The Award Winning »#JEWISHANDPROUD!

BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | WWW.BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG FEBRUARY 2020 | SHEVAT-ADAR 5780

Buffalo Moms in Israel (6-7) ♥ DON’T MISS: LOOK: INSIDE: BELONGING AND AMIEL BAKEHILA 2019 INCLUSION IN BFLO HONOR ROLL (10-11) (14) (38-42)

DIFFERENCE WHAT’S INSIDE...

Published by February 2020 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 FEBRUARY 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org

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

The Buffalo Jewish Federation Is a proud member Buffalo Moms in Israel of the Jewish Federations of North America and the (6-7) American Jewish Press Association Produced by Ellen Goldstein, Editor Gathered in Jerusalem at the AISH rooftop overlooking the Kotel is the Buffalo inaugural♥ MOMentum group: Our Federation and many others in the Federation Seated at Bottom from left: Nancy Fernandez, Donna Levy. system have recognized the importance of inclusion – Middle Row from left: Alla Kats, Julie Babat-Porter, Sharon including all in Jewish life. And this month, leaders from all Nisengard, Rachel Weiss, Laura Wexler, Lisa Balderman Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer ...... Barbara E. Macks [email protected] over the country will travel to Capitol Hill in Washington DC Rosenfeld. Top Row from left: Jennifer Dryja, Amy Pecora, Creative Director ...... J.P. Thimot to participate in the Jewish Federations of North America Stacey Block, Brenda Turleltaub Feldstein, Sara Neiman, [email protected] (JFNA) Jewish Disability Advocacy Day, lobbying for inclusion Merredith Levin, Rebecca Shaw. Vice President/Production & Sales ...... Jennifer Tudor and disability rights. [email protected] This is timely because February is Jewish Disability Lead Designer ...... Kimberly Miers 3 From the President- [email protected] Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month, and even Leslie Shuman Kramer Senior Graphic Designers ...... Josh Flanigan, Andrea Rowley more so because this year marks the 30th anniversary of Graphic Designers ...... Kristen Thomas, Nicholas Vitello the signing into law of the Americans with Disabilities 4-5 Fighting Anti-Semitism and Secure Jewish Buffalo Fund! Production Manager ...... Adam Van Schoonhoven Act (ADA) by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. The ADA Sales Director ...... Cynthia Oppenheimer, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give civil 6-7 Momentum Trip to Israel [email protected] rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to 8 Hineini- Standing Up for Each Other Senior Account Executives ...... Terri Downey, Keren Green, Mary Beth Holly, Robin Kurss, those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, by Mara Koven-Gelman Robin Lenhard, Betty Tata, Lori Teibel national origin, age, and religion. The ADA also assures equal 9 Mazel Tov Rich Newberg! Proofreaders ...... Sharon C. Levite, Amy Goldstein access for individuals who have disabilities to businesses, 10-11 CJEL Diversity & Inclusion employment, transportation, state and local government programs and services, and telecommunications. 12 CJEL Teens Members of For more on this topic, check the stories on pages 10-11 14 Amiel BaKehila in Buffalo about the Center for Jewish Engagement and Learning’s New NCJ Chair (CJEL) work in Inclusion. 15 Kaddish at the BPO I also encourage you to read Federation President Leslie Submissions: 16-17 Keeping Up with the JCRC Shuman Kramer’s column on page 3. In this era of increased Submit editorial stories, photos, and calendar items by the 1st of the anti-Semitism and ethnic hatred, Leslie directly takes on the 18 Cantor’s Column: preceding month of issue to [email protected]. To Advertise: issue of being Jewish and proud. Echoing Leslie’s comments, Cantor Barbara Ostfeld To advertise, call Cynthia Oppenheimer at 716-783-9119 x2240. you’ll find on pages 4 and 5 a Jewish Telegraphic Agency 19 5 Things You Can Do to Repair the World in February Ad space & materials are due by the 10th of each month prior to (JTA) report on the ways New York State (including Buffalo) publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please is fighting anti-Semitism. Also on those pages, you’ll see Where in Jewish BFLO? email Cynthia Oppenheimer [email protected] photos of past Federation President Steven Weiss, CJEL Chair 20 Food: Heart Healthy Moroccan Stew or Barbara Macks [email protected]. Ellen Weiss, and JFNA President Eric Fingerhut, three of the To Subscribe: many thousands of participants at the January 5th New York 21 Special Advertising Supplement: Dining To subscribe, visit www.buffalojewishfederation.org and click on City March for Jewish Solidarity. 22-23 Organizations & Synagogue Listings “JJWNY subscription.” Free for Western New York area residents and Finally, don’t miss the report by the fabulous Jewish 24-26 Synagogue Happenings donors to the Campaign. Non-resident subscription is $36 for 12 issues, payable to The Jewish Journal. Moms of the December MOMentum Trip to Israel on their life 27 Special Advertising Supplement: Hobbies changing adventure, including photos of the women in the The Jewish Journal of WNY (JJWNY) reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at 28 February Calendar any time. The Buffalo Jewish Federation and Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. are not Western Galilee region. liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of Stay warm and stay on your toes. This is not a time to 29-35 Agency Events the space occupied. The JJWNY does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. Editorials, columns, advertisements, become a disaffected Jew or a lax American citizen. There is 36-37 Jews in the News agency reports and other outside articles do not necessarily represent the views work for each of us to do of the newspaper or the Buffalo Jewish Federation, but rather express the view of 38-42 2019 Honor Roll: the writer. every day. Campaign for Jewish Buffalo All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it “illegal to advertise “based on race, color, religion, 43 In Memoriam sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept Ellen Goldstein - Editor 44 Not The Last Word: 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 Hallie Morrison Block opportunity basis. 2 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 LETTER FROM THE FEDERATION PRESIDENT COMMUNITY

a festive meal with family and friends. “I’m not that Jewish, except…” Yet… there we were, in the JCC pool. The JEWISH Community Center pool- a I grew up feeling proud and lucky to be Jewish. I liked being Jewish. And I Catholic, married to a Jew, having raised place that he repeatedly praises as the consider myself so very fortunate to have had that experience. It’s a great feeling, their children Jewish and is now fully best place in the world to be. And, this is liking your own identity. involved in the Buffalo Jewish community. a man who is in that pool virtually every Our Israeli friends were a Druze couple day of the year. One might believe that he But how important is it to define that from Akko who are very active in our swims there because it’s the best pool in feeling, and to define it in others? partnership community, which was begun the city-which, by the way, I would agree There were probably many ways of and is supported by the Jewish Agency with! Yet…it’s more than just a pool. It’s a describing my upbringing: traditional, for Israel, our Federation’s Israeli partner community. The Jewish, the non-Jewish Conservative, modern, secular, fairly agency. So, in fact, the Hebrew our server alike, all recognize and choose to be at Jewish, Israel-focused-Jewish, and others. related to and identified with was spoken the JEWISH Community Center. Is it all Just as then, today there are many ways by non-Jews. accidental? Jews identify themselves: traditional, We welcomed his conversation and Growing up, I learned that we Jews Orthodox, Reform, Interfaith, Just Jewish, friendliness, and he began to describe must all take care of one another. I learned culturally Jewish, unaffiliated, Jew- what it felt like when he visited Israel in that we are all one family, no matter how adjacent (married to/living with/related the 1980’s. He talked about the feeling of we practice or observe our Jewishness. to or friends with at least one Jew) and being on the Golan Heights, and seeing Traveling in Paris in our 20s, my brother not-very-Jewish, to name a few. the Hula Valley below, and at that point and I came across a small bakery, off the The span of Jewish identities among understanding the importance of Israel beaten track near Montmartre, far from individual members of my family was controlling this strategic spot. And then the Jewish quarter of Le Marais. Inside we great, from loosely affiliated to Orthodox. he said, “but I’m not that Jewish.” met the proprietor, a Frenchwoman who I married a Jewish man who grew up I was so struck by this entire recognized us as foreigners immediately. unaffiliated, and with whom, together, conversation. Here was a man claiming After asking, in very broken English, we have learned and evolved Jewishly, his lack of ….what? I’m not exactly sure. where we were from, she asked where our sharing old and new traditions, creating because of this state of not being “that Was he unaffiliated and not particularly parents were from. We told her, like us, our own, and raising our Jewish children Jewish,” he or she isn’t qualified to have connected to the Jewish community? Did they are from the U.S. Then she looked together. We have traveled to Israel the discussion we’re having. And guess he not go to Hebrew School as a child? Did at us with a particular knowing look and together, separately, and with our what-often times it’s THAT person who he give up on-or never observe the High asked, “no, where are they FROM?” children. We have searched out Jewish brought up the topic to begin with! Holy Days? I don’t know what prompted I knew what she meant immediately. sites in other countries we have visited. I’ll give you an example. About a year him to say he wasn’t “that Jewish.” But I She didn’t want to come out and ask We have welcomed many friends- Jewish, ago some of our Israeli friends from our do know that his enthusiasm in describing directly, but somehow I knew that SHE not Jewish, Israeli, and others, to our partnership region of Western Galilee in his visit to Israel was so very Jewish, knew that we were Jewish. So we said, Shabbat and Seder tables. We have met Israel were here for a visit. I and a fellow and everything about his story, and even our grandparents came from Russia. and befriended Jews of all backgrounds, member of our Jewish community met the his reaching out to who he believed to “We’re Jewish.” With that her face lit beliefs, and practices. visiting couple at their hotel for breakfast. be fellow Jews, was “so Jewish.” Nearly up and she pointed to her chest and What does all of this make us? Just one As we were being seated by our server, the 18 months later the assumptions and said that she, too, was Jewish. And voila, of the many, many differerent iterations 4 of us chatted and at some point some misassumptions represented in that an instant connection between us and of what constitutes a Jewish family these Hebrew was spoken. Hearing Hebrew, our entire exchange continue to intrigue me. a Frenchwoman in a tiny, non-descript days. server, a middle aged man who I did not More recently, I was chatting with a bakery, thousands of miles from our home. So, I am fascinated by something know, asked if we were speaking Hebrew. gentleman I know from the JCC swimming I don’t have any answers, but I do know I have heard my whole life. I will be Upon confirmation, he said “I’m Jewish pool. One day we were talking about the that each of us is Jewish in our own way, talking to someone Jewish, perhaps not too.” upcoming holidays and he said something and that each of us matters, and that we even knowing they are Jewish when the Many of us have had moments like this, along the lines of “well, I’m not as Jewish are all part of something big, together. conversation begins. And somehow the where being Jewish can automatically as you,” in reference to our plans for So, next time it comes up, what will subject turns to one of Jewish context, connect two strangers. But the irony in celebration. Of course I understand what you think when someone says “I’m not and the person will say something like, this situation was that of the four in my he was getting at-that I may observe the that Jewish?” “Well, I’m not really that Jewish.” And party, I was the only Jew. My American holiday in a more traditional manner, Leslie Shuman Kramer is President of the it is said with almost an apology, as if, co-community member was a practicing attending synagogue, celebrating with Buffalo Jewish Federation.

Thank you for your generous gifts to the Secure Jewish Buffalo Fund! The funds raised this past January support grants to synagogues and agencies for security upgrades, training for Jewish professionals and volunteer leaders, offsetting the cost of armed security personnel and support for Susan DeMari, Jewish Buffalo’s first ever Community Security Coordinator.

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 3 COMMUNITY 4 ways New York’s Thank government is trying to You fight rising anti-Semitism for your generous support to the 2020 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo

Yehuda Gershonovitz - Security Director of JFNA, Ellen Weiss, Eric Fingerhut JFNA CEO and Steven Weiss at the January 5 Jewish Solidarity Rally in New York

By Ben Sales at risk for terrorism (like synagogues, Published January 7 religious schools and Jewish community centers) can protect themselves. NEW YORK (JTA) — After this past The most recent federal budget, passed weekend’s rousing march to protest rising last month, increased the Nonprofit anti-Semitism in New York — where Jews Security Grant Program, which provides have been shot, stabbed, assaulted and that funding, from $60 million to $90 harassed over the past year — two big million. Now, following the anti-Semitic questions still loom large. attacks, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer What is causing all of this? And what wants to quadruple that figure to $360 Thank you for answering the call to donate to are officials doing about it? million. His fellow New York senator, the 2020 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo on Super The first question is fraught, bedeviling Kirsten Gillibrand, told the Jewish experts and community members alike. Telegraphic Agency she also supports Sunday and throughout the fall of 2019. In The second has some answers. increasing the funding. From beefing up security to bolstering At the march against anti-Semitism addition, individuals who made their donations to community outreach, here are four ways on Sunday (1/5/20), New York Gov. government and community leaders are Andrew Cuomo announced $45 million the 2019 Campaign will find their names listed trying to break the wave of anti-Semitism in new funding to protect religious-based on pages 38-42 of this issue. that has crested over New York City. institutions. Since 2017, the state has distributed $25 million to more than 500 More money for synagogue security institutions, many of them Jewish. The If you wish to speak to Federation staff about your gift, On both the state and federal levels, funding goes to security enhancements contact Assistant Executive Director Randi Morkisz governments are providing additional like reinforced windows or cameras. But at [email protected] funding so that nonprofit institutions Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, who represents the Brooklyn neighborhoods or call 716-204-2245. of Midwood and Borough Park, said that Cuomo’s announcement was misleading because the funding was allocated last year and is only being released now. The government funding comes in addition to $4 million in security funding for 2,000 Jewish institutions announced in October by UJA-Federation of New York, Your gift helps so many here in Buffalo, in Israel and along with the local Jewish Community throughout the world. Thank you! Relations Council. UJA is also hiring six Steven Weiss, Miranda Weiss and Ellen Weiss directors who will collectively coordinate at the Rally communal security for Jews in the city’s 4 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 COMMUNITY five boroughs, as well as suburban Long Island and Westchester County, and a Bonnie special coordinator for the area’s Jewish summer camps.

More cops on the street is Buffalo! Both Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio have increased police patrols in Brooklyn neighborhoods with Mark Gurvis, JFNA Vice President , with Steven and Ellen Weiss at the Rally in New York large Orthodox Jewish communities. This spectacular custom built “Marrano” Windstone De Blasio had upped the police De Blasio also said he would enhance patio home is situated in Williamsville. It boasts a presence in these neighborhoods, such as anti-hate education in Brooklyn schools. dynamic 3 bedroom ranch with a 2nd floor additional room that could be an office or bonus room. Crown Heights and Williamsburg, during “We have to reach our young people Among the many wonderful features included are; a the High Holidays last year. He announced more effectively,” de Blasio said at a sensational large lot measuring 50’x163’ with many last week, following the stabbing attack press conference on Dec. 30. “Our young privacy options. This home has exceptional extras in Monsey, that he would do so again. people have to understand this history, including gourmet vanilla cabinetry, open kitchen with On Monday, New York Police Department but we have to teach it to them. We will be granite counters, an island/bar overlooking the great room with gas fireplace and vaulted ceilings, Pella Commissioner Dermot Shea announced adding immediately in these communities windows, hardwood floors, carpeting in the bedrooms, that more than 150 additional police in Brooklyn additional curriculum in our a sprinkler system, front landscaping, egress basement officers have been dispatched to the schools starting next month to focus on 47 Old Tower Lane • $429,900 window with 8 foot ceilings and an amazing floor plan. streets to specifically prevent hate crimes. stopping hate.”

De Blasio also announced the creation New York City’s new head of the Office This is a breathtaking Tesmer built, stand alone, all brick of civilian patrols to serve as community for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, Deborah patio home with condo status, low maintenance and watchdogs for areas that have seen anti- Lauter, told the Jewish Telegraphic low taxes. This magnificent home has been exquisitely Semitic incidents. Agency last year that she plans to focus on maintained with all of the most up-to-date selections and outstanding architectural details. The white Cuomo has sent State Police to patrol promoting education against hate. gourmet kitchen with granite counters, island, window Brooklyn’s Jewish neighborhoods and has On the federal level, a bipartisan group seat, build-in appliances and walk-in pantry are among grown the ranks of the State Police Hate of representatives proposed a bill last year the many upgrades. Some additional features include Crimes Task Force, which was established that would fund Holocaust education in 9-foot ceilings, crown moldings, Brazilian cherry floors, surround sound speakers, central vacuum, security in 2017 during a previous spike in anti- schools across the country. system and Hunter Douglas windows. The oversized Semitism. In November, Cuomo signed a master suite and incredible white bathroom has loads bill requiring police to undergo training Defining anti-Semitism as domestic of build-ins. The great room overlooks the patio with French doors leading to the private yard. A new furnace on how to recognize and respond to hate terrorism was added in 2017. The wonderful library has many 113 Hampton Hill Drive • $599,900 crimes. On Sunday, Cuomo announced that built-ins and French doors. This home has a finished On Monday, the NYPD announced that he supports legislation defining anti- lower lever and so much more. it would begin tracking hate crimes in Semitism as domestic terrorism. According COMPSTAT, their public record of crime. to Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the ADL, that designation would allow the BONNIE CLEMENT More education against hate government to bring its full resources to In November, the Anti-Defamation bear in the fight against anti-Semitism. Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker League announced that it would double In March, Illinois Sen. Dick the funding for its anti-discrimination Durbin introduced a bill to define domestic Cell: 716.553.8384 program in Brooklyn schools. The program, terrorism on the federal level and require [email protected] | BonnieClement.com No Place for Hate, which educates kids the government to combat it. The bill against bias and bullying, will now expand is motivated in part by the rise in anti- HUNT ERA Williamsville Village Branch: from 22 schools to as many as 40. Semitism. 5570 Main Street, 1st Floor, Williamsville, NY 14221

Can YOU help us make 2020 a safer year? KENMORE EYE CARE and AMHERST EYE CARE You’ve seen the news. It’s shocking and sad. According Dr. David Burstein | Dr. Sandra Segerson to the FBI’s latest statistics, 58% of all religiously Optometrist Optometrist motivated hate crimes in the United States were directed at the Jewish Community, the highest level in decades • Comprehensive Eye Exams and three times higher than the next group. While the • Specially Trained in Treating Eye Diseases United States remains one of the safest places in the world to be Jewish, there is a new reality to being Jewish • Contact Lens Specialist in the United States today - and increasing concern for • Fashion Eyewear members of every faith. It’s a new year, and a renewed need to further enhance and ensure a more secure Jewish Buffalo. Our goal is to raise Visit our newlnewlyy expanded Amherst llocation!ocation! $50,000! Can you help us meet that goal? Go to www.buffalojewishfederation.org, KENMORE EYE CARE AMHERST EYE CARE click on the “DONATE” button and make your gift. Or call the Federation office at 924 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 606 N. French Rd., Suite 7 & 8, Amherst, NY (716) 876-2020 (716) 688-8127 716-204-2248. Thank you for helping to make Jewish Buffalo safer! February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 5 COMMUNITY 2019 Trip to Israel Brenda Turteltaub Feldstein It was Shabbat and we were at the Kotel (Western Sara Neiman Wall) in Jerusalem. Our Momentum group was made The first time I ever thought about of hundreds of women from all over the US, Israel and traveling to Israel was in my early Europe, all wearing colorful pashminas. They moved twenties when my mother-in law in several concentric circles, singing Jewish songs encouraged my husband and me to through the animated crowd. attend a Birthright trip before we We moved in the direction of the Western Wall. Near were “too old.” At the time, both of the Wall stood a large circle of women holding hands and us knew very little about the trip or singing a beautiful melody, surrounding an elderly woman anyone who had ever been on the in a wheelchair in the center of the circle. My friend Alla trip, so we decided not to attend. Fast and I, immediately overtaken by emotion, looked at each forward ten years and my wonderful other and started crying. No need for words. We had just neighbor, Brenda Feldstein, told me witnessed a sacred moment. The power of prayer. The about a possible opportunity to travel power of love. The faith. The unity. to Israel with a group of Jewish moms That experience alone would have been worth it. But from Buffalo. I jumped at the idea! I there were countless moving moments. We sang and cried was at a point in my life where I felt together with a group of women that promote peaceful very unsure with how to incorporate coexistence in the Western Galilee. We were inspired Judaism into my own growing family. when our friend Laura organized a fundraiser for a ping Upon applying, I also realized how Nancy Fernandez pong table for special needs adults at Kivunim. We were I flew to Israel not understanding the massive little I actually knew about Israel. moved by inspirational speeches. We were breathless shift that was soon to come my way. I thought I Finding out I was selected to go on while visiting historical sites in Jerusalem. I was grateful would sit passively, observing the interactions of the trip was one of the most exciting and sharing a Shabbat meal with the Brauner family, whose others and appreciating their growth while making terrifying things to ever happen to me. lovely host was about to give birth at any moment. There some new friends and eating good falafel. I was super excited to embark on this was a powerful meditation in a Mikva in the Kabalistic Something happened that first night in Tel Aviv, journey, but terrified to leave my family, town of Tsfat. And not to forget the inspiring stories sitting in rows listening to our trip leaders tell us my life, my routine for ten days to go to told on the open mic by our sisters during our bus rides their stories. It was a combination of summer camp somewhere I knew very little about. - and the countless jokes by our bus leader Amy. Mud in One of the first places we visited and sorority rush, until it wasn’t; until Adrienne Gold the Dead Sea. The parties. The delicious food. And then began to speak her truth and in her magical way, was the Western Galilee region. Upon there were the strong, resilient and generous Israelis. The touched the hearts of each one of us. She spoke to us as arriving, I was mesmerized by the beauty sisterhood. And our beautiful Israel. mothers, pulled out the secret incantations we chant to of the country, the people, the diversity, I came to this journey knowing a couple of women, ourselves while we do our invisible work. the energy-everything. One of my most and left it with lifelong friends from Buffalo and beyond, Momentum is about more than being a tourist memorable and impactful visits was coupled with a strong sense of community, love for Israel in Israel, it is about being a present resident in the helping at a local food pantry in Akko. and a deep appreciation for my family. moment, to connect your deepest spiritual questions We listened and learned from volunteers My gratitude goes to the Buffalo Jewish Federation, and desires to your most pressing trivial annoyances. about their daily routines, lifestyle and to our amazing group leader Stacey Block, and the This trip worked to re-frame my idea of what it is to why this work was important to them. At Momentum organization for an unforgettable experience. be spiritual and Jewish, that they are not mutually our next stop, a local elementary school, exclusive and not at all tied to any prescribed notion I was even more touched by the amazing from my childhood. This trip blessed and freed me children who greeted us right at the door simultaneously, and within that moment, brought and were beyond excited to have us as me back to Judaism in a way I never expected. This visitors. They were genuinely interested epiphany began to color every moment of my trip, in our life, our families and showing every interaction with a fellow traveler, the Hebrew us their school and daily activities. that came back to me so I could order that falafel (not Leaving and reflecting on my day, I so great actually) totally b’evrit (in Hebrew). instantly felt changed. Empowered as a Long walks to Shabbos dinners and lunches were woman, mother and wife. I felt a shift in opportunities of discovery, to check in with each other my energy and spirit with a newfound and dig deep into what brought us here and what we openness and connection to Israel. I am so grateful for the opportunity planned to take home with us. Our Buffalo crew brought ruach (spirit) to the rest to be a part of this trip and the amazing of the trip and we discovered kindred spirits from women I have met along the way. We Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Israel and Hungary. The will forever have this special experience intricate thoughtfulness of every moment was met with connecting us as Momentum Moms and gratitude and appreciation and I look forward to seeing I am excited to continue the journey status how this dynamic group of mothers disrupts the with my new Buffalo sisterhood. quo and adds to Jewish life in Buffalo and beyond.

6 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 COMMUNITY

Sharon Nisengard “Jewish women are the battery pack of the Jewish people. Israel is the charging station”. This quote from one of our inspiring Momentum trip leaders Nili Couzens sums up the purpose of our journey to Israel. The mission aims to first transform ourselves, then our families and communities, by connecting with Jewish values and engaging with the State of Israel. What I loved most about our journey were the sessions led by our trip leader, Toronto native Adrienne Gold Davis. Each day highlighted a different Jewish value. Her wisdom and ability to weave stories about each particular theme was soul filling. These sessions led us to dig deep and improve ourselves as individuals, mothers and partners. Love for the Homeland came naturally, through food (of course) and the beauty and history of the land. From the grottoes of Rosh Hanikra, the mystical city of Tsfat, to the fortress Masada, I was in holy awe of the landforms and structures that are in pristine condition from thousands of years ago. Our tour guides masterfully brought history to life, while also giving us insight into the land as it operates in modern society. The sand and the sea, the Jerusalem stone and the lush Galilee, the vibrancy of the Israeli people, the arts and culture, the history of the Jewish people, the delicacies, the unwavering traditions; exploring the country on this trip rekindled my deep connection to Israel. Connection to the land, connection to my Buffalo sisters and my new sisters throughout the world, and connection to Judaism. I achieved these goals which Momentum was founded on during my 10 day journey, and have already instituted them in my life. I am eagerly looking forward to our year long program, and continue into the future as more women from Buffalo partake in this program. I am grateful to Stacey Block and the Buffalo Jewish Federation for choosing me to be part of Buffalo’s inaugural Momentum program; it was the gift of a lifetime.

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 7 COMMUNITY Another Voice: Hineini- Standing up for Each other By Mara Koven-Gelman

I still believe we live in a democratic and civil society. As former director of the Holocaust Resource Center, and married to a child of Holocaust Survivors, I know too well that hate exists. And despite witnessing the rise of anti-Semitism, I still believe in our society.

drowned out when people of color were taken into slavery, murdered and de-humanized. It continues as systemic racism persists in criminal justice, education, housing and employment. But the voices of unity are now being heard. They are heard when the Buffalo Jewish Federation held its annual meeting at Northland Workforce Training Center Yes, there have been horrific acts fueled by anti- showcasing programs aimed at Semitism in Pittsburgh, Poway, Jersey City, NYC those disproportionately cut out and most recently Monsey. of educational and economic This is why I still believe: opportunity. Within hours of the Monsey Chanukah They are heard when JCRC attack, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General partnered with Burchfield Letitia James, and all level of politicians and law Penney Art Center highlighting enforcement were unified: to bring the perpetrator criminal justice messages to justice, to condemn this act of terrorism and through the art of Valentino federal hate crime and assure the Jewish community Dixon, a Buffalonian who spent of its safety. 27 years in prison for a crime he As Rabbi Donniel Hartman of the Shalom did not commit. Hartman Institute wrote, “It is critical that we They are heard when a remember that we are not fighting government- multicultural women’s group instituted anti-Semitism, but an anti-Semitism visits a Sikh Gurdwara Temple, which the government is committed to fighting.” attends US naturalization Rev. Al Sharpton called upon his African- ceremonies, share Iftar meals American community to reflect on why some have and huddle in cold sukkot (huts) such hate of Jews: with a bowl of warm squash “We cannot remain silent as we see a consistent soup during a Jewish festival. pattern of attacks against people based on their The world is not falling apart. faith and based on who they are. And therefore, Our friends demonstrate the we wanted to convene to say, ‘You can’t fight hate importance of showing up for against you unless you’re willing to fight hate each other. We need to repeat against everyone else.’” this aloud with word and deed– Those marginalized and discriminated against “Hineini” – I stand with you. should band together, to combat the evil of Mara Koven-Gelman is Buffalo stereotyping and hate. We have always been, and Jewish Community Relations continue to be, stronger together. Director (JCRC) powered by the I am encouraged by Christian organizations who Buffalo Jewish Federation. This reached out to those in pain and fear: to say, Hineini piece appeared in The Buffalo in Hebrew “I am here,” I am here to stand by you. News’ “Another Voice” Op Ed These voices were drowned out in 1938 during section with permission of the Kristallnacht, as German synagogues and Jewish- author. owned stores were smashed and looted. They were 8 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 COMMUNITY Announcing Our

many ways–move them to action, move Wedding Weekend Mazel Tov them to understanding, move them to ursday, Friday, & Saturday tears. February 27th - 29th Special Prizes! Rich Newberg Honored by NY Rich has always taken the broader view of his work as a reporter–He sees his role as National Television Academy a historian. He has to get the story right at its core–the hallmark of good journalism– WIVB-TV veteran newsman Rich because these words– these thoughts– Newberg was honored by the National these images indeed have a place in the Television Academy’s New York Chapter. history of our daily lives. These stories that The retired News 4 Senior Correspondent we tell as reporters, as documentarians, as Suiting Up the Men of Buff alo Since 1918 joined his former co-anchor Jacquie photojournalists will live on.” Wedding Walker in the Silver Circle, recognizing Rich Newberg’s remarks at the Suits for only outstanding contributions to the television award ceremony included these words: Why rent? When you can own your own .00 industry. Jacquie introduced Rich during “When you bond with a community, all-season wool suit $225 ceremonies at the Friars Club in New York you share in its joys and sorrows. If you Free alterations. Groom is free. Call for Details. City in December. Rich, Lori and Michael Newberg happened to be a journalist lucky enough Rich Newberg won eleven New York Emmy to have found a place where you feel you Awards during his 37 years at WIVB-TV. His Colleague Jacqui Walker said the belong, you really care about the culture documentaries explored multiple aspects of following about Newberg: and the social issues you explore. You care Buffalo life and history, including stories about “He’s known as a reporter with a about the impact of those issues on the Holocaust survivors returning to Auschwitz to brain and a heart. Someone who is people who depend on you to bring some confront their lost childhood. sensitive to the needs of people in insight into their world. Rich is currently spearheading efforts our community. Someone who can It’s been four years since my so-called 50% OFF by the Buffalo Broadcasters Association to take the complicated and make it ‘retirement,’ and I’m leading efforts to get All Wedding & give Western New York its moving image simple to understand. Someone who that archival material digitized and back Anniversary Bands history through the digitization of archival can use the power of the pen, the out in the public domain. We are already 6470 TRANSIT RD., DEPEW, NY 14043 TV newsfilm and videotape dating back to microphone, the spoken word, and up and running on the New York Heritage RIVERSIDEMENS.COM | 716-833-8401 the 1960s. the moving image–to move people in website.” SANDEJEWELERS.COM | 716-832-1595

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 9 COMMUNITY CJEL INCLUSION What Diversity and Inclusion Means to Me

By Dr. Andrew Marcum poverty. Failure to embrace, accept, and celebrate difference—and a My name is Andrew. I am a teacher, lack of investment in meaningful scholar, and advocate with a disability. alternatives to traditional educational I work for the Center for Self-Advocacy and employment opportunities—are in Buffalo. Self-advocacy means people the problem. Inclusion for people with CJEL’s Inclusion Planning Team with disabilities empowering ourselves disabilities won’t happen if we do Jewish Buffalo has been dedicated to the work of inclusion for individuals and others with disabilities to make not pay a living wage to care workers with disabilities for decades through the work of Yad B’Yad. Inclusion at its choices; including where and with and professionals who support us or most aspirational level is the creation and maintenance of an environment whom we live, how we spend our time, invest in jobs, housing, transportation, where all individuals are treated fairly and respectably, and have equal access to and even what we can eat, where we and educational options that work for opportunities and resources. can shop, socialize, or worship. It’s everyone. also about our preferences being heard, I work with people with disabilities respected, and supported. Many self- frustrated by the limitations placed upon advocates need extensive care and them by society; people who—because support. But just because someone of limited access to transportation— depends on others does not mean they struggle to volunteer at an animal are less human. Even those who cannot shelter, attend peer support meetings speak, toilet, or feed themselves have at the LGBTQ Resource Center, or go feelings, thoughts, dreams, and desires. to the public library; adults who, after mastering the bus route to and from their day program, are told they cannot Inclusion Team Members: First Row- Miriam Abramovich, Janet Gunner, Jamie Goodwin, Ellen Weiss, continue traveling independently for Robin Raphael, Kirstie Henry, Hope Bongiorno, Brocha Leah Greenberg. Second Row- Matt Stewart, fear it will endanger them; or group Rabbi Adam Scheldt, Andrew Marcum, Mike Steklof, Jill Hamilton home residents who want to choose In an effort to build upon Yad B’Yad’s The team includes a group of where, and with whom, they live. work on inclusion for individuals with individuals who identify with one or more Diversity and inclusion means disabilities, the Buffalo Jewish Federation of the identities noted above, or identify adequate support services and access to is exploring ways to actively engage those as advocates or allies: Matthew Stewart, decision-makers and decision-making with disabilities and other underserved Andrew Marcum, Rabbi Adam Scheldt, processes for people with disabilities. populations in Jewish Buffalo. In Jamie Goodwin, Jill Hamilton, David Inclusion requires more than physical September 2019, the Center for Jewish Williams, Ellen Weiss, Janet Gunner, Dr. Andrew Marcum or cognitive access. It means changing Engagement and Learning (CJEL), powered Sharla Bleichfeld, Hope Bongiorno, People with disabilities are often spoken how we think about, talk about, and treat by the Buffalo Jewish Federation, began Kirstie Henry, Brocha Leah Greenberg, about, spoken for, and spoken to but rarely people with disabilities. Getting a job is a year-long effort to examine inclusion Robin Raphael, Mike Steklof and Miriam given the chance to speak for themselves. meaningless if your employer doesn’t efforts in Jewish Buffalo through the Abramovich. Discrimination compounds exclusion. The accept or support your differences. creation of an Inclusion Planning Team. Buffalo’s Center for Jewish Engagement poverty rate for people with disabilities Inclusion means supporting people Under Robin Raphael’s chairmanship, and Learning (CJEL) seeks to ensure that is double that of the general population. with disabilities to be themselves. the Inclusion Planning team is charged all Jews, their friends and life partners of The unemployment rate among people When we challenge our assumptions, with making recommendations about other faiths, and those exploring Judaism, with disabilities is nearly 70%. If you embrace difference, and recognize the the strategic direction of CJEL’s inclusion have access to Jewish living and learning get a job, you won’t be able to keep it dignity and value in everyone, the world efforts while building upon the legacy experiences that help them thrive. CJEL without accessible transportation. If you becomes truly diverse and inclusive. of Yad B’Yad, Jewish Buffalo’s Disability is deeply committed to engaging and lack accessible, affordable housing or Andrew Marcum, Ph.D. is Program Inclusion Program. nurturing relationships with and among the support staff you need to eat, dress, Coordinator for the Center for Self The Inclusion Planning Team will individuals and families at all stages of life, or toilet, full community inclusion is Advocacy in Buffalo, NY where he serves examine how Jewish Buffalo can be more creating opportunities for meaningful and impossible. as a member of the Advisory Committee welcoming to individuals who identify as relevant Jewish exploration and learning, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Injustice for the Erie County, NY Office for People LGBTQ+, genderqueer, a Jew of Color, a and supporting and amplifying the work anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” with Disabilities. Dr. Marcum is Project person with a disability (or disabilities), of synagogues and partner organizations. King understood justice cannot be achieved Assistant for the First-Responders a person with an acquired disability, an The Inclusion Planning Team looks for some and not others and that oppression Disability Awareness Training Program at Israeli Jew, a Russian Jew, a single parent, forward to sharing the results of this work is multi-faceted and intersectional. Those Niagara University and Adjunct Assistant a member of a family of multiple faiths, or and will be providing updates along the oppressed by racism, sexism, and poverty Professor of Disability Studies at the City a Jew by Choice. The team recognizes that way. are also disproportionately affected by University of New York. He is also a these groups have different needs and Questions about the Inclusion disability and the consequences that flow former postdoctoral research fellow at the that no one size fits all approach will work Planning Team? Reach out to Robin from disability in a society that doesn’t Center for Disability Studies and Center for people in these groups who may not Raphael at [email protected] value diversity and inclusion. Disability for Inclusive Design and Environmental have felt welcome or may not have had or CJEL staff Mike Steklof at mike@ is not the cause of unemployment and Access at the University at Buffalo. their needs met in Jewish Buffalo. buffalojewishfederation.org. 10 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 CJEL INCLUSION COMMUNITY

Let’s Help All invisible barriers which prevent some My Jewish Experience individuals from feeling welcome in communal spaces. This idea is a driver By El Bernatovicz Feel Welcome behind the work of the Center for By Mike Steklof Jewish Engagement and Learning’s In a lot of ways, my experience with new Inclusion Planning Team, which Judaism was a lot like coming out to Think back to a time when you felt is exploring ways to ensure that all myself for the first time. In college, my welcomed into a communal space feel welcome in Jewish Buffalo. friends were all queer, mostly trans, or a communal experience. Was it I have always thought of Abraham and a good chunk were Jewish. I was when you joined a new professional as my role model when it comes to a bi girl, at the time, and looking back association, or during your favorite welcoming. He positioned himself now, it’s no wonder I ended up here–a group exercise class, or at the home at the entrance of his tent during non-binary queer Jewish conversion of a dear friend, or at a Shabbat the hottest part of the day and he student. service at a synagogue? Or, maybe proactively sought out passing I was raised Roman Catholic, though it was something entirely different? travelers and invited them to escape we didn’t go to church all that often. Regardless of the situation you the heat by entering his tent. He When I was 16, I refused to get confirmed. imagined, being in a welcoming welcomed guests eagerly and worked I didn’t believe in the God of that church, space is wonderful because it to ensure they had everything they or the power of the church–let alone fosters a sense of community and needed to feel welcome. I challenge their beliefs about reproductive rights, just better. makes you feel part of something each of us to think about how we can LGBTQIA+ people, and other things And then slowly, it all begins to greater then yourself. The sense use Abraham as our model to eagerly important to me. I found myself adrift, change. Calling yourself queer or Jewish of being welcomed, can lead to a and proactively ensure that Jewish unable to make peace with Christianity as doesn’t feel like a foreign thing. It slowly deeper connection with others, and Buffalo is a welcoming community. a religion, but needing a spiritual home, becomes part of who you are. Who you the feeling of safety, security, and Mike Steklof is the Director of a community. I settled on calling myself were all along. You just didn’t know it yet. acceptance. Teen Engagement and Inclusion for agnostic, believing in the power of the El Bernatovicz currently lives on Grand Many of us are privileged enough Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Center Universe, and trying to be a good person. Island with their family. They are also part to experience feeling welcome in a for Jewish Engagement and learning. I found solace and community online of the current Mussar cohort with Nickel variety of different spaces, which makes Want to discuss this issue? Text/ with people who believed in the same City Jews. it easy to forget that this is not the email Mike at 585-200-2161/mike@ things I did, with people who were also case for everyone. There are visible and buffalojewishfederation.org non-binary or trans or queer or some mix. In these blogs I followed, and with the community I now interacted with, slowly I started seeing posts about Judaism. Hanukkah at The Jewish Women’s Group Home These people were also on their own journeys of study and conversion. And in Reform Judaism, I found peace. The focus on social justice, the requirement to be present and change the world here, directive to challenge and question and study–were responses to everything I’d been frustrated with growing up. Here was the community I longed for, the structure and ritual I craved, the culture I could embrace. So I did what every nerd does, and read as much as I could. Books on Jewish history and beliefs and theories. Blogs from converts to poems. I took Intro to Judaism classes. I talked to local rabbis and followed rabbis on Twitter. I listened and watched and learned. But the process of conversion carried with it the same doubts and fears as I had: was I making this all up for attention? On Sunday, December 22, the Jewish Should I just be happy with how I was born? Then came the fear of not fitting Women’s Group Home gathered together for in. My personal version of Judaism isn’t their annual Hanukkah celebration. Songs strictly halachic. Neither is my version of were sung, dreidels were spun and latkes and queerness. There are people who would say I’m not trans, the same as those who donuts were enjoyed by all. would say I’m not Jewish. It’s a strange sort of imposter syndrome--comparing yourself to people more out, more frum, February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 11 COMMUNITY CJEL TEENS Teen Leaders Experience Poverty Simulation By Mike Steklof When was the last time you rode public transportation in Buffalo? Have you ever had to survive on $6.36 a day? A group of teens had the opportunity to experience both and more at the December session of the Jewish Teen Leadership Fellowship. The Jewish Teen Leadership Fellowship (a project of the new Buffalo Jewish Teen Initiative) invests in future leaders of the Buffalo Jewish community though an experiential nine-month long leadership program for teens. Fifteen teens make up the inaugural class of fellows. Together, they are developing practical leadership and life skills while also gaining awareness of Buffalo community history, civic responsibility, race/diversity, and personal potential all through the lens of applied Jewish wisdom. The goal for the December session of afternoon to participate in a Transportation a close look at the text, the teens debated the Fellowship was to gain insight into the Poverty Simulation designed in partnership the merit of Moses’ actions and asked challenges of those that are underprivileged with Leadership Buffalo. The learning each other hard questions: did Moses make in our community. In order to do this, began with the teens studying the story of a good choice, a bad choice, was he an the Teen Fellows gathered on a Sunday Moses killing an Egyptian overseer. After up-stander? After a rich conversation the teens were divided into two groups. Each was given a scenario about a Buffalo teen who is living in poverty, a metro card, and $6.36 (the average amount a person in poverty has for food each day). The groups were challenged to simulate all of the tasks a budget. Thinking about the price of that their assigned person would do during food was illuminating and both groups the day such as going to school and work, agreed that it would be difficult to sustain buying food and completing other daily themselves on only $6.36 each day. errands. After the simulation ended, the teens For many teens, this was their first were left with questions, such as how would experience riding public transportation in a teen adapt to this lifestyle and learn the Buffalo, having a daily budget, or learning bus system and survive? One woman they about the life of a teen experiencing encountered on their journey provided poverty. No group was able to successfully a partial answer. While waiting at what complete all of the assigned tasks and they ended up being the wrong stop, a group of each encountered many challenges and teens met an elderly woman who assisted road blocks during their journeys. One them by pulling out pamphlets for each bus group got off at the wrong bus stop and route in Buffalo. In the teens’ eyes, she was another missed their stop not realizing an expert bus traveler. One teen, reflecting how to signal the bus to let them off. Teens on the encounter, commented that you were shocked to discover how cold it can would have to become an expert and rely be to travel without a car, and that certain on paper if you did this every day without establishments will not let you wait for the a data allowance on your cellphone. All bus inside. were left with a deep appreciation for the The groups were also challenged comforts of their lives including plentiful in deciding what food to buy to sustain food, great education, access to personal themselves for a day. One group bought transportation, and the many gifts that bananas, canned beans, canned ravioli, their lifestyles afford them. and cans of tuna (they also wanted to Want to learn more about the Teen buy apples but they were too expensive). Leadership Fellowship? Want to get your The other group purchased a bag of dates, teen involved? Email/Text Mike at mike@ a humus/pretzels snack pack and a cliff buffalojewishfederation.org/585-200-2161. bar. For many of the teens, this was the Mike Steklof is the Director of Teen first time they had to shop for food with Engagement and Inclusion for CJEL. 12 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 COMMUNITY Welcome New PJ Library & PJ Our Way Chairs

Buffalo Jewish Federation is excited to welcome Marni Marciano and Brenda Feldstein as PJ Library (PJ) Chair and PJ Our Way (PJOW) Chair, respectively. Marni is a PJ Library Mom to her twins Max and Sylvie, currently plans children’s programming at Kehillat Ohr Tzion, and will be an incredible asset to this team.

Top: Marni Marciano Bottom: Brenda Feldstein

Brenda is a PJ Our Way Mom to her children, Eli, and Gabby. She recently traveled to Israel with 14 other Buffalo moms on the MOMentum Trip (read about it on page 6 & 7) and brought back new knowledge and energy that can translate to PJOW efforts. Together, Marni and Brenda will be thought partners, along with the PJ Library Executive Committee, in elevating PJ and PJOW here in Buffalo.

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 13 COMMUNITY Israeli Tech Expert Comes to Buffalo Amiel BaKehila returns to our community February 25-27. Buffalo is one of several North American communities participating in Amiel BaKehila, an exciting initiative under the auspices of Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. This latest visit will feature Israeli Tech Expert Ilan Regenbaum. Regenbaum is the Managing Director of Sitech, the Startup Lab at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prior to this position, he served as Chief Innovation Officer for the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, Interim Commander of the Israeli Air Force Innovation Department, and founder of the Air Force’s Accelerator where he worked to bridge the gap between the startup world and the is Evolving in the Face of Modern military. Among the topics Regenbaum Technology.” will address include “The Secret Sauce Details about this next visit will be to the Startup Nation,” and “Torah available on-line through My Jewish & Technology: How Jewish Tradition Buffalo.

Shiri Kester Named Nickel City Jews Chair

The Center for Jewish Engagement and Learning (CJEL) is excited to announce Shiri Kester as the new Chair of Nickel City Jews (NCJ). NCJ helps make Jewish Buffalo a vibrant place to call home for young adults in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. For the past two years Shiri has served on the NCJ Executive Committee, enriching efforts through her energy and passion for Jewish living. In that time, Shiri has opened her home to host an annual Shabbat-Labor Day BBQ, a Hamantashen Bake Off, and also chaired larger gatherings including the 2018 Hanukkah celebration “Light the Night” at Buffalo Distilling Co. In reflecting on this new role, Shiri shared, “After serving on the Nickel City Jews Executive Committee for the last two years, I am thrilled to be taking on this leadership role within an organization that has become such an important part of my life and I am looking forward to the many exciting opportunities to come.” In addition to her work with Nickel City Jews, Shiri is a full-time graduate student studying English Education Studies at the University at Buffalo. She is currently student-teaching in the Hamburg School District. When Shiri isn’t teaching or engaging young adults through NCJ, she can be found traveling the world – some of her recent travels include Sweden and Germany. “Nickel City Jews is an amazing community of people and the perfect place to meet other young professionals, make new friends, and explore Jewish Buffalo. I would love to hear from you and I want to personally invite you to reach out to me (Shiri Kester, [email protected]) with any questions or ideas. I look forward to helping Nickel City Jews thrive in 2020!” 14 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 COMMUNITY Hausmann to Open February 8 & 9 Concerts with Kaddish

Sigrid (Ruth Chana) Pechenik, PsyD Licensed Pyschologist Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Announcing the Opening of a Clinical Practice Dedicated to ADDICTION SUICIDALITY MOOD DISORDERS LIFE TRANSITIONS The Buffalo Philharmonic concerts on February 8 and 9 will open with ASSESSMENTS & CONSULTATIONS cellist Robbie Hausmann performing INDIVIDUAL, COUPLES & FAMILY WORK Ravel’s Kaddish. Robbie performed the Kaddish at Auschwitz in memory of his 716-598-0036 great grandmother during the BPO’s 30 North Cayuga Street, Williamsville, NY 14221 2018 tour of Poland. [email protected] | www.drpechenik.com

JCC Night at the BPO February 8

Hiddur Mitzvah: Beautifying the Commandment

By creating an individual Yad with beautiful beads, you will have the opportunity to design your own personal ‘Judaica’, or Jewish Ceremonial Art. As a result of a collaboration with Use it to read the Torah portion at the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, your Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. the JCC has arranged for 40 half-price Your new Yad will prevent the tickets to a concert of the works of touching of the fragile and Jewish composers on February 8th at holy parchment which Kleinhans Music Hall. Gustav Mahler is easily damaged by the oils and Leonard Bernstein’s music will be of the skin. featured as JoAnn Falletta conducts the

orchestra. A Klezmer composition and Aleph violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley will round out the evening’s performance. Tickets will be offered on a first- Zayin Vav Hey Dalet Gimmel Bet come, first-served basis to JCC members Make Your Own Personal Yad!!! Judaica Art Project design by Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan at $36 each and can be reserved by Beads, hardware, instructions* and protective carrying sleeve included [email protected] calling the JCC at 688-4114. *Assembly Required (313)(248) 410-0961855-3963 February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 15 COMMUNITY JCRC JCRC Women’s Group Goodbye, and Thanks! Members of Buffalo Jewish By Dr. Ted Steinberg Federation’s JCRC paid a visit to the Niagara Falls Sikh Temple in December When my wife Phyllis and I retired to Buffalo, as so many people do, we thought with the multicultural women’s group. we would lead a leisurely existence of going to the Buffalo Philharmonic, visiting JCRC Director Mara Koven-Gelman thanks art galleries, and shoveling snow. And then reality intruded. Phyllis had already Beatrice Singh-Arnone for inviting the been involved in Hadassah for years, helping to make the local Hadassah Chapter Multicultural Women’s Group to her one of the most active among smaller communities in the country. But then we Gurudwara (Sikh Temple). Koven-Gelman joined Kehillat Ohr Tzion, a small Modern Orthodox synagogue, where we soon noted that the group was honored to discovered that we were in charge of recycling and the Social Action Committee, witness a respectful and beautiful prayer among other obligations. service, and the vegetarian meal served (langar) was delicious.

An interfaith gathering which included Ezra Scott, Jr., JCRC Co-Chair Nina Lukin and her son, Sam, Dr. Nazir Khan, retiring JCRC Co-Chair Ted Steinberg and Phyllis Steinberg

And then we got the notice of a of social issues. meeting that would look into reorganizing I have been privileged to serve as and restarting the Jewish Community co-chair with Nina Lukin, under the Relations Council (JCRC). Because Phyllis dedicated professional direction of Mara had a Hadassah event that evening, I Koven-Gelman, but now my term is attended the meeting, which, honestly, coming to an end. I am happy to be able was so inspiring that I volunteered to to say, however, that my replacement is draft a vision statement. That gesture, an outstanding member of the Jewish as such gestures often do, led to further community, Deborah Goldman. I suspect involvement and to my eventually that everyone in Buffalo probably knows becoming co-chair of the JCRC. Serving Deborah, thanks to her active involvement in that office has been a tremendous in so many organizations and causes, but pleasure, a partial fulfillment of what I let me mention just a few of those. consider to be the essence of Judaism. Deborah has been involved in a number The JCRC is devoted to the furtherance of organizations in the area of mental of social justice, both inside and outside of health, and she has also served as president the Jewish community. It seeks to follow of the Bureau of Jewish Education, as the Jewish ideal as expressed in the first president of Board of Directors of Planned chapter of the prophet Isaiah’s book: Parenthood of Western and Central “Limdu heitev—Learn to do good: Devote New York, and in a wide variety of other yourself to justice; aid the wronged. capacities. The JCRC is really fortunate to Uphold the rights of the orphan; defend have such a person as its future co-chair. the cause of the widow.” In short, do what In the meantime, Phyllis and I will is right, and focus on the rights of the continue to serve on the JCRC Executive weak and the oppressed. Committee, because we recognize how The JCRC attempts to uphold this vital the JCRC’s work is for both Buffalo ideal by creating alliances with other and for its Jewish community. As we organizations devoted to social justice, can see from the continuing relevance alliances that benefit the Jewish of Isaiah’s words from more than two community and the Buffalo community as thousand years ago, the cause of social a whole, and by taking stands on a variety justice never goes out of style. 16 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 JCRC COMMUNITY Interfaith Climate Justice Community Cares! By Sara Schultz JCAN (Jewish Climate Action Network) are just a few of the organizations to Tu B’Shevat – the New Year of Trees– find resources to help you and your is almost here. Perhaps now is a good synagogue walk more lightly on the time to pay attention to what is so planet. difficult to comprehend. We have read On Feb. 6th Sierra Club Niagara about floods and fires and recently Group is sponsoring a presentation on of 11,000 scientists and more than Community Solar. This is an opportunity 200 scientific organizations who have for those who cannot have solar panels established the unequivocal scientific for various reasons to be tied into evidence that anthropogenic (man- community solar projects around WNY. made) climate change is happening. Please join us at the Crane Library, 633 The Intergovernmental Panel on Elmwood Ave. at 6pm to learn how Climate Change, as well as the U.S. you can save money and live more Fourth National Climate Assessment, sustainably. has declared that time is running out. If you have teenagers, please We need to make the huge changes encourage them to get involved with to prevent future suffering on a scale the WNY Youth Climate Council that we have never seen. ([email protected]). This group of passionate teens under the supervision of the WNY Environmental Alliance is working to push our local leaders to take action for the future of 2019 Youth Climate Change rally in Niagara Square. our youth. relationship, in which we appreciate the From my connection with the earth as earth and fellow expression of our Interfaith Climate Justice Community I creative God.” have learned the strong need for faith The first opportunity for action can come groups to speak out. Pope Francis’s 2015 as soon as February 10th. Tu B’Shevat is Encyclical, Laudato si’ “On Care for our approaching as Israel welcomes spring and Common Home” declares, “If we destroy celebrates the awakening of life. Jewish Creation, Creation will destroy us.” And Sara Schultz (L) thanking Gov. Cuomo outside at one of his Buffalo visits. law regarding trees guides us toward the “We can no longer remain silent before profound importance of protecting them. one of the greatest environmental How do we cope with such This year, think about planting native trees crises in world history.” This is also a overwhelming facts? As Jews, we are not that will contribute to the cycle of life in very Jewish concept. The churches are permitted to feel powerless. As a people our region. The United Nations’ trillion tree ringing their bells to call parishioners we believe in working toward tikun olam campaign is a serious response to the climate into action. Shouldn’t we be sounding (repair of the world). Now is the time emergency of our time. Plant-based solutions the shofar? We have an active Jewish to pay attention to the commandment, to climate change are an excellent place for community in WNY. Imagine what we 2018 Youth Climate Strike bal tashchit (thou shalt not destroy). all of us to participate and contribute. If you could accomplish if we added “care for This commandment truly will repair the Niagara Group and now with are looking for more ideas, COEJL (Coalition creation” to our list of life sustaining world! This may sound overwhelming the Interfaith Climate Justice on the Environment and Jewish Life) and goals. but In Pirkei Avot, (Ethics of the Fathers) Community has led me back to my Where to go from here? Let’s Rabbi Tarfon teaches: “It is not your own Jewish community. start with ourselves, our homes, our responsibility to finish the work [of Working on greenhouse gas synagogues and very importantly who perfecting the world], but you are not drawdown, renewable energy, we support at the polls. Look for the free to desist from it either” (3:2). In green transportation initiatives and Sierra Club endorsements. Our endorsed other words, try not to get overwhelmed the restoration of habitat for the candidates understand local issues that by the greatness of the task, but do jump very life that sustains us are all affect our health and well-being, affirm in and do what you can. That is all that goals that should be woven into science and promote policy that will is expected of us. our Jewish lives. “The earth is the determine the future of our children, all I recently met with Mara Koven- Lord’s” Psalm 24:1. We are partners children. I pray that Jewish voices in our Gelman and Deborah Goldman in her care not here to use and community will rise and the shofar will from the Buffalo JCRC to discuss the abuse. Sallie McFague suggests call us all to pay attention to the voice intersectionality between the JCRC we “view the world through the of creation. May every Tu B’Shevat seder mission of social justice, combating lenses of Martin Buber’s famous include at least one action each of us can hatred and intolerance and Interfaith distinction between I/THOU and I/ take that will lead to a more sustainable legislative work with the environmental IT: the world is not an “it”, not home for all. justice work of the ICJC (Interfaith merely a tool in human hands to be Sara Schultz is Sierra Club Niagara Climate Justice Community.) My used and then discarded. The earth Chair and Amherst Energy Conservation volunteer work with the Sierra Club and humankind stand in an I/THOU Nuclear Waste protest in Buffalo Citizens Advisory Committee Chair. February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 17 COMMUNITY CLERGY COLUMN Cantor Barbara Ostfeld: I Think Playing is Holy

I write this column as a happy wondering if my five grandchildren will be able to recite the cantor. Not “camper,” CANTOR! I’m blessing “shekacha lo b’olamo?” Will there BE wonders on happy and lucky. their earth that inspire them to bless the Source of nature’s In December, I received an award from beauty? the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the Back to the interviewer and his question. All the good mainstream organization that makes global movements are taken. I’m supposed to come up with connections across North America to a new one, however imaginary! So I thought and thought. I “advance contemporary and inclusive finally came up with play time. My movement would institute Jewish life”. Sitting in front of me as I daily play time. I’d start a movement that would help each type is a plaque that reads, “URJ Debbie person choose his, her or their brand of PLAY. Friedman Award for Contribution to My mother played with a VERY amateur string quartet. Jewish Music.” My late sister Robin tended to hundreds of orchids. My dad Yes, I’m lucky. I was the first woman to wrote epic poems. I like to cavort with my grandchildren! My be ordained as a cantor. And a huge part husband watches planes land. My brother has picked up his of that was an accident of timing. But the dusty trumpet again—the one he abandoned in childhood. I real reason I wanted to become a cantor have cantor friends who sing in barbershop quartets. I have was because I thought it would be FUN! rabbi friends who travel the world speaking about chocolate. I’ve wanted to be a cantor since I was 8 Admittedly playing is one of those “You do YOU” years old and in my second year of junior choir. Cantor Barbara Ostfeld accepting her award at the JRT Biennial from Rabbi I participate in tikkun olam Being in Temple as a kid was fun—not Dan Freelander. for everyone, but for me. Singing songs over. Her music is unique because it is meant to be sung by because the world should be a place in Hebrew was like playing. It made me everyone. It’s unique because the Hebrew words are also sung in happy! I loved the cantor of my childhood English. Debbie Friedman’s music has everyone singing the liturgy where everyone can play. synagogue and wanted to grow up to do because everyone CAN. Her music is FOCUSED when the text is So maybe I’d call my movement what he did. He got to be in the synagogue serious and it’s FUN when the text is merry. It’s prayerful and EVERY DAY! playful. “Mindful Playing.” I wanted to grow up to be in a synagogue In connection with the Debbie Friedman Award, an interviewer every day! Imagine singing every day! In asked me a great question. “If you could start a movement today, things. But it’s not entirely selfish. When I play with my Hebrew! It would be like playing! what would it be?” grandchildren, I remind myself that ALL children deserve to I’m lucky because I got my wish. I As I started thinking of a good answer, I felt anxious. How will I, a play. That conviction is at the center of my work to repair learned how to be a cantor by studying 67-year old Reform cantor, do justice to this weighty question? And the world. I participate in tikkun olam because the world for 5 years at Hebrew Union College given the pervasive angst of our time, what on earth can I possibly should be a place where everyone can play. So maybe I’d call Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. suggest? The British writer Matt Haig tweeted, “It is difficult to my movement “Mindful Playing.” Think about joining my I’m extra lucky because no woman had tell “where anxiety disorder ends and where actual news begins.” I imaginary movement. What kind of play makes you happy? applied to the School of Sacred Music agree. Watching or reading or listening to the news, it’s easy to get Bird-watching, Scrabble, tennis, yoga, running, skiing? A before I did! My being a first is kismet. worried and then to STAY worried. combination? In reality, I won an award for wanting to As a Jew, I worry about anti-Semites who are fired up by the The Torah tells us that Adam and Eve played in the Garden have fun. An award named after someone dark side of the internet. I worry about the racism that seems to be of Eden. Let’s do likewise while we work at doing whatever it who injected prayer music with fun. validated by this White House. I worry because there is famine in takes to keep Eden green! If you don’t know the name, Debbie Zimbabwe, Yemen and Somalia. Do NOT get me started on climate Cantor Barbara Ostfeld was ordained as the world’s FIRST Friedman, you DO know her compositions! change. female cantor. She lives in Buffalo with her husband, Todd Joseph. They’re heard in synagogues the world I’m supposed to come up with an idea for a movement while I’m She is the author of the book Catbird: The Ballad of Barbi Prim.

18 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 TIKKUN OLAM COMMUNITY

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Join the National Federation for Just Communities in honoring 3» Dr. Irwin Gelman and Mara Koven-Gelman, Senator Tim Kennedy ( D-NY) and others at its Annual Community Leaders Luncheon Thursday, February 13 at noon at the Buffalo Convention Center. Tickets, which are $50, may be purchased by calling 853-9596.

Pictures at an Exhibition: Check out CEPA’s annual Members 4» photography show through February 15 at the CEPA Gallery, 617 Relief from pain. Main Street. You will see works by artists such as Kathleen Corff Freedom in movement. Rogers and others up this month. www.cepagallery.org Improved brain and body connection and creativity. Celebrate Tu B’Shevat February 9-10. Tu B’Shevat or the “New Year 5» of the Trees” is Jewish Arbor Day. Scholars believe that originally WWW.BUFFALOFELDENKRAIS.COM Tu B’Shevat was an agricultural festival, marking the emergence of spring. In the 17th century, Kabbalists created a ritual for Tu THE BUFFALO B’Shevat that is similar to a Passover seder. The holiday also has become a tree-planting festival in Israel, in which Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or in memory of loved FELDENKRAIS ones and friends. METHOD OF SOMATIC EDUCATION® Mara Neimanis • 410-800-8685 WHERE IN JBFLO ? Weekly group classes, private sessions by appointment Where is this found exactly Sheryl Kardaman Silverberg in Jewish Buffalo? SRES, ABR The first 5 people to correctly identify the location will win Your Neighbor, Your Realtor $10 gift certificate to the JCC’s Buffalo Kosher Gourmet at the Myers Family Tel Aviv Café. E-mail your answers to [email protected] Last month Joseph Pechenik and Daniel Ferber correctly identified the Kids 6000 Sheridan Drive | Williamsville, NY | 716.634.4200 cell: 716.480.2196 Place sign located on the second floor of the JCC/ Benderson Building. [email protected]

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20 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 Dining Guide

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February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 21 SYNAGOGUES ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Community Organizations in Western New York

Buffalo Jewish Federation Holocaust Resource Center 2640 North Forest Road 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-2241 716-634-9535 www.buffalojewishfederation.org www.hrcbuffalo.org Rob Goldberg - CEO & Executive Director Elizabeth Schram - Director Leslie Shuman Kramer - President Ann Marie Carosella - President

Buffalo Vaad of Kashrus Jewish Community Centerof Greater 49 Barberry Lane Buffalo, Inc. Williamsville, NY 14221 Benderson Family Building 716-634-3990 2640 North Forest Road Rabbi Eliezer Marcus- Regional Director Getzville, NY 14068 Michael Paskowitz - President 716-688-4033 www.bvkkosher.comvaad Richard Zakalik - Executive Director [email protected], [email protected] Alon Kupferman - President

Center for Jewish Holland Family Building Engagement & Learning 787 Delaware Avenue 2640 North Forest Road Buffalo, NY 14209 Getzville, NY 14068 716-886-3145 www.buffalojewishfederation.org www.jccbuffalo.org Miriam Abramovich - Director of Engagement Ellen Weiss - Chair Jewish Community Relations Council 2640 North Forest Road Chabad House of Buffalo Getzville, NY 14068 2450 North Forest Road www.buffalojewishfederation.org Getzville, NY 14068 Mara Koven-Gelman - Director 716-688-1642 Nina Lukin - Co-chair Rabbi Moshe Gurary Deborah Goldman - Co-chair www.chabadbuffalo.com Jewish Discovery Center Chai Early Childhood Center 757 Hopkins Road 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Williamsville, NY 14221 831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 (office) 716 580-4600 716-639-7600, 716-632-0467 www.chainursery.com Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Chani Labkovski - Director Rabbi Laizer Labkovski WOMEN’SWEALTH www.jewishdiscovery.org Department of Jewish Thought 712 Clemens Hall - University at Buffalo Jewish Family Service Of Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14260 And Erie County ADVOCATE 716-645-3695 70 Barker Street [email protected] Buffalo, NY 14209 Leading womenLeading to FINANCIAL women FREEDOMto www.jewishstudies.buffalo.edu 716-883-1914 Dr. Sergey Dolgopolski - Chair www.jfsbuffalo.org using our unique holistic approach. Molly Short Carr - CEO Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies Blaine Schwartz - Chair AdrienneAddrienne has has a a hehe♥ rt for women who who are ar widowed 2640 North Forest Road or going through divorce; she has been there too. ough a divor Getzville, NY 14068 Jewish Federation Apartments ♥ 716-204-1133 275 Essjay Road ADRIENNEGRACE.COM • 817-6425 www.jewishphilanthropies.org Williamsville, NY 14221 Irv Levy - Executive Director 716-631-8471 Securities and Advisory Services offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor & Member FINRA/SIPC. Don Kohnstamm - President www.jewishfederationapartments.org Davis Financial, Women‘s Wealth Advocate and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities. Kathleen Haggerty - Property Manager Hadassah Shawn Frier - President 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 Jewish Federation Cemetery 716-688-5260 Corporation, Inc. [email protected] 2640 North Forest Road Elaine Kellick and Annette Magid - Getzville, NY 14068 Co-Presidents 716-204-2246 Small Law Firm www.jfedbflo.com 1904 Liberty Building Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association Deborah Pivarsi - Director 2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Charlotte Gendler - President Buffalo, NY 14202 Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-0542 Kadimah Judith Katzenelson Brownstein - President www.kadimah.org Reneé Lehner - Administrator Hillel of Buffalo Hallie Keren - Board Chair 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 716-616-0083 716-639-7600 Rabbi Sara Rich - Director www.koshermow.com Personal Injury Attorney • Small Firm, Big Difference Dr. Jeffrey Lackner - President Rabbi Laizer Labkovski - Director www.hillelofbuffalo.org Jeffery Pasler – President

22 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 ORGANIZATIONS SYNAGOGUES Rent assisted apartments for seniors & mobility-impaired adults

Ohr Temimim School Knesset Center (Orthodox) 411 John James Audubon Parkway 500 Starin Avenue Jewish W. Amherst, NY 14228 Buffalo, NY 14214 716-568-0226 716-832-5063 www.ohrtemimimschool.com Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow Federation Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz - Principal www.chabad.org Jonathan Gellman - President Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) Apartments 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 Watch your favorite shows with your www.OneStopJewishBuffalo.com 716-876-1284 new friends on our big screen TV! www.SaranacSynagogue.org Weinberg Campus 2700 North Forest Road Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative) New Kitchen Renovations Getzville, NY 14068 1641 North Forest Road Great room • Media room • Wifi • Fitness center 716-639-3311 Williamsville, NY 14221 Data center • Beauty salon • Laundry facilities www.weinbergcampus.org Rabbi Moshe Silberschein Robert Mayer- President & CEO Cantor Mark Spindler Full time social worker • Activities • Transportation Kenneth Rogers- Chairman of the Board Andy Gewurz - President 24 hour emergency maintenance • Two elevators • Library of Directors Kim Jones - Administrator Computer room • Pool table • Emergency medical call 716-838-3232 www.btzbuffalo.org system • Chapel • Card room • Large screen tv Western New York Synagogues and Temples Temple Beth Zion (Reform) Open to all religious denominations Sanctuary: 805 Delaware Avenue Chabad House of Buffalo (unaffiliated) Buffalo, NY 14209 2450 North. Forest Rd, Religious School and Offices: Jewish Federation Apartments Getzville, NY 14068 700 Sweet Home Road 275 Essjay Road 716-688-1642 Amherst, NY 14226 Rabbi Moshe Gurary - Director Rabbi Jonathan Freirich Williamsville, NY 14221 www.chabadbuffalo.com Cantor Penny Myers Jeff Clark - Executive Director Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative) Julie Dressler Weinberg - President For application information please call 1073 Elmwood Avenue 716-836-6565 716-631-8471 TTY/TDD #711 Buffalo, NY 14222 www.tbz.org Marty Kerker - President *Jewish Federation Apartments does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the www.congregationbethabraham.net Temple Beth El (Reform) admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted program and activities. 720 Ashland Avenue Congregation Shir Shalom Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (Reform/Reconstructionist) Rabbi Ellen Franke 4660 Sheridan Drive Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose Williamsville, NY 14221 William Bell - President 716-633-8877 716-282-2717 Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein www.niagarafallstemple.com Cantor Arlene Frank Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director Temple Emanu-El (Reform) Bruce Corris - President 124 Bank Street www.shirshalombuffalo.org Batavia, NY 14020 585-343-7027 Congregation Havurah (Reform) Stan Schumann - President 6320 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 Bernard Schenkler, President The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) Enid Edelman, Membership Chair 757 Hopkins Road 716-689-8059 Williamsville, NY 14221 www.congregationhavurah.org Rabbi Heschel Greenberg [email protected] Rabbi Laizer Labkovski 716-639-7600 Kehillat Ohr Tzion (Modern Orthodox) 879 Hopkins Rd Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) Williamsville, NY 14221 105 Maple Road Rabbi Ori Bergman Williamsville, NY 14221 Jeff Schapiro - President Rabbi Eliezar Marcus http://ohrtzion.org/kot Richard G. Berger- President 716-634-0212 www.yibuffalo.org

Attention Snowbirds! 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, please call Joan Kwiatkowski at 716-204-2242 to give us your “temporary” address. Thank you!

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 23 SYNAGOGUES KOT Family Matters Kehillat Ohr Tzion (KOT) prides itself in its friendly family like atmosphere. All the members of KOT know each other, care about each other and like a family, like to celebrate happy events together. And what better way to celebrate than spend time eating together?

members of KOT like to learn together. The shul has embraced the experience of hosting Israeli delegations of artists and scholars through the Amiel Bakehila Program, which has been facilitated throughout the year by member Barb Chazen, Lori Morrison and Rob Goldberg at the Jewish Federation. Read about the next Amiel Bakehila visit in February on And so in this spirit three families recently page 14. at SHIR SHALOM sponsored meals on Shabbat in order to celebrate special occasions. Joel Marks sponsored a surprise 6:00PM Complimentary Pizza Dinner Kiddush luncheon to commemorate the day he 7:00pm Purim Spiel and his wife Karen started dating. After services he spoke about their memorable first date, delighting Oneg to follow the congregation and certainly surprising Karen. Jeff Schapiro, President of KOT, and his wife, Open to the Congregation Shir Shalom Mirielle, celebrated their 49th anniversary and community! 4660 Sheridan Drive marked this happy occasion with a Kiddush Williamsville, NY 14221 luncheon. And in honor of the bar mitzvah of their 716.633.8877 son Ozzy Enis, Joe and Nancy Enis sponsored a shirshalombuffalo.org PLEASE RSVP Shabbat dinner after Kabbalat Shabbat services. to the Temple Office. In addition to celebrating together, the

Special TBZ PASS (Parents at Sunday School): World Wide Wrap 2020 Sunday, February 2, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Broder Center, 700 Sweet Home Road

The World Wide Wrap unites men, women and children in prayer. Cantor Myers will take you through the mitzvah and journey of laying tefillin. If you have a set of tefillin please bring it with you. Cantor Myers will provide non-kosher sets to teach you the mitzvah of donning the phylacteries.

“We’re in it for the Tie!” This is the day to try to have all Jews everywhere put on tefillin. Sounds crazy! No? But now it is a tradition! Picture this in the eye of your mind: It is the first week of February. The sun rises. It is time for minyan. Jewish families across the globe will gather together at Shul and put on Tefillin! They will experience the mitzvah and wrap themselves in the words and spirit of holiness. Be a part of this experience! PASS is free of charge and open to the community. Jewish Scout Shabbat at Shir Shalom Friday, February 7, 7 p.m. CSS welcomes Scouts who will attend in uniform and participate in the Erev Shabbat Service. An Oneg Shabbat will follow and be sponsored by the WNY Jewish Committee on Scouting. Open to the community!

24 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 SYNAGOGUES Journalist David Mark to Speak Family Court Judge at TBT Men’s Club Brenda Freedman

David Mark, national political editor at The Washington Examiner, will speak at Temple Beth Tzedek Sunday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m., during a Sunday brunch discussion To Speak hosted by Temple Beth Tzedek Men’s Club. David will be talking about the current presidential campaign and ongoing political climate, and may address other topics of To CSS Men’s Group interest to a broad audience, including the intersection of media and politics in The speaker at the Congregation Shir today’s environment. Shalom Men’s Group Meeting February David is a seasoned Washington 23rd at 9:15 a.m. will be Hon. Brenda journalist, and joined The Examiner just Freedman, Judge of the Erie County Family before the 2018 midterm elections. He Court. Judge Freedman handles all the was previously a senior editor at Politico Juvenile Delinquency and Persons in Need for six years, a news editor at CNN Digital of Supervision [“PINS”] matters in Erie and, editor of a political news-and- County, as well as matters of child abuse/ discussion startup site in Silicon Valley, neglect, domestic violence, custody/ which helped fuel his interest in the visitation, child support violations and role of emerging technologies in political contested paternity. campaigns. He is a graduate of Columbia Judge Freedman will be speaking about University Graduate School of Journalism Family Court issues, including the Anti- and Brandeis University. bullying Initiative and the Raise the Age The price of the program – which marks the re-launch of TBT’s Men’s Club, legislation which would allow 16 and includes brunch with bagels and cream and will be open to the entire Buffalo 17-year olds to be treated as minors by Please email mensgroup@shirshalom cheese, coffee and juice, pastries and fruit Jewish community, including both men the court system. Both men and women buffalo.org to RSVP. Open to the community. is $20. RSVP to the TBT office at (716) 838- and women, regardless of membership are encouraged to attend. Bagels and lox For information, please contact Dan Kester 3232 or [email protected]. This event at TBT. will be served. at 536-5628 or via email.

Salaam/ TBZ TBZ Achim is February 9 The Brotherhood of Temple Beth Zion will hold its February Achim program at 10:00 Shalom a.m. Sunday, February 9 at the Meadows Lounge, located on the second floor at the Shabbat Weinberg Campus. This month will feature a discussion among the residents and guests Tuesday, February 11, 7:30 p.m about past events, current events and favorite memories. Achim is a monthly program for Shira the benefit of the residents, and their guests, at the Weinberg Campus and is open to the Jewish Federation Apartments Sabbath of Song: public at no cost. For further information, please contact Ken Graber at 681-9885. Jewish Federation Apartment welcomes Kol Echad (1 voice those interested in Salaam/Shalom ) TBZ’s Nosh & Learn conversations between Muslims and Jews Tuesday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Essjay Road building. Rabbi Ori Bergman, of Kehillat How to Make a Bagel Ohr Tzion, will give a tour of the Himmel Chapel in Jewish Federation Apartments. JFA Sunday, February 9, 1 p.m. Join TBZ friends Sunday, February 9 at just celebrated its fortieth anniversary last June the TBZ Broder building at 1p.m. for a Broder Center, and was recently bought by Capital Realty. Friday, February 7, bagel nosh lunch featuring homemade Conversation will continue with a discussion 700 Sweet Home Road bagels and lox with all the fixings, plus about kosher foods, and will include snacks. 7 p.m. desserts. Afterwards, you will learn how to Rabbi Ori Bergman and Dr. Yonina Foster, 805 Delaware Avenue make these delicious bagels with Sandy Jewish Federation Apartments Activity Director Wolchok. The cost is $18. have planned this program with Farina Mirza, This annual Temple Beth Zion You can register by Community Outreach Coordinator and Faizon Shabbat Shira Service Sabbath sending a check payable to Haq, founder, of WNYMuslims, to bring both of Song will feature the new TBZ Sisterhood to Sandy communities together for discussions. This will Community Jewish Adult Choir at 6872 Forestview Dr., be the third effort at opening doors to learning “Ruach Buffalo,” Temple Beth Zion Lockport, NY 14072. If you more about one another’s faiths. All faiths are Children’s Choir and Congregation have questions, call Sandy welcome. Shir Shalom’s “Pop-Up Choir” to at 716-628-4959. Contact Dr. Foster: [email protected], present a musical and uplifting (716) 631-8471 for more information. experience.

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 25 SYNAGOGUES Spiritual Tools for Today Tuesdays at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

February 25, April 7, June 9, July 7 Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave., in the library

Kabbalah, Middot, Spiritual Practices – each of these help us manage and create more meaning and better living. In each session we will explore current readings of practical Jewish mystical teachings and look at practices to help us better cope, find balance, and thrive, even when facing challenges. Coffee and desserts for our bodies, reflections, learning, and inspiration for our hearts, minds, and spirits. Please RSVP to Rabbi Freirich, [email protected] TBZ Winter Kulanu Service

Rabbi Jonathan Freirich and Cantor Penny Myers led Temple Beth Zion’s annual Winter Kulanu service on December 20, 2019 in the Sisterhood Chapel. The service, created by Matan Schwartz, celebrated diversity and honored the sacred links of love and communication among us all. Rabbi Freirich delivered a sermon in which he discussed the non-binary, non-heteronormative pshat explicit in the stories of Rebecca and Isaac, particularly in the descriptions of Rebecca in Genesis Chapter 24, where Rebecca is described five separate times as na’ar (young man). The service was followed by a special Oneg.

TBZ Bagel Brunch Sunday, February 23, 10-11 a.m. Bagel Jay’s, 100 Plaza Drive, Williamsville

Come join your friends at Bagel Jays and enjoy eatingBuffalo’s and socializing Best with your WNY Jewish community. This no-host brunch is organized by Jody Goldstein. Questions? Email Jody at: [email protected].

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www.buff alospree.com | 1-855-697-7733 call Cynthia Call Cynthia at at 972-2240 972-2240 *New subscriptions only. Off er expires 3/31/20. [email protected] [email protected] CALENDAR February 2 February 12 PASS * at TBZ Unpacking the Parables of Jesus Part 2 *Parents @ Sunday School 3-part session taught by Rabbi Moshe 9:30- 10:30 a.m. Broder Center. Silberschein Call 836-6565 for info 10:30 a.m.-12 noon TBT, 1641 North Forest Rd. FREE Institute for Jewish Studies 10:00 a.m. Modern Era, Deja Vu: Jewish Lunch & Learn. Jewish Discovery Center History in the Early 20th Century 12:15 p.m. 831 Maple Rd. 11:00 a.m.The Jewish Identity A Study of the Book of Esther February 16 JDC’s Learning Center, 831 Maple Rd. TBT Men’s Club with David Mark Call 716.400.1550 for details 10:00 a.m. TBT. 1641 North Forest Rd. Call 838-3232 for info February 4 The Bubbie Club: Institute for Jewish Studies Inspiring Our Grandchildren 10:00 a.m. Modern Era, Deja Vu: Jewish 7:30 p.m. JDC’s Learning Center History in the Early 20th Century 831 Maple Rd. 11:00 a.m. The Jewish Identity A Study of Call 716.400.1550 for details the Book of Esther JDC’s Learning Center - 831 Maple Rd. February 5 Call 716.400.1550 for details Unpacking the Parables of Jesus- Part 1 3-part session taught February 19 by Rabbi Moshe Silberschein Unpacking the Parables of Jesus Part 3 10:30 a.m.-12 noon 3-part session taught by Rabbi Moshe TBT, 1641 North Forest Rd. FREE Silberschein 10:30 a.m.-12 noon Lunch & Learn TBT, 1641 North Forest Rd. FREE Jewish Discovery Center 12:15 p.m. 831 Maple Rd. Lunch & Learn Jewish Discovery Center February 6 12:15 p.m. 831 Maple Rd. Jewish Repertory Theatre What I Thought I Knew February 20 Through March 1 Buffalo Corner Reading Series: 7:30 p.m. JCC Seller Theatre. Mystery Writers www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com 7:00 p.m. Congregation Shir Shalom February 7 February 23 PJ Library Tot Shabbat Shir Shalom Men’s Group with Judge 5:45 p.m. Temple Beth Tzedek Brenda Freedman 9:15 a.m. Congregation Shir Shalom February 9 Contact Dan Kester at 536-5628 for info TBZ’s Achim Program 10:00 a.m. Weinberg Campus TBZ’s Bagel Brunch at Bagel Jay’s Meadows Lounge 10:00 a.m. 100 Plaza Drive, Williamsville Call 836-6565 for info [email protected] for info

Institute for Jewish Studies Institute for Jewish Studies 10:00 a.m. Modern Era, Deja Vu: Jewish 10:00 a.m. Modern Era, Deja Vu: Jewish History in the Early 20th Century History in the Early 20th Century 11:00 a.m. The Jewish Identity A Study of 11:00 a.m. The Jewish Identity A Study the Book of Esther of the Book of Esther JDC’s Learning Center - 831 Maple Rd. JDC’s Learning Center - 831 Maple Rd. Call 716.400.1550 for details Call 716.400.1550 for details

PJ Library My Grown Up & Me Rabbi Manis Friedman 10 a.m. JCC Holland Building at Chabad Knesset Centrer 7:00 p.m. honoring Rebbetzin Shaina obm TBZ’s Nosh & Learn: How to make a Bagel Charitownow’s yahrtzeit 1:00 p.m. TBZ Broder Building 500 Starin Ave. Call 836-6363 for info February 26 February 10 Lunch & Learn. Jewish Discovery Center Tu B’Shevat celebrated 12:15 p.m. 831 Maple Rd. February 11 February 26-28 Salaam/Shalom Conversation Amiel BaKehila in Buffalo 7:30 p.m. Jewish Federation Apartments Various events and locations Call Dr. Yonina Foster- 631-8471 for info Call Federation at 204-2242 for info 28 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 AGENCIES More than Celebrating Ely Bokobza and “just” bagels. Try a delicious the Kosher Deli at UB wrap or sandwich today. By Rabbi Sara Rich Justin presents the feelings of many If you have enjoyed a kosher meal at the students when he comments, “I can University at Buffalo anytime in the last say that after eating Ely’s food and 22 years, you have one person to thank: enjoying his sense of humor, my UB Ely Bokobza. As of December 2019, Ely experience has been undeniably better has retired from his longtime role as the and more meaningful. Thank you, Ely, chef and mashgiach (kosher supervisor) for providing me with a smile, a second for the University at Buffalo’s NY Deli & home and some outstanding food.” Diner, or “the Kosher Deli.” Located in The feelings are mutual. Ely reflects, Talbert Hall on UB’s North Campus, the “In addition to the honor of having Kosher Deli is run by Campus Dining & developed the Kosher Deli at UB into a Shops and is under the supervision of successful restaurant, it was my great the Vaad HaKashrus of Buffalo (BVK). The pleasure also to get to know, become deli serves meat and vegetarian options friends with and try to help the Jewish to students, faculty and members of the students who were far from home. After community from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 22 years at the university, I am still in Monday through Friday. many students, the availability of touch with many past students and that Ely has been instrumental in growing kosher food on campus is a deciding ongoing connection means a lot to me.” and supporting the Kosher Deli during factor when picking a college. It is one his culinary career. He has created a of the key criteria evaluated in Hillel Preparing for the Future broad menu of offerings that range International’s College Guide, a resource The NY Kosher Deli & Diner will from healthy grilled vegetable wraps for prospective students. now be under the daily management of to sentimental pastrami sandwiches As sophomore Justin Weiss says, “As Mireille Schapiro, who worked with Ely and knishes. His food doesn’t only an Orthodox Jew, I was concerned about this fall to provide a smooth transition. draw a kashrut-observant crowd. Daily keeping kosher. Since I would be living Hillel and Campus Dining & Shops are Buffalo’s Best customers include Muslim students who in the dorms, I wouldn’t have access to working together to expand kosher N.Y. bagels since 1976 follow Halal dietary rules, vegans, UB the appliances I needed to keep kosher. offerings for students and to make them athletes, Israeli students and students Thanks to Ely and his wonderful staff more accessible to the community, from the New York City area who at the deli, my fears were alleviated the so stay tuned for more information. MARSHALL’S PLAZA appreciate the tastes from back home. moment I walked through the door.” Ely’s Kosher Food Fund has been 2130 Delaware Ave, Buffalo • 716.874.1800 In addition to serving individual UB allows students on a university established to support this expansion, 4498 MAIN ST. meals, Ely frequently catered larger meal plan to purchase food at the Kosher and if you would like to contribute to Snyder, NY 14226 • 716.839.2222 events, including Hillel’s weekly Shabbat Deli, which makes it easier for students the fund in honor of Ely’s service to UB, DASH’S PLAZA dinners for years, first privately, and who keep strictly kosher to eat their please send a check or donate online at 100 A Plaza Dr, Williamsville • 716.639.1000 then through the Kosher Deli. Students meals there, and allows flexibility for www.hillelofbuffalo.org/donate, making look forward to this meal each week, students who want to eat at the Kosher a note that it is for Ely’s Kosher Food and will come back to Hillel days later Deli as well as at the other dining outlets Fund. Join our new VIP mobile club! seeking leftovers. He has also catered on campus. In addition to those on meal Rabbi Sara Rich is Executive Director of Text BAGELVIP to 51660 for Hillel’s Israeli programming, such as plans, students, faculty, visitors, and Hillel of Buffalo. falafel for over 100 students at the Yom members of the Buffalo community can WWW.BAGELJAYS.COM Ha’atzmaut shuk (Israel Independence also enjoy the Kosher Deli, a delicious Day market) that students created in option on the local kosher eating scene. the Student Union, and he has provided kosher meals for guest speakers coming Hot Food with a Warm Touch to campus. More than just providing food, Ely has Ely was born and raised in Israel and created a community. At the retirement did not expect that life would take him party hosted in his honor by Hillel and to Buffalo to run the Kosher Deli. He Campus Dining & Shops, a diverse crowd reflects, “[Chabad of Buffalo’s] Rabbi gathered to honor him for his years of Nosson Gurary once told me that there service. Guests included his UB dining are no coincidences in life. HaShem co-workers, current and former students, plans everything. He said that I was rabbis and community members from meant to be in Buffalo, all the way from Young Israel (Ely’s synagogue) and Israel, to feed these people Kosher food.” Chabad as well as Ely’s family and friends. Everyone in attendance shared Kosher on Campus their appreciation for Ely’s devotion to Indeed, the importance of kosher the Kosher Deli, which surpasses the food at UB cannot be overstated. For food on the plate. February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 29 AGENCIES JCC Cultural Artsventure MARK GOLDMAN ON LONDON Artist Catherine Shuman Miller facilitated a JCC PODCAST Cultural Artsventure class in January where families and children learned about their favorite children’s book authors and made some art of their own.

In August, The Jewish Journal ran a story about Buffalo author Mark Goldman and his newest book Tillie: A New York City Girl 1906-2001. Mark was recently interviewed by a British rabbi for the podcast Jewish Views, a monthly podcast recorded at JW3 in London, England. They interviewed Goldman about Tillie: A New York City Girl, 1906-2001. The recording took place on Sept. 23 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. (London time) over Skype. It is tagged at @CityofLightPublishing on Facebook or Instagram and @CityofLightPub B”H on Twitter. You can re-read the story at www.buffalojewishfederation.org. THE BUBBIE CLUB NEW! Scroll down to The Jewish Journal button Attention and look for the “Humans of Jewish Inspiring our grandchildren! all Bubbies Buffalo” August 2019 issue on page 5, written by Marti Gorman.

Inaugural Session:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 AT 7:30 PM Format: Share your successes, AT THE JDC’S offer support, explore resources LEARNING CENTER in the community & learn from speakers. 831 MAPLE RD. Snack and schmooze (REAR BUILDING)

For the link to the Jewish Views podcast on which Mark Goldman was interviewed on October 23, 2019 go to www.thejewishviews.wixsite.com. If you have a desire to impart our heritage and values in a fun and meaningful way to your grandkids: Come participate in this pilot program.

30 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 AGENCIES Jewish Community Care with JFS INDECENT MARCH 6-29 By Molly Carr • Career planning services and assistance in finding employment. The Kavinoky Theatre, Did you know that Jewish Family • Parenting classes and counseling in collaboration with Service (JFS) now provides Jewish support to help new parents navigate JRT, is presenting Community Care Coordination to the challenges of raising children in Indecent March 6 - 29. the Jewish community of Western today’s environment. This “notorious” play New York? Here at JFS we have the We are excited to introduce Matthew by Sholem Asch, was ability to provide care and support Stewart, MSW, our new Manager of Jewish performed originally in to you and your loved ones through Community Care Coordination. Matt is Yiddish and is famous challenging times. Jewish Community a recent addition to the JFS team and is because the New York Care Coordination is a program for available to help you today. Originally City police raided the the Jewish community to connect Matthew Stewart from Westchester County, Matt has made Broadway performance easily with the support you need Western New York his home and is excited in 1973. This famous incident sparked the play in a respectful and compassionate navigate the often confusing and to be working with the JFS team to help Indecent, which will be performed at the Kavinoky environment. JFS’ principles of care overwhelming health care and engage and support our community. Theatre, in collaboration with JRT, March 6 – are rooted in the Jewish value of social service programs that are Matt is your liaison to Jewish Family March 29. Kavod, respect for each individual and vital to well-being. Service and is available by phone at 883- their family. • Counseling services by respectful 1914 or by email at mstewart@jfsbuffalo. SPECIAL DISCOUNT! So what can Jewish Community and compassionate counselors for org. You can also meet Matt from 2:00- JRT patrons can see Indecent at Care Coordination do for you? Jewish you and your family, including in 4:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the the Kavinoky Theatre at the reduced Community Care Coordination home visits for older adults who month at the JCC Benderson Campus or price of $35! (regular. price $45). Just provides you and your family struggle with isolation. the third Tuesday of the month at the JCC mention JRT when you call their box connection to an array of services • Financial assistance through the Holland Campus. Give Matt a call today office at 716-829-7668. to support your individual needs JFS Compassion Fund, supporting and let JFS be there for you and your including: qualifying individuals with one- family. Visit www.kavinoky.com • Care coordination to help time financial aid to avert a crisis. Molly Carr is CEO of JFS. for show dates/times.

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 31 AGENCIES The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies 2020 OFFICERS AND NEW BOARD SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Scott Goldman, D.M.D.

The following officers were elected to serve the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies for 2020.

President Donald M. Kohnstamm Scott is a retired dentist, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and later graduated from Boston University’s School of Dentistry. Dr. Goldman also serves on the Board of Trustees at the Burchfield Penney Art Center and resides in Buffalo.

Eric Recoon

Vice President / Secretary Vice President Vice President Kenneth S. Shuman Gretchen S. Gross Daniel J. Kester

Eric is a 1990 graduate of UB’s School of Law, furthering his education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Treasurer Executive Director Chief Financial Officer Mr. Recoon is currently the Vice President of Jonathan D. Schechter Irving Levy Teresa David Development and Leasing with Benderson Development Company, LLC. He is a SUNY at Buffalo Advisory Committee member, The following new members have been elected to serve on the board for 2020. an Advisory Council member of the Buffalo Dr. Brian Snyder David Stark Susan Niagara Partnership, and serves on the Holy Order Cemetery Corporation Board. Freed-Oestreicher Mr. Recoon resides in Williamsville.

Craig Small

\ Brian is a graduate of David earned a B.A. from Brandeis University in 1980, Northwestern University, and later graduating with a law degree from Boston University Susan received a B.S. from Boston earned a medical degree from in 1983. Mr. Stark is currently a partner at Hodgson Russ, University’s School of Management UB’s School of Medicine. LLP and resides in Buffalo. in 1982 and is currently Vice Dr. Snyder is currently the President at M&T Bank in Buffalo. Craig earned his bachelor’s degree from medical director of long-term Richard Teibel She also is immediate past Hamilton College in 1989, later graduating care with Catholic Health, (Photo Not Available) president of The Jewish Community from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Mr. BLT & Southgate Medical Rick is a 1979 graduate of UB’s School of Management Center of Greater Buffalo Board Small is currently an attorney at Small Groups. He also serves on the and is currently owner of and partner at The ZLC Group and is on the Buffalo Jewish Law Firm in Buffalo and a resident of Temple Beth Tzedek Board CPAs, LLC in Amherst. Mr. Teibel also serves on The Community Relations Council. Ms. Williamsville. and resides in East Amherst. Speed Compassion Foundation Board and is a resident of Freed-Oestreicher is a resident of Williamsville. Williamsville.

32 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 AGENCIES HOLOCAUST RESOURCE CENTER TRIP TO NYC EXPLORED EXHIBITION: AUSCHWITZ. NOT LONG AGO. NOT FAR AWAY.

By Elizabeth Schram can support their profession as well. Center for Jewish Engagement and Teacher, Jody Brydalski, reflected, Learning, added, “I would like to thank “It happened, therefore it can happen “During our visit to the Museum the HRC for organizing our visit to the again: this is the core of what we have to say. It of Jewish Heritage, I learned so Museum. We all benefitted from seeing can happen, and it can happen everywhere.” much valuable information. I know the exhibit and hearing first hand from – Auschwitz survivor, Primo Levi I will be able to incorporate more a Survivor. Today, more than ever, with This is the quote visitors read upon stories to support my curriculum as the increase in anti-Semitism, it is critical entering the exhibition, Auschwitz. Not I teach the Holocaust this year. For that schools are teaching about the events Long Ago. Not Far Away., housed at the example, I know I will be including leading up to and during the period of Museum of Jewish Heritage located in more conversation about the Roma the Holocaust. Our youth need to learn New York City. On December 12th, the people, since I was unaware that from the mistakes of past generations. Holocaust Resource Center (HRC) led a they were the second most-targeted Now, the teachers that accompanied us on trip of teachers, community members the teachers with new artifacts, stories and group by the Nazis. There were many the visit will be able to retell stories and and a Holocaust survivor to visit this enthusiasm for teaching this difficult subject. things that I did not know before our show photographs to help their students powerful exhibit, which displays over 700 In addition, the teachers have new and guided tour at Museum of Jewish learn that tragedies, such as the Holocaust artifacts and 400 photographs, many of deeper relationships with each other, with Heritage. The tour of the Auschwitz and other cases of discrimination and which highlight previously untold stories. the ability to stay in touch and collaborate on Exhibit is something I will never genocide, should never happen again.” The goal of this trip was to provide their teaching. They also learned about HRC forget.” Elizabeth Shram is Director of the Buffalonians with the opportunity to have resources and conference opportunities that Ellen Weiss, Board Chair of the Holocaust Resource Center. a rich learning experience at this world- renown exhibit that would impact them and inspire them to share their experience with their families, friends, colleagues and JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER COURSES students. The four dedicated teachers who attended this trip came from the Attica and Cassadaga Valley Central School Districts. The community members that attended were Ellen Weiss, Board Chair of the Center for Jewish Engagement MODERN ERA, DÉJÀ VU A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER & WHAT and Learning and Ann Marie Carosella, Jewish History of Early 20th Century President of the Holocaust Resource IT TELLS US ABOUT OUR JEWISH IDENTITY Center. The group was honored that Holocaust Survivor, Grigory Shershnevsky, joined the trip as well. TWO The most powerful part of the tour was COURSES OF when we reached the section about people JEWISH who saved Jews during the Holocaust. At LEARNING! this point, Grig opened up and shared part of his story about how a non-Jewish, The first half of the 20th Century saw two “I’m Jewish.” Am I, therefore, part of a race, an Polish woman took him in when he was an world wars, a worldwide economic ethnic group, a nationality, or a religion? Am I a infant. Grig explained how grateful he was depression, and political revolution in Russia. combination of two or more of these that she risked her life to save him, and For the Jewish people, the era was one of the attributes? More broadly, what does being also how incredibly strange it was when darkest in our long history. What lessons can Jewish really mean? The answers are he had to go back to his biological father we learn from both our suffering and how we contained in the Book of Esther and its at the age of five, who was a complete description of one of the Jewish people’s most stranger to him. reacted to this bloody and bitter era? This The opportunity to spend time with course will examine not only the story of this Grig added to the specialness of the tumultuous period in our history but also the 6 SUNDAY MORNINGS @ 10:00 AM day. Typically, when people do get the lessons that can be applied in our times. Sunday, February 2 through Sunday, March 8 opportunity to meet a Holocaust Survivor, the Survivor is presenting his or her 6 SUNDAY MORNINGS @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 story to an audience. On this trip, it was Sunday, February 2 through Sunday, March 8 heartwarming to see the group interact with him not only as a Holocaust Survivor, but as a husband, father, joke teller and To register: log-on to: www.jewishdiscovery.org or call/text 716.400.1550 friend. Upon returning to Buffalo, it was or email: [email protected] clear that our trip to the Museum of *Classes will be held at our NEW facility – 831 Maple Rd. (#110) in Williamsville Jewish Heritage was an impactful one. The tour of the exhibit provided February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 33 AGENCIES Hadassah Offers Pray Tell and Book Club Buffalo Hadassah plans many special programs throughout the year that attract different Hadassah members. In addition to these special programs there are two active groups that meet every month throughout the year. One is Pray Tell. Pray Tell has changed its format several times depending on the interests of the members. This year there have been a variety of topics covered including Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews, Jewish literature. Phyllis Steinberg has reinterpreting the Book of Ruth, and been facilitating this group for a number Jewish traditions. There are recommended of years. Recently different Hadassah readings each month and various guest members have been proposing specific speakers have added value and insights books for the club to read and have led into the selected topics. Rabbi Sara Rich the discussion for that book. It’s been spoke to the group about the Matriarchs a tradition that before the discussions in January. Pray Tell is facilitated by Carol begin a Kosher treat is shared with the Joseph. For more information about the group which is somehow related to a group email [email protected] theme in the book. The discussions are The other Hadassah group that meets always lively and very interesting. For regularly is the book club. They read a more information about book club email variety of genres within the scope of [email protected]

34 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 AGENCIES Madame Renaissance: RENATA LEFCOURT ART SHOW @ JCC BENDERSON OPENS MARCH 2 By Gunilla Kester

I call Renata Lefcourt, thinking of her love for music, art, and writing. Laughing, Renata tells me her name means “The Reborn.” Born into turbulent and dangerous times in Germany, Renata was a first and only child. I am aware of many firsts: her first invitation, as a convert, to have an art show in a Jewish space, and her first art show as woman, mother, and grandmother. I am aware of courage, humor, and resiliency.

When she first arrived in America, a young wife and mother, she relished her new freedom and explored it in art lessons. “I used to draw in the bomb shelters during WWII in Germany.” She started her education at Rosary Hill (Daemen College) and then completed a BFA at UB in Graphic Design. When she first applied, the Head of the Department responded: “Your work’s very nice, but Renata Lefcourt why don’t you go back to your pots and pans.” Despite his discouragement, she drawn, each individual yet connected entered the program. by mysterious red lines which seem to Renata’s art is both representational illustrate their relationships with each and symbolic. She has many landscapes. other and the world around them. During a lifetime of traveling, she Renata will be exhibiting her work, always brought her sketchbook. Other a retrospect of pieces she has done times, she says, art renders visible throughout her lifetime, in the Bunis RECIPE what is hidden. In one of her most Family Art Gallery at the JCC Benderson stunning paintings, Renata uses three Family Building March 2 – April 29, music stands symbolizing her family 2020. The gallery located on the 2nd during the War. Against a background floor is free and open to the community Shabbat Shira of conflagration, they are neatly during JCC business hours. Mise En Place: - Glorious Temple Beth Zion Sanctuary - Sprinkle Liberally with Musicians of All Ages HOLOCAUST RESOURCE CENTER - Carefully Fold in 1 TBZ Choir 8th Grade Students from Tapestry Charter School visit Temple - Add 1 Ruach Buffalo Community Jewish Choir Beth Zion and hear from Holocaust Survivor Martin Lewin and - Whip Slowly volunteers Leslie Kramer and Kitty Goldman to learn about Judaism, the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. - Add 1 Congregation Shir Shalom Pop Up Choir - Wait for the Mixture to Rise Up

ENJOY THE MUSIC TO COOK UP SHABBASHABBATT Friday, February 7th at 7pm TTempleemple Beth Zion 805 Delaware AAvenue,venue, Buffalo Special Oneg Shabbat to FFollowollow

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 35 JEWS IN THE NEWS Happy Hanukkah Buffalo Israel Experience Chabad of Buffalo

Park-Kadimah

Temple Beth Zion

36 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 JEWS IN THE NEWS

Jewish Buffalo celebrated Hanukkah in style his past December. On these two pages, you will see photos from Hanukkah events held by the Buffalo Israel Experience 2018 group at Rob & Shira Goldberg’s home; the lighting of the giant menorah at Tops International Congregation by Chabad of Buffalo; A Hanukkah Shabbat service and a Havdalah service at Temple Beth Zion; A festive Hanukkah Party at Park School for the Park-Kadimah Scholars; a celebration at The Jewish Discovery Center; Young Israel’s children’s event; Shir Havurah Shalom’s Hanukkah at Barnes and Noble, and a FROZEN Shabbat Hanukkah; and two of 5780! Congregation Havurah’s Christmas Day volunteers at a church. Jewish Discovery Center

Young Israel

Congregation Shir Shalom

February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 37 2019 Honor Roll of Goldman Judy Babat Steven Yellen and Karen Leeds Gretchen Gross * * Mr. Jordan S. Balsom and Ms. Dr. Joel Levin Donors Mr. Arnold N. Kahn Nikki Joseph Mr. and Mrs. Frank Levin Mrs. Rise’ P. Kulick Robert & David Berghash Family Bruce Levine and Corey Wolffe Drs. Carlos and Luisa Kurek Philanthropic Fund Levine The Buffalo Jewish Federation thanks and honors all of our Mrs. Beverly R. Levin Dr. Joel M. Bernstein Mr. Irving Levy donors to the 2019 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo. Because Mrs. Karen Baker Levin Mr. and Mrs. Marc Bernstein Mrs. Dana R. Lewis of your generosity, our local and national agencies are able Sharon* and The Late Larry Levite Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin Mr. and Mrs. Allan Lipman to provide much-needed services to ensure vibrant Jew- The Late Mr. Harold and Dr. Drucy Borowitz Donald and Susan Lubick Mrs. Arlyne G. Levy Marjorie Bryen Dr. Amy Ludwig Shuman ish life here in Western New York, in Israel and around the Mrs. Susan L. Levy Mr. David N. Bunis Mr. Steven Lustig world. The following names are people who have contrib- Warren Lippa Dr. Irwin L. Burstein Mrs. Shelley K. Miller uted to the 2019 Campaign through 1/10/2020. Ronald Maier Lynn Catalano, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Alan R. Mollot Randi L. Morkisz Mr. Philip Celniker Mr. Barry A. Muskat Arbesman Mrs. Sandra G. Morrison Dr. Michael E. Cohen Dr. Charles R. Niles $250,000+ The Late Dr. Melvin M. Brothman International Leadership Cantor Penny Myers Mr. Frederick B. Cohen Mrs. Ellen L. Niles Bonnie Clement * Reunion (ILR) Northtown Companies Mrs. Ann Holland Cohn Phil and Nicole Nobel Janet Desmon *, * * Dr. Arthur E. Orlick Dr. Iris Danziger Dr. Jan M. Novak Any Individual or family giving Rose and Bud Frank Fund Mrs. Ellen S. Reis * * *, * Dr. Kenneth M. Dauber Mrs. Cheryl Orlick $250,000+ Rob and Shira Goldberg Dr. Ellen P. Rich * * * Mrs. Mindy A. Doerfler Mr. Todd Joseph and Cantor The Benderson Family Mrs. Amy Heumann Sandra B. Rifkin and Michael Mr. David Doran Barbara Ostfeld Mr. Eduardo P. Heumann Mesirov Mrs. Rivona Ehrenreich Mrs. Deborah Pivarsi $100,000 - 249,000 Mrs. Roberta S. Joseph * * Dr. & Mrs. Daniel I. Rifkin Mr. & Mrs. Howard B. Epstein Prime Minister’s Council Mr. Eric L. Recoon Jerald and Terri Katz Kasimov Mrs. Sylvia L. Rosen Dr. and Mrs. Marshall D. Fagin Professor Robert I. Reis * * * Any individual or family giving Jordan A. Levy* * Mr. Alan K. Scheff Dr. Eli Farhi Mr. Kenneth A. Rogers $100,000+ Dr. Sol Messinger The Late Mr. Sheldon Eve Y. Feigelis Mr. Richard A. Romer Weiss Family Philanthropic Fund * Margery S. Nobel *, * * Schneiderman Jo Nasoff-Finton and Eugene Mitchel and Vickie Rubin Howard Rosenhoch Mr. Ronald Schreiber * * * Finton Dr. Laurie S. Sadler $25,000 - 99,999 Mr. and Mrs. Hyman Scheff Mrs. Sheryl Gutman Schreiber * * * Dr. Jane Vogel Fischman Dr. Alan R. Saltzman King David Society (KDS) Dr. Maxine Seller Mrs. Joanne M. Shatkin * * * Dr. Stuart Lee Fischman Stuart Scheff and Lori Morreale Any individual or family giving Dr. Samuel Shatkin, Jr. Mrs. Leslie Shatkin * * * Mr. Peter Fleischmann Mr. Blaine S. Schwartz $25,000+ Mr. Kenneth Shuman Dr. Todd Ellis Shatkin ** * Mrs. Ilene Fleischmann Dr. Barbara Segal Bernstein Mr. Lawrence Dautch Avrom and Viola Sterman Mrs. Marilyn Shine Howard and Laurie Foster Scott L. and Deborah L. Shiffner Delaware North Companies, Inc. Michael and Heather Weisman Mr. James L. Shuman Mrs. Florence Fox Mr. Paul R. Shine Mr. George I. Gellman Dr. Gil Wolfe Benjamin Smith Charitable Fund Mr. Leonard J. Freed Mrs. Chaya Shuman Mr. Michael L. Joseph Anonymous (2) Dr. Eric L. Snitzer * * * Dr. Emily S. Friedan Rabbi Daniel Shuman Leslie Shuman Kramer * Mr. Robert B. Sommerstein Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Friedman Catherine Shuman Miller and James S. Kramer $5,000 – 9,999 Mrs. Linda E. Steinhorn Dr. Irwin Gelman Mrs. Cheryl Stein Mrs. Stanford Lipsey Lion of Judah Mr. Joseph Sterman Mr. and Mrs. Warren B. Gelman Mr. Mitch Steinhorn Sanford M. Nobel Women’s individual gift of $5,000+ Mr. Douglas P. Stiller Dr. Philip Glick Judi and Mont Sterm Eric and Cara Reich Joan B. and David H. Alexander Haskell & James Stovroff Dr. Scott M. Goldman Dana and Michael Stoffman Bruce and Marianne Wisbaum Mrs. Susan K. Altman Memorial Fund Byron and Dorothy Goldman Dr.Herman and the Late Mrs. Howard and Leslie Zemsky Mrs. Maxine Awner * * *, * Peggy Sullivan Memorial Fund Peggy Stone Anonymous (1) Dr. Steven Awner * * * Ms. Anne M. Virag* Alan and Marcia Goldstein Mr. Irving Sultz Dr. Howard W. Benatovich * * * Mrs. Hannah R. Weinberg Ellen Goldstein and Mitch Flynn Mrs. Marilyn Sultz

$18,000 - 24,999 Mrs. Lana D. Benatovich * * *, * Mrs. Julie A. Weinberg Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Green Temple Beth Zion Joshua Society (JS) Mr. James R. Biltekoff * * * Ms. Amelida Ortiz Weinmann Mrs. Carin Greenfield Mrs. Sheila Trossman* Any individual or family giving Mrs. Joanne Biltekoff * * * Mrs. Janet K. Wisbaum * * *, * Ms. Sharon Greenfield Mr. Gene Warner $10,000-24,999 Mr. Peter A. Biltekoff The Late Mr. Wayne D. Wisbaum * * * Grelick Family Mrs. Ellen Warner Judith and Joel Brownstein Mrs. Joan Cohen Mrs. M. Kim Yonaty * * * Harold and Susan Halpern Mr. Neil Weinberg Mr. David H. Desmon * * Mrs. Antoinette B. Dauber Mr. Stephen L. Yonaty * * * Mr. Jeffrey A. Hirshberg Mr. Peter Allen Weinmann The Late Mr. Gordon R. Gross * * Mrs. Marsha A. Dautch * * Rabbi & Mrs. Pinny Young Mr. Melvyn L. Hurwitz Herbert and Rosalind Weiss Holly W. Levy * , * * Robert and Eileen Fine Markel Family Fund The Boris and Renee Joffe Mr. Sidney N. Weiss Marilyn C. Shuman* Mr. Raymond L. Fink * * * Saperston Asset Management Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wiseman M & T Bank Julie Kianof Fink * * * Jewish Federation Apartments Dr. and Mrs. Brian S. Joseph Jack and Barbara Yellen Anonymous (1) Mr. Lawrence C. Franco Anonymous (3) Mr. Gary A. Joseph Mr. Sheldon Yellen Mr. Arthur M. Gellman * * * Jeffrey H. Katz Mr. Richard A. Zakalik $10,000 - 17,999 Mrs. Bodil K. Gellman * * $1,800-4,999 Mrs. Susan Katz The Late Mrs. Amy Zeckhauser Joshua Society (JS) Mrs. Susan Gellman * * * Pomegranate Dr. Elias J. Kaufman and Dr. Anonymous (23) Any individual or family giving Stuart A. Gellman, Esq. Women’s individual gift of $1,800+ Madeleine Kaufman $10,000-24,999 Jay and Ronna Gershberg ABC-Amega, Inc. Mr. Daniel Kester $1,000 – 1,799 Dr. Robert and Dr. Tova Ablove Patty Glick Miriam and Samuel Abramovich Mrs. Gunilla Kester Cynthia Benderson Dr. Harvey and Dr. Marian Grant Golden and Deborah Dr. Frank J. Altman Mr. Donald M. Kohnstamm Michael B. Berger, Esq. Mrs. Jessica Meyers Altman The Late Dr. Kevin B. Kulick Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bergman * Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJ) ** King David Society *** Joshua Society Dr. Michael Altman Mrs. Julie C. Kweller Mr. Alan L. Bernstein Mr. and Mrs. Stuart H. Angert Mr. Jeffrey Lapides Mr. Jack Bibas 38 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 Mrs. Judi Biltekoff Dr. Stephen B. Pollack Mrs. Judith E. Carrel Mrs. Faye S. Levy Mr. Erwin Weinstein Dr. Richard and Mrs. Lauren Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Polokoff Dr. Stephen R. Cavior Mr. Mitchell Levy Mrs. Evelyn Weinstein Bloomberg Mr. Paul Polokoff Ms. Debra L. Chernoff Mr. Steven B. Levy Dr. Arie Weinstock Stacey Spokane and David Mr. Louis Pozarny The Late Dr. Gary N. Cohen Dr. and Mrs. Jack Lippes Mort and Ellen Weintraub Capretto Mrs. Rolene Pozarny Mr. Hyman Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Leonard G. London Aaron and Wendy Weisbrot Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Case Dr. Shalom Press Mrs. Evelyn Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Morton J. Merowitz Mrs. Sheila J. Weisman Mrs. Maura Cohen Mrs. Zhanna Racine Joseph N. Desmon Memorial Fund Mr. Paul J. Michaels Mrs. Linda C. Weiss Dr. Nancy J. Colligan Daniel and Gina Roblin Ms. Deborah Di Matteo S. David Miller Dr. Steven D. Weiss Congregation Shir Shalom Mr. Jay N. Rosenthal Mr. Robert A. Doren Dr. Robert Moskowitz Mrs. Sylvia Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Criden Dr. Ronald J. Sadler The Late Mr. Kenneth C. Drake Hon. Brenda Freedman and Mr. Mr. Ronald Willig Jonathan & Ofir Danziger Mrs. Michele Scheff Mrs. Shelley C. Drake Martin Mutka Mike and Rhonda Wise Andrew Feldman Elana Schrank Ms. Jean Dubow Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Neu Mrs. Ronna Wiseman Dr. Neil Dashkoff Mr. Norman S. Schreiber Dr. Patricia K. Duffner John and Esther Northman Mr. Steven G. Wiseman Mrs. Ellen C. Freed Mr. and Mrs. Steven Schwartz Dr. Carolyn P. Dukarm Mrs. JoAnne Nover Mr. Wayne R. Wolchok Dr. Anthony Freundel Karen and Bruce Sckolnick Jonathan and Judith Epstein Hon. Barbara S. Nuchereno Mr. Sanford Wolffe Mr. & Mrs. Scott Friedman Mr. Harvey F. Siegel Dr. Howard S. Faden Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey D. Oshlag Young Israel of Greater Buffalo Mrs. Sue S. Gardner Craig and Karen Small Mrs. Brenda Feldstein Mr. Paul D. Pearson Mrs. Karen L. Zakalik Mrs. Claire and The Late Mr. Ana Stearns Mr. Gabriel J. Ferber Mr. Steven B. Perelstein Ms. Judy Sally Zeckhauser Irving Gareleck Mr. Irving Stein Dr. Marina Finkelstein Mr. Milton Pitterman Ms. Margery Zeckhauser Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Gellman Judith Baron and Steven Stone Stephen Foley Mrs. Rosalind Podolsky Mr. and Mrs. Bruce S. Zeftel Dan and Sharon Gerstman Dr. Janice R. Sufrin Mr. Eric Fox Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth T. Polk Hebrew Congregation of Dr. A. Donald Gilden Temple Beth Tzedek Mrs. Deborah Franco Dr. Kevin Pranikoff Chautauqua Mrs. Claire Goldberg Mrs. Kenneth E. Wagner Mr. Sidney Friedman Mrs. Merle Pranikoff Schillinger Family Mr. Steven D. Goodwin Victor Wagner Memorial Fund Shawn and Kathie Frier Larry and Marcy Raines Anonymous (34) Dr. Floyd A. Green Mr. Mark S. Wallach Nina Lukin and Elliot Gabelnick Dr. Phillip Recoon Dr. Fred Greenberg Dr. Michael B. Weinberg Robin Raphael and Alan Gellin Mrs. Susan E. Recoon $100 – 499 Mr. John Greenberger Michael and Gina Weiner Dr. Lisa Gelman-Koessler Mindy Robins-Reis and Shawn Ms. Patricia L. Abeles Mrs. Esther M. Greene Bernard and Helen Weinstein Mrs. Charlotte Gendler Reis Mr. Philip B. Abramowitz Sandra Gross Wolchok Mrs. Helen Weiser Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Gersh Rabbi Sara and Mr. Ezra Rich David Reisman and Betsy Ms. Janet Gunner Dr. and Mrs. Barry N. Winnick Mrs. Marlene Glickman Mrs. Rosalie Rosenband Abramson Mr. Ralph L. Halpern Mr. and Mrs. Martin P. Wolpin Mrs. Zella M. Glickman Dr. Robert L. Rosenthal Dr. Robert Ackerhalt Donna Hirsh Mrs. Heidi Yellen Mr. Michael F. Godshaw Mr. Joel Aaron Ross Mr. Bruce S. Ader Fredric Hirsh Mr. Arnold Zimmer Dr. Kenneth T. Goldstein Mr. Laurence K. Rubin Patti Adler The Honorable Kathleen Hochul Anonymous (32) Mrs. Janice Goldstein Mr. Lawrence Sadkin Mrs. Rosalyn L. Algase Mr. Fred and Mrs. Barbara Mr. Leslie M. Greenbaum Mr. Harvey Sanders Mr. Michael Alpern Holender $500 – 999 Dr. Saul P. Greenfield Dr. Steven and Sara Schultz Ilene Alt Mrs. Alice Isenberg Mrs. Frima Ackerhalt Dr. Bianca Guttman-Weinstock Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz Mr. Richard Amdur Robert I. Jadd, Esq. Mr. Scott M. Allen Mrs. Harriet Halpern Mr. Matan Schwartz Mr. Irving Atlas Mrs. Joanne Kahn The Hon. Rosalie Bailey and Mr. Mrs. Babette O. Hirschorn Mr. Scott M. Schwartz Mrs. Janice Friedman Axelrod Mr. Mark Karlin Thomas Bailey Rochelle Horner Dr. Stanley and Mrs. Diane Mrs. Ruth S. Axlerod Dr. Todd and Josie Koch Mrs. Suzanne J. Barney Mrs. Lisa M. Hotung Schwartz The Late Mr. Russell J. Baker Leon and Cynthia Komm Rabbi Samuel Barth Joseph Imberman Dr. Susan Schwartz Dr. Sophia Balderman Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Koren Mr. Ernest Berman Mr. Andrew B. Isenberg Dr. Morton H. Sclair Mr. Wolis Barback Dr. Deborah Raiken and Mr. Mrs. Ellen Berman Mr. Fred Isenberg Morton and Elinor Shaevel Mr. Seymour Baren Charles Korn Mrs. Sheila J. Bernstein Mrs. Jennifer Isenberg Mr. Evan Shussett Dr. Stephen B. Bellus Dr. Karen L. Krutchick Mrs. Lisa Bibas Mrs. Susan Joffe Mr. Sanford Silverberg Mrs. Lea Bendes Alon Kupferman Mr. Robert Andrew Biltekoff Mrs. Beth Ann Joseph Mrs. Patricia L. Simonson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Berg James and Veronica Kushner Mr. Neil Block Mrs. Marlene A. Joseph Mrs. Barbara S. Sitrin Dr. Roseanne Berger Gail and the late Ralph Kushner Mrs. Stacey E. Block Mrs. Elaine B. Karlin Dr. Michael D. Sitrin The Hon. Jacqui Berger Rion Kweller Sandra A. Block Mr. Jacob Katz Mr. George J. Skiba, Jr. Mrs. Benis Berger Dr. Jeffrey Lackner and Dr. Ann Denise Bloom The Doctors David and Emily Mr. Carl E. Snitzer Mrs. Joanne Berger Marie Carosella Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bloom Kaye Mrs. Lynne C. Sommerstein Richard Berger Lake Shore Savings Mrs. Barbara Blotnik Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Kellick Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Steinberg Robert Berger Mr. and Mrs. John M. Laping Mr. David I. Blum Mr. and Mrs. Larry Kerman Bernice Stern Mr. Robert J. Berkman Dr. P. Jeffrey Lewis Mr. Jeffrey Blum Mr. Louis S. Kimmel Dr. Moises Sudit Mrs. Mary H. Berlow Mr. Allan M. Lewis Hadar and David Borden Mr. Dan D. Kohane Gerald Sufrin Mr. Stephen L. Berman Mrs. Marian B. Lustig Mr. Charles M. Breinin Jill and Michael Komm Mr. Richard Teibel Fern and Steven Bernstein Mrs. Lori Morrison Harvery and Deborah Breverman Mrs. Tova Kristal Mrs. Lori Teibel Mrs. Ellen R. Bernstein Dr. Bennett Myers Mr. Samuel M. Bronsky Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein Richard Tobe and Susan Bring Ms. Dara Biltekoff Ordon Mr. James I. Myers Mrs. Ronald Bronstein Dr. K. Nicholas Leibovic Tobe Dirk Bird Mr. and Mrs. Randolph C. Mr. Phillip Brothman Dr. and Mrs. Richard Lepie Miriam Treger-Honig and Eli Mr. Lincoln Blaisdell Oppenheimer Mrs. Elaine Brothman * * * Donald and Betsy Lesses Honig Dr. Bruce Bleichfeld Michael and Frances Paskowitz Mr. Marc Brown and Dr. Shira Mrs. Cookie Levin Mrs. Lillian C. Ungerleider Mrs. Sharla Bleichfeld Mr. Glenn Pincus Brown Mr. Kenneth Levin Mrs. Cookie Weil Mr. Michael M. Blinkoff M. Steven Piver, MD Mr. David Buch Mr. Lawrence H. Levin Mrs. Margit Weinmann Dr. Melvin G. Block Mr. Harvey Podolsky Mrs. Audre Bunis Mrs. Merredith Levin Iris and Ken Weinstein Mrs. Joyce Block February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 39 2019 Honor Roll of Donors

Dr. Gale Burstein and Dr. Peter Mrs. Maryann Freedman The Late Mr. Milton Joffe Ms. Karin Lowenthal Mr. Mitchell Recoon Bloom Mr. Robert K. Freeland Mrs. Maxine K. Johnson Mr. Sheldon Aaron Macks Mrs. Laura Recoon Mr. Edward S. Bloomberg Mr. David Freiman Dr. Larry E. Jones Mrs. Barbara E. Macks Mrs. Robyn Recoon Mrs. Eva Blum Mrs. Brandia Joy Freiman Ms. Dianne Jordan Mr. Larry Magil Robert and Barbara Reden Mrs. Leah Blum Rabbi Jonathan and Ginny Mr. Lawrence D. Joseph Mrs. Agi L. Maisel Mr. Justin Reich Tara and Kenneth Blumberg Freirich Mr. Dale S. Kadish Mr. Lance J. Mark Shari Jo Reich, Esq. Mr. Loran Martin Bommer Mrs. Shoshanna Zucker Freundel Mr. Michael Alan Kadish Barbara Markel Mrs. Getelle B. Rein Mrs. Maxine R. Bommer Dr. Irwin Friedman Mrs. Candace Kadish Mrs. Rachelle Marks Mr. Mark Richheimer Mrs. Doris Bookbinder Mr. and Mrs. Danny Friedman Dr. Kenneth R. Kahn Ms. Linda Marsh Mr. Michael H. Rickert Mrs. Judy Brothman Dr. Michael H. Frisch Mrs. Linda A. Kahn Mrs. Sheryl Martin Ms. Maria Rizzo Mrs. Gail E. Buch Dr. Michael Mogerman and Carol Mrs. Kristie Kantor Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Meer Mrs. Janice M. Robins Mrs. Pamela J. Buehler Froehlich Dr. Robert E. Kaplan Mrs. Karen Meltser Mr. Edward C. Robinson Dr. Ruthellen Bunis Mr. Gerald R. Gardner Mrs. Michelle B. Kaplan Arlene Merowitz Mrs. Marla Robinson Dr. Arlene Burrows Mrs. Adele B. Gardner Ms. Marcy Katzman-Lenard Dr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Merrick Dr. Jeffrey B. Rockoff Dr. Ronald Burrows Dr. Laura and Mr. Michael Garrick The Late Dr. Sol Kaufman Mrs. Helene W. Mesch Mrs. Judi B. Romer Mrs. Roberta Burstein-Markel Dr. Samuel Gelfand Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kayton Mr. Jay Mesnekoff Ms. Susan Ronald Mr. and Mrs. Alan Camhi Dr. Alexander Gelfer and Dr. Frida Kehillat Ohr Tzion Mrs. Rebecca Mesnekoff Mr. Jonathan M. Rosen Mr. Jed L. Carrol Gelfer Martin and Shelley Kerker Mr. and Mrs. Jack Meyers Mrs. Brenda Rosen Mrs. Marnie Cerrato Mr. Ryan L. Gellman and Dr. Ms. Shiri Kester Mrs. Carri Milch Sanford and Annette Rosenberg Dr. Mark D. Chazen Wendy Gellman Mrs. Edna Kielar Dr. Joni Milgram-Luterman Dr. Nancy J. Rosenbloom Mrs. Diane Church Ms. Linda E. Gellman Mr. Robert Jay Klein Hon. Joseph D. Mintz Mr. Alan J. Rosenhoch and Dr. Ann Burstein Cohen The Late Mr. Alan N. Gendler Mrs. Renee Klein Mrs. Naomi K. Mintzer Gabrielle Balderman Mr. Lawrence M. Cohen Andrew and Pamela Gewurz Mrs. Lauren Klenofsky Mr. Robert Louis Monin Dr. Alice M. Rosenthal Mrs. Gail R. Cohen Ms. Roberta Giller Dr. Channa Kolb-Sobieraj Mrs. Selma Morris Mrs. Marcia Rosenthal Congregation Beth Abraham Mrs. Barbara Ginsberg Mr. Lynn Alan Konovitz Mr. Tom Moscato Mr. Leonard N. Rosokoff Congregation Hesed Abraham Eric L. and Bonnie L. Glazer Mrs. Paula Kopstick-Ames Mr. and Mrs. Reuven Moser Mrs. Sheila Ross Mr. Allan J. Cooper Mr. Stephen M. Glick Dr. Sara Koritz Kirsten Moysich Dr. Brian D. Rothschild Mrs. Kathy Corff Rogers Mrs. Margot V. Glick Mr. Ronald A. Korman Mrs. Toby W. Muskat Dr. Morton Rothstein Dr. Michael J. Cowen Ms. Shelly Glick Gryfe Charles Korn Mrs. Joan Nemirov Inna Rozov-Ung Michael and Naomi Cowen Mr. Joseph L. Glickman Mrs. Betty F. Korn Ms. Monica Neuwirt Dr. Stuart H. Rubin Mrs. Leslie Cownie Mrs. Halli Glina Ms. Ellen Kossoff Rich and Lori Newberg M rs. Mary Ellen Rubin Ms. Ellen J. Daly Mrs. Sylvia G. Gold Mrs. Sharon D. Kostiner David and Julie Newberger Mrs. Barbara Rubin Mrs. Marlene DeCarlo Mrs. Sue Goldberg Dr. Chana R. Kotzin Mrs. Sharon Nisengard Dr. Eli Ruckenstein Dr. Roy R. DeFrancis Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Goldman Ms. Mara Koven-Gellman Phil and Nicole Nobel Mrs. Velina Ruckenstein Cheryl Finton DiVita Ms. Amy Goldstein Dr. Kenneth A. Krackow Dr. and Mrs. Allyn Norman Ms. Shellie Rutstein Mrs. Elena Zelfond Dr. Gail R. Goodman Dr. Joseph Krasner Mr. Ari Goldberg and Dr. Kelly Mary Ruttenstein Memorial Fund Mr. Richard Dopkins Emily Goodstein Ms. Susan S. Krasner Norman Max, Kalman and Rose Mrs. Ruth Dressler Noa Grant Mr. Robert Krohn Mr. Gerald Nover Ruttenstein Memorial Fund Ms. Louise Dumain Mr. David Grayck Ms. Joan M. Kronman Mrs. Susan D. Nusbaum David Safir Susan J. Elkin Dr. and Mrs. Alex Green Jennifer Stein Kumble Mrs. Amy O’Donnell Ms. Ina Sanders Mr. Bernard M. Engel Mrs. Laurie S. Greenspan Paul Kuritzky Mr. and Mrs. Randall M. Odza The Hon and Mrs. Steven Sanders Mrs. Nancy Enis Ms. Karen M. Greenspan Ms. Francine V. Kurtz Rabbi Benzion Okonov Mrs. Jill K. Sandler Dr. Barry M. Epstein Mrs. Andrea Griebner Mrs. Ruth F. Lansing Mrs. Barbara Oliver Ms. Melinda R. Saran Jane Epstein Dr. Regina Grol Dr. Richard S. Laub Elizabeth Pascal Mrs. Amy Schaefer Dr. Murray J. Ettinger The Late Ms. Janet Gross Mrs. Shoshanna Laub Dr. Mindy C. Paticoff-Weinman Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Schechter Mrs. Pepy Ettinger Mr. Ron Grossman Ms. Brenda Lehrman Ms. Jennifer Patrick Mrs. Kimberly Schechter Mr. and Mrs. Herbert R. Falk Rosa and Max Grossman Fund Mr. Dan Lenard Mr. Paul Peck Mrs. Loretta Schechter Dr. Alexander Farkash Mrs. Jessica Grubea Dr. and Mrs. Alan J. Lesse Mr. Sanford R. Perlmuter Ms. Michelle Cohen-Monte Mr. Marwin L. Feldman Kathleen Haggerty Miss Holly L. Lesses Mr. Gregory P. Photiadis Joseph and Sandra Scheff Mrs. Joy A. Feldman Dr. Jill E. Hamilton Mr. Paul T. Levine Ms. Ann L. Pikoff Susan Scheff Ms. Judy Feldman Mrs. Janet Harris Mrs. Ilene R. Levine Mrs. Gail Pitterman Mr. William Schierlitz Mr. Eric Feldstein Dr. Cheryle Hart-Grossman Mr. Louis Levinsky Mrs. Janie Polk Iris and Richard Schifeling Mr. Alan Feller Mr. Barry Heitner Dr. Sanford H. Levy The Late Mr. S. David Pollack Mr. Ben Schiller Edward J. Fine, M.D. Kirstie Henry Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Levy Mrs. Sharon Pollack Lori and Rick Schkolnick Mr. Paul Fineberg Mrs. Ilene Herr Mrs. Donna Levy Hon. Mark C. Poloncarz, Erie Mr. Irwin G. Schreiber Dr. Mark Finkelstein Mr. Philip Herzbrun Michael and Dene Lewin Country Executive Mrs. Judith Tulchin Schroff Dr. Jeremy D. Finn Mrs. June Iris Hesch Mr. and Mrs. Martin Lewin Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Portin Jennifer and Keith Schulefand Sherry Chase and Ben Fitt Mr. Alan S. Hoffman Dr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis Mr. Menahem Ari Potash Mrs. Barbara C. Schulefand Pam and Robert Florian Mrs. Kathi B. Hoffman Mr. Harvey Lichtblau Mrs. Carla Press Lawrence M. Schwab Bonnie and William Fosbury Dr. Jody Holmlund Dr. William Lin Ms. Janet Presser Mr. Arthur Schwartz Ms. Brenda Fox Mrs. Beverly Isenberg Mr. David G. Cohen and Mr. Edward Purizhansky Mrs. Sharon S. Schwartz Mr. Victor P. Fradin Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Itzkowitz Dr. Norah Lincoff Ms. Alissa Rabach Mr. Richard B. Searns Dr. Leonard S. Franco Mrs. Sharon Jacobs Joseph Lipsitz Hon. Michael Ranzenhofer Mr. Steven M. Seller Arlene Frank Mr. Stephen Fey and Ruth Lipsitz Dr. Shmuel Rashkin Mr. Donald Serota Mrs. Bertha S. Frank Ann Jacobs-Fey Mrs. Wendee G. Lorbeer Mrs. Laurie Rashkin Mr. Daniel A. Serure Mr. Alan E. Freedman Mr. Symond Jacobson Miss Joan E. Loring The Hon. Edward Rath, III Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz 40 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 Mrs. Geraldine Shatkin Sarah Waymire Ms. Ida Berzon Mrs. Adrienne Crandall Mrs. Elaine Goldstein Drs. Lawrence and Lucille Dr. Kenneth Weiner Mr. Patrick A. Bielecki Mr. and Mrs. Donald Crawford Mr. Kenneth Goldstein Sherlick Mr. Norman C. Weingarten Mr. Bruce Biltekoff Barbara and Errol Daniels Mr. Martin Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Sherman Dr. David M. Weinman Mr. Jacob Biltekoff Bruce and Teresa David Mr. Robert M. Goldstein Mrs. Adrienne Shleser Dr. Alan G. Weinstein Mrs. Lily Bink Mr. Henry L. Davis Mrs. Muriel M. Goodman Mr. Harvey Shymanski Mr. Barry E. Weinstein Keith and Dawn Birzon Mrs. Judith S. Davis Ms. Karen Goodman David and Barbara Siegel Mr. Bernhard Weinstein Ms. Susan Black Mr. Robert Dekoff Laura Gordon Dr. Myron R. Siegel Mrs. Barbara Weinstein Mrs. Annette Blanchard Mrs. Alice Dobozin Anna Gossin Ellen Silver Mrs. Sandra H. Weinstein Ms. Lois R. Blaustein Mrs. Laurie Dohn Doreen Gottlieb Mrs. Clareanne Silver Bruce Weiss Elizabeth Blazey-Pennel Dr. Sergey Dolgopolski Mr. Kenneth Graber Karen Simon Neiman Dr. and Mrs. Everett Weiss Mary Roseberry and Isadore Miss Hannah Donner Beth Grafman Janis Posterman Sinatra and Mr. Joel H. Weiss Blechman Mrs. Esther Donner Mrs. Donna S. Green Gerald Sinatra Mrs. Elinor Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Alex Blitshteyn Mrs. Vicki P. Dorin Mrs. Brocha Leah Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Art Sitcov Joan A. Weissman Ms. Svetalana Blitshteyn Mr. Ed Drantch The Late Mrs. Edith Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Larry J. Skerker Mr. and Mrs. Alan Weissman Mrs. Grace Bluestone Ms. Ellen Drexler Mrs. Joyce S. Greenberg Max and Elizabeth Sloan Mr. Richard L. Wexler Mr. Aaron Blum Mr. Edward Drozen Mrs. Marion Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Marc Slonim Mrs. Laura Wexler Mrs. Laurie Bluman Mr. Samuel Z. Dudek Mr. and Mrs. Ilya Grinberg Dr. Bruce M. Small Mrs. Sharon Wexler Mrs. Lana Blustein Ms. Amy Dvorak Ms. Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk Dr. Teresa Jen Small Ms. Diana Wilkins Ms. Hope Bongiorno Mr. and Mrs. Michael Eisen Mr. Harvey J. Gross Mrs. Linda K. Snitzer Miriam Winokur Laurence Boxer Mr. Joseph Enis Mrs. Dolores Grossman Mrs. Anita Snyder Mrs. Michele Wolffe Linda Boxer Mrs. Stacy Essex Ms. Jesse Grossman Randal and Ruth Spivak Dr. Richard E. Wolin Mrs. Louise Boyar Mrs. Maureen Fagin Rabbi and Mrs. Avrohom Gurary Doug and Ashley St. Cyr Dr. Murray A. Yost, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Breckner Mr. Donald Falk Rabbi Moshe Gurary Mr. Harold Star Mr. Arnold N. Zelman Mrs. Caryl Brent Mrs. Lillian Falk Mr. Laurent Haccoun Mrs. Annette Stein Jeffrey Zeplowitz Mr. Laurence Brickman Mr. Mark Farber Mr. Jerry Haier Mr. and Mrs. Richard Steinacher Mr. Arthur J. Ziller Mr. Jeffrey Brodsky Ms. Myranne Feinstein Mr. Norman Halberstadt Mr. Richard A. Steinberg Anonymous (66) Ms. Lori Brodsky Mrs. Shirley Feld Dr. Marc Halfon Mrs. Beth Steinberg Mrs. Elaine Brody Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Feldman Mrs. Robin Hall Phyllis Steinberg $1 - 99 Mr. Harold B. Brody Mrs. Barbara M. Feldman Ms. Judith P. Halpern Mr. David Stemerman Mrs. Barbara Abelson Mr. Irving Brody Mr. Daniel Ferber Dr. Linda Harris Mrs. Susan L. Stemerman Mrs. Connie Abramowitz Mrs. Jill Bronsky Mrs. Andrea S. Ferber Hugh Hartzberg Daniel Sterman Mr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Ackerhalt Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bronstein Dr. Gideon Fersztman Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Hauck Mr. Gary Sterman Mr. Marc Alan Adel Mr. Matthew Brooks Mrs. Tammy Fine Ms. Reine Hauser Mr. Michael Stern Norma Adel Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brown Mrs. Anita Fink Mr. Robert Hausman Samuel Sternberg Memorial Fund Christina Akers-Dicenzo The Hon. Byron Brown, Mayor of Mrs. Alva Finkelstein Mrs. Robin Helak Ms. Carol Steuernagel Mrs. Judith Alessi Buffalo Mr. and Mrs. Willard A. Finton Mr. Scott W. Heller Mr. Robert M. Stone Sid Alfasso The Hon. Deborah Bruch Bucki Ms. Shelley Fitt Mrs. Judy Henn Stacie and Nathan Stone Julie Allen Mrs. Freda Brummer Mrs. Ruth Fleming Mrs. Renee Herman Mr. Randy S. Strauss Mr. Richard Alt Mr. Joseph Buch Dr. and Mrs. Steven Fliesler Mr. Steven Herzbrun Dr. and Mrs. Bruce J. Stringer Ms. Fran Altman Ms. Marcia Bugyi Kathryn M. Foti-Crawford Ms. Donna Hessler Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stulmaker Robert E Altman Dr. Susan Bundy-Myrow Mr. Jordan Fox Mrs. Debra Hilfstein The Late Mr. Seymour Suchman Ms. Florina Altshiler Miss Hynda Burdman Mr. Paul Fox Miss Shelley Hirsch Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Sugarman Mrs. Carol Amsterdam Mrs. Marna Burstein Dr. Eric J. Frank Mrs. Phyllis Hochberg Ms. Judy A. Sunshine Ms. Rachel R. Anderson Mrs. Sue Buyer Mr. Howard B. Frank Mrs. Marilyn A. Hochfield The Late Clifford M. Swadron Mrs. Michelle Angiers Sarah Carney Ms. Janet Frankel Mrs. Hope Hoetzer-Cook Mrs. Judith F. Swadron Dr. Martin J. Anisman Mr. David A. Carr Ms. Marilyn Frappa Ms. Linda R. Hoffman Dr. Emily Tall Dr. Alan Antfleck Mr. James E. Carr Mr. Bernard B. Freedman Beverly Holtz Mr. Ivan Tarnopoll Ms. Laurie Asher-Knipfing Mrs. Lauren D. Carr Mr. Donald V. Freedman Mr. and Mrs. Harvey A. Horowitz Robert and Brittany Taylor Mrs. Gloria Ashton Mrs. Marcia F. Carr Yaakov and Zahava Fried Mr. Morris L. Horwitz Edie Teibel Corey Auerbach Mrs. Elizabeth Castro Ms. Hannah Friedler Mr. Avram Howard Mrs. Sally Teibel Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Augustnyek Mr. Edward L. Chassin Mrs. Beatrice Friedman Mrs. Hillary Hurwitz Ms. Juliana Teibel Mrs. Gertude Bacol Ms. Fredricka Cheek Ms. Danielle Friedman Mrs. Judy Hurwitz Mr. Michael D. Teplitsky Mrs. Renee Bagel Douglas and Jill Citron Mrs. Iris Friedman Mr. Stephen Hurwitz Mr. Richard Teplitsky Ms. Tina Ball Mr. and Mrs. Warren E. Clark Michael Garcia Holly Hutchinson Mrs. Laura Ann Teplitsky Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bardach Ms. Lynne A. Clarke Mr. Jeff Gardner Mrs. Zana S. Hyman Mr. Sheldon Tetewsky Mrs. Elaine Baren Dr. and Mrs. Christopher S. Cohen David S. Garson, M.D. Mrs. Tracy Jacobowitz Mrs. Marilyn Toth Ms. Carol Barenholtz Mrs. Joy Cohan Ms. Judith M. Gerber Dr. Stephen L. Jacobson Hon. Sharon and Bradlee W. Mr. Mac I. Barnett Mrs. Naomi Cohan Ms. Shirley Giallombardo Mrs. Ann Januszkiewicz Townsend Mrs. Barbara Barone Mrs. Lee Cohen Mr. Herman J. Ginsburg Mrs. Suzanne Kahn Mr. Meyer Tubin Alva Barozzi Mary and Harold L. Cohen Mr. Stephen R. Ginsburg Dr. Seth Kaiser Miss Susan B. Tunis Mr. Philip Beckman Mr. Robert B. Cohen Mrs. Thelma Glaser Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Kalfa Mrs. Norma Lee Unher The Late Mrs. Ethel Bellow Mr. Ronald Cohen Ms. Ida Goeckel Mr. Barry H. Kantrowitz Dr. Sephra Vigna Mr. and Mrs. Alvin E. Bendes Mr. Ronald S. Cohen The Late Dr. Shepard Goldberg Mrs. Marilyn Kaplan Mrs. Rus Devorah Wallen Mr. Michael Bendes Harold and Fay Cooperman Kitty Goldman Mrs. Sylvia N. Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Jay H. Wallens Mrs. Mary E. Bengart Bruce Corris Mr. Charlie Goldman Mrs. Deana Kardaman Mr. David Wasserman Mr. Nissan Berg Ms. Sarah Coutu Mr. Glenn Goldman Mr. Harvey Kardaman February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 41 2019 Honor Roll of Donors

Mr. Joseph C. Karg Dr. Annette M. Magid Mrs. Linda P. Pohl Dr. Erwin M. Segal Bruce Troen Diana and Hiram Kastenbaum Dr. Hillel Magid Mrs. Sylvia M. Polakov Dr. Marla Segol Mr. and Mrs. Laurence M. Trott Ms. Eileen Katz Mrs. Shirley Magil Mr. Steven Pollack Mr. Sanford Seide Mr. and Mrs. Clark Trow Ms. Marlene Katzel Mrs. Deborah Mahaney Eric Poniatowski Rabbi Joseph Aryeh Selevan Dr. Lori Ullman Mrs. Pearl Keller Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Mahaney Esther Posmantur Mr. Richard Sellers Mrs. Lynn Ullman Mrs. Miriam Kelley Dr. Clifford R. Mahler Mr. Laurence Posses Mrs. Karla Serapiglia Dr. Joshua M. Usen Mrs. Lucy Kogler Kempner Joshua Maiman Mrs. Jackie Povitz Mrs. Ida Serure Mrs. Marcia Valente Deborah and Charles Kenyon Mrs. Karen Maislin Ms. Dori Lynn Powell Mrs. Rochel Shanowitz Ms. Sophia Veffer Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kerker Mrs. Shelly Malinowksi Mrs. Wendy Pressman Mr. and Mrs. Gary Shapiro Mrs. Arlene Vogel Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Prince Mrs. Sondra Shapiro Shelly Kerker Dr. Philip I. Malnikof Mrs. Candace Vogel Yood Mrs. Carolyn Kershanbaum Mr. and Mrs. David Manny Mrs. Melania Puius Ms. Marsha E. Shapiro Evelyn ad Samuel Wakshull Mr. Gerald Kershanbaum Mrs. Carol Marcus Dr. Polina Purizhansky Miss Dorothy E. Shaw Mrs. Susan Wallach Mrs. Helene G. Kershner Ms. Jacqueline Marcus Mr. Val S. Racine Mr. Grigory Shershnevsky Mr. Louis Wallen Mrs. Flora Khinkis Ms. Jane Paula Marinsky Mr. Charles L. Raderman Mrs. Raisa Shershnevsky Mrs. Ruth G. Kirstein Joanne Marquisee Mr. Barry L. Radlin Mr. Ronald Shubert Mr. Howard J. Walter Mr. Howard Kleiman Mrs. Lenore Marx Dr. and Mrs. Michael Ram Mrs. Joanne B. Shubert Mrs. Laura Watts Sommer Mr. and Mrs. Jerry M. Klein Mrs. Jackie Smuckler Matheny Mrs. Susan Ranzenhofer Ms. Lynne M. Shuster Ms. Elissa Waykoff Mrs. Lynn W. Klein Mr. Joshua Feinstein and Ms. Mrs. D. Donna Raphael Mr. Louis H. Siegel Mr. and Mrs. Jack Weinfurtner Mr. and Mrs. Alex Kleyman Patricia Mazon Mrs. Sally Raskin Mrs. Janice R. Siegel Lillian Weinmann Ms. Anna E. Kleyman Mr. Jim McCabe Ms. Bonnie Redder Mr. Brett A. Silverberg Mrs. Adele Weinstein Bryna Konovitz Mrs. Esther Melzer Mrs. Bella Redmin Sheryl Silverberg Hon. Barry A. Weinstein Mrs. Jacqueline Korchowsky Dr. Larisa Meras Mr. and Mrs. Edward Reich Mrs. Carol Silverman Mr. Jack Weinstein Mrs. Joan Korus Ms. Cheryl Mesch Dr. Jonathan F. Reichert Mr. Michael L. Simmons, Jr. The Late Mrs. Lois Weinstein Mr. Nelson Korus Mr. Arthur Mesches Mr. Joel Reiner Mr. Randy Simonson Mr. Michael Weinstein Mr. Sam Korus Mrs. Marcia Mesches Mr. and Mrs. Andrei Reinhorn Mrs. Sue Siva Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weinstein Mrs. Lisa Pawlowski Mrs. Liz Messer Mr. Gary P. Richmond Mr. Leonard D. Skrill Mrs. Sara Weinstein Mrs. Marcia Kraden Mrs. Jean C. Messinger Mr. Wayne Robins Mr. and Mrs. Irving Slater Dr. Sam Weintraub Mr. Leonid Kramer Mrs. Marie Meyers The Late Mrs. Muriel Robinson Clarice Snitzer Mr. and Mrs. Bernard A. Weisbond Mrs. Donna Kranitz Mrs. Phoebe Meyers Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Rockford Debra Soman Dr. Barbara Weitner-Lin Rachel Kranitz McPhee, Esq. Dr. Robert and Mrs. Linda Milch Mrs. Helen Rosen Mr. Sheldon S. Soman Mrs. Elaine Werner Barry Krebs Mr. Philip A. Milch Dr. Jerold C. Rosenfeld Mrs. Patricia Spector Ms. Elisabeth Weston Marilynn Kregal Mr. and Mrs. Steven Miller Mr. David Rosenhoch Mrs. Clarice W. Speier Mrs. Elinor Wexler Ms. Lynette Krohn Mrs. Betty Miller Alan Ruttenberg and Lori The Late Dr. Robert Spiegler Richard Steinberg Mr. Jan A. Kublitz Mrs. Cecile E. Shmookler Rosenthal Mrs. Carol W. Spiegler and Ann Williams Mrs. Joan Kumor The Late Dr. Gordon Mittleman Dr. Thomas C. Rosenthal Dr. Robert S. Stall Dr. Sara Kunkes Mrs. Melva A. Mogerman Ms. Rachel Roth Mrs. Robin G. Stall Max Willig Mr. Melvin Kurtz Ms. Gail A. Morgan Mrs. Florine Rothschild Mr. and Mrs. David Stark Dr. Gail R. Wilsky Mrs. Honi Kurzeja Mr. and Mrs. Izador Muchnik Mrs. Carol Roy Mr. Kevin Starr Lucille Wisbaum Mr. Charles Kushner Mrs. Eileen Mullaney Dr. and Mrs. Ronald P. Rubin Ms. Linda Stein Mr. Michael Wohl Mrs. Sharon Kushner Mr. and Mrs. Yisroel Meir Munitz Mr. Lawrence M. Rubin Mr. Russell P. Steinberg Mrs. Susan Wojcik Mrs. Joan Kwiatkowski Rabbi and Mrs. Menachem Munitz Steven and Susan Rubinstein Mr. Stephen Steinberg Dr. Howard R. Wolf Mr. Stewart Landau Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Munitz Ms. Nadine J. Ryback Mr. James M. Steinhorn Mr. David Wolf Mrs. Denise Landau Mrs. Lori Mylchreest Mrs. Andrea Sachar-Luttinger Mike Steklof Mrs. Ronda Wolfberg Mr. Thomas S. Lansing Dr. David L. Myrow Mrs. Barbara Sadkin Mr. James Sterman Hon. Penny Wolfgang Ms. Sandy Lapham Mr. and Mrs. Ira Nadel Mrs. Stacey Santora Judi and Mont Stern Mrs. Susan Wolfson Margo Lapides The Late Mr. Hyman Nemirov Mr. Howard T. Saperston, Jr. Mrs. Joan B. Stern Mr. Logan Woodard Mrs. Susan Jesella Ann and Greg Neumann Mrs. Marcia Saran Mrs. Lorraine Stern Mrs. Marcia Wright Mrs. Tillie Lazerson Mrs. Debra Ann Newman Mrs. Ann M. Sawusch Mr. Stephen Stern Mark Yablim Mrs. Fay Broder Leader Mrs. Edith Schaefer Newman Mrs. Dorothy Schaktman Staci Stone Mrs. Hynda Zabel Prof Charles & Dr. Renata Mrs. Elaine Nisberg Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Scharf Mrs. Cindy E. Stover Mrs. Colette Zappia Lefcourt Mrs. Ruth Norman Mrs. Heidi B. Schatz Mrs. Annette Strauss Mr. Nathan Zimmerman Miss Linda Levin Gerald and Lorraine Noznisky Rabbi Adam Scheldt Mrs. Bernadine Strauss Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Ziolkowiski Dr. Marcia J. Levine Ohr Temimim Day School Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Schenkler Mrs. Inge Strauss Mr. Philip Zuccaro Ms. Ellen Levine Ms. Judith Olin Harvey Schiller Mrs. Penny Strauss Mr. Craig H. Zuckerman Ms. Danise Levine-Winter Dr. Benjamin D. Oppenheimer Mrs. Marilyn Schillroth Mrs. Sue Strauss Mrs. Erika Zyskind Dr. and Mrs. Elad Levy Mickey Osterreicher Ms. Carol Schmeidler Suzette Stringer Mr. Bernard Zysman Mrs. Dawn Lewis Ms. Ellen Goldberg Palmer Mr. Barry Schonfeld Mrs. Steny Sudit Ms. Gail Lewis Ms. Laurie Pastena Mrs. Noreen Schreiber Mr. Todd Sugarman Mrs. Sharon Zysman Mr. Louis Linsky George and Norma Pearlman Mrs. Gertrude Schwab Nathan Sull DeSpirt Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Loewenstein Mr. Joshua Pennel Mr. and Mrs. Edward Schwartz Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Symons Anonymous (40) John Long Mrs. Jennifer Perelstein Mr. Robert A. Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Symons Mr. Art Lorbeer Mrs. Fanesta Perlstein Mrs. Ruth L. Schwartz Mr. Robert Syracuse Mrs. Sandra J. Ludwig The Late Ms. Cheryl Pleskow Mrs. Mona Schwartzberg Mrs. Marion Tasman * Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJ) Ms. Benita Lupu Rabbi Allen Podet Mrs. Penny W. Sclair Mrs. Jacqueline Thompson * * King David Society Mrs. Amy Lyons Jennie Pohl Mr. and Mrs. Walter Peter Seegert Mrs. Wende Tragash * * * Joshua Society Mr. Samuel D. Magavern Mr. Stuart M. Pohl Dr. Carol C. Segal Mr. and Mrs. Gary Treger 42 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | February 2020 IN LOVING MEMORY

Remembering Seymour Goodman rented a home on Hilton Head Island each Memorial Day weekend. One Seymour Ira Goodman passed unforgettable incident involved Seymour away December 28, after a decade of taking Lizzie, Caroline and Charlotte debilitating cognitive and mobility to “pet the alligators” that sunned infirmities. That said, for close themselves on the bank of the water traps to 88 years, Seymour and his wife adjoining the property. Fortunately wiser Marian (née Farash; deceased August, minds prevailed. 2018) lived a life rich in friendship, Though almost all his family and family, business success, volunteer friends predeceased him, Seymour will enrichment, and travel. The following be mourned by—in addition to those obituary was written by his daughter aforementioned—his sister-in-law Muriel Barbara Goodman Stover. Markel Goodman, his daughter-in-law The son of Bertha Bernstein Goodman, Emily Whiting, and his cousins Mimi a second generation German Jew, and and Grant Swados. In addition, he will Nathan Goodman, an Eastern European be remembered by his nephew Jeffrey immigrant, Seymour Goodman spent Goodman, his deceased wife’s nephews his youth living in rentals on Buffalo’s Bob and Chic Lasser, his good friends West Side, as well as at his maternal Norman and Gert Cohen. He will also grandparents’ boarding house in Crystal be missed by many home health aides Beach, Ontario. After serving as a who cared for him and Marian in their Barbara Goodman Stover with her father, Seymour Goodman navigator trainer in the Army Air Force, final years, particularly Kristin Laux. His he took advantage of the GI Bill to pursue Goodman of Buffalo, who helped care for career that went bust quickly; he followed brother Neil was with him as he expired. a business degree at the University of them as their illnesses accelerated. that act by volunteering at the Buffalo Seymour’s body was donated to the Buffalo, then worked as an advertising As the pancake houses prospered, Zoo where he became an expert on University of Buffalo Medical School. A salesman for Ellis Advertising. Marian and Seymour took advantage of elephants and giraffes, and delighted in memorial service for Seymour and Marian In March, 1953, Seymour married the travel industry, which was exploding taking marmots and other small animals will be held in the spring. Marian in front of a graceful seated simultaneously. During his advertising on school visits. When his granddaughters Buddha in the Chinese Room of the career, Seymour had won promotional were young, one of the highlights of the former Park Lane Restaurant. Years later, trips to Caribbean islands, but in 1964 summer was Zoo Camp, an overnight stay Each month we will feature a eulogy of a when Seymour partnered with his brother the couple boarded a B.O.A.C. flight to complete with camel rides. member of our own community who has Neil and switched from advertising to Great Britain, and cemented their love It was probably as a grandparent that recently died. Please contact Ellen Goldstein at [email protected] if you hospitality, Seymour and Neil would come with international travel. Over the next Seymour most enjoyed himself; in the would like to share your words. to own the historic restaurant. In 1972, decades their passports were stamped late 1980s and early 90s he and Marian after a fire destroyed the landmark (later with marks from every continent except rebuilt in the form of an English public Antarctica; particular favorites were house) the Buddha moved to Marian and Italy and Israel, the later of which they Seymour’s Park Lane condominium where visited on multiple occasions, spending In Remembrance it graced their living room for 47 years. time with Marian’s cousins and working Though ownership of the Park Lane on an Army base. Their last overseas The following individuals in our community passed away during the period carried panache, Seymour and Neil found visit occurred in 2005 when the couple, from December 16—January 19*. May their memories forever be a blessing, their greatest success in the breakfast with their daughter, visited India for two and may their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion. business. In the early 1960s, Uncle John’s weeks. “I want to see the Taj Mahal before Pancake House, a chain out of Santa I die,” Seymour replied when asked, “Why Carolee Arbeit Melvin Golub Barbara, CA, was looking to expand there?” eastward, and the brothers bought in. A lifelong Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Dr. Melvin Brothman Seymour Goodman Ultimately they came to own or manage Sabres fan, Seymour also enjoyed yellow Esther (Dolly) Goldman Lillian B. Hirschfeld seven franchises across Western New polos, red wine, droll sarcasm, and late York, Rochester and the Finger Lakes night television; after working long hours Bernice Goldstein Sara Joseph area. Among other fraternal and industry at the pancake houses or the Park Lane, Marianne Goldstein Dr. Joseph Krasner groups, Seymour was a member of the he would make himself a bowl of raisin Masons, and the International Food bran cereal and settle into his chair for Ludmila Lipovich Service Executives Association. He the Johnny Carson Show, or later, Jon Dr. Mark Newberger was also a member of Temple Beth El, Stewart. At a time when parents were originally on Richmond Avenue, later in supposed to be shielding their children Lawrence Oppenheimer Amherst. from drugs, sex, and rock ‘n roll, he was Jerome (Jay) Schiller In 1955, Seymour and Marian became promoting Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh the parents of a daughter, Barbara Ellen, In” and sneaking kahlua into the kids’ Clifford M. Swadron and two years later, a son, Neil Michael. milkshakes. Hidden in a sock drawer was Lois Miller Weinstein Both siblings begat grandchildren, a photograph of him posing with the 50s Elisabeth Sarah Shovers, Caroline Rebecca bombshell Jayne Mansfield. Goodman, Charlotte Grace Goodman, and After retiring from the restaurant If we inadvertently missed printing the listing of your loved one, please write to Nathan Stuart Goodman. They were also business, Seymour tried his hand at being [email protected]. and we will include the name next month. second parents to their niece, Karen Ellen a tax advisor for H&R Block, a second February 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 43 (NOT) THE LAST WORD It’s Behind Us…Or Is It?

By Hallie Morrison Block

The war was over. It was 1946 or 47. stage and then climbed the few stairs to Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini stand quietly at stage right front. They had died ignominious deaths. Japan simply stood there: didn’t move, didn’t was busy converting their warrior speak. proclivities into peaceful and high- Those broad-shouldered boys must tech pursuits. We had nothing to have presented a menacing threat, fear from Russia. China was an because Aptheker briefly continued his overpopulated and underachieving rant and then disappeared, stage left. country. We kids at Lafayette High We students were dismissed and the School in Buffalo said, “Goodbye” to incident was behind us. It was noted War stamps, ration books, scrap drives in the newspapers. Our football team, and knitting squares for afghans and heroes before the incident, became even devoted ourselves to learning the more heroic. latest Hit Parade songs and seeing The following week, there was a every movie that appeared. new occupant of the stage. Dr. Joseph Most of us enjoyed our classes but L. Fink, Rabbi of Temple Beth Zion— welcomed the diversion of assembly my congregation in Buffalo, appeared programs: football assemblies, concerts onstage. Again, I have no recollection of by the school orchestra, and listening to what he said. I just remember that I felt speakers. One day, we gathered in the a lot better! school’s auditorium. Freshmen sat in Native Buffalonian Hallie Morrison the horseshoe shaped balcony and we, Block lives at Brooksby Village Senior Living the upper classmen, sat downstairs. Community in Peabody, Massachusetts. The speaker’s name was Mr. Aptheker. She wrote this piece as part of a “Writers If I ever knew his background, his first Helping Writers” program. She was name or his credentials, I can’t think married to Irving H. Block, Jr, always of them at this moment. He started called, “Buddy.” and moved from their to speak and I started to become very home on Chatham Ave. in Buffalo to uncomfortable. He spewed anti-Semitic Oakbrook Condo in Williiamsville after epithets. No one moved. The principal he died. She then moved to Peabody to be of the school didn’t move. The teachers near one of her daughters and lives happily didn’t move and the only movement in a retirement home. She is blessed with from me was that of my body sinking three grown children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She chose lower and lower in my seat. It was my Hallie Morrison Block with her newest great-grandchild first (and last) personal experience with teaching as her profession in Buffalo --first overt anti-Semitism. the football team, was walking slowly— cue, every other member of the team fell at Temple Beth Zion Nursery School and Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him. very slowly—from the rear of the into line behind him to participate in the then at Kadimah School. Sam Shatkin, the only Jewish member of auditorium toward the stage. As if on slow processional that approached the

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