Of the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo

Look: Inside: Don’t n! Miss: Summer Fu Town Square Kadimah -15 Food Pantry Annual Dinner Goodbye? Pages 10 Open Pix Hello! Page 13 Pages 34-35 Pages 18-19

The Award Winning A publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo

the ewish jourNal j of WNY Buffalo, Israel & the Jewish World July 2015 | Tammuz- Av 5775

Presenting the BJE’s Class of 2015! Pages 6-9 Join Congregation Shir Shalom in supporting the Food Bank of WNY

Saturday July 25 1100-2

Walk O Hunger Family-Friendly Walk & Festival

Island Park, Williamsville www.foodbankwny.org for information about sponsorship, donations and registration call Gary Bluestein at (716) 633-3200 sponsored by Andreozzi Bluestein, LLP • Solving Tax Problems

What’s Inside... the ewish jourNal j of WNY Published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo July 2015 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-2241 You may note that the A photo of the Bureau of Jewish www.jfedbflo.com cover of this July issue bears a similarity to Education’s High School for Jewish Studies last July’s (2014) issue. Both feature photos graduating class taken last year. From left- of the graduating class of the current year’s standing- Jack Ladow, Grace Florian, Aaron High School of Jewish Studies (HSJS). Blum, Miranda Weiss, Lauren Wallenfels, Interim Executive Director...... Lewis Stolzenberg Redundant? Derivitative? Ran out of ideas? Elissa Baum, Robyn Lippa and Sam President...... Howard Rosenhoch Editor, Marketing and Community Relations Director...Ellen S. Goldstein Nope! Not at all. Both last year and this, Appleton. Seated: Adam Moyer, Elanna Advisory Board the Seniors of the HSJS have been so Sadler, Anna Swiatowy, Ben Wald, and Susan Adelman Elizabeth Kahn Kenneth Rogers impressive and have articulated what being Joseph Kramer. Photo courtesy of Jill Jonathan Epstein Rabbi Gary Pokras Peter Simon Jewish means to them or how their HSJS Komm and the Bureau of Jewish Education. Richard Hirsch Eric Reich Michael Weisman has impacted their lives. These remarks and Photo Art: Kim Miers.

Editor’s Note Editor’s statements are profound. They give us a On The Cover good glimpse into the minds and hearts of The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo Is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America these students our community has raised 3 �� Message from the and the American Jewish Press Association and produced, and let us see into our Jewish President Produced by future with these young people as upcoming Howard Rosenhoch leaders. Please take the time to read pages 6 4 �� Save the Date- through 9 this month and share the vitality September 21- For the Senior Vice President/Creative Director...... Chastity O'Shei and hope with which they imbue the future. [email protected] UJF Kick-Off Dinner! In addition, we have a Summer Fun Vice President/Production...... Jennifer Tudor section with ideas of things to do in Western 5 �� Women of Distinction [email protected] Lead Designer...... Kimberly Miers New York and ways to share the summer with 6-9 �� Presenting… The HSJS [email protected] friends. And there are a great many photos of Class of 2015 Senior Graphic Designers...... Josh Flanigan, the profusion of events that have been taking 10 �� Summer Fun: Garden Andrea Rowley, Jean-Pierre Thimot, Nicholas Vitello Traffic Coordinator...... Adam Van Schoonhoven place in the Nickel City—from Nickel City Walks Associate Publisher/Senior Vice President/Advertising...... Barbara E. Macks Jews’ events, to the heroines of the Jewish 11 �� Summer Fun: Come Sail [email protected] Federation’s Women of Distinction lunch, Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager...... Marianne Potratz with Me! [email protected] to A Woman’s Journey of Heart & Soul, by David Essrow Senior Account Executive...... Cynthia Oppenheimer, Kadimah’s annual dinner, Pride Parade, and Julie Ann Nagel, Robin Kurss 12 �� Summer Fun: 5 Things Larkinville. [email protected], you can do to repair the [email protected] I hope you have [email protected] the opportunity to world in July Proofreaders ...... Rhonda Wise, Sharon C. Levite savor the summer in Where in Jewish Bflo? Amy Goldstein our WNY paradise. 13 �� Summer Fun: Picnic Members of Maybe I’ll see you Food for July on one of the many by Robin Kurss Submissions: Garden Walks this Submit editorial stories, photos, and calendar items by the 1st of Photo Credit: Linda Gellman Town Square Food the preceding month of issue to [email protected]. month. Pantry Officially Opens To Advertise: 14-15 �� Nickel City Jews & The To advertise, call Cynthia Oppenheimer at 716-783-9119 x2240. Ad space & materials are due by the 10th of each month prior to Schmooze publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please 16 �� Clergy Column: Cantor email Cynthia Oppenheimer coppenheimer@jewishjournalwny. Ellen Goldstein - Editor Sharon Eve Colbert com or Barbara Macks [email protected]. To Subscribe: 17 �� Mara Koven-Gelman to To subscribe, visit www.jfedbflo.com and click on “JJWNY lead HRC subscription”. Free for Western New York area residents and 18-19 �� From The Shlichim- donors to the UJF Campaign. Non-resident subscription is $36 for 12 issues, payable to The Jewish Journal of WNY. “Not Yet Le’hitraot!” The Jewish Journal of WNY (JJWNY) reserves the right to cancel any 20-21 �� Agencies & Synagogues advertisement at any time. The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo and Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. are not liable for the content or errors appearing in the 22-26 �� Synagogue Happenings advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The JJWNY does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this 27 �� July Calendar paper. Editorials, columns, advertisements, agency reports and other outside articles do not necessarily represent the views of the newspaper or the Jewish 28-39 �� Agency Events Federation of Greater Buffalo, but rather express the view of the writer. 29 �� Farmer’s Markets 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, 40-43 �� Jews in the News sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly 44 �� Not The Last Word – accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available

Departments Irv Freedman on an equal opportunity basis. 2 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 President’s Column rise, which JFNA partner Jewish Agency for Israel is there to support. Howard Rosenhoch Closer to home and more recently, the devastating floods in Houston in May had a particularly drastic impact in Jewish neighborhoods of that city. JFNA has been I had the opportunity, providing immediate relief and support to Jewish agencies and synagogues affected by along with outgoing UJF that natural disaster. Campaign Chair Steve The generation of Jews who survived the Holocaust is in the evening of their lives. Weiss, to represent the There are 130,000 Holocaust survivors living in the United States, over 25% of whom Jewish Federation of Greater live near or below the poverty level. JFNA has committed to marshalling and delivering Buffalo at the meetings of the resources to ensure that these individuals are provided the means to live their the Board of Trustees and remaining days in comfort and dignity. Delegate Assembly of the As you can see, crises that affect Jews can occur anywhere, anytime. JFNA is Jewish Federations of North constantly evaluating the effectiveness of its overseas and Israel responses, as well as the America (JFNA) held in New way in which it interacts with and marshals the assets of its constituent organizations York City on May 31 and and communities to provide the necessary resources. Among the questions we discussed June 1. Our Buffalo Jewish at the Delegate meeting was how best to use the vehicle of emergency campaigns so Federation is one of 151 that it is most effective when most needed, and how to ensure a stream of steady local Federations which, resources, and prioritize those resources, among the seemingly constant crises affecting along with 300 Network Jews worldwide. This is a discussion that I am sure will be ongoing. I invite you to share Communities, comprise JFNA, which serves as the central address for your thoughts with me on these issues that so greatly impact our people. and maximizes the impact of North American Jewry. Strengthening Local Communities Through Leadership Development. They say a When we convene with our counterparts from around North America, we exchange chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Similarly, JFNA is only as strong as its local ideas for new initiatives, and refresh and rejuvenate what we do as individual and communities. So it is that JFNA provides significant leadership development services collective communities. Among the JFNA initiatives that were the subject of our to ensure the strength and continuity of its local communities. meetings, I will share with you two that provide for Jews around the world and in our At the JFNA meetings, the delegates from Intermediate Federations, a group of local communities. like-sized Federations of which Buffalo is a part, discussed leadership development JFNA’s Response to Jews In Crisis. Among the most important functions of JFNA initiatives that have the potential to strengthen and grow our local organizations and is its ability to respond to crises affecting Jews anywhere in the world. They can take the communities. Our friends from the Birmingham Jewish Federation shared initiatives form of a sudden event requiring immediate assistance, or a continuing circumstance that they have found successful in engaging the next generation, particularly through requiring long lasting intervention. Headlining JFNA’s impact just one year ago was an intergenerational leadership model that emphasizes the engagement and mentoring the Stop the Sirens Emergency Israel Campaign in response to the rocket and terror of millennial volunteer and staff members. They emphasized how this leadership model tunnel attacks last summer by Hamas. Using the power of local Federations, JFNA compliments the important mission of agency succession planning. We in Buffalo have quickly raised $55 million and sent it directly where it was needed most. Basic needs similarly focused on millennial engagement through Nickel City Jews and our Human were immediately provided for families in Israel’s southern communities in and around Capital Fund. Leadership development at all levels continues to be a priority here, and the Negev and the border with Gaza most affected by Hamas’ attacks, including your ideas are welcome. trauma support and spiritual counseling; providing leisure and respite to elderly, at risk Our meetings in New York City also served as a platform for JFNA to roll out individuals and more than 81,000 children; and direct aid to people with disabilities its plans for the next General Assembly, which will be held in Washington, D.C. and others trapped in their homes by the conflict. Continuing relief for affected November 8 – 10. The GA is JFNA’s supermarket of ideas, the place for community communities is being provided to rebuild and strengthen the southern population that leaders at all levels to learn from each other, energize, and share best practices and was so directly and adversely impacted by the conflict. innovations. Incoming CEO Rob Goldberg and I will be attending, and we hope that JFNA is also providing assistance to Ukrainian Jews who have been displaced by you will consider joining us, so that we have a large and dynamic Buffalo delegation at the conflict in eastern and southern Ukraine. JFNA and its partners are stepping this year’s GA and bring back to Buffalo the best innovations from other communities. up to supplement the provision of basic needs coming from other parts of Ukraine. Go to www.generalassembly.org. Check out the speakers and programs already in the Moreover, elderly Jews unable to leave the areas of conflict in the east are in dire need pipeline (there’s more to come). Sign up and come to DC in November with Rob and of direct support, much of which is coming from the international Jewish community. me. We’ll learn, energize, have fun, and come home ready to continue building the Not surprisingly, aliyah, emigration of Ukrainian Jews to Israel, is significantly on the strongest Buffalo Jewish community yet.

If you have not yet made your Pledge for the UJF Campaign, you may still do so. If you have, thank you!

Call 716-204-2248 or go to our website at www.jfedbflo.com

July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 3 2016 UJF Campaign Community Federation Happenings

Federation’s UJF Attorneys and Physicians Divisions got together on a beautiful June evening at Templeton Landing to socialize, talk about the community and have a good time!

Joan Alexander, Dr. Laurie Sadler, Dr. Ronald Sadler, Dr. Evelyn Hurvitz

UJF Chair Leslie Kramer welcomed the group to Ryan Gellman, outgoing UJF Women’s Philanthropy this new event Chair Ellen Weiss, Sonia Gellman Young Dr. Michael Weinberg and James Kramer Rabbi Dr. Pinny Young gave a d’var torah to open the program

Kim Yonaty, Dr. Ellen Rich, 2016 UJF General Chair Stuart Gelman, Peter Weinmann, Mary Ellen Gabor Steve Yonaty, Hon. Sharon Townsend, Craig Small and Blaine Schwartz Leslie Shuman Kramer

SAVE THE DATE! 2016 UJF Campaign Kickoff Community Dinner MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

Call Randi Morkisz At 716-204-2245 For more details

4* www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Community 2015 Women of Distinction

The Federation’s prestigious Women of Distinction Luncheon was held in May to honor heroines in our community. Here is a glimpse of the women and the awesome event!

July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 5 Community

because I did not just learn about social Presenting the Class of 2015 action in a classroom, but actually got to go and do it! BJE’S HIGH SCHOOL OF JEWISH STUDIES All of these experiences plus my involvement at my temple, and my each member of our class is unique in family’s strong Jewish involvement and many ways. This diverse component of identity, have helped me to strengthen our class has not only taught us to be my connection to the Jewish community open minded, but also has given us the and have helped me to be the person that opportunity to learn about one another I am today. No matter what I do in my on a personal level and has led us to future, Judaism will always be a central become such a tight knit class. part of my life. I think that everybody needs some sort I want to thank all of my Hebrew of inspiration to be an actively engaged High and Gesher teachers for helping member of the Jewish community. For me to reach my graduation from Hebrew some, going to temple and celebrating High. Sam Appleton Elissa Baum Jewish holidays with their family is their way of being active members of Grace Florian the Jewish community. For others, the Sam Appleton mere fact that they identify as Jewish The importance of Hebrew High, is enough. I credit my inspiration and Sunday school, and simply the Jewish As a child and young adult, I took motivation to be an involved member community at TBZ has been very part in the various activities that mark of our Jewish community all to Hebrew impactful as I look back. But, having an individual’s ascension into adulthood. High, and everyone who has made my met and developed relationships through I attended Kadimah, a Jewish grammar experiences there so memorable and life these experiences is what I think about school, I had my bar mitzvah, and I changing. today. Although there are many different took part in a confirmation course here events, situations, and people I could at Hebrew High. Perhaps more than Aaron Blum talk about, I believe there are a few main anything, my attending a Catholic High people that have affected my life more School shaped my Jewish faith. My Jewish experiences have all helped than just about anyone else: Alanna The change from grammar to high me to shape my Jewish identity and Sadler, Miranda Weiss, and Elissa Baum. school is difficult. Transitioning between Aaron Blum have enabled me to make a lifetime They have been with me through Sunday a predominantly Jewish grammar school connection to the Jewish Community. school, Thursday School, Confirmation, and a Catholic high school was extremely After I graduated from the Gesher Hebrew High, JCI and now graduation. challenging at times. I was somewhat School at the end of 7th grade, I wanted to give back to my teachers and the kids at From joking around at TBZ, to going ignorant of most Christian theology and my synagogues’ religious school. For the first few years I volunteered every Sunday as to Washington DC together to lobby, history. the assistant in the 2nd grade classroom. Since last year I have been the Computer Lab to talking firsthand to a homeless man Today, I could not be happier with teacher and have worked with the entire school. I love to work every week to help the on the streets in DC, they were always my high school life. I was given the kids and teachers use the technology to add to their curriculum and help the kids learn experiencing everything along with me. opportunity to learn about another all about Jewish content. We have been inseparable for as long as I culture that was different from my In addition to my work at Gesher, I have spent the past several summers working can remember and I would truly not be own and at the same time shared many as a Counselor at Camp Centerland. I love to do this because I love working with who I am today without them. similarities. I feel as though my Jewish kids and teaching them Jewish values while they are having fun at camp. It is great to identity has been strengthened through watch the kids learning Jewish songs, celebrating Shabbat, and learning things about Joey Kramer my time in high school. My views were Israel and Judaism. expanded and challenged. Having to One incredible experience I have had during my time here at Hebrew High was my U.S.Y or the United Synagogue Youth frequently think about and identify trip to Washington, DC last year with my beliefs has strengthened my Jewish the JCI Program. On this trip, I got the Identity. I worked through that perceived chance to be with my Jewish friends and adversity of being of a different faith to experience what a difference a large than my peers and translated it into an group of Jewish teenagers can make in opportunity that I have no regrets over. the world. I got a chance to do Tikun Olam by volunteering in a soup kitchen Elissa Baum by helping people who did not have money or food to eat. We also heard from Our Hebrew High class is truly a people who were homeless, and learned special one. Not only are we large in about the problem of homelessness in number, we encompass a vast amount America. I also really enjoyed lobbying of personalities and traits. Though we for my cause with Congressman Brian share the mutuality that we are Jewish, Higgins. I really felt like I was able to try Grace Florian Joey Kramer to make a difference. JCI was so amazing 6 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Community BONNIE CLEMENT has affected me tremendously, and has High and USY taught me many important 716.553.8384 left an everlasting impression on my things. I learned how to see different [email protected] life. USY isn’t only a youth group where matters from Jewish perspectives, you learn more about Judaism, but it something I will think about whenever I allows you to bring out your true inner need to make a big decision or an action. self. Not only have I learned so much These are a few of many things that I about Judaism and how it relates to my will remember and cherish for the rest of life, but I am also able to be my true my life. Thank you! self at any USY event no matter who surrounds me. Since that first convention Robyn Lippa in 8th grade I have gone to sixteen USY Broker for HUNT Real conventions. USY has done incredible I knew that this summer was going Estate ERA,* which includes things for me, and has helped me grow to be different from the previous nine. I 1,100 sales associates and and mature. USY has provided such wasn’t going to be spending the summer 38 offices nationwide from amazing experiences for me and I have at the same place or with all the same Buffalo to Albany and the made so many friendships along the way. people. The difference was that this year State of Arizona I know that along with the memories I I would be spending six and a half weeks # have made, they will last a lifetime. in Israel with people from all eight Camp Ramah camps across North America. HUNT Real Estate ERA congratulates Bonnie on her remarkable,1 BEST YEAR ever for 2014!!! Beth Joseph, Bari Spokane, Bonnie Clement, Sheryl Martin

* All of HUNT Real Estate ERA Gross Closed Commission and #1 total Units Buffalo / Niagara Region 2013.

S. MACKS & ASSOC. Jack Ladow Robyn Lippa Ca$h for Gold

Jack Ladow While in the northern part of Israel, PAYING WNY’S TOP PRICES we explored the ruins of ancient cities, Late August 2014 I came to the United talked with Arab-Israeli teens, and even States as a foreign exchange student from kayaked down the Jordan River. Due to BRING IN YOUR Sweden. A Jewish boy who didn’t know security reasons, our stay in the north NEW, OLD OR anyone in the whole country, let alone was extended and we visited the Church BROKEN: the family he would live in. I was a bit of Beatitudes, Kfar Nahum, swam in the • GOLD lost, but after a few weeks, I got settled Kinneret, and relaxed in the Sahkne, a • SILVER in. Later on I was sent to a leadership hot spring. Finally the night came when • PLATINUM training with people from both Buffalo our staff announced that we should pack • COINS and Rochester. This was where I first got because we were going to Jerusalem. The • WATCHES to experience the Jewish youth life of an bus, full of tired and worn out campers, • SILVER American teenager. erupted in cheers and Matisyahu’s song • FLATWARE & SERVING PIECES A month later Hebrew High started, a “Jerusalem”. The next day we left for • ETC. place where I got to learn about Judaism, Jerusalem and drove to a spot that looked life in Israel, important questions such out onto the entire city. From where as, “Should I go to the tailgate party we stood, we could see the Dome of with my friends or stay home for fast?” the Rock and as well as a few other “I brought in what I thought was just a few pieces of junk was brought up, Jewish life in college landmarks. It was my first ever view of and I walked away with more than $750... I’ll be back!” and most importantly, Yoga. I had Jerusalem and it was breathtaking. After, the privilege to spend the year with we drove to the Kotel. It was one of the STOP IN OR CALL (716) 983-2202 some of the funniest, most helpful and most spiritual experiences that I had on S. MACKS & ASSOC. nicest people I’ve ever met, and I am the entire trip. The trip was amazing in very happy and thankful that I got to so many ways, but what added to the 1167 UNION ROAD | WEST SENECA experience that. experience were the new friends that I Just seconds from the Southgate Plaza - across from McDonald’s My involvement with both Hebrew made. Every place we went, we always Corner of Ebenezer and Union Road, next to Smoker’s Haven July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 7 Community High School Grads BJE’S HIGH SCHOOL OF JEWISH STUDIES

change. Looking at the people around me, I realize how unusual and special it is to have life-long friends. Because of TBZ, I’ve had the privilege of growing as a person with my best friends beside me. Whether I’m 17 or 70, I genuinely believe that my TBZ friends will always be a part of my life, and I can’t wait to see where life takes each of us! Anna Swiatowy Anna Swiatowy Adam Moyer Alanna Sadler Growing up I had little to no exposure to a Jewish culture. Both my parents had a good time because of each other. polling, and especially by voting. As raised me as a Catholic but my Baba In the future I plan to return for another Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that was Jewish. Most of my friends are trip to the Holy Land and I am sure that a small group of thoughtful, committed, Jewish and I started attending temple it will be as great as this one. citizens can change the world. Indeed, it on holidays with my friends and really is the only thing that ever has.” loved it and felt a connection by just Adam Moyer being there. I talked to my Baba and she Alanna Sadler really thought it was amazing that I was One of the most valuable messages interested in the religion she grew up of Judaism is the importance of having TBZ has been a very special part of with and took pride in. I decided to join a voice. Because of the oppression that my life. It’s where I attended preschool, Hebrew High 2 years ago and these past Ben Wald Jewish people have faced throughout religious school, and where I continue two years have been so enlightening and time, speaking out about social issues to walk the halls as a senior in high eye opening. and not being a bystander to societal school. Throughout my years at TBZ, The most memorable part of my and night preparing for our meeting with injustices is a cornerstone of our values. I didn’t fully understand the value of Hebrew High experience was the JCI Brian Higgins. The sights we saw around After six months of learning about current the friendships I was building. Once trip. I remember being really nervous D.C were all so breathtaking. It was a events, politics and social activism, my I became a Bat Mitzvah, my parents about going since I was a new member of once in a lifetime experience that I will Hebrew School class and I travelled to asked me whether I was interested in Hebrew High. When I got to Washington, never forget. DC to speak to our local Congressman, furthering my Jewish education by I knew that deciding to come was one of I am SO happy and thankful that Brian Higgins, about our current foreign attending Hebrew High. Without the best decisions ever. All of the things I spent my last two years exploring policy in the Middle East. Advocating to hesitation, I answered, “yes.” I knew it we did really opened my mind and the Jewish religion and learning more an elected official was one of the most was a guaranteed way to see my closest had such an impact on my life. I met about the culture that I come from. My meaningful experiences that I have had. friends at least once a week. so many new people and made friends Baba passed away about a year into my This first-hand experience of how our Growing up, so many things from other areas. Hearing the homeless Hebrew High experience and I know political system works showed me that change. School, clothes, wants, needs, people’s stories and volunteering in the that she would be so proud that she and we have the ability to make our concerns dreams…they all change. However, the soup kitchen was all so amazing, but my I could’ve shared that connection since known through face-to-face interactions friendships I’ve made throughout my favorite part of the trip was being with the other members of my family have like I had, or through letter writing, Jewish education have not and will not my class around the hotel every morning never done what I did. The last thing I received from her about a month before her passing was her small gold necklace with the Star of David attached. This necklace was given to her on her wedding day. My Hebrew High experience has had an amazing impact on my life and I am so thankful to have been a part of it these past two years. Ben Wald

Being Jewish has shaped my personal identity. If I wasn’t Jewish, I would not be the same person nor would I have experienced the two events that have shaped my maturation process. It is not being Jewish that has made me mature, 8 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Community

but rather these two equally important Israeli affairs. I think going to Israel after events that are a result of my Jewish life. visiting multiple concentration camps Event one was my Bar Mitzvah, which also heightened my feelings towards Israel sounds cliché because it is known as the and made me appreciate my religion and time a boy becomes a man in Jewish law. Israel much more. After much preparation, then leading I think had I not visited Israel, and the service, I truly felt something had had the experiences that I did, I would changed. not be the person that I am today, which My Bar Mitzvah fostered my sense is a strong, independent, Israel-loving of being and my involvement in the Jew. I hope to take all the knowledge and Jewish community. I became active in experiences I have gained throughout my the United Synagogue Youth (USY) with Jewish experiences and use it to further a position on the Executive Board, but myself in my life. also in one of the summer programs. As a part of USY, a true highlight was Miranda Weiss an opportunity to travel cross country with other USY’ers. Aside from the sites, Throughout my life, I have had many the itinerary also included prayer and Jewish experiences which have affected volunteer work. The time I volunteered at me as I move on in my life. The one a food bank in Chicago was meaningful experience which sticks out specifically and made me realize how lucky I am. is camp. I have attended sleep away I really learned how unpredictable the camp for many years beginning at Camp world is and to appreciate everything Lakeland. Camp Lakeland to me, meant that I have. This trip of a lifetime set tradition. My mom attended Camp me up for understanding and success for Lakeland as well and we were able to college living and beyond. share memories and experiences which

Lauren Wallenfels Miranda Weiss

she also experienced many years prior. Lauren Wallenfels Tradition is a big aspect of Jewish life and made me feel a connection to all Going to Poland and Israel this of the people who also attended Camp past summer with USY was a life Lakeland. changing experience. It was amazing When Lakeland unfortunately closed, to go from seeing a place where people I found a new home in Camp Seneca - New Address - were terrorized for our religion to a Lake. Camp Seneca Lake gave me the place where people are celebrated for opportunity to create my own traditions Robin Miller M.D. our religion. Being there this summer and memories which I hope my children Seton Building especially enhanced my experience, since and my children’s children will also get Israel was in the middle of a war. To be to experience. Camp has also allowed 2121 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214 there in such a time of despair filled me to view Judaism in a way in which Telephone 716-883-1366 me with so much pride, as I supported I never could have by simply being in - Services for Adults and Children - Israel, while learning about the conflict. a synagogue. Experiencing Judaism in Before going to Israel, I really didn’t have nature and learning about it along side Otolaryngology - Head and Neck a lot of previous knowledge about the hundreds of people whom I feel so Audiology Services Available conflicts Israel was involved with, but close with, Shabbat services specifically, is Hours By Appointment after visiting, not only did I learn about something very special that I will always Accepting New Patients / Accepting Most Insurances it, I became much more interested in cherish. - Board Certified - July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 9 Community Garden Walks in Western New York during July By Ellen Goldstein July 11 10 am-4 pm Capen Garden Walk To me, there is no better way to spend the month July 11 10 am-4 pm Town of Amherst Garden Walk of July in Western New York than touring some of July 12 Snyder/ CleveHill Garden View 10 am-4 pm the hundreds of gardens open to the community July 17-19 Ken-Ton Garden Tour 8:30-11pm, 10 am-4 pm through the National Garden Festival and Garden July 18 Village of Williamsville Garden Tour 10 am-4 pm Walk Buffalo. I really feel a sense of the power and July 25-26 Garden Walk Buffalo 10 am-4 pm beauty of God in my garden and in the variety of gardens in our region. You are sure to see many members of our community represented in many of these tours. Lois Weinstein standing in her garden Teresa Buchanan of Lockwood’s Greenhouse explains that during last year’s tour open gardens and show gardens have grown by leaps and bounds over the past ten years, and have become an excellent tourism revenue source in our region. Events are scheduled throughout the month, and the larger events are listed on this page. In addition, the National Garden Festival features open gardens Thursday and Fridays beginning July 9 from 2-6 and 5:30-9. There are also motorcoach tours with famed Garden Expert Sally Cunningham in addition to the self-guided tours. You can pick up a copy of the National Garden Festival guidebook for $5 at Lockwoods in Hamburg, Mischler’s in Williamsville, Urban Roots in Buffalo and the Botanical Gardens in South Buffalo. For a full listing of events, go to A cluster of Ladybugs is good luck! Pamela Weinreib in her Amherst Garden with Howard & Shirley Wilinsky in their www.nationalgardenfestival.com. her advisor garden last year

10 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Community Come Sail With Me! By David Essrow

Ever consider how lucky we are to live in Buffalo? Not only is the City undergoing a kind of Renaissance but Buffalo sits on the shores of the largest body of fresh water in the world, The Great Lakes. I consider myself lucky that I got involved in boating when I was younger and now, in retirement, I am able to spend more of my free time on the rippling waters of Lake Erie, Buffalo River, and the famous Erie Canal.

There are so many ways to enjoy The organization is governed Buffalo’s waterfront now, even without by a volunteer Board with an Photo credit: Milton Ehrenberg owning a boat. You can take a dinner Executive Director, Roger Allen, cruise, ride a harbor taxi, take a sailing who has a national reputation are no longer offered in the Buffalo Public School know your way around the shop, its cruise on a modern multihull or our own as a Master Boatbuilder. Many system having been replaced with advanced technology equipment, and its programs. The crew Tall ship Spirit of Buffalo, rent a kayak or of the volunteers are retired courses in an effort to provide qualified workers for the is a wonderful mix of young and old, water bike, and this year take advantage of professionals who are lending new digital economy. The Hand to Hand program at men and women, master craftsmen and a new Bike Ferry that runs back and forth their expertise to the project, BMC seeks to reach at risk kids and get their hands on novices. There are many opportunities carrying cyclists out to the new parks that as well as making good use of tools while they build a boat in hopes of sparking their for you to volunteer. Some of the areas are being developed along the stretch of their time. The shop serves interest and giving them a chance for meaningful, well that we need help in are: waterfront known as the Outer Harbor. as a laboratory for innovative paid jobs available to skilled workers who have at least You can listen to a concert at the waters’ design with a culturally regional been graduated from high school. They learn how to 1. Assisting with boat building projects edge or you can watch some on-the-water maritime bent, classrooms manipulate materials, solve problems, and do the kind 2. Hand-to-Hand Mentoring demonstrations performed by our local shared by partner institutions, of hands-on math and science that crafts and trades 3. Assisting with building renovation enforcement agencies. You can visit the a facility for restoration of people have to know to do their jobs. The difficulty and maintenance Tall Ships when they visit our harbor wooden boats, and a support you may have in finding a good plumber, electrician, 4. “On the water activities” - crewing, during the Maritime Festival in September. facility for the Historic Boat or repairman of any sort stems from this lack in our Captaining or helping to move boats You can even join a pick-up volunteer Museum. A metal shop and educational system and the Hand to Hand project, 5. Providing clerical and office help crew manning two Bateaux, large flat bronze foundry are planned which uses experienced mentors alongside qualified 6. Helping with the ship’s store bottomed rowboats that are sailing and additions in the coming year. teachers, seeks to address this issue. If you want to do 7. Organizing the library and the rowing replicas of the original boats used On the second floor, classrooms, meaningful work in your spare time you will find it at historical artifacts collection for re-enactments of the British invasion meeting spaces and a library are BMC with Hand to Hand. 8. Helping with Special Events of our shores during the War of 1812. taking shape. Model boats and The educational boatbuilding program began as 9. Assist with fund raising activities Complete with small old fashioned square volumes of boating books are an offering of the Buffalo State College Technology rigs and swivel cannons, the boats were constantly arriving for people Education and Design Department and now continues Owning a boat requires a great deal built by volunteers and Boy Scouts at the to view and use. Volunteers are for adults too at BMC. In addition to young students of maintenance, and operating a boat Buffalo Maritime Center and are used sorting, cataloging and shelving building boats, canoes or kayaks you will find people of on the water takes a great deal of skill. for demonstrations and kids programs the books. all ages and both genders working on all sorts of other Not a lot of my contemporaries are about seamanship and maritime history The BMC shops are all boats. You may find a crew putting fresh paint on the as enthusiastic as I am about boating, throughout the summer months. beehives of activity day and rental boats that you see at Delaware Park’s Hoyt Lake because there is so much to learn, but If you are the least bit interested in night with a mix of volunteers during the summer months. You will see crews tidying they love to be treated to a day on the boating you will find the Maritime Center and students. That wonderful up several classic sailboats and an electric launch that water. a worthy place to spend some of your time mix of mentors and students is will be stationed at Canalside for the summer where If you are interested in preserving and energy. I’ve been involved for the last at the heart of a very original they spend the late afternoon giving free boat rides Buffalo’s Maritime history, in helping two years because of my interest in boats BMC offering called the Hand (weather permitting) to anyone interested. to create the next generations of crafts but also because the BMC provides an to Hand program. Buffalo has an Because BMC is a partnership of five separate non- people, or just in messing around with educational service that goes way beyond astonishing dropout rate among profit organizations, there are many ways to get involved boats and would like to contribute some the boating community in our area. students who are not college whether you’re interested in boats and boatbuilding, time (days, weekends, evenings) stop by The Buffalo Maritime Center (BMC) bound from its public school any kind of woodworking, metalworking, model BMC to get involved. The shop is open is a state-of-the-art shop/classroom facility system. In the past kids who are making, historical research, and above all, education. to visitors from 1:00 until 9:00pm on located in an old industrial building at 90 dropping out now would have From Antique and Classic mahogany runabouts to Tuesday and Thursday and from 9:00am Arthur Street in the vicinity of Riverside had the option of discovering radio controlled model boats, from hanging drywall to 5:00pm on Wednesday, Friday and High School. The building was donated that they loved working with for a new classroom to helping with the organization Saturday. You can also contact Roger three years ago by M&T Bank and is being their hands in industrial arts of hands on educational programs, and the day to Allen, Executive Director at 716-881- refurbished by volunteers with funding classes such as wood or metal day operation of a nonprofit, you are needed to do 0111 for more information or go to from the Wendt, Oishei, and Koessler shop. They would have stayed some meaningful work! If you have an interest but www.Buffalomaritimecenter.org to Family Foundations and Buffalo Common in school and then gone on to a no experience, not to worry because the Center’s crew check out the website. Become an active Council funding provided through the trade school. will show you around, and pair you up with one of member! offices of Joe Golombek. Those industrial arts classes the senior volunteers working on a project until you July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 11 Tikkun Olam Community Sponsored by Law Office of Lindy Korn, PLLC - www.lkorn-law.com

5 Things You Can Do IN JULY TO REPAIR THE WORLD The newly opened Town Center Food Pantry at the Weinberg Campus continues to take food and personal hygiene items. A project of Temple Beth Zion and Catholic Charities, you can drop off canned goods to Temple Beth Zion for the new Town Square Food Pantry or go to 1 www.tbz.org and look for “social action” under Community. Or call Rabbi Adam Scheldt at 836-6565.

The American Cancer Society Bark For LifeTM on Saturday, July 11. Delaware Park at Meadow Rd and Nottingham Terrace Entrance. It is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and 2 awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. http://main. acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/BFLCY15EA?pg=entry&fr_id=66644

Taste of Buffalo, July 11-12 in Downtown Buffalo. The largest 2-day food feastival in the US. Up to five high school seniors residing in one of the eight counties in WNY, who intend to pursue a major in a culinary arts 3 or hospitality curriculum, each receive $1,000 scholarships from the Taste each year. http://www.tasteofbuffalo.com/about-us-2014

Tisha B’Av on July 26. Jews commemorate the destruction of the Temple as well as other tragedies on this day. You can remember the past by honoring your parents with a gift to the Jewish Federation’s Cemetery Corporation at 4 www.jfedbflo.com

Miles for Smiles, Monday, July 20. The 12th annual wine tasting fundraiser from 6 to 9 PM on the waterfront at AcQua Restaurant & Banquets, 2192 Niagara Street, Buffalo, 14207 benefits patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial concerns cared for by the 5 Craniofacial Center of WNY at the Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, Kaleida Health. For more information or ticket purchase, please contact Jan Rockwood at (716) 878-7149 or [email protected]. www.wchob.org/milesforsmiles. Where in JBFLO ?

Where is this found in Western New York?

The First 5 people to correctly identify the location will win a $10 lunch to the JCC’s Last month’s photo of the monument Tel Aviv Café’. dedicated to those who died in the pogroms in Sokolifker, Ukraine located near the gate of E-mail your answers the Holy Order of the Living Cemetery on Pine to egoldstein@ Ridge Road was correctly identified by Dr. Kevin Kulick, Marcia Dautch, Amy Freedman, jfedbflo.com Allen David Steinhorn and Michael Paskowitz.

12 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Community Essen n Fressen Picnic Town Square Food Pantry Food for July Officially Opens! By Robin Kurss On Wednesday, May 20th the Jewish and Catholic communities There are so many wonderful spots for gathered to celebrate the grand a picnic in WNY. Here are a couple of opening of the Town Square Food easy salads to take along! Pantry located on the Weinberg Campus. Thank you to Rabbi Adam Scheldt of Temple Beth Zion and the volunteers for your hard work in making this into reality. The pantry is open to serve Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies President Ray clients Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30 Fink offers remarks to 2:30pm.

Watermelon, MEMO From: Blackberry, Feta & Mint Amy Andrus, Board Chair Salad Town Square for Aging Association Congratulations to Temple Beth Zion 1 small seedless watermelon, and Catholic Charities on a magnificent rind removed, cut into 1” chunks grand opening ceremony for the Town 1 pint blackberries Square Food Pantry, a shared enterprise Buffalo’s Catholic Bishop Most Rev. Richard J. Among the people seen in this photo during the ½ c feta cheese, sliced or crumbled between the Jewish and Catholic Malone and Temple Beth Zion’s Senior Rabbi festivities include Weinberg Campus President & CEO Gary Pokras begin the proceedings to officially David Dunkleman, Hon. Paul Tokasz and Sharon Winer ¼ c fresh mint, chopped communities. open the interfaith site ¼ c blackberry balsamic vinegar Bishop Malone and Rabbi Pokras were eloquent, both in their expressions Amherst Director of Senior Services, wide swath of psychosocial, medical, Toss all but vinegar in a large bowl. of commitment to the vulnerable in described an exciting vision, where the pharmacological, dental, mental health Drizzle with vinegar and serve. our midst and their pleasure about the Town Square Food Pantry, Meals on and related programmatic needs for project. The Bishop remembered and Wheels, case management, Stay Fit those residing in the community. celebrated this, the 50th anniversary of Dining, health screenings, nutritional The Town Square Food Pantry Vatican II, which was a recalibration counseling and the Food Stamp program is a preview of the possibilities of of the relationship between our two all network together into an integrated collaborative, co-located services which communities. Rabbi Pokras explained Life Plan for Nutrition. can revolutionize how we age. how the collaboration has catalyzed This will address for the first time in Again, thank you to Catholic Charities and stimulated a number of associated an integrated way, the multidimensional and Temple Beth Zion and to all of the Tomato & Peach Salad community engagements, with the complexity of food needs in our attendees for celebrating with us how Newman Center, Hearts and Hands community. And as we know, particularly far we have come and how many future 3 heirloom tomatoes, sliced (transportation), and a range of with our aging community, food possibilities we can explore together. 3 peaches, pitted and sliced into community gardens. Pam Krawczyk, deprivation is often correlated with a 1/8ths 1 small red onion, minced ¼ c basil, chopped 3 Tbsp olive oil finest mouth-watering n.y. bagels since 1976 • homemade shmears • deli sandwiches • soups • salads 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, grated rind of 1 lime Remember how 1 Tbsp honey bagels used to taste? Hosting Brunch? Salt and pepper to taste That’s what you’ll taste Let Us Do the Work! Dressing: today at Bagel Jay’s, Mix basil, oil, lime juice, rind, consistently delicious Pickup & Dropoff service available salt and pepper deli favorites in every bite. Marshall’s Plaza Dash’s Plaza Place tomatoes, peaches and onion 2130 Delaware ave, Buffalo 100 a Plaza Dr, Williamsville 716.874.1800 716.639.1000 on a platter and drizzle with dressing. www.bageljays.com Enjoy these luscious, homegrown tastes of summer! finest dark roasted coffees •fresh-baked bagels • signature tuna fish • and more! July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 13 Nickel City Jews Community Pride Parade 2015

14 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Community Kelkenberg Farms Nickel City Jews and PJ Library families had fun at Kelkenberg Farms.

NCJs! – Network at The Schmooze July 23!

THE SCHMOOZE is an interactive to the Jewish Federation of Greater evening showcasing the latest and greatest Buffalo) - tickets can be bought of talent in Buffalo across a variety of here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ fields. With the opportunity to listen nickel-city-jews-presents-the-schmooze- to TED style talks, make important tickets-17067305771 connections, and just mix and mingle, The Schmooze will have something for We will be updating our event page, everyone! as well as our Facebook page, with more information and a list of speakers soon! July 23rd, 6:30pm at dig (640 Ellicott Have any questions? Contact Miriam Street) at [email protected] for more $18 to schmooze (fee is a donation information!

July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 15 Clergy Column Community

Cantor Sharon Colbert really nasty and the beer was frozen for six months of the In the last issue of the Jewish thing. I am blessed to know that my year! Houston has its own Journal you may have read that tenure has been validated successful by the weather challenges, given I had announced my retirement Search Committee and the congregation the recent floods, reported from my cantorial position at as a whole. As for my family in Houston, snake sightings, and BIG Congregation Shir Shalom and I can’t say that the announcement was nasty bugs. It all comes a return to my family in Houston. greeted with shouts of jubilation: but back to family! The Search Committee that was when they realized that the admonitions I am looking forward formed to find my replacement from the “lady of the house” to “CLEAN to a beautiful Buffalo mounted an unsuccessful search UP THIS MESS!” would be delayed for summer and participating for a good match. And so, not one more year – well, a few sighs of relief in our CSS programming. wanting to leave my beloved were exhaled. Cookouts, movies, and congregants with an empty For those of you who don’t know the beautiful outdoor chair, I agreed to an extension the back story, here it is in a nutshell. I Erev Shabbat services will of my contract until June of 2016. arrived in Williamsville in the Autumn provide incentives for all of Paraphrasing Mark Twain from of 2009 to fill the position of cantor left us to enjoy each other, the 1897: “The report of my departure vacant by the sudden and tragic death wonderful warm weather has been greatly exaggerated.” It of Cantor Susan Wehle (z’’l) in the crash Cantor Sharon Colbert (before another winter settles was written by Twain in the New of Flight 3407. I knew the Amherst in, Lord give us strength!) York Times on June 2 of that year. community a bit, having co-officiated at The position of Cantor at Congregation Shir and weave together the Apparently, he had been confused Temple Sinai in 2007 and 2008 for the Shalom has been an absolute joy. However, this past memories of why I love this with his cousin who was seriously High Holidays. I moved here, without year I have experienced some health issues along with a community and people of ill. The arguably actual quote was my children and grandchildren. Because longing to be back with my family. Some people have my congregation so much. “…my demise”. of his work in Houston and Austin, my asked me if I wanted to leave because of the challenges Thank you for putting your For Congregation Shir Shalom, good husband has been a commuter for the of the historic winter of 2014-15. Not really. I grew trust in me for another year! news following sad news is a wonderful last six years. up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when the winters were

Drinking your garden, Must-see art from What’s in your Hollis Frampton and Lawrence Brose fridge? + mother sauces, PAGE 123 ALL YOUSMALL PLATES and more NEED

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www.buffalospree.com *1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207 16 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Community Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo Hires New Executive Director

Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo Co-Presidents Sharon Jacobs and Pieter Weinrieb announce the hiring of Mara Koven-Gelman as the new executive director. Koven-Gelman is currently a grant writer and journalist and the recent lead consultant on the 2013 Buffalo Jewish Community Study conducted by Brandeis University for Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo. “HRC is fully embracing this critical time in history with a mission that honors the past and is clearly looking to the future; we must support Holocaust Survivors in their sunset years, remember Mara Koven-Gelman the Holocaust events and teach the lessons of the Holocaust to prevent oppression Koven-Gelman was the grant writer and genocide,” said Koven-Gelman. “It for Buffalo Olmsted Park Conservancy will be an honor to work with such and national planner at the Canadian dedicated volunteers.” Breast Cancer Foundation in Toronto. “We have a passionate and very involved She has a Master’s Degree in Jewish board of directors,” said Jacobs. “Everyone Communal Service from Brandeis is looking forward to working with Mara University, a Masters in Journalism from on our new initiatives.” Weinrieb added, the University of Western Ontario and “The board is eager to benefit from her Mass Communication, and a Bachelor’s strong work experience with Holocaust degree from Boston University. survivors, collaborative programming and Her volunteer activities include fundraising.” United Way of Buffalo and Erie County Koven-Gelman has been a Jewish Investment Reviewer, Adult Congenital communal professional for over 25 Heart Association Resource Development years in Boston, Toronto and London, Committee Member, Hebrew Benevolent Ontario and Buffalo. She was the assistant Loan Association Board Member and executive director at the Bernard Betel International Institute volunteer. She also Centre for Creative Living in Toronto, recently published the third edition of Summer Sparkle where over 50 percent of the membership her book “Mourning Has Broken – A were Holocaust Survivors. She also helped Collection of Creative Writing about Grief New patients receive create the Jewish Hospice Program - a and Healing.” home based hospice in Toronto where 25 She is married to Dr. Irwin Gelman, percent of the caseload were Holocaust Chair of Cancer Genetics at Roswell Free Exams and X-Rays Survivors. Park Cancer Institute. She has two with hygiene visit. In Buffalo, Koven-Gelman wrote the children, Noah Koven a sophomore original Café Europa grant to fund a at SUNY Geneseo and Maya Koven a ($13300 savings) monthly social event for Greater Buffalo junior at Nichols School and two step- Holocaust Survivors and their spouses. daughters, Audrey and Maris Gelman, The collaborative grant managed by Jewish who live in New York City. She and Community Center of Greater Buffalo her family are members at Temple Beth 5462 SHERIDAN DRIVE | WILLIAMSVILLE is funded by the Conference on Jewish Tzedek, Congregation Beth Abraham and 716.831.8018 | WWW.ALTMANDENTAL.COM Material Claims Against Germany, Inc. Congregation B’nai Shalom. July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 17 From the Shlichim Community Lital & Dan Metchnik: Not yet a “Le’hitraot”

If someone would have told me I just want to do more. I also think that 3 years ago that I would end up our two doggies really enjoy the snow being in Buffalo for 3 winters, (unlike their mommy), and they are not I’d probably say that person was ready yet to return to Israel! insane. And yet, never say “never,” As you read this, right now we are in as here I am still in Buffalo-and I Israel, enjoying our summer vacation am here to stay another winter! and preparing for winter. I have learned This is clearly not a surprise anymore! to appreciate the Israeli summer after It is official that Dan and I are staying spending time in Buffalo, and I promised in Buffalo for another year. Dan will be myself to never complain that it is too replacing Laura Hemlock as the Director hot! Let’s see how long that will last (ha of Jewish Student Life on Campus at ha!) Hillel and will also serve as the Israeli We will be heading again to Israel Fellow on campus, and I will continue at the end of September as we are my job as the Israeli Shlicha for Buffalo’s going to have our second wedding on community. October 1st. We were so fortunate to get During the spring, I was preparing married in Buffalo in late winter, and be my goodbye speech, and here I am in surrounded by wonderful people who we summer preparing a completely different met here, and grew to love as our own speech. As much as I wanted to return to families. But now it is time to share our Israel, I find it difficult leaving this place. ‘simcha’ with our beloved families. If In Buffalo, I met some really amazing anyone happens to be in Israel on that are probably reading lately on the news, against Israel) organizations. As this people and I made great friends. I feel date, we welcome you to join us! the North American college campuses phenomenon has been spreading widely, like I belong here, because I feel like I So what is expected for us next year in are a target for the BDS (Boycott/ we are preparing ourselves to face any have had such a great impact here and Buffalo? A lot of work at Hillel! As you Divestment/Sanctions Movement challenge that may come along. We also had an “Apartheid wall” that was built at UB and presented by the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group on campus. It was not a pleasant scene to start Passover with, but it just showed us that our freedom should never be taken for granted. We were prepared for this event, and thanks to our UB for Israel (UBI) group, we were able to face this event on campus without any issues. But unfortunately, this is just the beginning. We will continue working with students on campus, educating and confronting the lies and the modern Anti-Semitism that is being publicly presented on campus by the disguise of delegitimizing Israel. On a more positive note-I am proud to say that our Nickel City Jews group has been doing a wonderful job. I couldn’t imagine myself doing something as meaningful as this. We have recently celebrated Lag B’Omer and Yom Ha’atzmaut with over 70 young adults who participated in each event. Some young adults even came from Rochester. And this is only just the beginning. And finally, as each day is a new beginning, this year will also be a new beginning for us. And I am sure that the best is just ahead of us. Yours, Lital 18 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Community

The other day I was listening to one of Steve Job’s spiels on YouTube at a graduation ceremony at Stanford University which took place years ago. But in his brilliant way, Jobs hit the nail right on the head! He was sharing that he would wake up every morning and ask himself, looking at the mirror, “If this was the last day of my life, would I be doing what I planned to do today?” Now we all do things that we probably wouldn’t be doing if that was our last day on Earth, but when I was offered to become the Director at Hillel of Buffalo, I asked myself the same question. And honestly, I had no doubt that after everything that Lital and I have done for the last two years, the question would be very easy to answer. YES! I’m grateful for being offered the job as director at Hillel of Buffalo and thankful to our Hillel board as well as the Jewish Federation of Buffalo for trusting in me to lead this amazing organization on the UB campus. We have many challenges ahead of us–building strong and meaningful Jewish experiences for our students on one side and protecting them from the ill- environment that is spreading within our campuses, on the other. The truth must be said–I wouldn’t be able to do half of the things that I’ve achieved without the help of this community. Whether through the Federation, the JCC, the Foundation, lay leaders and especially those individuals who cared enough to come to our events, showed support for our pro-Israel clubs on campus and continue to do so. I’m thrilled to continue working and collaborating with all of you because if there is one thing that I’ve learned, we are the strongest when we are united. We are one-- but we are not the same-- and this diversity is the beautiful mosaic of our community. There is much to plan and strategize for the upcoming year and we can’t wait to start our third year, but in the meanwhile let us just say “Todah—Thank You!” to each and every one of you for making us feel at home far away from home. Whether this winter is going to be mild or wild, I know that when I wake up tomorrow morning, I will look in the mirror and certainly know that there is no better community in which I would rather be! Best, Dan July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 19 ADVERTISEMENT Agencies Eric Snyder has been a Cantor for 35 years, with much experience teaching Jewish Jewish Community Center of Greater adults and young people. He has endless Buffalo, Inc. patience and creativity, teaching every Benderson Family Building Community 2640 North Forest Road topic of Jewish life to the elderly, the Getzville, NY 14068 very young and those in between. 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Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association Jewish Federation Cemetery 2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Corporation, Inc. Getzville, NY 14068 2640 North Forest Road • Personal/Private Instruction • TEL 716-204-0542 Getzville, NY 14068 Sam Golden- Loan Officer TEL 716-204-2246 | FAX 716-929-0482 • Step-by-Step Assistance • Barbara Sitrin- President www.jfedbflo.com Deborah Pivarsi- Director Hillel of Buffalo Campus Foundation for Jerome D. Carrel- President Have you always Jewish Life 520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons Kadimah School of Buffalo wanted to become part Suite # 210 1085 Eggert Road W. Amherst, NY 14228 Amherst, NY 14226 of the internet world? TEL 716-645-8787 | FAX 716-639-7817 TEL 716-836-6903 | FAX 716-837-7322 www.hillelofbuffalo.org www.kadimah.org shop, read, learn, Dan Metchnik - Director Einav Symons- Head of School Carrie J Rittenhouse - President Marc Brown & Jonathan Epstein- text, Skype, email, Co-Presidents bank, FaceTime Institute of Jewish Thought and Heritage 712 Clemens Hall Ohr Temimim School University at Buffalo 411 John James Audubon Parkway Buffalo, NY 14260 W. Amherst, NY 14228 TEL 716-645-3695 FAX 716-645-3473 TEL 716-568-0226 | FAX 716-636-1899 Email: [email protected] www.ohrtemimimschool.com http://www.jewishstudies.buffalo.edu/ Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz- Principal Dr. Richard A. Cohen, Director Jonathon Gellman - President

Holocaust Resource Center Weinberg Campus 1050 Maryvale Drive 2700 North Forest Road Call or email Eric Snyder Cheektowaga, NY 14225 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-634-9535 | FAX 716-634-9625 TEL 716-639-3311 | FAX 716-639-3309 854-304-4134 www.holocaustcenterbuff.com www.weinbergcampus.org [email protected] Sharon M. Jacobs- Co-President David Dunkelman- President & CEO Pieter Weinrieb- Co-President Jonathan Rodwin- Chairman of the Board Mara Koven Gelman- Executive Director of Directors 20 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Synagogues

Yad B’Yad Jewish Federation Apartments Himmel KENNY TOP 5 REASONS A program of the Bureau of Jewish Education Family Chapel (Unaffiliated) YOU MUST COME TO TEL 716-204-5380 / FAX 716-688-3572 275 Essjay Road CARPETS Matthew Schwartz- Director Williamsville, NY 14221 KENNY CARPETS: www.yadbyad.org Pinkhos Blitshteyn- President Cindy Komm- Chair Rabbi Daniel Shuman AND 1. WNYs largest volume flooring chain, our selection is Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) FLOORS overwhelming, our volume Western New York Rabbi Nesanel Cadle President - Shmuel Rashkin Carpet any home! Any size! saves you lots of money. Synagogues and Temples Vice President - Reuven Alt Installation and Quality Gabbai David Kunkel 2. Serving WNY since 1960, Chabad House of Buffalo (unaffiliated) 85 Saranac Avenue Cushion... NO EXTRA no one has our experience in 2450 North. Forest Rd, Buffalo New York 14216 CHARGE!!! installing carpet and floors. Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716 876 1284 TEL 716-688-1642 www. SaranacSynagogue.org 3. Our staff averages 19 years of www.chabadbuffalo.com FREE SHOP AT experience - no one will serve Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative) Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative) 621 Getzville Road HOME SERVICE you better. 1073 Elmwood Avenue Amherst, NY 14226 Kenny Carpets will bring samples of Buffalo, NY 14222 Rabbi Perry Netter this outstanding sale to your home 4. We stock more carpet, wood, www.congregationbethabraham.net Cantor Mark Spindler and give you a free accurate estimate. laminate, and vinyl than any Cantor Emeritus Gerald DeBruin Call any of our three conveniently store. Buy today, Install Congregation B’nai Shalom (Conservative) Leon Komm - President located Kenny Carpet Stores. 1641 North Forest Rd. TEL 716- 838-3232 Tomorrow. Williamsville, NY 14221 www.btzbuffalo.org Helen Weinstein- President 5. Our prices are significantly TEL 716-689-8203 Temple Beth Zion (Reform) lower than any Outlet, Home [email protected] Sanctuary: 805 Delaware Avenue Center or Store. Ask about our www.bnaishalombuffalo.org Buffalo, NY 14209 Religious School and Offices: PAY NO low price guarantee!! Congregation Hesed Abraham 700 Sweet Home Road INTEREST 215 Hall Ave Amherst, NY 14226 UNTIL Jamestown, NY 14701 Rabbi Gary Pokras- Sr. Rabbi 2016* Rabbi Allen Podet Rabbi Adam Scheldt- Asst. Rabbi TEL 716-484-1800 Cantor Penny Myers Warren Clark - President Congregation Shir Shalom TEL 716-836-6565 (Reform/ Reconstructionist) www.tbz.org 4660 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 Temple Beth El (Reform) TEL 716-633-8877 720 Ashland Avenue Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein Niagara Falls, NY 14301 Cantor Sharon Eve Colbert Rabbi Drorah Setel Todd Sugarman - President Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose www.shirshalombuffalo.org Robert Duell- President TEL 716-282-2717 Congregation Havurah www.niagarafallstemple.com 6320 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 MEMBER ... DO NY! Bernard Schenkler, President The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) RE THE KEN Annette Pinder, Membership Chair 757 Hopkins Road HOURS: 7600 TRANSIT RD. 631-0028 TEL 716-689-2256 Williamsville, NY 14221 Opposite Eastern Hills Mall www.congregationhavurah.org Rabbi Heschel Greenberg M-F 10-9 [email protected] Rabbi Laizer Labkovski SAT 10-5 3240 TRANSIT RD. 656-0426 716-639-7600 at Seneca Creek Kehillat Ohr Tzion (Modern Orthodox) SUN 12-5 879 Hopkins Rd Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) 2995 SHERIDAN DR. 836-8100 Williamsville, NY 14221 105 Maple Road *For qualified buyers at Niagara falls Blvd. next to Email: [email protected] Williamsville, NY 14221 Northtown Plaza Rabbi Joshua Strosberg Rabbi Moshe Taub Marian Arbesman - President Richard G. Berger- President http://ohrtzion.org/kot TEL 716-634-0212 WWW.KENNYCARPETS.COM www.yibuffalo.org Knesset Center (Orthodox) 500 Starin Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214 TEL 716-832-5063 Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow www.chabad.org

Attention Snowbirds! Due to postal regulations, the Jewish Journal of Western New York will Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning no longer be forwarded to “temporary change” addresses. If you plan to Drapery Cleaning CALL NOW! be away from your permanent address and will have your first class mail Blind Cleaning forwarded to your temporary address and would like to continue to receive 40% Tile and Grout Cleaning 716.332.5907 DISCOUNT the Jewish Journal over the winter or the summer, please call Nadine Ryback Area Rug Cleaning Air Duct Cleaning at 716-204-2248 to give us your “temporary” address. Thank you! for all Services Offer Expires September 15, 2015

July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 21 Synagogues Temple Beth Tzedek Temple Beth Tzedek Honors Community Garden by Rachel Anderson, Chair Social Action

Despite the bitter cold winds and pouring rain, volunteers from many religious groups came together on the last day of May to build wicking beds, under the supervision of Max Robinson, who worked on the project for the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. Planting here commenced in early June. Children from three area synagogues planted seeds during the winter/early spring to get a head start on the growing season. The wicking bed is an invention The new board for Gilgool USY - Temple Beth Tzedek 2015-2016: Ethan Milich- Social Action VP , Aaron by Colin Austin of Queensland, Australia, Blum-Israeli Affairs VP , Erin Lippa - Tikun Olam VP ,Mason Botwin - Religious Education VP, Seth Blum- Membership/ Kadimah VP, Jared Wallenfels- Membership/Kadimah VP, Leah Kramer - President, Molly as a means for conserving water. With Brownstein- Communications VP a wicking bed system, up to 50% less water is used, and only needs refilling the reservoir every two to four weeks. This is achieved by creating a reservoir beneath the soil that continuously releases water to the soil above. In addition to water conservation, it is less labor intensive than conventional watering. In July, we hope to have a steady stream of produce to deliver to the Town Square Food Pantry at the back of Weinberg you Laura. Other donations came from: Campus. Sun-ripened tomatoes, green Collette Cherbow of First Niagara Bank, beans, kale, carrots, lettuce, scallions, Jim McCarthy and Dave from Oakbrook, peppers, radishes and beets are some of the Harvey and Nancy Sellers, Jill Komm, vegetables that we will be donating to local Home Depot, and numerous anonymous residents in need. donations. Pat McNamara has been an We were very lucky to engage the enormous help throughout the entire services of Laura Wright, photographer proceedings. He has been my right hand and writer, who after seeing an article in man and go to person for everything. the Amherst Bee, volunteered to chronicle Thank you everyone, we couldn’t have our endeavors. In addition she made achieved it without everyone’s help. Rabbi some extraordinarily generous donations Netter always says “it takes a village….” It Confirmation at Temple Beth Tzedek, May 2, 2015: Erin Lippa, Molly Brownstein, Jared Wallenfels of tools, equipment and cash. Thank certainly does. and Leah Kramer

22 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Synagogues Anne Bernstein Memorial Shabbat Scholar Series-A Special Tribute

By Peter Simon State College, where Anne earned her degree. In addition, It was a double mitzvah for Dr. Ellen Bernstein volunteers as Joel M. Bernstein. The first honor a crisis counselor for families was presenting a detailed and with children who die or have well-received speech about the serious illnesses. crucial role of hearing -- his medical Helping others learn specialty -- in the development and grow has been a crucial of Judaism. The experience was element for Ellen and Alan made far richer because it took Bernstein as they cope with the place at a Memorial Shabbat tragedy of losing a daughter. Scholar Series honoring Anne The presentation by Anne’s Bernstein, his late niece. uncle at Congregation Shir “Tears come to my eyes when I think Shalom underlined that in a about Anne, and the honor of being asked most personal way. to do this,” said Dr. Bernstein, a local ear, “Memory is the most nose and throat surgeon for 47 years. His important thing,” Ellen lecture, presented in May at Congregation Bernstein said. “Memory Shir Shalom, described how hearing -- and is what keeps a person alive. the capacity to understand and analyze It’s her. It means everything.” what is being heard -- is a critical Alan Bernstein, Ellen Bernstein and Dr. Joel Bernstein And what a beautiful memory element in the oral tradition that shapes was made at the Anne so much of Jewish belief and practice. It was, he said, a profound honor to speak at Ellen Bernstein, have established several funds Bernstein Memorial Shabbat For example, Dr. Bernstein said: Shir Shalom’s Anne Bernstein Memorial Shabbat in her honor for educational programming and Speaker Series. Over 70 people • The Torah defines Shabbat very Scholar Series. Anne Bernstein passed away in scholarships. Other funds are in use at Temple attended and shared in Shabbat generally as a day of rest, but 1983 at age 22, and her parents, Alan and Beth Tzedek, Hillel of Buffalo and Fredonia learning. it is oral tradition, recorded in the Talmud, that establishes 39 specific prohibitions. • Blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah grew out of a more general Torah directive that there be a “blowing unto” on the first day of the seventh month. • While the Torah calls for “an eye for an eye,” oral tradition instead establishes compensation for the value of the eye. Dr. Bernstein underlined the central role of hearing in Judaism by quoting this passage from the Book of Exodus: “And the Lord said to Moses: ‘I will come to you in a thick cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak to you and will trust you ever after.’” In addition, Dr. Bernstein said, Rabbi Nathan Lopez 646 N. French Road Suite # 9•Amherst , NY 14228-2125 Cardozo of Jerusalem said “the Torah is 716.691.7121 • www.mollot.com not to be read, but to be heard.” Asked why he emphasized the concept of hearing in his presentation, Dr. Bernstein replied “I don’t think many Service Built on people have heard that kind of lecture before and they don’t think about it.” independence & truSt Motivated by both his love for his late niece and for Jewish tradition, Dr. Securities and advisory services Offered Through FSC Securities Bernstein spent months preparing his Corporation A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/SPIC presentation by studying and speaking and a registered investment advisor. Additional advisory services to local rabbis and others well-versed in offered through Mollot & Hardy, Inc. A registered investment Bryan Castro, CFPtM Sanford Seide, CLU Alan Mollot, CLU, CFPtM Michael Hardy, CFPtM Judaism. advisor not affiliated with FSC Securities Corporation. July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 23 Synagogues

Temple Beth Zion Sisterhood Outdoor Shabbat Sisterhood of Temple Hosts 36th Annual Evening Service Beth Zion’s Sylvia Followed by BBQ Morris Theater Bus Merrill Molien Haven House Dinner Trips Presents Scholarship Luncheon Friday, July 10, 6 PM Temple Beth Zion’s Broder Center, “Kinky Boots” Tuesday, July 14, Noon 700 Sweet Home Road Broder Center, The Service will take place outdoors in Toronto (weather permitting, of course). Wednesday, Aug. 19 700 Sweet Home Road Reservations are required for the BBQ dinner. Open to the community! Join us for an interesting speaker, a delicious Call 836-6565 no later than Thursday, lunch and our fabulous basket auction. All proceeds July 2 to place your dinner reservation. The cost per person is $150, benefit an educational scholarship for victims of which includes round-trip bus domestic violence. transportation, play and dinner at Joe Badali’s Ristorante. The bus Want to help us help Haven House? Here’s how: leaves the TBZ Broder Center, 700 • Join us and bring friends. All are welcome to join! Tables for eight may be reserved Sweet Home Road, at 10:30 AM. - call by July 3. *Participants must bring either a • Bring an item or items from the Haven House Wish List. Even if you are unable passport or an enhanced license to cross to attend the luncheon, we welcome donations for Haven House. Donations of the border. items are needed for children, women and supplies for the shelter. Seating is limited! Reservations are required by Wednesday, July 8, so call the Temple office at 836-6565 Call Marilyn at 832-4757. for more information!

Temple Beth Zion Summer Celebration Summer is just around the corner, so mark your calendar for the Temple Beth Zion Summer Celebration. Monday, August 10 Transit Valley Country Club Deny Adelman and David Goldberg, Co-Chairs Set aside all or part of the day and plan to lunch, wine tour or golf, or just come for a delicious dinner and lively auctions. All proceeds from this event benefit all educational programming at TBZ. For more information, call Julie Feldman at 836-6565. Don’t miss the premier social event of the summer!

24 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Synagogues TBZ Last Day of School

PAUL J. MICHAELS

Teacher Marcia Valente Specializing in with students. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery & Laser Vision Correction

• Cataract Evaluations • Glaucoma Evaluations • Large Selection of • Multi-Focal Lenses & Treatment Frames • Routine Eye Exams • Contact Lenses

TBZ Director of Education, Susan Schwartz, sings to Main Office a student. 3095 Harlem Road • Cheektowaga NY 14225 Routine & Medical Care 716-896-8831 Laser Vision Correction 716-892-2020 PALS Dr. Dan Weitzenkorn Dr. Sara Sirkin for 1900 Ridge Road • West Seneca, NY 2441 Sheridan Drive • Tonawanda, NY Summer 674-5966 836-8700 on Page “Change The Way You See” We participate with Medicare & Major Insurance Plans 26 Visit us at www.atwaleyecare.com

July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 25 Synagogues Congregation Shir Shalom once again “Walks the Walk” for the Food Bank July 25

8 days of Passover. CEO. “Walk Off Hunger 8 nights of Chanukah. plays a big role in our ability And now, 8 years of one local to assist the people who temple’s effort to feed the hungry. need our help”. Borowiak also points This year marks the 8th annual Walk out that people are often Off Hunger for the Food Bank of WNY. surprised when they learn Once again Congregation Shir Shalom is just who is helped by the co-hosting the event, which has become Food Bank. They live in the one of the most important fundraisers of suburbs. They’re employed. the year for the Food Bank. In fact, many work more In the seven years since the former than one job. But it just Temple Beth Am started the walk in isn’t enough. Every month Food Bank are very low….but the need is high. of registering for the walk. 2008, Walk Off Hunger has raised the Food Bank helps Children who would normally receive meals through In addition to walking the walk enough money to provide nearly two nearly 100,000 people in school programs are on vacation. Borowiak says “We yourself, or making a donation to million meals for Western New Yorkers. Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, can’t let those kids go hungry”. someone who’s walking, there’s also an Not bad for something that started as an Erie and Niagara Counties. This year’s walk will be held Saturday July 25th at opportunity to adopt a family so families effort to raise a few thousand dollars. One reason Walk Off Island Park in Williamsville. Registration begins at served by the Food Bank can take part in “We are so grateful for the support Hunger is so important 10:00 and the walk is at 11:00. It’s only two miles, the event. we’ve gotten from the temple and the is that it’s a summertime making it a very family-friendly event. And it’s For more information, or to sign up, go WNY Jewish community”, says Marylou event. That’s the time of followed by Summerfest, featuring food, children’s to www.foodbankwny.org. Borowiak, Food Bank President and year when donations to the games, and entertainment….all included in the cost

Registration is now open for the fantastic fun and learning at Temple Beth Zion’s Play And Learn School. Summer PALS include weeks beginning July 20, July 27, August 3 and August 10. 3 to 5 year-olds attend on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. 2 year-olds attend on Tuesday/Thursday from 9 to 11:30 AM.

Call Melissa Milch-Klein at 836-6565, Ext. 139 or email [email protected] for more information. Registration is also available for the 2015-2016 school year.

Laughter and lament, joy and pain succumb to afﬁ rmations of life well journeyed – to loving testaments etched in stone PLOTS AVAILABLE PALS Shabbat Magic and Torah time included a Cantor Penny Myers chanted the 10 For more information, call 204-2246. visit from Moses (Rabbi Gary Pokras). Commandments for PALS! 26 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Calendar

July 1 July 23 Canada Day celebrated. Nickel City Jews, The Schmooze. 640 Ellicott Street. 6:30 pm dig. $18. July 4 [email protected] American Independence Day celebrated.

JCC Independence Day celebration. July 25 11:00 am. Fireworks! Walk Off Hunger Island Park in Williamsville. 10:00 am. July 7 www.foodbank.org Nickel City Jews Bidwell Concert. Meet-Up: Bidwell Parkway, 6:30 pm. July 26 [email protected] Tisha B’Av. Fast day in memory of the destruction July 10 of the Temple in Jerusalem. TBZ Shabbat Services & BBQ dinner. TBZ Broder Center, 700 Sweet Home Road. 6:00 pm. July 30 716-836-6565 Yiddish Literature Class JCC Sellers Theatre. 10:30 am. July 14 Free. TBZ Haven House Annual luncheon. Broder Center, 700 Sweet Home Road. 12:00 noon. August 6 716-836-6565 Yiddish Literature Class JCC Sellers Theatre. 10:30 am. Barbara L. Oliver Bastille Day. Free. Graduate Gemologist - GIA French Revolution day celebrated in France. 5820 Main Street, Suite 311 | Caldwell Building | Williamsville, NY 14221 August 10 P- 716.204.1297 | F- 716.204.2260 July 23 Temple Beth Zion Summer [email protected] Yiddish Literature Class Celebration. JCC Sellers Theatre. 10:30 am. Free. All day. 716-836-6565. “A Trusted Jeweler is Worth Her Weight in Gold.”

July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 27 Agencies our community.” She was nominated for this award Buffalo Jewish Coalition for by Michelle Ciminelli, PhD., Assistant Literacy Honored Professor of Education at Niagara University, whom she has come to know ne of the co-chairs of the Jewish Certificate of Recognition to a person while volunteering at the Scholastic Federation’s Buffalo Jewish not affiliated with NFRC and not a Book Sales. “I was so pleased that the OCoalition for Literacy (BJCL)- paid professional educator who performs work of the Buffalo Jewish Coalition - Amy Heumann—was honored at the service to, or promotion of, the council’s for Literacy was highlighted in a setting 2015 Niagara Frontier Reading Council’s purposes. Amy’s award reads “Niagara outside the Jewish community,” Mrs. Spring Brunch that was held at Michael’s Frontier Reading Council 2015 Certificate Heumann said. For information on how Banquet Facility in Hamburg in late April. of Recognition Award is presented to you can volunteer call Ellen Goldstein at Each year the Council awards a Amy Heumann for enhancing literacy in 716-204-2243. Dr. Ciminelli and Amy Heumann Yad B’Yad July News

By: Matthew L. Schwartz, Director

ad B’Yad is pleased to provide these handy YBY Tidbits to help you Yinclude individuals who are Hard of Hearing into your events and programming:

• Offering Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) is a great step toward inclusion! • However, please be aware: ALDs don’t always work for everyone. Some individuals find them uncomfortable, embarrassing, or offensive to use. • Do make sure that if you are offering ALDs, that they are functional, charged, and cleaned before/after each use. • If anyone gets up to make an announcement (e.g. a board member), be sure that they use a microphone that’s connected to the Assistive Listening Device system. • Individuals who are Hard of Hearing and who rely on hearing aids find it difficult to understand someone who raises their voice or yells because the hearing aid tends to distort loud noises – please speak at your usual volume and let the hearing aid do its job! • Please feel free to speak slower and to enunciate, but try not to make exaggerated mouth movements. • Exaggerated mouth movements make it difficult for individuals who are Hard of Hearing to understand what you’re saying because it’s not the ‘natural’ mouth formation they’re accustomed to seeing and deriving cues from. • When dealing with individuals who are Hard of Hearing please remember to speak facing them, at a close (or closer) distance than you might speak to individuals without hearing loss. This helps them both hear you, and see your lips better. • If you are not understood, and you find that you’re repeating yourself, please feel free to rephrase what you were trying to say. • Get creative – if you’re still having trouble communicating, feel free to tap out a message on a cell phone or a notepad app, or just write it down! If you don’t have a pen and paper, or your phone is out of juice, you can also always act it out!

Yad B’Yad is a program of the Bureau of Jewish Education that provides outreach, advocacy and program support to assist people with disabilities in achieving full participation in Jewish life in Western New York. To join us in our programming, to volunteer, please visit our website at www.yadbyad.org, find us on Facebook at http://www. facebook.com/yadbyadbuffalo, or contact Matt at (716) 204-5380 or [email protected]. We look forward to having you! 28 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Support WNY’s Farmers, Growers and Producers!

East Aurora Saturdays 8am-1pm OPEN AIR MARKET Farmers Market at the Aurora Village Shopping Center University Community Farmers Market 123 Grey Street • East Aurora www.ourheights.org/farmersmarket May 3rd - Nov. 24th UCFM is located at the intersection of Main and Wednesdays & Saturdays • 7am-1pm Kenmore on UB South Campus

RAin oR Shine rd th - October 3 Produce and Artisan vendors 4 ly u J LOCKPORT Looking Canal COMMUNITY for new Street, MARKET Local Producers Providing vendors, Downtown no table Lockport} Saturdays 9am-2pm vegetables • fruits • jams • herbs charge eggs • sausage • maple syrup PRODUCE - EGGS - MEAT - POULTRY honey • plants • and more! BAKED GOODS - WINE - GIFTS [email protected]

Summer hourS may 1 - october 31 Wholesale: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 3:30 am - 7 am Retail: Sunday thru Friday 7 am - 6 pm Saturday 6 am - 6 pm Winter hourS Retail: Saturdays 6 am - Noon Flea market hourS may - october 7 am - 5 pm Saturday and Sunday 1443-1517 clinton St., buFFalo, ny 14206 Saron baldi, manager (716) 822-2466 | [email protected]

WINTER FARMS • Large Selection of Fresh Produce • Look for us at these Farmers’ Markets WiLLiamSviLLe Homemade Gourmet Pickles eaSt aurora no salt • no preservatives Hamburg All Natural 22 Unique Flavors Always Fresh Our Farm Stand 7 days a week Locally Available at Markets, Delis at 5701 burton road orchard Park & Specialty Food Stores hot - sweet - dill - medium - mild PICKLES • RELISH • SALSA www.pickleannies.com July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 29 Agencies BJE recognizes 13 outstanding Join the Bureau Book Club

Graduates! By Ethel Melzer, Adult Education Director n Wednesday, May 13, 2015 the Bureau of Jewish Education ike many of you, I had read Chaim Ocelebrated the High School of Potok’s book, My Name is Asher Lev Jewish Studies 69th graduation ceremony Lmany years ago. However, because and the BJE’s 87th Annual Meeting. of the Jewish Repertory Theatre’s The night began with the recognition performance of the play this coming of 13 outstanding graduates. One by October, and the visit beforehand, of one the graduates spoke about their Adena Potok – Chaim Potok’s widow - I accomplishments and time spent at the decided to re-read the book. I was blown High School of Jewish Studies. Each of away! them had a personal testimony as to how Potok’s ability to express the constant their Jewish education had supported class of values that confront Asher Lev their growth in the Jewish community. is extraordinary. He was born into a Faculty members honored each student. Outgoing President, Charlotte Gendler, received Hasidic community and trained by his You can read their remarks on pages 6-9 a hug and acknowledgement from incoming father and his Rebbe to study Torah. President, Michael Berger. of this issue of the JJWNY. Asher Lev’s aesthetic heart and soul, Later in the evening the BJE welcomed can’t wait to see what our graduates combined with his exceptional artistic its new president, Michael Berger, who will do next. For further information ability, compel him to portray his world proudly acknowledged the graduates’ regarding the Bureau of Jewish Education in a highly secular manner. Thus, we Breverman, Rabbi Perry Netter and achievements and graciously accepted or the High School of Jewish Studies have the conflict! Director Saul Elkin will be part of this his new role with the BJE. The night please contact Jill Komm – Executive In an effort to understand and unique program. concluded with a reception of proud Director and Principal at 716-204-5380 thoroughly study the Potok novel, In order for you to become an integral families, and BJE board members. We or [email protected] the Adult Education Department of part of the offering – it would be to the Bureau of Jewish Education has your great advantage to join our “BJE developed a series that will consist of Book Club” by reading (or re-reading) 4 Thursday afternoon and/or evening My Name is Asher Lev. So - search classroom sessions that will begin in your bookshelves; borrow the book from September. They will be followed by an the library; purchase the book from a evening reception with Adena Potok, bookstore or online; or download it on October 20 and then end with the onto your reader - you will be enriched October 22 opening night performance and thoroughly prepared to join us in of My Name is Asher Lev, directed by September and October for a wonderful Saul Elkin and produced by the Jewish multi-faceted program on Chaim Potok’s Repertory Theatre. book, My Name is Asher Lev! Please watch for program material For more information on this or that will follow in the ensuing months any other Adult Education program, YOUR “PERSONAL” and will give specific dates, times, faculty please contact Ethel Melzer at 204- PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM and fees that will present several different 5380 or [email protected]. Please aspects of Potok’s book. Classes with check our website for updated material: · Auto Accidents · Wrongful Death Rabbi Drorah Setel, Artist Harvey www.bjebuffalo.org · Truck Accidents · Slips, Trips and Falls · Pedestrian Accidents · Dangerous Drugs Kadimah Students Celebrate Israel! · Motorcycle Accidents · Defective Products · Construction Accidents · Medical Malpractice Download our FREE “Buffalo Car Accident” App for your Android or iPhone Members of the 6512 Main Street · Amherst, New York 14221 Kadimah School community Buffalo · South Towns joyfully Phone: (716) 633-5050 · Fax (716) 633-9052 commemorated www.gelberoconnell.com Israel’s birthday this spring with Follow us on Facebook and Twitter flags and songs Attorney Advertising and ruach! 30 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Agencies to practice. www.annefrankproject. Anne Frank Project (AFP) com/afp-festival INTERNATIONAL: The third Learn about at Buffalo State College delegation of undergraduate and graduate students returned to Yiddish Rwanda in January 2015. This Literature Spring Review, 2015 three week study abroad program immerses students into the Rwandan culture where they learn Beginning July 23 the power of storytelling and its ability to heal communities. Six students toured Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, visited villages, memorials, government and nonprofit organizations, a Gahimbe refugee camp and performed a short play about Anne Frank in many locations. AFP partnered with Dr. Theodore Steinberg the Global Engagement Institute and the Wellspring Foundation to rom the mid-nineteenth century until the connect with schools. We then held mid-twentieth, Yiddish literature flourished a two day drama-based education Fboth in Europe and in the United States, intensive where we trained 30 but in more recent years, with the decline in teacher trainers and administrators. the number of Yiddish speakers and readers, AFP also facilitated story-building knowledge about Yiddish literature has workshops in Wellspring’s school declined. Several local organizations-- Kehillat Buffalo State College students in Rwanda for students ages K-6. AFP has Ohr Tzion, Congregation Shir Shalom, Buffalo had tremendous feedback about Hadassah, and LIMUD, with a grant from the By Eve C. Everette information please visit connecting the drama-based Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo’s Jewish Assistant Director AFP www.annefrankproject. education work to curriculum: “I Venture Fund, will be presenting a three-part com/teacher-training. realized how traditional methods of lecture-discussion series that will address this he Anne Frank Project uses theatre as a The training is set around fact memorizing must be replaced by situation by approaching Yiddish works as vehicle for conflict resolution, community AFP’s seventh annual Social drama based education.” - Bisengi the sophisticated masterpieces that they are, Tbuilding, and identity exploration. Inspired Justice Festival, AFP 2015: Gilbert, Wellspring Foundation by demonstrating their continuing relevance by the words and wisdom of Anne Frank, AFP Identity Inclusion and the Teacher Trainer, Rwanda. We are to Jewish life, and by trying to rise above the surfaces and shares stories stifled by oppression. World. Each year AFP very excited to continue working in trap of nostalgia for a world that never actually www.annefrankproject.com invites artists, performers, Rwanda. Giving back to the Buffalo existed. The 2014-2015 academic year has been very social justice experts, community is directly tied to The three sessions will be presented on July successful for AFP. We’ve created wonderful and community leaders Rwanda. When we return, students 23, July 30, and August 6 and will focus on relationships with schools and organizations locally, to unpack the Festival’s choose a theme that impacted them Shalom Aleichem, Yiddish poetry, and the nationally, and internationally. theme. Participants engage in Rwanda and devise a play that novelist and poet Chaim Grade. LOCAL: AFP surfaced stories at Performing Arts in hands-on, kinesthetic serves a need in our schools. The The presenter will be Dr. Theodore and Lafayette High School as part of the Ferry Street exhibits, performances, and play, and its kinesthetic workshop, is Steinberg, a recently retired member of the Corridor Project, a National Endowment for the Arts workshops to put theory then toured in the fall. English Department at SUNY Fredonia. Dr. Placemaking grant awarded to the City of Buffalo Steinberg is the author of a book on Mendele and the Friends of the Buffalo Story. Since October Moykher Seforim as well as several other books, AFP has been story-building with students from including Jews and Judaism in the Middle Ages, around the world. Their connected theme is inspired and numerous chapters and articles on Yiddish by resilience and fellowship: “Overcoming challenges and Hebrew literatures. All sessions will take and obstacles yields education and life lessons.” AFP place at 10:30 in the Robert and Maxine Sellers also supports SUNY Buffalo State’s social justice Theater at the Jewish Community Center and initiatives. This year AFP created SHATTERED for will be open, at no cost, to everyone. BSC’s “I Heart Consent” campaign. SHATTERED is The organizers hope that the proposed a story about the grey areas of sexual consent and the series will have two major outcomes: it will media’s mishandling of it. give members of the Jewish community the NATIONAL: The AFP story-building and drama- opportunity to discuss topics of common based education model is sought by American interest, and it will bring to their attention an universities and organizations. This year AFP trained important aspect of Jewish history and culture professors, staff, and community partners at the that is too often overlooked. Furthermore, if University of Millersville and will be at the University this series is successful, it could lead to other of Missouri this August. Our next training is at SUNY explorations of Jewish literature in the future, Buffalo State, September 12, 13 and 18. For more Lafayette High School students in AFP story-building workshop such as the Hebrew poetry of medieval Spain. July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 31

Agencies Yad B’ Yad at the Bisons Game

he group went to a Bison’s Game in early June, but it was but it was rained out! However, the they spent a couple of hours hanging out, watching baseball on the Tbig screen while waiting for the rain to go away, and eating lunch together so they still all had fun! “So we had a blast even with the rain,” Said Yad B’Yad Director Matt Schwartz

July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 33 Agencies Kadimah Annual Dinner Pix he Community came out in June to support Kadimah School and to Thonor Irv and Elaine Weinstein. Here are some photos of the steller evening, which included a talk by Shimon Mercer-Wood, Spokesperson for the Consulate of Israel in New York, as well Jay L. Mesnekoff a songs and skits by students, and a Director video tribute to the Weinsteins, who were unable to attend.

34 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Agencies

ADVERTISE in the Jewish Journal’s Special Section this August:

To advertise in “Meet Your Realtor”, please call 972-2250 by the 10th of this month. July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 35

Agencies ADVERTISEMENT The Future of Aging BE PREPARED FOR in Jewish Buffalo THE UNEXPECTED By David Dunkleman, More than 300,000 motor vehicle When you download the App, it will Weinberg Campus crashes were reported in New York in 2013. be easier to gather information if you have President & CEO More than 100,000 involved injuries and an accident. The App provides straightfor- more than 1,000 involved deaths. None of ward to-do’s and fact gathering tools and us like to think about it, but whether you has photo/video capabilities to ensure that verything is changing are the operator of, or passenger in, a car, you are informed and protected if an ac- dramatically in the world of truck or motorcycle, riding a bicycle or cident occurs. The “Buffalo Car Accident” Eaging and in our Jewish simply taking a walk, you can be hit by a ve- App is one of those things you don’t think community. hicle. The bottom line is that accidents do you will need.... until you do. And when This is the fifth in a series of happen and it is better to be prepared... just you do, you will be glad you took a few articles explaining what Weinberg in case. That is why the local car accident seconds to download it to your Android/ and injury law firm, Gelber & O’Connell, iPhone. Campus is doing to address the LLC, developed the “Buffalo Car Acci- future. The previous four articles dent” App for your Android/iPhone. Contact Stephanie Gelber, Esq., of Gel- discussed aging in general and ber & O’Connell, LLC, at (716) 633-5050 aging in the Jewish community, By way of history, Gelber & O’Connell, if you need help downloading the App or if government response to aging LLC, for 15 years, has given out to the com- you want the original Car Accident Infor- issues, managed care and the Town munity their Car Accident Information mation folder. Square for Aging. folder to place in the glove compartments of their vehicles. The folder was designed This article describes some to provide helpful information about acci- of the initiatives, in addition to dents and a brief form to fill out at the time opening the Town Square for Aging, of the accident with information needed to Weinberg Campus is taking to David Dunkleman process a claim. Due to the increased use adapt to the new realities of aging of smart phones, however, their clients have in our community. We are changing as Enriched Housing, offering a variety of requested that they update the delivery of the Campus to accommodate the licensed assisted living services that allow this information - and they did! new realities of aging, developing people to age in place. new approaches to services and new modes of delivery to combine and A new HUD 202 apartment building – overlap services in new ways. Amherst Ridge Apts This past fall Weinberg Campus began The Meadows and Garden House construction on a $7-million, 50-unit HUD- Apartments subsidized senior apartment building. This, As people live longer, they in addition to the two adjacent 50-unit tend to accumulate chronic HUD-subsidized senior apartment buildings health conditions. Nursing homes and our 120-unit Stovroff Towers, will enable have become more hospital-like, more than 350 people with minimal resources specializing in care for people in to age in place at Benderson Village, accessing the last year or so of their lives. the Fallon Health Weinberg managed-care So older people, who might once programs. have moved into nursing homes as a residential alternative, are A new Certified Home Health Care now remaining longer in specially Program adapted apartments, receiving a Weinberg Campus has received a certified variety of services that heretofore home health care license, enabling us to were only available in nursing deliver Medicare-reimbursed health care homes. services (home health nursing, etc.) across the Both Garden House and campus and into the community. the Meadows Apartments on These initiatives are part of the extensive Weinberg Campus were designed new plans Weinberg Campus is developing in anticipation of this kind of aging adapted to the new realities. We have a in place. They are warm, fully panoply of buildings and programs, each of windowed, open spaces, with short them changing to the new realities, with an walking distances and absolute added mixture of altogether new approaches accessibility to all amenities. To and players, and new vehicles to combine and respond to needs, both complexes overlap them as never before. This continuing have been dramatically refurbished series of articles will describe the changing during the past year. Garden House realities, how we are evolving to meet those and Meadows are now licensed realities and our direction forward. July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 37 Agencies Jewish Family Service prepared to support future of Buffalo, Erie County as one undivided community ewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County is well prepared to serve Jthe future of the city and the county as one community, without division, according to chairman of the board Larry Rubin. “We are financially healthy, ethically responsible and looking toward the future,” Rubin said in his remarks at the 151st annual meeting. About 50 people – board members, staff, friends and supporters – attended the hour long program held May 27 in the Temple Beth Zion auditorium. The 2015 theme was anchored to the words of Auschwitz survivor and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel: “All are entitled to live with dignity and respect. All are entitled to live without fear or pain.” “His ideology is at the heart and soul (L. to r): Front Row: Marlene Schillinger, Cheryl Bird, Paul J. Michaels Second Row: Carri S. Milch, Julie of how we navigate a complex and many Weinberg, Zabrina Reich, Adrienne Rothstein Grace, Nancy Nathan, Karen Greenspan Back Row: Lisa Kovel, Rabbi Drorah Setel, Laurence K. Rubin, David Schlein. times brutal world. Every day the board, staff and agency’s partners strive to make Temple Beth Zion, Grassroots Gardens her extraordinary commitment to Jewish sure that children, adults and seniors and the refugee community to build Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County, receive the best services and support we and maintain a garden sanctuary on which continues to open up new avenues can provide,” JFS president and CEO the Temple Beth Zion property. It will of support that provide tangible results, Marlene Schillinger said. be named the ‘J. Milton Zeckhauser products and services for the refugee Schillinger reported 2014 agency Community Garden’ after the founder of populations we serve.” accomplishments that included, among Grassroots Gardens and past president of Lisa Kovel and Nancy Nathan were many others: Temple Beth Zion and JFS,” Schillinger installed as new board directors on • Launch of the collaborative said. May 27. Continuing and returning Western New York Center for Survivors During the meeting board member directors are Jonathan A. Dandes, Ilene of Torture, which addresses complex Paul J. Michaels was honored for his Fleischmann, Paul J. Michaels, Zabrina medical, mental health, legal, social dedicated service and commitment to the V. Reich, Esq., Adrienne Rothstein Grace, service and immigration needs of 20th agency. “He opened his home to strangers CFP, CDFA, David A. Schlein, Julie and 21st century survivors of political or and friends last summer when he hosted Dressler Weinberg, LCSW-R, Karen M. state-sponsored torture. and chaired our largest fund raiser in 151 Greenspan, Nikki Joseph, Esq., Carri S. • Provision of space for the Buffalo years,” Rubin said in presenting Michaels Milch, Alan Mollot, CLU, CFP, Robert Board of Education Adult Education with the prestigious Abram and Ruth E. J. Portin, Esq., Laurence K. Rubin, Esq Division: the JFS site has the highest Pugash Family Award. (chair)., Blaine Schwartz, Esq., and Rabbi academic gains of all four resettlement Maria “Apple” Domingo, JFS director Drorah Setel. ADVERTISE agencies, a testament to the teachers, of New Americans, presented the “We help people solve the personal in the Jewish Journal’s students and JFS staff. Community Partnership Award to Cheryl challenges in their lives. We help parents Special Section this September: • Certification of more than 200 Bird, executive director of the Center find expert solutions, and we help all Theater & Performing Arts people in Mental Health First Aid, the for Sustainable Communities and Civic children blossom. For seniors, we make equivalence of CPR in mental health: Engagement at Daemen College. “The it possible for them to live out their JFS is the only certified provider of this JFS-Daemen College partnership we have lives in their homes,” Schillinger told eight-hour course in Erie County. cultivated through Cheryl’s leadership the board members, staff, friends and • Enhancement of the Career Services provides a best practice model for supporters at the 151st annual meeting. department bringing together the diverse institutions “Jewish Family Service is a small agency • Provision of service learning and organizations that work to protect with big impact. This year we provided opportunities for youth groups, and improve the health and well-being services to over 2000 individuals. We congregations, United Way volunteers of the people who live in our Buffalo were able to accomplish this because of To advertise in “Theater & Performing Arts,” and others. & Erie County refugee communities,” people like you.” please call 972-2250 by the 10th of August. “Our most recent collaboration is with Domingo said. “We are thankful for 38 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Agencies Ohr Temimim School: Let the Frog Free

The children in front of Ms. Morrison’s house visiting her parents

Frog named “Jumper” The kids By Sue Morrison, were excited to see the Kindergarten teacher “mouth” on the tree earning about nature from a schoolbook can be informative, Lbut to truly appreciate the amazing world around us, the environment should be experienced firsthand. The Kindergarten students of Ohr Temimim School were fortunate enough to have just such an opportunity recently, as they released a frog grown from a tadpole into the wilderness near the school building. The children standing by the path over the other side of The children spent eight months the stream caring for, observing, and learning about their little pet as it matured young minds of the students, allowing them from a teeny tiny tadpole into a to grow and learn through experience in healthy froggie ready to strike out on addition to textual information. its own. It was so darling to see the kids whisper The eventful day began at my goodbye to the frog with whatever name home, where the young students they chose to call it. The students sat on the charmed my parents with their path above the chosen stream and watched dazzling demeanors and polite as the frog took its first leap into freedom personalities. The students shared and landed on a log. It soon jumped off much of what they had been learning and began swimming, only to return to the about the environment, as well as log. Everyone got a good look at him before their plans for the remainder of their he jumped back into the water and the class nature outing to come. After saying ambled off down the nature trail in search of their goodbyes, the children gathered other adventures. moss to use in their moss gardens, Along the way, the girls and boys found a continuation of the learning many different types of plants and flowers, as begun with their tadpole on the well as a turtle basking in the sun on a log, and appreciation of our natural world. some fishermen catching fish. The children The beautiful nature trails across did a fabulous job following directions and the street from the school were investigating nature with excitement and selected as the perfect place for the intent as they walked along. Nearing the end class to release their amphibious of the trail, the children met Mr. Lazerson, friend, whom they had watched who shared some of his practiced birdcalls, sprout legs, absorb its tail, and including one made with his hands and a climb out of the water to thrive on blade of grass. Every piece of the day made it small worms and crickets. Actually absolutely perfect! If you’ve never been in the viewing the phases of the tadpole’s woods across the street from Ohr Temimim, metamorphosis will securely place perhaps you could take a stroll sometime. the life cycle of the frog into the The children know the way! July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 39 Jews In The News

Diva By Diva

Divas Marcy Katzman Lenard and Seen at “Take a Seat” were Richard Bergman, Elaine Pauley, At the last Diva event before summer were Karla Lewis Lenard, Marcy Lenard, Dan Lenard and Jordana Halpern at the “Take a Seat” Dorothy Bergman, Diva Mistress Mary Kate O’Connell and Wiseman, Mary Kate O’Connell, Marcy Wiseman and friends attending Marcy Lenard’s last Buffalo Diva Fundraiser Jeweler and JJWNY advertiser Barbara Oliver Jordana Halpern performance before she moves to California.

Buffalo Jewish International Film Festival

Joseph Enis, Becky and Mike Silverman at the Becky Silverman, Mike Silverman, David Williams, Lynne Williams Karla Madrid, Joan Forman, Marlene Katzel, Becky Silverman, Amherst Dipson theatre for the first week of Film Karen Wiseman, Marsha Ashton Festival, May 15 – 21

Buffalo Jewish International Film Festival Local Authors at Larkinville and their Books

Israel Bonds sponsors and speakers Ayelet Richard Lepie, Arlyne Lepie, Helen Kierstead Mara Koven-Gelman Jessica Topper Weiss and Alan Dorenfeld Local Authors at Larkinville and their Books

Dr. Sandra Block Larkinville Director of Fun Leslie Zemsky Janice Okun Seidenfeld

40 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Jews In The News

The Pride Parade in Buffalo - TBZ/ NCJ

We are all made in God’s image Nancy Spector Buffalo Spree Friends

The Pride Parade in Buffalo - TBZ/ NCJ

TBZ Youth group kids Zachary Bloom and his mother, Susan Schwartz, Rachel Jackson, Angelo Caico and kids TBZ members and Nickel City Jews preparing Dr. Gale Burstein for the parade

The Pride Parade in Buffalo - TBZ/ NCJ

Kin Rogers and Marcia Valente TBZ ers carrying their flag PRIDE LGBT heroine Carol Speser

The Pride Parade in Buffalo - TBZ/ NCJ

Wendy Smiley and Madeline Davis Ben Siegel with Block Club Bruce Ader Dr. Nancy Colligan

July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 41 Jews In The News

A Woman’s Work of Heart & Soul

Rivky Greenberg and her daughter, Miriam Cantor Sharon Colbert Andrea Strosberg and Judith Gerber Susan Goldberg Schwartz Young girls had fun, too! Congregation Havurah was helped coordinate talent made music led the group in singing represented A Woman’s Work of Heart & Soul

Ruth Dressler, Julie Dressler Weinberg and Lori Morrison, Lauren Block and friends Program Creator Darcy Wallen The women behind this event were sisters Darcy Wallen Shelley Fogel and Brocha- Ellen Weiss and Cynthia Oppenheimer, in memory of their parents Leah Greenberg Joan & Dr. Sam Shatkin A Woman’s Work of Heart & Soul

Rebecca Mesnekoff, Rhonda Wise, Lisa Wallenfels, a friend, Brenda Freedman, Dana Cynthia Oppenheimer and Lori Lewkowicz Lisa Isenberg, Ruth Lipsitz and Alice Isenberg Dr. Marian Arbesman and friend Stoffman and Leah Blum A Woman’s Work of Heart & Soul

Wondermakers Gail Golden and Members of the volunteer choir performing Linda Haniford reads work by her mother, Poet Barbara Holender reads Linda Stein author Bea Haniford several of her works A Woman’s Work of Heart & Soul

Rivky Greenberg and Cantor Penny Myers singing a duet Marcy Katzman Lenard playing the ukulele Sonia Gellman Young singing Wondermakers Linda Stein and Gail Golden looking for audience participation 42 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Jews In The News

A Woman’s Work of Heart & Soul UJF Attorneys & Physician’s event

Girls just wanna have fun! More fun! Dr. Stan Schwartz, Diane Schwartz, Dr. Peter Elkin Pieter & Renee Dayan Weinrieb UJF Attorneys & Physician’s event

The Kuznets Sisters Amanda Rosenfeld Lippes and Andrew Isenberg and Michael Adler Steve Yonaty and outgoing UJF Chair Steve Weiss Joshua Lippes Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Honoring the Ride for Roswell

Komen CEO Liz Kahn cheering Michael Weisman, his children Steve Bell, a Komen volunteer Ken Rogers attended Ron Schreiber spoke at the event Dan and Lital Metchnik attended the on the Race winners at the and a family friend the sculpture unveiling downtown event June annual event Honoring the Ride for Roswell

Sculptor and artist Ellen Steinfeld is Roswell Park CEO Dr. Candace Roswell Park scientist Dr. Irwin Gelman and Artist Ellen Steinfeld Robert Joseph, Sherry Schreiber, Michael Joseph, Aaron Schreiber, congratulated by Dr. David Miller Johnston and Board Chair Michael Ride for Roswell volunteer Shira Goldberg Ron Schreiber, Dr. Candace Johnston, Ellen Goldstein, Ellen Joseph Steinfeld, honoree Mitch Flynn, and Carolyn Flynn standing in front of the sculpture Ellen Steinfeld created to honor the Ride for Roswell, donated by the Schreibers and Joseph and First Niagara July 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 43 Not TheLastWord My War Service and a Brief Confrontation with Anti-Semitism By Irv Freedman as told to Literary Advisor Mitch Steinhorn,

s I was turning the corner on my way home from work one day in the said, “Come in, I’ll show you 1940s, I noticed my Ma standing on the porch holding what appeared to around! I’ve been here before.” Abe a very official letter in her hand and I knew something was wrong. As I turned to Fred to join us. Fred I approached the porch, Ma said, “Mazal Tov! You’re being drafted! You’re NOT declined “I can’t go. I have the going!” Two brothers were already in the service. One was on the way home and most beautiful girlfriend in the one is in Okinawa. My brother, Maury, was a Link Trainer/instructor somewhere, world and I am going to marry but his location was unknown. Rube, my other brother was a tail gunner on a B-29 her someday.” Anyways, we hit and was stationed in Okinawa. As far as we knew, he was still there and was unable Watertown and Jim said “This to come home. bar is for us.” I next found myself sitting at a table with Later on when my brother Rube came sweating bullets and I felt ill. “Mrs. about 15 guys, and beer was in home, he told me about something secret Freedman?” We heard, and we stepped a pitcher. Not being a drinker, I going on with his unit. No one was up to the table. These guys were 6' 4". poured a little beer and looked allowed to enter the area. They told them My mother was 4' 10". social. they were loading a new bomb. What he Ma began, “Gentleman, respectfully, At the end of the table, some did not know was they were loading the my two sons just completed service and I guy said to me “You’re a JEW Atomic Bomb for the Enola Gay. This finally got them home. I feel you cannot aren’t you?” I said “Yes.” He was THE bomb that destroyed Nagasaki. take another son.” The foreman said said “I never drank with a… Upon his return home, Rube said “Don’t ‘Thank You. I am sorry to inform you, Jew before!” This big guy was tell Ma, but that explosion is going to however, we are unable to award Reserve about 350 pounds. Me–100 change the course of the world.” And status, as we have a draft quota to meet”. pounds and 5foot tall! The best it did. My Ma pleaded again. I probably should do was to My mother did everything in her “Gentlemen–Thank You, BUT… walk away, however I thought power to prevent me from going overseas. (when I heard that BUT, I knew the roof I would be a disgrace to the Upon our arrival at the hearing with the was going to blow!) At 13 years old, I company. “Where to go-what draft board, we thought the procedure brought five brothers, one sister, mom Irv Freedman to do?” I thought. Suddenly would be quick. Not so. There were and dad–to this free country. One brother an aura came over me. I said, 40-50 other people requesting a hearing was turned back to Ellis Island, due to Today this family numbers over 400 people. Not “What did you say?” The whole for not going to service–some with really sickness, and died in a concentration one was ever incarcerated, or even looked down room fell silent. I said to myself- good excuses. camp in Germany. Our family home was upon by society. I am proud to say we have an “what would Ma do?” Then I On the stage was a table with four burned by the Bolsheviks three times. Academy Award winning nominee, physicians, answered him. “Tell me does it men who looked as though they were the We had to move each time. Leaving lawyers, dentists, attorneys, and you name it. All taste any different?” I said. All Nuremburg jury. A guard with a badge with only our possessions on our backs- I am asking for is a chance for Irving to join the of a sudden, everything resumed and gun was off to the side. After an A few prayer books, tallesim (prayer Reserves. He will be a model soldier. Thank You.” to normal. “Nice going Jew Boy! hour, of listening to numerous excuses shalls), tephillin (2 small black boxes The chairman of the committee said, “Madam You told him” were comments on cases that were presented in all forms with parchment scrolls) and a shofar, wait one minute.” Then, the four men conferred said by the others around the and reasons, we were finally next. I was which was in our family for generations. in another room. The Chairman stated that this table. I looked at Jim, tears was an unprecedented moment. He said that the running down his face. He said Draft board felt that her two sons served their “where did you learn this?” time and, “In 30 days we will allow Reserve Duty “Young man,” I answered, “you for Irving, who will be exempt from overseas can learn this from a little lady duty.” That evening Ma and I went for dinner named Eva–MY MA!” Jim said: downtown–my treat–at the Laube’s Old Spain. “you know what? This crap is ADVERTISE Neither of us uttered a word. not for me…let’s get a soda! in Jewish Journal’s affordable, upcoming Special Sections! I was accepted as a soldier in the NY National Irv Freedman spent 9 years AUGUST “Meet Your Realtor” - Deadline: July 10, 2015 Guard, 134 Medical Battalion, and reported to in the Reserves. Retired as a SEPTEMBER “Theater & Performing Arts” “New Year’s Greetings” Camp Drum. Each day was strange in camp. I Master Sergeant- was 5' tall but - Deadline: August 10, 2015 had a bed assigned to me in our large barracks felt 6'2" for the rest of his life. OCTOBER “Harvest Festivals” - Deadline: September 10, 2015 and a most unusual thing happened. A very good Irv has a son Dr. Andrew, who NOVEMBER “Craft Brews & Cocktails” - Deadline: October 10, 2015 fellow I knew from Buffalo, Fred Fink, bunked specializes in cancer research, DECEMBER “Hanukkah Greetings” “Holiday Shopping Guide” next to me. On my left side, was Jim Buscus, with NIH, Washington, DC, - Deadline: November 10, 2015 who was not Jewish and later he became a very a daughter Michelle, who is a dear friend. We received one week off at Camp neuropsychologist in NYC, and he For more info, call 972-2250. to hit the sights and bars in Watertown, NY. Jim has 5 grandchildren. 44 www.jfedbflo.com | July 2015 Looking Marketplace ShadeS Unlimited, inc. Largest selection of fine lampshades and distinctive for a finials in WNY To advertise call Specializing in recovering lampshades in our workroom an Account and lamp repairs 3035 GeNeSee Street Executive today! 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