the Fresh Meadows Jewish Center in caused me to bring up frum children.” Today, her Buffalo, where Pinny attended University organizational lives are Queens, a Conservative synagogue. And four children are living frum Jewish lives with their at Buffalo School of Medicine. Rabbi Dr. steeped in tzedakah,” Sonia my in-laws, Jack and Elizabeth Gellman beautiful families in strong Jewish communities. “I Young is now a practicing Ear, Nose and explained. “They will of Niagara Falls, were also generous to love the outcome of what has happened because of Throat (ENT) specialist and a surgeon in constantly sacrifice their the Federation and to their synagogue, my becoming religious,” she said. Amherst. lifestyle choices to help 4 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 COMMUNITY others. I don’t know many people who mean to be an observant Jew involved would do that. People know they can with the Federation in Buffalo?” turn to our family for help, and many Sonia was the energy behind the Bonnie have,” she said. “This is a legacy that has creation of the Jewish Women’s been imprinted on me and my siblings Connection (JWC) at Federation, assisted since we were babies that we were going by other community members. The goal to carry on this tradition of tzedakah and of the JWC was to unify Jewish women is Buffalo! the value of helping, strengthening the across all walks of the community- community.” whether a person was unaffiliated or In discussing how happy she is with considered herself Reform, Conservative, her choice to become a Lion of Judah, Orthodox, or Chassidic. The foundation Spectacular & Exclusive, gated “Marrano” Patio Home Community situated in the heart Sonia commented on the generosity of of the programming was Jewish, of Williamsville, New York. This executive style other Lions she has met. “I have noticed inspirational, and educational topics residence features an amazing 1st floor master this quality—a generation to generation which would appeal to everyone suite with hardwood floors throughout. Some of sense of tzedakah - in many of the Lions attending in a non-judgmental, non- the additional features include: exquisite, private manicured grounds, covered porch, patio I know. They have this notion bred into threatening way. Programming included overlooking pond with thousands of dollars in them that giving isn’t an option. I really cooking classes, challah baking classes, professional landscaping, gorgeous gourmet think many of us believe this and act on art related classes, general Jewish kitchen with quartz island & counters, upgraded it,” she said. “One of the benefits I have learning, lectures with outside speakers, appliances, full house generator, 2nd floor 16x10 library loft, 2 additional bedrooms and full bath, seen from becoming a Lion of Judah is and the crescendo event was “Spa for the 75 gallon water heater, purifying water system & the friendships and local connections I Soul,” which was a day of Jewish learning 9 Harbridge • $519,900 California Closets. Several feet were added to the have made with these women.” immersion and inspiration which front and back of this home when built. included Jewish meditation, lectures, yoga, Israeli dance, and was sponsored Elegant, traditional brick home with contemporary “One of the benefits by the Benderson and Gellman families. flair, situated on the most outstanding street and I have seen from Sonia’s community resume is park-like setting. Rarely does a custom home in this condition ever come on the market. Decorated becoming a Lion impressive. She is a Ruth & Milton Kahn to perfection by “Karen Fick” w/soaring ceilings, Young Leadership award winner, was hardwood floors w/inlaids, crown molding of Judah is the honored by the Federation in 2012 as a throughout, 2 story curved staircase, 3.5 baths, all white gourmet kitchen, 2 Asko dishwashers, 2 story friendships...” Woman of Distinction, participated in library, huge 20 ft laundry, generator, roof - 2012, air the 2015 Federation’s executive director & furnace 2010, 3.5 car garage, Anderson windows, “Several years ago, Pinny was asked to search committee, attended two General exquisite professional landscaped wooded lot w/ stone seating areas on 2 level patios. Beyond your lead the Mission to the Jewish Federations Assemblies, became involved with Nickel expectations. Home is adjacent to Reinstein Nature of North America’s (JFNA) General City Jews and hosted several Lag b’Omer Preserve. Assembly (GA) in Washington, D.C. parties and Purim Megillah readings for 42 Countryside Lane • $399,900 Nearly 30 individuals attended, many the group, as well as Shabbat dinners for I had not previously known. Between young professionals. She also serves on those GA attendees, my relationships the board Ohr Temimim School, attends on the Federation board and through Young Israel, Kehillat Ohr Tzion, and the BONNIE CLEMENT different committees including Jewish Jewish Discovery Center, is a JFS board Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Women’s Connection with Ellen Weiss, I member, and a past Federation board have made good friends and community member, where she chaired the Kosher Cell: 716.553.8384 friends and relationships with people Task Force. She also teaches art classes [email protected] | BonnieClement.com I would not have crossed paths with for adults at the JCC, is an art teacher otherwise.” for Ohr Temimim and teaches private HUNT ERA Williamsville Village Branch: Sonia’s first personal encounter with students in her art studio. 5570 Main Street, 1st Floor, Williamsville, NY 14221 Federation as an adult came through Kim An accomplished and talented artist Yonaty, who was a Kick-Off Dinner table herself, Sonia attended Pratt Institute captain at the time, and she invited the and graduated from UB with a Fine Arts Youngs to attend the event and sit at her degree.She donates her artworks to table. Sonia found that Campaign event multiple Jewish organizations for charity so impressive and powerful, joining with purposes, and has exhibited in solo and CREATIVE RESOLUTIONS WHILE PRESERVING RELATIONSHIPS 500 other community members who were group shows in the United States and there because they wanted to support the Israel. Her works are in the permanent Paul Pearson has over 40 years’ experience in providing infrastructure of the Jewish community. collections of Hadassah and Sha’arai innovative resolution services for a variety of conflicts. It was then that she and Pinny decided to Tzedek Hospitals in Jerusalem. She is As an attorney and senior mediator, Paul facilitates become involved in the Federation. also the marketing and PR Director for “That night led my husband and me Paul Young, MD and helped to build the out-of-court settlements, crafting individual solutions on a new trajectory to begin thinking practice from the beginning. for each problem- saving you time, money and stress. about what it meant to be involved with You can see from this story that with Federation. What would be our financial Susan Gellman and Sonia Gellman commitment? Could we help implement Young, the apple (kugel) doesn’t fall far new ideas and promote change in our from the tree. A blessing for us in Jewish community going forward? What did it Buffalo! March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 5 COMMUNITY BUFFALO’S PARTNERSHIP COMMUNITY IN ISRAEL “A Day without a Smile is a Waste of a Day”

By Naomi Wiseman volunteers and fellow educators. Among the schools we toured was K’tzinei Yam, a Naval high school that prepares Written on the wall of the Regba cadets for the Israeli Navy, in addition to sponsoring a School in Nahariyah, Israel, this title startup technology program that actually “twins” with a quote sums up a five-day trip of Jewish school in Budapest through video conferencing. our Jewish Educators Delegation in Another was the Meitar School, a regional school that caters Israel’s Western Galilee Region. And to the needs of 48 students suffering from severe mental we shared those smiles we saw on the and emotional disorders, offering instruction centered on faces of the children not only at the helping students discover, see and believe in their own Regba School but also at the six other abilities and skills. Israeli schools the delegation team As a young, fairly new educator discovering educational visited on this special trip. possibilities first-hand in a country I hold so near and dear Sponsored and so beautifully to my heart, this trip was inspiring and re-energizing. While organized by The Jewish Agency and there, I clearly felt my ties to Israel grow stronger. its Partnership2Gether platform in conjunction with the Jewish Federations of North America, the group was made up of eleven educators, ranging from Budapest, Hungary, Omaha, Nebraska, Toledo, Ohio and Buffalo, New York. We spent five days visiting a variety of schools, meeting with teachers and students and touring the region. The Partnership’s mission is to promote mutually beneficial endeavors between the people of the Central Area Consortium (which includes Buffalo and 14 other communities) and the Western Galilee. Forging relationships through programs that build Jewish identity and strengthen ties and connections among and between our communities was the theme of this trip. Each participant has been matched with a “twinning school” in this Northwest region of Israel, (Left top) Naomi with students in Israel with which we will communicate and (Above) Buffalo’s COOLanu students build relationships to bring back to our (Left) Naomi taking a selfie in Israel American students. We toured these schools in person, and met with the On the last day of the trip, I was asked if I would be children and teachers with whom we will interviewed for an upcoming promotional video for the be corresponding in the future. Partnership. One of the questions asked was, “Why do you When I arrived at G’vanim School, I was think strengthening connections between Jews around the immediately greeted by the 5th and 6th world is important?” I think that it is the Partnership’s goal, grade English teacher and the principal as it should be for any Jew, to foster a feeling of belonging of the school. We discussed a variety of to the Jewish people and the Jewish homeland. Everyone, ways we can connect Israeli students to especially young students, can continue to build these ties in Buffalo students who currently meet two order to create a bridge between American Jewry and Israeli Sundays every month called COOLanu, with our Buffalo Jewish youth. They were anticipating my Jewry which not only strengthens one’s Jewish identity, but and including recording and sending arrival, hardly able to sit still, and of course jumped at the also forges a strong connection and commitment to Israel, a video of a holiday celebration in our first opportunity to take a coveted “selfie” with me! (See Judaism and education. homes, sharing a favorite American above.) They were proud to show off their English skills, having I feel my Jewish identity was indeed strengthened by this song for our Israeli counterparts to prepared speeches about a recent project, guiding me on a opportunity offered through the Buffalo Jewish Federation. learn and vice versa, sending books tour of their beautiful campus and sending me back to Buffalo I shared this Israeli adventure with ten other American and art projects across continents, and with handwritten letters introducing themselves to our Buffalo Jewish educators who, based on our non-stop WhatsApp Skype conferencing so the students will students. This was the first step in creating lifelong friendships conversations, will be in my life for some time. We have all actually have a chance to meet “face to and connections between Buffalonians and Israelis. committed to making it our mission to bring this feeling of face.” Although I could have spent the full five days with my new connection and identity to America’s Jewish youth and for After our initial welcome, I had the Israeli friends, the Partnership offered us many other fascinating me—Buffalo’s Jewish youth. pleasure of meeting the ten Israeli experiences and programs throughout the region and we had Naomi Wiseman is a COOLanu teacher with the Center students who we will be twinning the opportunity to observe and learn from local staff members, for Jewish Experience & Learning. 6 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 BUFFALO’S PARTNERSHIP COMMUNITY IN ISRAEL COMMUNITY

youth from all sectors of preparing students for excellence Jewish Buffalo Invests in Israeli society. The Federation and leadership in naval and social grant will enable La’Ofek to endeavors. The school provides a high- begin a Leadership Course for quality education through maritime Israel’s Western Galilee its graduates. The objectives awareness, enabling students to realize of the “Riding Far” Leadership their potential, maximize their skills, Course will be to empower engage in self-discovery and have the Strengthening Ties to Buffalo’s Partnership Region youth with the potential motivation and capacity to contribute to be leaders among their to Israeli society and the Navy. The Embracing the opportunity fellow cyclists while teaching program offers participating students an presented at last fall’s 2019 Buffalo the skills needed for self- outlet for their creativity, a controlled, Jewish Federation Campaign Kick- actualization in their private monitored and guided arena for them Off, hundreds of community members lives as well as teaching to explore innovative ideas, develop contributed nearly $55,000 toward a virtues and values, such as them by discussing and pitching them fund to invest in NGOs (Israeli non- responsibility, leadership, before volunteer engineers from Rafael profits) in the Western Galilee, our patriotism, and tolerance. Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., a community’s partnership region in Nitzan will receive $7,000 supplier of Iron Dome technology, to Israel. to expand its remedial help them nurture their entrepreneurial Based on the criteria established by treatment services for potential as well as interact with Jewish Federation’s Overseas Allocation Task learning disabled students. peers in the Partnership Consortium. Force, a group chaired by Stephen L. Nitzan’s mission is to provide Steps are also being taken to forge ties Yonaty and comprising members of special services for learning- between the Israel Nautical College and Federation’s board and others committed disabled children in order the Western New York Maritime Charter to supporting Israel, a grant application to enable their integration School in Buffalo. was opened to eligible organizations in into mainstream education House of Wheels will receive $5,000 the Western Galilee for funding ranging and help them become to expand its weekend groups. House of from $5,000 to $25,000 to either expand contributing members of Wheels’ vision is of a society of full social existing programs or enable innovative society. The organization inclusion of all people with physical new programs to be launched. Thanks evaluates and identifies disabilities in all areas of life, from to the strong efforts of local Federation’s thousands of children education to employment, recreation Director of Community Planning Mandy and adults with learning and beyond. The organization engages Weiss, Director of Adult Education Susan disabilities throughout Israel, people with physical disabilities and Goldberg Schwartz, and their regional operating in 34 branches provides them opportunities for personal Jewish Agency colleague Bracha Zuriel, supporting learning-disabled development and growth toward creating 15 grant requests were received. After children and their families, and living in an all-inclusive society. considerable deliberation, the Task regardless of race, religion or House of Wheels operates in all sectors Force awarded funding for five of these economic status. This grant of Israeli society, serving Jews, Arabs, requests. will help Nitzan support Bedouins, Christians, Muslims and These monetary allocations are second graders with learning Druze. Federation’s funding will enable furthering Buffalo’s connection with the disabilities from both a House of Wheels to offer opportunities region, one that recently included home Jewish and an Arab school. for people with physical disabilities hospitality to all 77 participants on the At this critical year, the to enjoy monthly weekend groups, Buffalo Israel Experience last October. remedial programs will help where they enjoy an inclusive Shabbat Based on the Task Force’s selections, assess students’ potential experience away from home, helping the following five organizations will be (Top) Jewish & Druze women in an Israeli Druze village via ongoing treatment help them to realize greater independence (Middle) The shore at the Akko Naval Academy with a view advancing programs that impact positive of the old city of Akko to further their educational and transition from adolescence into change across the major categories (Bottom) Israeli and American Women in a dialogue development. The program adulthood. of Youth-at-Risk, Peace Building, and program in Israel will also be funded by the It was a rewarding experience to Social Justice. education departments of explore a range of grant opportunities. Unistream will receive $14,800 to in their home communities. The program builds local municipalities. “We started with an idea and collectively fund its “Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders upon Unistream’s flagship program, Tomorrow’s The Israel Nautical College developed into a process which Today 2.0” program, which will allow Leaders, where underprivileged Israeli teens found in Akko will receive $6,700 culminated in our local community the organization to reach an additional and run startup companies, lead meaningful social to expand its “Technological providing assistance to others many 500 people in 2019. The organization’s ventures, and give back to their communities. Entrepreneurship” program thousands of miles away,” said Yonaty. mission is to equip underprivileged The funds from the Federation will support the which aims to promote “Our task force was cohesive, civil and Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, expansion of Unistream’s Akko Entrepreneurship and support technological, creative. I appreciate their individual Bedouin, Ultra-Orthodox, immigrant, Center from a youth center into community innovative, and enterprising and collective involvement and extend at-risk youth and young adults with innovation center to provide more programming to behavior among high special thanks to Mandy, Susan and all practical entrepreneurial, business, the entire community. The program will also utilize school students in Akko in of the staff members who did a lot of the leadership, and technical skills to funds from USAID and corporate contributions. conjunction with similar leg work,” he added. ensure their success as thriving and La’Ofek will receive $13,600 to fund its “Riding groups of Jewish youth in the Progress on the programs will be active citizens who become leaders in Far Leadership Course”, which will allow the Diaspora, including the U.S. highlighted in a future issue of The the workforce and society, and initiate organization to expand their flagship “Riding Far” The Israel Nautical College Jewish Journal. significant social change by reinvesting program, a therapeutic cycling initiative for at-risk is an innovative institution March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 7 COMMUNITY Super Sunday Success - Thank You!

Thank you, #SuperSundaySuperHeroes!

The Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Super Sunday raised over $50,000 on January 27, because of the hard work of the many individuals listed below. The funds will help Jews and agencies in Western New York, in Israel and around the world. Mazel Tov and thank you to all our volunteers. If you worked on Super Sunday and were inadvertently left out of this list, please let us know. Email: [email protected]

Neil Block Janet Gunner Blaine Schwartz Amelida Ortiz Weinmann Jordana Halpern Jacob Sherman Super Sunday Co-Chairs Heidi Helfman Marilyn Singer Aaron Isenberg Craig Small Stephen L. Yonaty Andrew Isenberg Mitch Steinhorn M. Kim Yonaty Emma Isenberg Avrom Sterman Campaign for Jewish Buffalo Eliot Isenberg Viola Sterman Co-Chairs Jennifer Isenberg Cheryl Tobias Susan Joffe Reilly Voye Leslie Shuman Kramer Melissa Kearns Lisa Wallenfels Buffalo Jewish Federation Jess Kent Gene Warner President Flora Khinkis Julie Weinberg Jill Komm Aaron Weinmann Volunteers & Staff Leon Komm Amelida Weinmann Miriam Abramovich Julie Kweller Ben Weinmann Natalie Abramson Rion Kweller Madi Weinmann Frima Ackerhalt Joan Kwiatkowski Peter Weinmann Steven Awner Itty Labkovski Kenneth Weinstein Jane Augustyn Rabbi Laizer Labkovski Logan Woodard Nicole Bard Mushky Labkovski Mark Yablin Howard Benatovich Kenneth Levin Ariella Yonaty Peter Biltekoff Merredith Levin Kim B. Yonaty Abby Block Lori Lewkowicz Stephen L. Yonaty Neil Block Dr. Annette Magid Alexia Zappia Noah Block Dr. Hillel Magid Colette Zappia Stacey Block Ethel Melzer Lauren Bloomberg Jay Mesnekoff Buffalo Celebrities Barbara Blotnik Rebecca Mesnekoff Hon. Jacqualine Aaron Blum Randi Morkisz Berger Jeffrey Blum Mishaali Nadarajah Amherst Town Board Leah Blum Susan Freed Oestreicher Kevin O’Connell Keith R. Bookbinder Frances Paskowitz Catholic Health Estelle Brady Michael Paskowitz Don Postles Judith K. Brownstein Joel Paull WIVB-TV Allison Catalano Linda Paull Hon. Ed Rath III Lynn Catalano Deborah Pivarsi Erie County Legislator Adam Field Ken Polk Judge Lisa Bloch Shely Finberg Michele Pozarny Rodwin Brenda Fox Robin Raphael Erie County Family Florence Fox David Reisman Court Judge Mary Jo Fragale Rabbi Sara Rich Hon. Jeff Zeplowitz Janet Frankel Marla Robinson Amherst Town Board Rob Goldberg Howard Rosenhoch Shira Goldberg Harvey Sanders Ellen Goldstein Hon. Steven Sanders

8 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

Thank you Super Sunday Prize Sponsors! Alethea’s Chocolates Jewish Community Center Altman Dental of Greater Buffalo Anderson’s Jonny C’s NY Deli & Caterers Bagel Jay’s Lebro’s Restaurant Buffalo Spree Publishing Leon’s Studio One Delta Sonic Car Wash McDonald’s Dipson Theatres Mr. Snacks Falletta’s Restaurant Pizza Plant Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse Premier Group - Maple Road & Pizzeria Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill Tops Markets

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 9 COMMUNITY Purim Celebrations Sunday, March 10 Wednesday, March 20 TBT WOMEN’S NETWORK TEMPLE BETH TZEDEK 10:00 am Vashti’s Banquet Brunch Macaroni & Megillah 1641 North Forest Road 1641 North Forest Road $20- members/ $25 non-members 5:30 pm Purim Pasta Bar RSVP by March 4 to 6:00 pm Mincha Service www.btzbuffalo.org or 838-3232 6:45 pm Ma’ariv & Megillah reading plus Mishloat Manot Basket fundraiser Wednesday, March 20 RSVP www.btzbuffalo.org or 838-3232 CONGREGATION SHIR SHALOM 4660 Sheridan Drive Thursday, March 21 6:00 pm Free pizza dinner CHABAD OF BUFFALO 7:00 pm The Great Shushan Man & KNESSET CENTER The Purim Story retold with the Purim in Persia music from the hit Hollywood Movie, 500 Starin Avenue “The Greatest Showman.” 5:30 pm Megillah Reading Coming for dinner? 6:00 pm Dinner. RSVP by March 15- 633-8877 (There is a charge for dinner) or www.shirshalombuffalo.org RSVP at www.chabadofbuffalo.com or call 688-1642 KEHILLAT OHR TZION JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER 8:00 pm Megillah Reading 5:30 pm Purim in the Arena 879 Hopkins Road 757 Hopkins Road $13 adult/$6 child/$36 family. RSVP www.jewishbuffalo.com or call 639-7600

Sunday Funday is in full-swing at the My Grown Up & Me Storytime! Meet other grown ups and kiddos while we sing songs, play in different spaces, and read PJ Library Books together. This storytime is designed for infants and toddlers.

March 17th 10:00 AM JCC of Getzville, Benderson Family Building, Kids Place

To Register: FREE! Email Nicole: [email protected]

10 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 COMMUNITY Join our new VIP mobile club! Buffalo’s Best Text BAGELVIP mouth-watering to 51660 N.Y. bagels since 1976 homemade shmears deli sandwiches • soups • salads fi nest dark roasted coffees • fresh-baked bagels signature tuna fi sh • and more!

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Thursday, March 21 We help our clients reduce their taxes with KEHILLAT OHR TZION all their legal deductions and help them 879 Hopkins Road reach their financial goals. 7:30 am Megillah Reading 4:30 pm Children’s program & Happy 1450 NIAGARA FALLS BLVD. TONAWANDA, NY 14150 costume contest, arts and crafts, Purim www.kennethweinstein.com and more. (716) 837-2525 Questions? [email protected] Securities offered through H.D. Vest Investment Services 633 North State Highway 161-4th floor, Irving, Texas 75038 Friday, March 22 TEMPLE BETH ZION & CONGREGATION BETH ABRAHAM 805 Delaware Avenue Shabbat Service & Purim Spiel 7:00 pm Shabbat Service 7:30 pm Purim Spiel A co-production of Temple Beth Zion and Congregation Beth Abraham. A reception follows in the Rabbi Fink Auditorium. Sunday, March 24 TEMPLE BETH ZION Community Purim Carnival 11:00 am- 1:30 pm 700 Sweet Home Road Enjoy kosher food, games & crafts, bounce house, costume contest & more. Nutrition and Dental Health-The Team Approach Magician at 11:30 am and 12:30 pm $10 - family with 1 child; Call Us $20 - family with 2 children; $25 - family with 3 + children. and Schedule Your Food & Raffles not included in admission price. Next Cleaning Sponsored by Congregation Shir Shalom, Temple Beth Zion, Temple Beth Tzedek, Kadimah Academy, & Kehillat Ohr Tzion.

5462 SHERIDAN DRIVE | WILLIAMSVILLE | 716.831.8018 | WWW.ALTMANDENTAL.COM

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 11 COMMUNITY NFJC to Honor Sol Messinger April 3 March Madness: Running Around Keeps Benjy Bluman Going By Peter Simon

Benjy Bluman has left his mark all over the sports scene of Western New York. He was an All-High player in both basketball and baseball at Riverside High School, and co-captain of the first Buffalo State College basketball team to earn a spot in a national tournament. An outstanding shortstop, Bluman was twice named local player of the year in slow pitch softball. He is also a long-time officer of a national Association of Basketball Officials and an inductee of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.

Now 73, and in his 44th year as a basketball referee, Bluman faces a challenge that gets Dr. Sol Messinger will be more formidable—and remarkable—every honored by the National Federation year. Because he currently officiates at high for Just Communities Wednesday, school games, the players he keeps up with April 3 at the 66th Annual Citation are teenagers, most of them at least 55 years Banquet held in the Hyatt Regency younger than Bluman. Buffalo. Others honored that “The kids we officiate for are always the evening include Bassam M.Deeb, same age,” he said. “The rest of us keep Pamela Jacobs Vogt and Gary P. getting older.” Bluman keeps up with those Hall. The Reception and silent demands by staying remarkably fit. Non- auction begins at 6 pm and the game days are not a chance to rest, but dinner is at 7 pm. To make a to run a mile on a track and work out on reservation or become a patron, a stationary bike. “It’s pretty amazing to contact Lana Benatovich at see him still refereeing,” said Kory Bluman, 853-9596 before March 13. Benji’s son, who is also a basketball referee

Rent assisted apartments for seniors & mobility-impaired adults

Jewish Kory and Benjy Bluman a a local high school basketball game.

Federation and occasionally works games with and it’s not going to change,” is what he his father. “It keeps him really fit might say. “You’re a good player. Don’t Apartments and it keeps him out doing things.” let it ruin your game. There are still 22 Benjy Bluman said scrutiny and minutes left to play.” criticism from parents, coaches Bluman is deeply appreciative of his Watch your favorite shows with your and players has increased over the 2016 selection to the Greater Buffalo new friends on our big screen TV! years, mirroring general trends in Sports Hall Of Fame, which also includes society and making the job even Bob Lanier, Gilbert Perreault, Warren more demanding. “You’re under the Spahn, Jack Kemp, Calvin Murphy, Marv microscope all the time,” he said. Levy, Christian Laettner and many other Great room • Media room • Wifi • Fitness center “You have to realize right off the well-known players and coaches. “I was Data center • Beauty salon • Laundry facilities bat that you’re going to be criticized totally surprised by the whole thing,” Full time social worker • Activities • Transportation for doing your job, which is a hard Bluman said. “It was all based on stuff I 24 hour emergency maintenance • Two elevators • Library thing.” just enjoy doing.” Computer room • Pool table • Emergency medical call Even so, Bluman takes pride Bluman retired last summer from his system • Chapel • Card room • Large screen tv in the skills he has acquired over day job after 50 years in the banking Open to all religious denominations the years, his even-handedness business, but has no plans to put aside and his ability to keep emotional his basketball whistle. “Refereeing keeps Jewish Federation Apartments situations in check. He has ejected him out doing things in retirement, 275 Essjay Road coaches less than five times in 44 and keeps him out of the house,” said Williamsville, NY 14221 years, and, when circumstances Kory. ”I think Mom (Benjy’s wife Laurie) allow, takes a moment to explain appreciates that more than anyone!” For application information please call 716-631-8471 a call to a coach. “If it remains a Peter Simon is a former reporter for civilized conversation, that’s fine,” The Buffalo News and a past president www.JewishFederationApartments.org he said. Bluman also offers positive of Congregation Shir Shalom. *Jewish Federation Apartments does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the reinforcement to players angered admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted program and activities. by a call. “The decision was made, 12 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 COMMUNITY

embraces the idea that everyone has something Outstretched Arm program, in its twentieth and PJ Library’s inclusion of individuals with of value to contribute and that everyone has a year, chaired by Sharla Bleichfeld, will hold special needs based on their intellectual level right to belong. When we commit ourselves to its annual Purim celebration for Jews with rather than chronological age. making our programs accessible – not just in special needs and the Jewish community Our striving for inclusion as a mindset the physical sense, but by ensuring that each at TBT on Sunday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. occurs not only during JDAIM, but as person’s participation is truly meaningful – Ongoing events include the JCC Au-Some Jewish Buffalo’s enduring goal. For more February was Jewish Disability then we can call ourselves inclusive.” Swim program, Rabbi Greenberg’s Friday information on Yad B’Yad, contact miriam@ Awareness & Inclusion Month Right here in Buffalo, JDAIM was marked by Torah class at Weinberg, Congregation Shir buffalojewishfederation.org. (JDAIM), which unites Jewish sharing a message of B’tzelem Elohim, that all Shalom’s Torah study at Weinberg with Rabbi For more information on Temple Beth communities worldwide to raise humans are created in the image of the divine. Alex, Temple Beth Zion’s Achim program and Tzedek Kesher Inclusion and the Jewish awareness and champion the rights Yad B’Yad volunteer leaders Robin Raphael, Canterbury program, TBT’s Lifelong Learning Community Inclusion Task Force, contact of all Jews to be included, to belong Sue Goldberg and Laurie Criden designed and program for Jewish adults with special needs, [email protected]. facilitated inclusion-themed story times for Kindergarten and 1st Graders at Temple Beth Zion, Kadimah Academy, and Congregation Shir Shalom/Gesher. Sharla Bleichfeld, Rabbi Sami Barth, Marty Kerker, Bernie Weinstein and Temple Beth Tzedek Kesher Inclusion volunteers shared a vibrant and inclusive musical Havdallah hosted by the women of the Women’s Jewish Group Home, as they do every month.” and to participate meaningfully in Janet Gunner and the Jewish Community Jewish life. Lisa Friedman, Jewish Inclusion Task Force continue working on the Educator and Disability Inclusion first Men’s Jewish Group Home to open in our specialist shares that there is much community in early 2020, and they are looking for important work to do beyond the additional housemates. month of February: “Inclusion is There are many other ongoing inclusion a mindset. It is a philosophy that efforts in our community. Temple Beth Tzedek’s

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 13 COMMUNITY

some of that comfort of her gentleness Cuando El Rey Nimrod and spirituality rubbed off a little on me as well. By Cantor Penny Myers After giving birth to Corrinne, I ran into her at Wegmans and she embraced There are many things that are sacred to me: my family, me, kissed me and held me as she said Torah, my Birnbaum siddur and the song “Cuando El Rey “that’s so wonderful” that I had a girl after Nimrod.” For the past ten years, this piece of Ladino music having two boys, as she had. Generous of has been one of the most sacred, preserved memories spirit was how she was- plain and simple. I have that is completely crystallized into my memory. As I am writing this, so many more This was the last piece of music I ever heard Cantor Susan memories are flooding into my mind Wehle z’’l sing live in a joint concert we did with a small and I find it painful to even recall those quartet from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra two precious memories. I think to myself: months before she joined Hashem’s heavenly choir. My G-d, how has it been ten years? My In fact, my obsession with that preservation of her memory G-d, how and why did this happen? My turned into acts of bizarre behavior. I would deliberately skip G-d, let us marvel at how our community through that piece of music on my Ipod, Jewish radio and I came together in the aftermath of this even walked out of a workshop taught by one of the greatest Cantor Susan Wehle z”l singing with Cantor Penny Myers horrific tragedy! hazzonim of our time, Hazzan Alberto Mizrachi from Chicago, On Saturday February 9th at because I didn’t want anyone to colour that memory for me leave it on your answering machine,” and she would immediately Congregation Shir Shalom, Jewish Buffalo and paint it with a different voice. call and, truth be told, I used to giggle at the idea of singing into a gathered together as community in song, I knew Susan since I was in high school, as I would machine. But when she sang it, even for rehearsal, you could still to remember all of those souls lost on that accompany my parents during Shabbat services at the former feel her neshamah; it was like magic. tragic day in 2009. As painful as it was, Temple Sinai. I remember how poised she was and how I could I realize now, upon remembering those times, that her personal and while we cannot begin to understand feel her neshamah (soul) through her song. It was magically attention to take the time to actually sing into your machine the ways of Hashem, Susan’s individual palpable. instead of locating the music was an intimate, beautiful touch- her spirit touched us all in meaningful ways Back then I didn’t have the luxury of knowing intimately own personal signature. It was simply an act of hiddur mitzvah- and that even the tragedy of her death what our liturgy says, but I didn’t need to. Susan’s delivery beautifying a mitzvah. cannot sever those ties. spoke volumes of our faith, traditions, and G-d in ways that Susan’s last words to me on Wednesday transcended liturgical Hebrew- it was profoundly eye opening. evening in the parking lot before she Later as I was an undergraduate student studying voice here in “You could always count on her left for her vacation to Costa Rica were Buffalo, Susan would often call upon me to sing in community for her warm smile, “when I get back, we will have lunch and concerts and it always was a spirited event. finally map out a plan to start the Jewish Fast forward to 2002 and Bennett’s and my personal her spirituality, the unrushed Community adult choir.” We never did “exodus” back to Buffalo (yes we actually CHOSE to move back have that lunch, but I believe she’d be to Buffalo), I now had the opportunity to be her colleague. As way about her, and oh! happy knowing that there is an adult Susan assumed her position at Temple Beth Am, I took my her blue eyes-were they not like choir that has since formed. The aleinu place that was formerly hers, on the bimah at Temple Sinai. prayer teaches us to hallow creation and Temple Sinai and Temple Beth Am always were always deeply anything you’ve seen before?” we must do so, to live as we have, and to connected so it was natural for Susan and me to connect as live as Susan would have wanted us to- well. You could always count on her for her warm smile, her surrendering our hearts and souls to G-d. Susan and I worked very closely together planning joint spirituality, the unrushed way about her, and oh! her blue eyes- Cantor Penny Myers is cantor at services, programming, and concerts. She knew volumes were they not like anything you’ve seen before? She was the Temple Beth Zion. about spirituality as well as about contemporary music of the spiritual center of her kehillah, if not Buffalo. I always admired Jewish Renewal Movement. If there ever was a piece of music I how she could wear her spirituality on her sleeve all the time, needed, she would say “I don’t have the music, I’ll call you and and while that characteristic cannot be taught, I like to think that

SAVE THE DATE 2019 Yom HaShoah Commemoration May 5 at 11 am at Temple Beth Zion If anyone is willing to volunteer to drive people the event, to contact Kelsey at the HRC Office, 716-634-9535 or kelsey@ hrcbuffalo.org.

14 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 TIKKUN OLAM COMMUNITY

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5 THINGS YOU CAN DO in March to Repair the World

Enjoy a benefit for Phoenix Rising Rescue Horses Sunday, March 3 from 11 1» am to 2:00 pm at the 10th Annual “Soup’s On” Fundraiser at Spruce Meadow Farm and Winter Horse Show 10333 Keller Road in Clarence. Come Eat, Enjoy the Winter Horse Show & Save Horses! Donate $7 and you get All-You-Can- Eat Soup & Goulash including a drink and dessert. Proceeds will be used for feeding and medical care of the rescue horses. For more information, call 741-2346 or visit SpruceMeadowFarm.com and HelpSaveHorses.org. When All Hell Breaks Loose: Mass Shootings & The Aftermath is a 2» seminar like no other. Join Forseti Protection Group and keynote speaker Tia Christansen, survivor of the Las Vegas shootings, on March 6th from 8:30 am-4:00 pm at the Westin Buffalo, 250 Delaware Avenue. Cost is $35 and includes breakfast, lunch & valet parking. For more information contact 855-FORSETI or www.forsetiprotection.com Benefit the Aquarium of Niagara Thursday, March 31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Savor Del Mar- Aliens of the Sea at the Aquarium of Niagara, 3» 701 Whirlpool Drive in Niagara Falls, NY. The event, open to adults over 21 years of age, costs $55 per person or $100 per couple and supports the Aquarium’s animal collection and conservation efforts. To attend this premiere fundraising event, call 285-3575 x 201. Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival takes place March 22-28 at the 4» Amherst Dipson Theatre, and you won’t want to miss the offerings this year. Check out the schedule at www.bjiff.com and get info or prices, or email Katie Wzontek at [email protected], or call 688-4033. It’s Shabbat 300! Attend an elegant Shabbat banquet Friday, March 29, from » 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the UB Center for the Arts, co-sponsored by Chabad, 5 Jewish Student Union (JSU), AePi, Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies and Buffalo Jewish Federation. This is a FREE event, and formal attire is requested, but RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST! Call 688-1642 or go to www. chabadofbuffalo.org.

WHERE IN JBFLO ?

Where is this found in Ask Dr. Amy Beth WNY? Everyone else does! • Evening & Weekend Appointments The first 5 people to correctly • Therapy, Workshops, DWI Evaluations identify the location and the Court-Ordered Assessments person will win $10 lunch to the Experience - Professionalism - Sensitivity JCC’s new Myers Family Tel Aviv Café’, which is now open. Dr. Amy Beth Taublieb New York State Licensed Psychologist E-mail your answers to 1006 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Tonawanda [email protected] 716-834-1505 www.dramybeth.com

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 15 COMMUNITY ESSEN ‘N FRESSEN Challah for Purim Dining Guide By Robin Kurss

When I was out of town a few years ago, I happened upon a kosher bakery that had Purim challahs for sale. I’d never thought about decorating a challah in this festive Asa Ransom House way, but I found that it is as delicious as it is beautiful. The kids especially loved it. Family Owned & Operated Since 1975 Happy Purim! NEW SPRING MENU Over 20 Selections

Purim Challah March & April Special Stay 1 Night and Receive 2nd Complimentary Night

Dinner for Two - $49 10529 Main St. (Rt. 5) Sunday & Tuesday - Thursday Clarence, NY 716-759-2315 Afternoon Tea 1:00 - 4:00 800-841-2340 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday www.asaransom.com Reservations Required

Challah ½ c lukewarm water 6 Tbsp. oil ¼ c honey 2 eggs 4 c flour 1 ½ tsp salt 1 Tbsp. instant yeast Combine all ingredients in a mixer or bread machine and mix until dough is smooth Sprinkle Crumble and soft. 7 Tbsp. butter or margarine 1 c flour Place dough in a greased 1 c sugar bowl, cover loosely and let ½ tsp salt rise in a warm place for 2 4 Tbsp. rainbow sprinkles hours. Combine all but sprinkles in a bowl Deflate the dough gently until crumbly. Add sprinkles. and divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 20” long and braid.

Place loaf on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Cover with greased plastic wrap and rise another 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375. Brush loaf gently with egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 Tbsp. water).

Sprinkle with Sprinkle Crumble (recipe above).

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

16 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 Dining Guide

Lunch & Dinner Mon- ur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-10pm 6011 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221 716.633.8432 | 716.633.8517

689-6600 8444 Transit Road, Williamsville www.tavernatwindsorpark.com

Enjoy the Tradition of Ireland at

Casual Atmosphere Serving a Mix of Traditional Irish & American Fare • 24 Beer Taps • Local Craft Brews • • Large Screen TVs • Serving our community since 1982 Lunch, dinner & catering • Party & Meeting Rooms • Visit our website check out our daily specials! • Live Music • Sunday Brunch • www.LebrosRestaurant.com 716-688-0404 330 Campbell Blvd. Getzville, NY 5601 MAIN STREET • WILLIAMSVILLE • 716-626-2670

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 17 PURIM

This year make sure the Happy Purim! eggs on your table are Kosher-certified from Eggland’s Best®. The freshest, best tasting and most nutritious egg available

...the closer the hen house Use our farm fresh, ...the fresher the egg® locally produced Proud Producer of Eggland’s Best® eggs Happ Puri for your hamantashchen from Jeffrey Zeplowitz cookies Amherst Town Clerk

Happy Send Mazel Tov wishes or a Purim Condolence & Memorial Announcement $36 for up to 70 words. $54 with added photo.

CONTACT: C O at 716-308-4843 at 716-972-2220 [email protected] [email protected]

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18 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 PURIM

to our dear Yeshaya Moshe Schwed on the occasion of his upshernish. We love you! LOCAL DELIVERY Buy Wine Club Memberships 7 DAYS PER WEEK Shop Online -Nanny, Poppy, MON-SAT UNTIL 8PM SUN 1:00PM - 5:00PM With great joy and Mom and Abba gratitude to the Almighty we announce the engagement of our daughter Ita Greenberg To advertise (granddaughter of Rabbi Heschel and Lea Greenberg) in the to Motty Reizes from Brooklyn. The wedding is on Sunday, April 7, 2019 in Brooklyn NY. Rabbi Yehoshua & Brocha Leah Greenberg

Mazal tov to Mushka Shanowitz and Zalmen Schtroks from Morristown, NJ, who are engaged to be married on Call Cynthia April 11th in Brooklyn New York. at The Buffalo community is welcome 972-2240 to join the Chossson and Kallah for a ‘Meet and Greet’ on Monday, April 15, 8 p.m. at the Ohr Temimim School [email protected] building. Desserts will be served.

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 19 SYNAGOGUES ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Community Organizations in Western New York

Buffalo Jewish Federation Holocaust Resource Center 2640 North Forest Road 336 Harris Hill Road, Suite 302 Getzville, NY 14068 Williamsville, NY 14221 TEL 716-204-2241 TEL: 716-634-9535 www.buffalojewishfederation.org www.hrcbuffalo.org Rob Goldberg - CEO & Executive Director Rachel Kranitz McPhee - President Leslie Shuman Kramer - President Mandy Weiss - Acting Director

Buffalo Vaad of Kashrus Jewish Community Center 49 Barberry Lane of Greater Buffalo, Inc. Williamsville, NY 14221 Benderson Family Building TEL: 716-634-3990 2640 North Forest Road Rabbi Eliezer Marcus- Regional Director Dr. Michael Chaskes- President Getzville, NY 14068 www.bvkkosher.comvaad TEL 716-688-4033 [email protected], [email protected] Richard Zakalik - Executive Director Susan Freed-Oestreicher - President Center for Jewish Engagement & Learning Holland Family Building 2640 North Forest Road 787 Delaware Avenue Getzville, NY 14068 Buffalo, NY 14209 www.buffalojewishfederation.org TEL 716-886-3145 Ellen Weiss - President www.jccbuffalo.org Miriam Abramovich - Director of Engagement Jewish Discovery Center Chabad House of Buffalo 757 Hopkins Road 2450 North Forest Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Getzville, NY 14068 831 Maple Road TEL 716-688-1642 Williamsville, NY 14221 (office) www.chabadbuffalo.com TEL: 716-639-7600 Rabbi Moshe Gurary - Director TEL: 716-632-0467 Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Chai Early Childhood Center 757 Hopkins Road Rabbi Laizer Labkovski Williamsville, NY 14221 www.jewishdiscovery.org TEL 716 580-4600 www.chainursery.com Jewish Family Service Of Buffalo Chani Labkovski - Director And Erie County 70 Barker Street Department of Jewish Thought Buffalo, NY 14209 712 Clemens Hall - University at Buffalo TEL 716-883-1914 Buffalo, NY 14260 www.jfsbuffalo.org TEL 716-645-3695 Marlene Schillinger - Executive Director Email: [email protected] Blaine Schwartz - Chair www.jewishstudies.buffalo.edu Dr. Sergey Dolgopolski, Chair Jewish Federation Apartments 275 Essjay Road Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies Williamsville, NY 14221 2640 North Forest Road TEL 716-631-8471 Getzville, NY 14068 www.jewishfederationapartments.org TEL 716-204-1133 Kathleen Haggerty - Property Manager www.jewishphilanthropies.org Irv Levy - COO Shawn Frier - President Lynn Catalano - Director of Development Don Kohnstamm - President Jewish Federation Cemetery Corporation, Inc. Hadassah 2640 North Forest Road 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-204-2246 TEL 716-688-5260 www.jfedbflo.com [email protected] Deborah Pivarsi - Director Elaine Kellick, Annette Magid, Charlotte Gendler, President and Rhonda Wise- Co-Presidents Kadimah Academy Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association 1085 Eggert Road 2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Amherst, NY 14226 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-836-6903 TEL 716-204-0542 www.kadimah.org Judith Katzenelson Brownstein- President Fran Paskowitz - Principal Jonathan Epstein - President Hillel of Buffalo Campus Center of Jewish Life 520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons Kosher Meals on Wheels Suite #101B 757 Hopkins Road W. Amherst, NY 14228 Williamsville, NY 14221 TEL 716-616-0083 Tel 716 639-7600 Rabbi Sara Rich - Director www.koshermow.com Dr. Jeffrey Lackner - President Rabbi Laizer Labkovski - Director www.hillelofbuffalo.org Jeffery Pasler – President

20 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 ORGANIZATIONS SYNAGOGUES

Ohr Temimim School Knesset Center (Orthodox) 411 John James Audubon Parkway 500 Starin Avenue W. Amherst, NY 14228 Buffalo, NY 14214 TEL 716-568-0226 TEL 716-832-5063 www.ohrtemimimschool.com Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz - Principal www.chabad.org Jonathan Gellman - President Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) One Stop Jewish Buffalo President - Shmuel Rashkin A free website updated weekly about all that’s Vice President - Reuven Alt happening in Jewish Buffalo Gabbai David Kunkel Nathan Sull - Publisher 85 Saranac Avenue Aaron Sull - Editor Buffalo New York 14216 www.OneStopJewishBuffalo.com TEL 716 876 1284 www.SaranacSynagogue.org Weinberg Campus 2700 North Forest Road Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative) Getzville, NY 14068 1641 North Forest Road TEL 716-639-3311 Williamsville, NY 14222 www.weinbergcampus.org Rabbi Samuel Barth Robert Mayer- President & CEO Cantor Mark Spindler Kenneth Rogers- Chairman of the Board Andy Gewurz - President of Directors Kim Jones - Administrator TEL 716- 838-3232 Yad B’Yad www.btzbuffalo.org TEL 716-204-5380 www.yadbyad.org Temple Beth Zion (Reform) Robin Raphael - Chair Sanctuary: 805 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 Western New York Religious School and Offices: Synagogues and Temples 700 Sweet Home Road Amherst, NY 14226 Chabad House of Buffalo Rabbi Jonathan Freirich (unaffiliated) Cantor Penny Myers 2450 North. Forest Rd, Amy Schaefer - Temple Administrator Getzville, NY 14068 Julie Dressler Weinberg - President TEL 716-688-1642 TEL 716-836-6565 www.chabadbuffalo.com www.tbz.org

Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative) Temple Beth El (Reform) 1073 Elmwood Avenue 720 Ashland Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222 Niagara Falls, NY 14301 www.congregationbethabraham.net Rabbi Ellen Franke Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose Congregation Shir Shalom William Bell - President (Reform/ Reconstructionist) TEL 716-282-2717 4660 Sheridan Drive www.niagarafallstemple.com Williamsville, NY 14221 TEL 716-633-8877 Temple Emanu-El (Reform) Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein 124 Bank Street Cantor Arlene Frank Batavia, NY 14020 Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director TEL 585-343-7027 Bruce Corris - President Stan Schumann - President www.shirshalombuffalo.org The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) Congregation Havurah (Reform) 757 Hopkins Road 6320 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 Williamsville, NY 14221 Bernard Schenkler, President Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Enid Edelman, Membership Chair Rabbi Laizer Labkovski TEL 716-689-8059 716-639-7600 www.congregationhavurah.org [email protected] Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) 105 Maple Road Kehillat Ohr Tzion Williamsville, NY 14221 (Modern Orthodox) Rabbi Eliezar Marcus 879 Hopkins Rd Richard G. Berger- President Williamsville, NY 14221 TEL 716-634-0212 Rabbi Ori Bergman www.yibuffalo.org Jeff Schapiro - President http://ohrtzion.org/kot Small Law Firm 1904 Liberty Building Attention Snowbirds! Buffalo, NY 14202 Due to postal regulations, the Jewish Journal of Western New York will no longer be forwarded to “temporary change” addresses. If you plan to be away from your permanent address and will have your first class mail forwarded to your temporary address and would like to continue to receive the Jewish Journal over the winter or the summer, please call Joan Kwiatkowski at 716-204-2242 to give us your “temporary” address. Thank you! Personal Injury Attorney • Small Firm, Big Difference

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 21 SYNAGOGUES “Rocking March” with Rak Shalom

Rak Shalom – the outstanding A Capella group from University of Maryland is in Buffalo this month!

Friday. March 15 - 5:30 pm. - Kehillat Ohr Tzion Kabbalat Shabbat services at 5:50 pm Zemirot (songs) after a congregational dinner. Saturday, March 16 - 9:00 am - Temple Beth Tzedek Morning services at 9:00 am and zemirot at the Kiddush luncheon following services. Saturday, March 16 - 7:30 pm - Temple Beth Zion The group will be featured as part of the Stained Glass Cultural Arts Series at Temple Beth Zion at 7:30 pm, 805 Delaware Avenue. Tickets are $10 for adults, FREE for students. For more information about TBZ Stained Glass, call 716.836.6565 Sunday, March 17 - 9:00 am- 9:30 am - Congregation Shir Shalom A performance for all Sunday School students

All programs are open to the public.

Congregation Beth Abraham to Hold Sephardic Style (“Sephard-ish”) Musical Service

The Buffalo Jewish community is invited meaning to the term, “rehearsal dinner”). to take part in a special musical Kabbalat Details are posted on the CBA website Shabbat service at Congregation Beth www.congregationbethabrahham.net. Abraham (CBA), Friday March 29, at 6:30 Please let the synagogue know if you pm. The synagogue will be introducing are planning on coming to the rehearsal several new melodies, most of which are to ensure there will be enough food for Sephardic in nature, all of which will everyone. inspire you to sing, clap and sway along. Additionally, you will be able to listen to The service will be led by Cantor Irwin the new songs on CBA’s YouTube channel Gelman and Aaron Pieri, with musical so that when you come to services on accompaniment by Roberta Levine and March 29th, you can hit the ground Marty Kerker. running. Going forward, the plan is to Since many of the new melodies may be continue with the “Sephard-ish” service unfamiliar, CBA is offering opportunities monthly in addition to CBA’s regular for people to get up to speed in advance Kabbalat Shabbat service. of the service. First there will be an open For more information on all CBA rehearsal in mid-March where people can programing and for the link to the YouTube listen, learn and sing along. Pizza, salad channel, please visit online at www. and drinks will be provided (giving new congregationbethabraham.net.

22 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 SYNAGOGUES

MAKE Warm Dr. Davidson @TBZ Temple Beth Zion is proud to again host Friends with TBZ Achim March 10 Winter can be difficult for many The Brotherhood of Temple Beth Zion will host The BBC Band Western New Yorkers. Can you the next Achim Program Sunday, March 10, at 10:00 imagine how much harder it would am at the Meadows Lounge, located on the second Featuring the best be without a hot meal? Temple Beth floor at the Weinberg Campus, 2650 North Forest Zion invites you to warm your heart Road, Getzville, NY 14068. Dr David Davidson, of the Beatles & ’60s Music by serving meals to clients at Friends a renowned local Podiatrist and educator, will of Night People. present a program on the health of the feet Volunteers are needed for Tuesday, and legs and will be particularly discussing the March 12. If you are not available in problem of diabetes in regard to foot health. March but are interested in helping in Achim is a monthly program for the benefit of the the future, please let TBZ staff know. residents and their guests at the Weinberg Campus For details or to sign up, contact Ann and is open to the public at no cost. Marie at Temple Beth Zion (716) 836- For further information, please contact Ken Graber 6565, Ext. 111 or [email protected]. at 681-9885. TBZ Presents Buffalo Jazz Collective March 9 Come to Temple Beth Zion at 805 Delaware on Saturday, March 9, for the next concert in the Jazz Series. A 7 pm reception will be followed by the concert at 7:30 pm. The Saturday, April 27 Buffalo Jazz Collective Sextet (BJC) includes some of the finest musicians from Western Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Music at 7:30 p.m. New York and beyond. Featured musician James Burton is a NYC-based trombonist and has been a member of Juilliard’s jazz faculty since 2011. For this concert, Burton will join the 805 Delaware Avenue BJC Sextet for an exciting evening of world-class jazz. Concert suitable for all ages Cost is $15 per person at the door. ALSO, mark your calendar and plan to be at the final event in this season’s TBZ jazz series on Saturday, May 4. The Bobby Militello Quartet will Tickets: $30 advance sale; $35 at the door. close out the series with a wonderful program at 805 Delaware. Purchase tickets at www.tbz.org or call 716-836-6565

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 23 SYNAGOGUES Purim at Temple Beth Tzedek Kids at

By Ezra Rich The Gift of Community Kehillat Ohr Tzion Temple Beth Tzedek’s Gilgool chapter of Purim is a wonderful holiday and Kehillat Ohr Tzion’s newly launched KOTkids United Synagogue Youth brings its ruach its mitzvah of giving Mishloach Manot program has begun! Families with young children (energy) to the amud (lectern) on Purim. From (food gifts) is a synagogue affair. have not only enjoyed the creative activities but have selling food-based groggers (noise makers) Chaired by Marcia Goldstein and also enjoyed meeting other parents and children, for charity to participating in chanting the Edward Case with multiple partners, including some families from the Southtowns. Megillah and embracing fun costumes, the TBT Mishloach Manot project touches kids of Temple Beth Tzedek take center stage. the synagogue’s 500 families. “The Mishloach Manot basket Tzafon USY Pride fundraiser at Temple Beth Tzedek The high level of youth participation follows a long tradition that was builds on Cantor Mark Spindler’s personal brought from Temple Beth El when connection to the Temple’s b’nai mitzvah the community,” says Gilgool USY Chapter the synagogues merged,” says Co-chair students as they become young adults. President Michael Sanders, a sophomore Marcia Goldstein. “This project delivers “It’s so meaningful to me to be a part of at Williamsville North High School and a Mishloach Manot personally to every the Megillah reading on Purim, and Cantor Kadimah Academy alumnus. “The ability to congregant family. We have many A Shabbat morning program for kids took place Spindler helps me to feel prepared,” reflects read from the Megillah allows me to tell the elderly members who are so thrilled on February 9 which included a story about the Tzafon USY Regional Social Action/Tikkun story of our people and participate in a wider when we deliver to them, and some Torah portion and fun Shabbat games and activities. Olam Vice President Hannah Wallenfels, a ring of Jewish ritual and tradition outside of of us spend some time talking with Tracy Weiss, KOTkids’ teacher, and Marni Marciano, junior at Williamsville East High School. davening (prayer) and Torah reading,” he adds. them when we distribute them. It is a Chair of Kids Programs, as well as other committee “Being involved brings me closer to the Their participation means a lot to Cantor wonderful way to wish everyone Chag members, are excited about the upcoming Family Buffalo Jewish community, particularly at Spindler, who has been a cornerstone of the Sameach (a joyous holiday) and let Purim Event scheduled for 4:30 pm on March 21. our shul, and I’m so grateful to be able to congregation for over 30 years. “It’s wonderful each congregant know how much they The event will include reading the Megillah, games, participate,” she adds. that they are getting involved, contributing mean to our extended family,” she adds. arts and crafts activities and a carnival themed Purim “Reading Megillat Esther just adds an extra to our synagogue and perpetuating our dinner. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume. layer to my spirituality and my connection to heritage,” says the Cantor. The Whole Spiel Reservations can be made at [email protected]. Kick off the Purim revelry season In addition to all the regularly scheduled services with the Temple Beth Tzedek Women’s and classes during the month of March, there will be Network on Sunday, March 10th at two special events. On March 15, Rak Shalom, an a 10:00 am for a delicious “Vashti’s capella group from the University of Maryland will Banquet” brunch and Purim spiel. The lead the congregation for Kabbalat Shabbat services. event is $20 for members and $23 for Then on March 23, Judge Lisa Bloch Rodwin will be non-members. Reservations are due delivering the sermon during Shabbat services. March 4. Mazel tov to Jacob Schapiro, who celebrated his bar mitzvah February 2 with his relatives, friends Shout Out Haman March 20 and KOT family in attendance. Family members Temple Beth Tzedek’s Purim traveled from Israel, Canada and all across the US celebration starts at 6:00 pm on to be part of this joyous occasion. A Shabbat dinner, Wednesday, March 20th. Reservations Kiddush luncheon and a Skyzone event for his are requested. Please visit www. friends Saturday evening were all part of the festive btzbuffalo.org or contact the Temple weekend. office at 838-3232 to celebrate Purim For more information about services or any with us! programs at KOT contact [email protected].

Sheryl Kardaman Silverberg SRES, ABR Your Neighbor, Your Realtor

6000 Sheridan Drive | Williamsville, NY | 716.634.4200 cell: 716.480.2196 [email protected]

24 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 CALENDAR

Through March 3 March 17 Talley’s Folly My Grown Up & Me Jewish Repertory Theatre Seller Theatre 10:00 am JCC/ Benderson Building JCC- 2640 North Forest Road Contact [email protected] Call 688-4033 for ticket info and times for info March 5 March 18 Blind Date with a Jewish Book JRT Staged Reading of “The Last Seder.” 7 pm-8:30 pm 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm 712 Clemens Hall- UB North Campus JRT- Seller Theatre- JCC FREE Parking. 2640 North Forest Road Free event, with donations encouraged to RSVP to [email protected] help support the theatre. Reservations recommended. March 9 Call 716-688-4114, ext. 335 A Conversation with Linda Reisman- Benefit or email [email protected] for Jewish I Film Fest 7:30 pm March 19 JCC Benderson/ Seller Theatre. $36. HRC Teacher’s Conference 8:00 am to 4:00 pm www.bjiff.com or call Katie Wzontek - Erie 1 BOCES Education Campus 204-2084 355 Harlem Road West Seneca, NY 14224 March 15-18 Contact Kelsey Reed- 634-9535 Community Confirmation Class trip to Washington DC March 20-March 21 10th graders in the community are invited Purim is celebrated. to travel to Washington, DC for the 10th See pages 10 & 11 for detailed information on local events Grade Confirmation Trip at the L’Taken Social Justice Seminar. March 22 For more information, please contact Rabbi PJ Library Jonathan Freirich at [email protected] TBZ 5:45 pm 805 Delaware Ave Contact [email protected] March 16 for info A special Screening of Academy Award- winning film “Joe’s Violin” and lecture March 22-March 28 34th Annual Buffalo International Jewish 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Film Festival JCC/ 2640 North Forest Road Amherst Dipson Theater, 3500 Main Street Tickets: $10 – $18 www.bjiff.com or call Katie Wzontek A program of the Buffalo International at 204-2084 for tickets. Jewish Film Festival Tickets are $18/general & $10/student. March 31 Please visit www.bjiff.com or call Katie TBZ at the Buffalo Zoo 1:00 pm-3:00 pm Wzontek at 204-2084 for tickets. Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Avenue Come to a guided tour of the Buffalo Nickel City Purim Party Zoo, linking Tikkun Olam and Animal 9:00 pm- 11:00 pm Conservation efforts together. Contact [email protected] For more information, contact Matt: matt@ for info themattschwartz.net March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 25 KIDS & CAMPS

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26 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 KIDS & CAMPS Spring Break & Summer Horse Camp • Daily Riding • Half or Full Days “SOUPS ON” & WINTER HORSE SHOW 10th Annual Fundraiser to Benefit Phoenix Rising Rescue Horses Sunday March 3rd 11:00-2:00 SpruceMeadowFarm.com 716-741-2346 10333 Keller Road • Clarence, New York

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March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 27 KIDS & CAMPS new york’s MOST AMAZING riding camp JUNIOR SAILING CAMPS 10 weekly sessions beginning June 24th • Ages 7 - 18 • Wonderful & secure location on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor • Captain Pierre Wallinder, ASA Certifi ed Instructor • Daily 9:00 - 4:00 with early drop off & late pick up available

Call (716) 432-6589 or visit www.sail-buffalo.org for more information [email protected] 2 Furhman Blvd, next to the US Coast Guard Station

forrestel.com / (585) 798 2222 Forrestel is a private equestrian summer camp located in Medina, NY, family-owned and operated since 1980. If your child likes to ride horses, she’ll love Forrestel.

Limited Space Available for 2019! Visit www.campsenecalake.com for details.

Camp Seneca Lake has provided children entering grades 3-11 with over 80 summers of fun, friends, and cherished memories.

• 200 beautiful wooded acres in the Finger Lakes region • Skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, high and low ropes courses, land sports, overnight hiking, nature, drama, arts and crafts

Camp Seneca Lake • Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester The William and Mildred Levine Building 1200 Edgewood Avenue • Rochester, NY 14618 • (585) 461-2000

28 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 KIDS & CAMPS Afraid of head lice? Send them packing! Naughty Nits Lice Clinics of America So Long Head Lice!

Where there are children in a lot of head- to-head contact there are bound to be outbreaks of lice. We are here to make sure children have a lice-free school experience. Our treatment utilizes AirAllé® an FDA cleared, medical device that uses hot air to kill the lice and the eggs. We offer post-camp and pre- school screenings.

Our Breakthrough Williamsville Treatment Center 2809 Wehrle Drive, Suite 10 Medical Device Kills Williamsville, NY 14221 Lice & Eggs in 1 Hour Williamsville: 716-626-5423 Pittsford: 585-310-7131 Syracuse: 315-401-0051 www.liceclinicsupstateny.com

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 29 AGENCIES Kadimah Academy: NEW JCC ADULT CLASSES AT A School that Acts Like a Family JCC/HOLLAND

by Beth Steinberg Sign up for these new adult classes offered at the JCC/Holland Building. When asked to describe Kadimah, more than one student and parent has said, “It’s a MEDICAL ETHICS AND END OF school that acts like a family.” LIFE ISSUES At Kadimah Academy, students know We will discuss a variety of and love their classmates like they were contemporary medical ethics issues. cousins (and in some cases, they are). They Case-based discussions will explore enthusiastically wish each other “boker tov” new methods of reproduction, new (good morning) and “yom huledet sameach” knowledge of genetics, physician aid in (happy birthday) at our daily morning dying and euthanasia, and contemporary gathering, and welcome one another back problems raised by medical experiments to school after absences. The younger on humans students clearly admire the older students, same morning on which a wonderful Tu TUESDAYS and the older ones play with and support B’Shevat program involving the whole Facilitator: Jim Moran the younger ones. When our youngest school was to take place. But so many of April 2- 30 students are first learning to ride the school our faculty wanted to honor her memory 10:30 am - 12:00 pm bus, their friends in older grades help them and be present to comfort her family, Pre-registration required negotiate the process, and are even happy there were hardly any teachers left in Full/Social Member $22; Gym/ to walk groups of younger ones back to the building. A special “Thank You” to Community participant $30 their classrooms after lunch. At every all the teacher’s aides and volunteers whole-school event, our older students are who put in an extra few hours so those AMERICAN SITUATION COMEDY, there to model, set an example, and assist of us who wanted to could attend the JACK BENNY TO LARRY DAVID the younger students with whatever task funeral service. Performing the mitzvah We will look at four major TV sitcoms, is at hand. of Nichum Aveilim, comforting the each one with a show business setting: In our current structure, with small multi- mourner, was our highest priority. The The Jack Benny Show, Carl Reiner’s The age classes, teachers frequently have the celebration could wait, and it did. Dick Van Dyke Show, Seinfeld, and Curb same students in their classes over a period A week later, the Tu B’Shevat program Your Enthusiasm. What is the shtick? of several years. These characteristics foster was rescheduled, and was creative, That is our question. We’ll enjoy and deep and caring relationships between informative, and lots of fun! In keeping discuss relevant episodes. teachers and their students and families. with our year-long theme of protecting WEDNESDAYS We are able to see our students grow and only a school, but a family: the environment, the students decorated Facilitator: Neil Schmitz develop, not just from September to June, A few weeks ago, a member of reused containers for planting celery April 3 - April 24 but from year to year to year. We get to our community passed away. As the and parsley seeds, which hopefully will 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm know their families and we are often invited grandmother of one of our alumni and two be ready by Pesach. 6th-8th Graders Pre-registration required to participate in their simchas and special of our current students, and as the mother- helped the younger ones with planting, Full/Social Member $22; Gym/ events. It is a truly unique, beautiful, and in-law of one of our teachers, she was and then presented information about Community participant $30 very rewarding aspect of our school. well-known to many of us, and her family each one of the 7 Species: wheat, barley, Let me share with you a recent is very close to our hearts. Her funeral was grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and THE NEW JIM CROW example of how Kadimah has been not scheduled for a Tuesday morning — the dates. After each presentation, the The New Jim Crow addresses mass students recited the proper blessing incarceration in the U.S. We’ll have and tasted all the food from their Tu readings from Michelle Alexander’s B’Shevat seder plate. To reduce waste, The New Jim Crow, Jesmyn Ward’s BLIND DATE WITH A JEWISH BOOK, reused containers were used as serving Sing Unburied Sing, and Shane Bauer’s dishes instead of styrofoam plates. American Prison. Combining such texts 2ND IN A SERIES The 5th Grade students shared what should give us new insights into this 7 PM Tuesday March 5th they had learned about date and carob issue. trees, a common and dominant part of MONDAYS The SUNY Department of Jewish Thought invites students and community members the Israeli landscape, and the program Facilitator: Barbara Heifferon to participate in the second “BLIND DATE WITH A JEWISH BOOK” program. One of concluded with songs and dances April 1 - May13 our professors will host a “meeting” between our guests and an as-yet unannounced presented by Kindergarten and 1st 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm Jewish book, in an ongoing series celebrating the age-old love affair between Jews and Grade students. Tov M’od to Mrs. Michal Pre-registration required books. Our first blind date, held in November, was an engaging presentation by Dr. Shmuel-Lewis, Mrs. Osnat Cohen, Full/Social Member $22; Gym/ Richard Cohen discussing Life and Fate by Vassily Grossman. Come join us on Tuesday and Rabbi Ori Bergman for their work Community participant $30 March 5th at 7:00 PM in the department library, 712 Clemens Hall at UB’s North planning and carrying out this lovely Campus. Take a chance! Parking is free. Refreshments will be served. and meaningful program. To register contact the JCC at 886-3145 Please R.S.V.P. to [email protected].. or go online to www.jccbuffalo.org.

30 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 AGENCIES Albright Knox’s Janne Siren to speak

to Hadassah May 16 Suiting Up the Men of Buff alo Since 1918

The Buffalo chapter of Hadassah has prided Evan Fallenberg. For more information email Celebrating itself in being able to bring important civic [email protected] 101 Years! leaders from the Buffalo community to speak The April 17 program, which takes place at Suiting Up the at its annual fundraiser luncheons. This year, 1:30 at 3333 Lake Shore Rd. in Buffalo, features Men of Bu alo Janne Siren, Director of the Albright-Knox Vicki Schneider and Expressive Glass, and and... Art Gallery, will be the guest speaker at this will demonstrate how to work with glass in a still FREE annual luncheon Thursday, May 16 at the different way. Vicki will conduct a workshop for Alterations! Sean Patrick Restaurant. Mr. Siren is a Finnish Hadassah, introducing participants in the ancient art historian who served as Director of the tradition of flameworking. We will watch her Helsinki Art Museum before coming to Buffalo. create one-of-a kind decorative and wearable For more information about this event or to art such as glass chain necklaces and free- make a reservation email mseller@buffalo. standing sculptures in the Venetian style. RSVP edu or [email protected]. [email protected] 884-6258 or mseller@Buffalo. Throughout the year two Hadassah groups edu 831-8000 by April 10. Celebrating Making meet monthly “Pray Tell” meets on the 71 Years! second Monday of the month and is currently a wide variety of genres Memories with you! exploring Jewish communities around the within the scope of Jewish world. In March, Lauren Rybicki, whose literature. February’s book “Honored to Continue father is from Calcutta, India will be the choice was The Dawning of Make a gift to secure Both Legacies!” guest speaker. For more information contact the Day by Israeli author James & Natalie Neumann Carol Joseph at [email protected]. Haim Sabato and March’s Jewish Buffalo today. Book Club meets on the third Monday book choice will be When www.buffalojewishfederation.org 6470 TRANSIT RD., DEPEW, NY 14043 of the month. Reading selections include we Danced on Water by 716-833-8401 RIVERSIDEMENS.COM SANDEJEWELERS.COM

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 31 BRUCE ADER AGENCIES ESTATE SALES & APPRAISALS takes place April 19-27. A discussion of the play and its themes will follow the reading. presents A graduate of Cornell University, Maisel received her MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is a THE LAST SEDER member of Playwrights Union, Playwrights Ink, The Dog Ear Playwrights Collective MONDAY, MARCH 18 (www.dogear.org), and Circle Rising; the The Jewish Repertory Theater will present latter was formed out of Paula Vogel’s “boot- a reading of Jennifer Maisel’s The Last Seder, camp” at ASK Theatre Projects in Los Angeles. Monday, March 18, from 7-9 pm at the Maxine The Jewish Repertory Theatre’s production • Free Consultations and Robert Seller Theater, located inside the of The Last Seder will be a free event, with • Certified Appraiser Jewish Community Center. The Last Seder, which donations encouraged to help support the premiered off-Broadway in 2013, is the first theatre. Reservations are recommended. To • Full Range of Services of a two-part reading series directed by Adam reserve your seats call 716-688-4114, ext. • Insured Yellen, actor and member of the JRT’s advisory 335 or email [email protected] committee. The Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western Serving WNY “We’ve been exploring plays that would New York is a program of the JCC of Greater Since 1985 normally not be produced by the JRT because Buffalo. All productions take place in The of cast size or other limitations,” says Yellen, last time to celebrate Passover Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre, JCC “Our Success is a SUNY New Paltz theater graduate who has before the house is sold and the Benderson Family Building at 2640 North Measured by your become a permanent feature on Buffalo’s family patriarch is moved to a Forest Road, Amherst, NY. stages, most recently in Three Muskeeters at facility because he is struggling For more information on JRT, Satisfaction” 710 Main and Golden Boy at the Irish Classical with Alzheimer’s disease. This productions, dates and tickets, visit Theatre Company. The Last Seder will feature an heartbreaking, yet wildly funny www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com. Tickets 716.510.4484 impressive mix of actors, many of whom have play, a timely exploration of love, are available at 716-650-7626, through Email: [email protected] never appeared on the JRT stage.” loss, and the struggles of modern Showclix at 1-888-718-4253 (Monday- The award winning The Last Seder tells the Jewish families, will be presented Friday, 9am-9pm EST) or at either JCC www.bruceader.com story of a Jewish family returning home one a few weeks before Passover which reception desk.

32 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 AGENCIES HAPPY PURIM FROM THE HBLA! This month Jews around the world will celebrate the joyous holiday of Purim by fulfilling four mitzvot: listening to every word of the Megillah, eating a festive meal, sharing gifts of food, and giving tzedakah to those in need. All of these mitzvot speak to the unity of the Jewish community, the importance of being together expenses, or to support those affected by the recent and sharing what we have government shutdown, personal loans of up to with others. $5,000 are available to eligible borrowers, always For 120 years the at zero interest. The loan process is facilitated as Hebrew Benevolent Loan easily and quickly as possible while maintaining the Association (HBLA), dignity and confidentiality of the borrower. Buffalo’s Free Loan Society, When giving tzedakah in celebration of Purim, has been sharing what we please consider a gift to the HBLA to help continue have by providing interest- this life-enhancing work in our community for free loans to members of the another 120 years. Western New York Jewish For more information, apply for a loan, or make community. Whether for a donation, please contact our website at www. home or car repairs, medical wnyhbla.org or call 716.204.0542. Happy Purim!

Celebrate 70 years with the JCC!

Sunday, May 19, 6-9 pm JCC Holland Family Building 787 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo

Food/beverage stations, music, dancing, entertainment, art gallery, magic, basket raffle and more!

Tickets: $70/person. Buy them at www.jccbuffalo.org or call the JCC Members Services Desk at 688-4033. Contact Jordana Halpern at 716-204-2255, jhalpern@jccbuffalo for info and sponsorship opportunities.

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 33 There's something about the JCC Coming soon to the JCC Buffalo International SAVE Celebrate 70 years with the JCC! Jewish Film Festival JCC of Greater Buffalo THE DATE CELEBRATING SEVENTY March 22-28, 2019 YEARS Amherst Dipson Theatre 3500 Main Street, Bufalo www.bijf.com 70JCC BUFFALO 93Queen Featured Films Outback Rabbis The Accountant Of Auschwitz Past Life pm Sunday, May 19, 2019, 6:00-9:00 Bye Bye Germany The Waldheim Waltz Jewish Community Center, Holland Family Building The Cakemaker Who Will Write Our History 787 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY Guela (Redemption) Working Woman “With the recent $4 million renovation on historic Delaware Avenue, the JCC is Joe’s Violin a strong presence in Buffalo’s current renaissance,” says event chairs Michael and Joanne Berger. “Ruach, a Hebrew word that means spirit, breath/wind and TWO SPECIAL EVENTS! purpose, is so defining of what the JCC represents for our many communities - a Festival Fundraiser: A Conversation with Linda Reisman Center that supports people of all ages and cultures and brings many members Saturday, March 9, 7:30pm of our communities together.” Producer Linda Reisman, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, raised in Buffalo, talks about “The Role of the Producer.” Food/beverage stations, music, dancing, Transformative Generosity: How Donated Instruments and Music Change Lives entertainment, art gallery, magic, basket Saturday, March 16, 7:00pm raffle and more! Music by students of Buffalo String Works, followed by Academy Award Winning documentary Joe’s Violin, and a panel discussion. Featuring exclusive art gallery exhibit by Israeli artist Smadar Livne. Events at JCC Benderson Family Building. Wine and dessert receptions. Details and ticket info at www.bijf.com.

A program of 2018/19 Cultural Arts Season Sponsor Contact Jordana Halpern at 716-204-2255, jhalpern@jccbuffalo for the JCC of information and sponsorship opportunities. Greater Bufalo

March 21, 2019 presents Looking Through Glass By Ken Kaisser Summer Day Camp 9- 2, 2019 May June June 25-August 30 children grades K-10! World Premiere! To learn more, call Director Box office: 716-650-7626 Michael Garcia: 204-2078. Showclix: 888-718-4253 Pick up a brochure at either JCC. Group & student discounts available! www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com ThroughLooking campcenterland.org A modern adaptation of “The Dybbuk.” Glass Benderson Family Building Holland Family Building JCC Hours Bb Amherst Hb Bufalo Sun 8:00am - 6:00pm Amherst 2640 North Forest Road Buffalo 787 Delaware Avenue Mon-Thurs 5:30am - 9:30pm adjacent to UB North at Summer Street Friday 5:30am - 7:00pm 688-4033 886-3145 Sat 8:00am - 6:00pm JCCBUFFALO.ORG 34 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 AGENCIES MICHAEL GARCIA Removing Vision and Hearing Barriers APPOINTED CO-CHAIR for an Inclusive Jewish Buffalo: OF AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

LESSONS LEARNED FROM JEWISH COMMUNITY MINI-SERIES The Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo announced that Michael Garcia, Camp By Janet Gunner Director at the JCC’s Camp Centerland on the Irving M. Shuman Campgrounds, has In an exciting partnership for a fully inclusive vibrant Jewish been appointed Upstate New York Standards Buffalo - Yad B’Yad, Temple Beth Tzedek Kesher Inclusion and Co-Chair of the American Camp Association the Jewish Community Inclusion Task Force held a mini-series (ACA). The American Camp Association is a on removing vision and hearing barriers this past October. community of camp professionals whom, for more than a century, have joined together to The program had three goals. First, we wanted to learn share knowledge and experience and to ensure about vision and hearing medical conditions and community the quality of camp programs. resources from experts, inspired by words of Torah from area rabbis. We are grateful for the outstanding panelists. The vision panel featured three people. Dr. Philip Niles, an ophthalmologist and vitreo-retinal specialist discussed age-related macular degeneration. Dr. James Simmons, low vision optometrist with the Olmsted Center for Sight, shared resources and approaches to enhance vision. Rabbi Photo of the hearing panel: L-R, Andrea Russell, Dr. Joel Bernstein, Samuel Barth noted that Torah teaches us human beings Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein. are finite while God is infinite. “We all have limitations in abilities, screens, and communications, but ‘diffabilities’ can be lessened materials, publications and books by creating ever more accessible in large print and braille. Access environments. If there are no for individuals who are deaf or steps – then ability to negotiate have diminished hearing can be steps becomes irrelevant. There enhanced by using visual aids, Garcia, a volunteer with ACA for more are many more ways that we can assistive listening devices, closed than a decade, has visited and worked with be together as a people” Rabbi captioning and sign language staff at more than 20 camps around the Barth advised. He reminded us that interpreters. Reserving seats for country. “I’m honored to have been asked “although religious organizations those who would benefit and choose to contribute a leadership role with ACA,” are technically exempt, we should to sit close to the speaker, screen says Garcia. “There is no better experience never do less than what is required Photo of the vision panel: L-R, Dr. James Simmons, or white board is a good option than summer camp for children to learn by the Americans With Disabilities Dr. Philip Niles, Rabbi Samuel Barth. to offer. And it is important for about themselves and others, develop social Act. Ideally, we should do more.” organizations regularly to publicize skills, life skills, unplug from technology, The hearing panel featured Second, we wanted the program itself to all accessibility resources and to ask promote independence, and so much more,” Dr. Joel Bernstein, an ENT and facilitate inclusion and to get us thinking to be updated of individual special says Garcia. otolaryngologist, who discussed about how to achieve inclusion goals for all needs. Serving families in Amherst, Buffalo, and six primary causes of hearing loss. community program planning. We selected We plan in the months ahead surrounding areas, Camp Centerland is the Andrea Russell, a care coordinator for the Weinberg Campus as the program to provide a comprehensive list JCC’s premiere summer day camp for children Deaf Access Services, accompanied location to include persons with frailty of recommendations. We will be entering Kindergarten through grade 10. by sign language interpreter Joan and disability who would have difficulty encouraging organizations to con- Located in Getzville, NY, the campgrounds Blum, emphasized the beauty of travelling. We therefore encouraged the duct an inclusion assessment and cover 19 acres of athletic fields, wooded American Sign Language and the community to join those who are not able to know their membership so that nature trails, adventure challenge courses, close-knit deaf community, but also to travel. We offered transportation and ASL accessibility needs are anticipated activity shelters, and more. The summer of the isolation that’s endured. Rabbi interpreter services as needed. We streamed and addressed proactively. We will 2019 marks a new level of quality for Camp Alex Lazarus-Klein cited Leviticus the series for greater access. Importantly the also be exploring community-wide Centerland as it enrolls in the ACA national 19:14: “You shall not insult the deaf program budget planned for these inclusion transportation options. accreditation process, reviewing more than or put a stumbling block before costs. The costs were ultimately covered by For more information on our 260 standards to ensure program quality, the blind.” Although it is stated sponsorships which we believe were inspired inclusion work please contact health, and safety for all campers and staff. only once in the Torah, Rabbi by the priority given to inclusion. Robin Raphael, chair, Yad B’Yad Camp leadership has been reviewing policies Lazarus-Klein viewed it as one of Finally, we set out to learn from the Committee (robinmr1996@gmail. and procedures to enhance the camp moving the most important Torah verses panelists and the audience the steps that com) or Janet Gunner, co-chair, forward. as it warns not to cause hurt or Jewish community organizations should TBT Kesher Inclusion; coordinator, For more information about Camp embarrassment. He emphasized take to remove vision and hearing barriers Jewish Community Inclusion Task Centerland or to enroll your child as a that “we not only need to avoid to inclusion. Access for individuals who Force, ([email protected]). camper for the 2019 season, contact Michael hurt and embarrassment, we need are blind or have diminished vision can at [email protected] or 716-204- to take the extra step to ensure that be enhanced by offering transportation, 2078. communities are accessible to all.” vision technology, projection onto large March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 35 AGENCIES 34th Annual Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival (BJIFF) March 22-28 AMHERST DIPSON THEATRE, 3500 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO, NY

The 34th annual Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival – the third longest running festival of its kind in North America – will present 11 award-winning and critically acclaimed films from around the world including Australia, Israel, Germany, Poland, Austria, Canada and the United States. “The Festival has striven to obtain the very best new independent international films which should not only amuse and enthrall the viewer, but should also invite contemplation on societal issues of ethics and justice,” says festival chair Michael Silverman. Included in the Festival line-up, the film Working Woman, whose protagonist must support her family, while fending off unwanted advances from her boss, bringing into consideration the #MeToo movement. In the film The Waldheim Waltz, we witness a case study of how a lying, deceitful power-monger rises to the Presidency of his country by concealing his motives and past actions. Last year Mark Sommer from The Buffalo News wrote, “The Jewish Film Festival offers poignant, powerful movies with compelling stories from around the world that have a universal appeal. There is something for everyone with your pick of documentaries, dramas, and comedies”. Films will be shown March 22-28 at the Amherst Dipson Theatre, 3500 Main Street. For information about schedules, film trailers or donation opportunities for the Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival, please visit www.bijff.com or contact Katie Wzontek at [email protected] 2019 FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE Special Events at JCC Benderson Building, 2640 North Forest Rd TICKETS & PASSES Tickets and passes may be purchased in advance at either JCC Saturday, March 9 7:30 pm ����������Fundraiser event with producer Linda Reisman: member services desk, www.bijff.com or at the theatre door a half- A Conversation with Linda Reisman hour prior to each film. Saturday, March 16 7:00 pm �������Special Event: Transformative Generosity: How donated instruments and music change lives General Single Film Tickets $10

The following films will be included during the Festival, March 22-March 28, Amherst Flex Pass $50 – Six tickets for the price of 5! Dipson Theatre, 3500 Main Street, Buffalo, NY (716) 834-7655. Pass may be shared, but cannot be used for special events. Friday, March 22 3:30 pm ���������JOE’S VIOLIN/OUTBACK RABBIS Children 18 & under FREE with parent to all Saturday, March 23 7:00 pm ����������Opening Night: THE CAKEMAKER films except (March 9 and16 special events)

Sunday, March 24 1:00 pm ����������WHO WILL WRITE OUR HISTORY Fundraising event, A Conversation with Linda Reisman, 3:30 pm ����������THE ACCOUNTANT OF AUSCHWITZ Saturday, March 9, 7:30-10 pm at the Jewish Community Center, Speaker: Matthew Shoychet, Director Benderson Family Building. Event includes presentation by 6:00 pm ����������PAST LIFE producer Linda Reisman, followed by a wine and dessert reception, 8:00 pm ����������WORKING WOMAN and one free ticket to any of the films presented during the film festival, March 22 - 28. Tickets are $36. Monday, March 25 1:00 pm ����������THE WALDHEIM WALTZ 3:30 pm ����������GEULA (REDEMPTION) Transformative Generosity: How Donated Instruments and 6:00 pm ����������93QUEEN Music Change Lives, Saturday, March16, 7:00-9 pm at the Jewish 8:00 pm ����������BYE BYE GERMANY Community Center, Benderson Family Building. Music by students of Buffalo String Works, followed by Academy Award Winning Tuesday, March 26 1:00 pm ����������JOE’S VIOLIN/OUTBACK RABBIS documentary Joe’s Violin, Panel discussion and dessert reception. 3:30 pm ����������WHO WILL WRITE OUR HISTORY Tickets are $18/general, $10/student. 6:00 pm ����������PAST LIFE 8:00 pm ����������WORKING WOMAN Films will be shown March 22-28 at the Amherst Dipson Theatre, 3500 Main Street. Trailers, schedules and ticket purchasing at www. Wednesday, March 27 3:30 pm ����������THE WALDHEIM WALTZ bijff.com. 6:00 pm ����������BYE BYE GERMANY 8:00 pm ����������THE CAKEMAKER For more information about schedules, film trailers or donation opportunities for the Buffalo International Jewish Film Thursday, March 28 3:30 pm ����������THE ACCOUNTANT OF AUSCHWITZ Festival, please visit www.bijff.com or contact Katie Wzontek at 6:00 pm ����������93QUEEN [email protected] 8:00 pm ����������GEULA (REDEMPTION)

36 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 AGENCIES

The BIJFF kicks-off with A Conversation with Linda Reisman Saturday, March 9, 7:30-10 pm Jewish Community Center, Benderson Family Building.

The event will feature producer Linda Reisman, who was raised in Buffalo. Ms. Reisman has worked with a range of writers, directors and actors and her most recent film, Leave No Trace, was released to great critical acclaim last summer and is now an Oscar contender. Following the event there will be a wine and dessert reception and guests who attend will receive a free ticket to any of the regular film screenings presented during the film festival, March 22 – 28 (some restrictions apply). Tickets are $36.

Joe’s Violin

A special screening of the Academy Award winning film Joe’s Violin, will take place on Saturday, March 16, 7:00 pm at the Jewish Community Center, Benderson Family Building, 2640 North Forest Road in Amherst, NY. See story on page 39. Tickets are $18/general, $10/students. The Accountant of Auschwitz, making its US premier at the festival, will also offer a Q&A with Director Matthew Shoychet following the Sunday, March 24 screening at the Amherst Dipson Theatre.

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 37 Taste it. Certain Jewish foods have magical powers. For some, it’s a piece of egg challah. For others, some flaky rugelach, sweet hamantaschen, or a savory brisket. Magical foods might taste good, but they get their power from the memories they bring us — memories of home, community, heritage, and love. When you leave a Jewish legacy, you’re setting a table for the future, ensuring that what you cherish about Jewish life continues to sustain, nurture, and delight the generations to come. To learn more about leaving a legacy and to arrange a personal and confidential consultation, contact Lynn W. Catalano, Co-Director and Director of Development at (716) 204-1133 or email [email protected]

2640 N. Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 P: (716) 204-1133 Create a Jewish Legacy F: (716) 204-1129 www.jewishphilanthropies.org

38 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 AGENCIES

BUFFALO INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL You are invited to a special evening The Transformative Generosity featuring and exploring the film of Joe’s Violin Joe’s Violin By Sharon F. Cramer, Ph.D. 2016 Academy Award Nominee for Best Short (documentary) Joe’s Violin, a film being shown this month at the A bonus event for the Buffalo Buffalo Jewish International Film Festival, offers International Jewish Film Festival viewers a simple story line – a man donates a violin, a teenager receives it. But, as a stone thrown into Sponsored by a still pond begins ripples which continue, and Wrona’s Violin Shop, Lewiston, NY ultimately change the pond, Joe’s donation ripples backward and forward, within his life and the lives Saturday, March 16 of others. This evening will offer a chance to be part of a film that will ripple across you, hear passionate 7:00-9:00 pm student musicians perform, and listen to musicians Jewish Community Center discuss how music, and many forms of generosity of 2640 N. Forest Road others, has transported and transformed them. Amherst, NY 14068

TRANSPORTING has grown significantly, now offering $18/$10 for students admission includes: It is rare that 30 minutes can awaken us, transport lessons in all four string instruments • music by Buffalo Stringworks us through time and space, but Joe’s Violin does just violin, viola, cello, and double bass buffalostringworks.org that. The creators brilliantly interweave stories of to more than four times the original • panel discussion of the film, 1923 (Poland), 1939 (Siberia), postwar detention number, with a dedicated staff of 20. and a dessert reception camps, and 2015 New York City, giving us a glimpse Before and after the formal parts of • Book sale of relevant books of the complex context of Joe’s decision to donate his the evening, they will provide music. for children and adults during violin. Kahane Cooperman directed and produced a It is our hope that the evening the reception provided by gem. Its many layers take us out of ourselves, and will be uplifting, giving audience Talking Leaves…Books into the experiences that made Joseph Feingold SHARING members opportunities to reflect on into the man we meet, at age 83. Viewers who A special feature of the evening the stories their own instruments have considered giving up something precious will will be music performed by Buffalo could tell, and absorb the power of appreciate the important transition Joe’s decision Stringworks. This organization music. affords him. He knows that the moment is right opened its doors to refugee students Sharon Kramer is SUNY to respond to a call from the Mr. Holland’s Opus in September 2014. Beginning with Distinguished Service Professor, Foundation, to pass along his violin. donated instruments, a staff of 7 Emerita and a memberof the What he can’t know is the extraordinary offered violin lessons to 17 students. Buffalo International Film Festival opportunity he is offering to the violin’s recipient. In 4 short years, Buffalo Stringworks Committee As the film follows the lives of the giver and the receiver of the violin, we, too, are taken on a journey that opens us up to feelings, memories, wishes and tears. There is no easy way to let go of a beloved object: Joe takes us with him, as he affirms the ultimate rightness of his decision TRANSFORMING The evening is planned as a shared consideration of the power of music and generosity, enabling audience members to look differently at every musical instrument. As the film proves, “Every instrument has a story.” In a fast-paced 30 minute presentation, the five panel members (who among them have been academics, music teachers, student musicians, conductors) will discuss how instruments have their own histories, voices, and pull. Audience members can reflect on their own experiences of being transformed by (listening or creating) music. Panelists will also share how generosity – giving/receiving an instrument, teaching a student musician how to excel, receiving guidance from another musician, making financial donations – has changed them.

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 39 40 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 IN LOVING MEMORY

she would write a poem for her friends and family celebrating major life events. Her son Jimmy, who is a Remembering Amy Zeckhauser 1920-2018 writer and poet, was often called upon for his editing A Eulogy delivered by Linda Gellman -12/11/18 skills. Last August, Amy broke her hip. She went through Each of us here today has been the Jewish Community Center hip replacement surgery, mind you at 98, got herself touched by an amazing woman. where she and friends took through rehab and realized a friend was turning 100 Three had the privilege of calling lessons together. It was all and she could NOT go to the party in NEW YORK her Mom; Margy, Jimmy and Judy, about community, friendship, CITY!!! In classic Amy-style, she needed to write a and one special grandchild, Danny. camaraderie and continual poem. Her daughter Judy brought her pen and paper, Amy was also very fortunate to have learning. She showed her and the poem for her friend ensued. Daughter Margy a wonderful daughter-in-law Becky husband the beauty of art and and son-in-law Frans would bring in real Dutch coffee and son-in-law Frans. I was fortunate he shared with her the art to keep her energized. NO Tim Hortons for her! The enough to call her friend. It is very of football! She was a huge poem got written, was sent to her long-time friend, Bud difficult to talk of Amy in a past tense, Buffalo Bills fan. Blank, and read at the party! for she was a woman so full of life! Amy also loved her On a closing note, I must say, nothing aggravated I first became acquainted with Amy typewriter. She had a way Amy more than the fact that she was no longer allowed through the Jewish Federation. Her with words, both prose to drive and she was attached to her oxygen life line. Jewish life was woven deeply into her and poetry. Many of her Not that any of this stopped her from going to Florida Amy Zeckhauser. Photo by Judy Zeckhauser. soul. No matter what, she honored the writings were published. It this past April with her daughters and Frans in tow. Jewish holidays and invited friends of her life—her husband Milton—better was a common practice for Amy Zeckhauser had no intention of leaving this without a place to go to join her family to known as Zeke. Her eyes sparkled with Amy to send birthday cards planet until she made every recipe in her pantry. We do break the Yom Kippur fast and Passover loving memories whenever she spoke of with a poem inside. She was not know if she completed that goal but we do know, Seders. -She lit the candles on Shabbat, him. thrifty when it came time to without a doubt, that she thoroughly nourished our blessing her children every Friday night. Together, their community efforts purchasing those cards. Her hearts and souls with her wisdom and love. May her These traditions kept stability in her life, touched all walks of life in Buffalo through store of choice was the Dollar memory be a blessing to us all. and she planned with joy and a smile on many different venues, but the most Store, commonly referred to her face. outstanding of the last few decades was as the Junk and Crap store. Each month we will feature a eulogy of a member of our own community who has recently died. Please contact It brought Amy such pleasure to Grassroots Garden WNY founded in 1995 by Amy had quite the sense of Ellen Goldstein at [email protected] if nourish those she loved and cared for Zeke, and reading to inner-city elementary humor! On special occasions, you would llike to share your words. with Jewish traditions and food. Even if school students at Public School #32 it was just to make a cup of coffee and through Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Buffalo serve you a sweet treat, Amy wanted to Jewish Coalition for Literacy. At her 90th be the “hostess with the mostest.” birthday party, she received a hand-made Her personal stories accented by card from the many students whose lives her smile and bright blue eyes, spoke she touched by sharing the love of reading. volumes of a life well lived. They just adored her and she them. Amy was fortunate — and maybe a bit Amy earned a degree in art history at the stubborn enough—to live her entire life University of Pennsylvania. She enjoyed in the home where she raised her family. painting and sculpting. When she was in Visiting Amy in her Lafayette Avenue her 80’s, Amy went to Long Boat Key, home, you got the sense of what a full Florida to an artist’s studio and created an life she had through the trinkets that fill unusual alabaster sculpture called Mashed the walls, shelves and book cases with Potatoes. memories of world travel with the love She picked up most of her artistry from

In Remembrance The following people in our community passed away during the period from January 25 - February 18.* May their memories forever be a blessing, and may their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion.

Tibor Baranski Dr. Eugene Mindell Donald W. Katz Gilda Raiken Ida Katz Arkadiy Roginsky Dr. Louis B. Kramer Arthur Rumizen Mildred Kramer Fred Silver Shirley Lichtman *If we inadvertently missed printing the listing of your loved one, please write to [email protected]. and we will include the name next month.

March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 41 JEWS IN THE NEWS

A 10th anniversary memorial concert in memory of Cantor Susan Wehle and the other victims of Flight 3407 was held at Congregation Shir Shalom with the participation of Remembering Cantor Susan Wehle z”l many cantors, clergy, and community members.

The 70th Anniversary of the JCC—dubbed “Renaissance & Ruach” and slated for May 19—kicked off with an JCC Kicks off 70th Celebration! elegant dinner & basket raffle collection at the home of chairs Michael & Joanne Berger in January.

42 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 43 (NOT) THE LAST WORD Diversity is the Rule at Hadassah Hospital By David Schiller

As we read the daily newspaper and listen and watch the news, we are often all kinds has virtually vanished from overwhelmed by traumatic events, sad events, events making us angry, and events that the earth. Famine is rare, although divide us, resulting in big doses of pessimism in our lives. Bad news grabs headlines, malnutrition remains a challenge. while the day-to-day, step-by-step progress in the world seemingly takes a back seat. The point of these references is that there is good news coming out of Israel. I write this article while sitting in also Jewish Israeli patients–secular, Hadassah has been good news about a hospital room in Hadassah Hospital, traditional, and Orthodox. The political Jerusalem for many years. It is good news located in Jerusalem, Israel. We read views of this rainbow of humanity span about progress among people living in about violence in the Middle East. the spectrum: right wing, left wing, and Israel. After this article appeared in The The screaming headlines can be scary. centrist. The socioeconomics include Buffalo News, I sent it to the surgeon at Can’t everyone in the Middle East just wealthy people, people of modest means, Hadassah. He responded, “The article is get along? In many places there is and poor people. The workforce at the correct and describes Hadassah exactly.” cooperation. Hadassah Hospital is one hospital mirrors the same demographics. This surgeon is justifiably proud of what, of those places. Muslim surgeons and nurses. Christian where, and why he is at Hadassah. Palestinian patients. Muslim Arab surgeons and nurses. Jewish surgeons There are also many people in our Israeli patients. Christian Arab Israeli and nurses. Frankly, why categorize? It Buffalo-area community striving patients. Druze Israeli patients. Bedouin is impossible to walk the corridors and together to conquer poverty, disease, Israeli patients. All colors and shapes label all the people walking by, and that disabilities and poor education. People of human beings are treated here. Also, is the point. Inc., Literacy Volunteers, UNYTS, there are patients coming from outside Western New York’s own Gregg Eight Days of Hope and Belmont of Israel for the advanced medical care Easterbrook is an optimist. His book Housing Resources are among scores at Hadassah. And, oh yes, there are It’s Better Than it Looks: Reasons for of organizations working day by day to help all people. Optimism in an Age of Fear was referenced The visit at Hadassah in Israel was an in The Buffalo News last August. Steven inspiration to me, reminding me of the Pinker’s book, Enlightenment Now: The goals and ideals that truly matter, and Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and giving me pause to think about what Progress was also recently reviewed in good things we are doing here in Buffalo. The Buffalo News. Pinker argues that the Hadassah should be a model to copy for loud bad news is out of proportion to the all people everywhere, particularly as it good news and the progress humanity fulfills its mission in a region often torn has made, and continues to make. Yuval by conflict. Noah Harari’s book titled Homo Deus David L. Schiller, SIOR is a commercial also puts bad news and overall progress real estate broker at Cushman & into perspective. We hear or read news Wakefield Pyramid Brokerage in about a disease killing several people Buffalo. somewhere in the world. Thus, we fear The story first appeared in the “My travel, wear masks, and become worried. View” section of The Buffalo News. It is WNY's Trusted The facts demonstrate that plague of reprinted with permission of the author. Breast Care Experts Horse Camp at Skibbereen Farm Not only will your children gain basic riding skills, Jewish women of Eastern European descent are at greater they will learn: risk of developing breast cancer. Our genetic counselor • Safety Rules around Horses • Horse Care • Saddlery evaluates your hereditary risk, so you can make informed • Basic First Aid • Horse Show Presentati on screening and surgical decisions. Weekly sessions run from 9 am to 1 pm • July through August Register at www.skibbereenfarm.com SPACE IS LIMITED, RESERVE TODAY! Call Molly Hannon - 648-1908

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44 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | March 2019 March 2019 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 45