The Award Winning HAPPY HANUKKAH! » DECEMBER 2-9 BUFFALO ISRAEL 2018 EXPERIENCEBUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | WWW.BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG DECEMBER 2018 | KISLEV – TEVET 5779 BUFFALO ISRAEL EXPERIENCE OCT 24 - NOV 2, 2018

BUFFALO ISRAEL EXPERIENCE OCT 24 - NOV 2, 2018

LOOK: DON’T MISS: INSIDE: PITTSBURGH UB BUSINESS BETH TZEDEK’S REMEMBERED SCHOOL HONOREES NEW HOME (4-7) (18) (28)

WHAT’S INSIDE...

The Award Winning HAPPY HANUKKAH! Published by December 2018 » DECEMBER 2-9 Buffalo Jewish Federation 2640 North Forest Road BUFFALO Getzville, NY 14068 ISRAEL 2018 716-204-2241 Editor’s Note On The Cover www.buffalojewishfederation.org EXPERIENCEBUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | WWW.BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG DECEMBER 2018 | KISLEV – TEVET 5779 BUFFALO ISRAEL EXPERIENCE CEO/Executive Director ...... Rob Goldberg OCT 24 - NOV 2, 2018 President ...... Steven J. Weiss Editor, Public Relations Director ...... Ellen S. Goldstein

BUFFALO ISRAEL EXPERIENCE The Buffalo Jewish Federation Is a proud member OCT 24 - NOV 2, 2018 of the Jewish Federations of North America and the American Jewish Press Association Produced by Ellen Goldstein, Editor Members of the Buffalo Israel Experience (BIE) gathered together October 25 at the Haas Promenade for a Shehechianu You can probably tell, just by looking at the cover, that this issue ceremony as they prepared to enter Jerusalem. Not pictured:

is about our community experience in Israel this fall. This, the 70th REQUESTED SERVICE CHANGE LOOK:

Permit No. 4 No. Rabbi Permit Jonathan Freirich, James Kramer, SheriDON’T Rodman,MISS: INSIDE: Nicole

Williamsport, PA Williamsport, PITTSBURGH UB BUSINESS BETH TZEDEK’S

PAID Getzville, NY 14068 NY Getzville,

US Postage US

issue of the Jewish Journal of WNY (we began publishing the paper Bard (behind the camera),Road Forest North 2640 EllenREMEMBERED GoldsteinSCHOOL (behind HONOREES the camera). NEW HOME

Presorted STD. Presorted Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer ...... Barbara E. Macks Buffalo Jewish Federation Jewish Buffalo (4-7) (18) (28) in March 2013), shares some of the adventure, excitement and joyful Photo credit: Group photo by Nicole Bard, background photo by Alan [email protected] moments in the first part of the paper that was gleaned by Buffalo‘s Gellin, and photos combined in Photoshop by Alan Gellin. Senior Vice President/Creative Director ...... Chastity O'Shei Jewish Community travelers to Israel to celebrate the nation’s 70th [email protected] birthday. 3 Miracles There and Here Vice President/Production ...... Jennifer Tudor Our initial goal was for 70 Buffalonians to experience Israel by Rob Goldberg [email protected] Lead Designer ...... Kimberly Miers during this 70th year. But nearly 80 individuals came together to visit 4 Remembering Jews Killed in Pittsburgh Israel for 10 days in late October- early November for what might [email protected] be described by many as a trip of a lifetime. We visited so many 5 Buffalo’s JCRC Senior Graphic Designers ...... Josh Flanigan, Andrea Rowley, places—from the top of the country—Rosh Hanikra on the Lebanon 6-7 Tree of Life Shooting a Wake-Up Call Jean-Pierre Thimot, Nicholas Vitello border to the Dead Sea; to the holiest place for Jews—the Kotel in by Max Kalnitz Traffic Coordinator...... Adam Van Schoonhoven Jerusalem and the holiest place for Christians–the Church of the Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager ...... Marianne Potratz Holy Sepulchre; to the Gaza border and the city of Sderot, and some So What Do We Tell Our Children [email protected] Sales Director ...... of us even journeyed to the bottom of the country–Eilat and then on by Dr. Amy Beth Taublieb Cynthia Oppenheimer, [email protected] to Petra, Jordan. 8-11 Buffalo Israel Experience Senior Account Executives ...... Robin Kurss, [email protected] For many, it was their first time in Israel. For all, it was a 12-13 A Visit to the Western Galilee Betty Tata, [email protected] pilgrimage, an excursion; a tourist visit and an insider’s glimpse of Proofreaders ...... Sharon C. Levite, Amy Goldstein the nation so many of us are connected to through our heart and 14 Rabbi’s Column: Rabbi Jonathan Freirich kishkes (our guts!). And today as I write this, bombs from Gaza are 15 Amiel BaKehila Visit in December Members of again falling on Sderot and other cities, reminding me that I just sat 16-17 Buffalo Lions of Judah…The Story under a tree a mile from Gaza, near the army outposts, the air alive Continues: Lana Benatovich with tension just because we were right on the border. And if the reality that Jews the world over live with every day was & Gretchen Gross not made supremely clear in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Zefat, Haifa or Akko, 18 Jonathan Dandes & Julia Jornsay- Submissions: during our visit in Jerusalem, we learned that 11 Jews were murdered Silverberg Honored by UB Submit editorial stories, photos, and calendar items by the 1st of the in their synagogue in Pittsburgh. Spontaneous vigils took place in 19 Kurt Weill Festival @ BPO preceding month of issue to [email protected]. Israel, one right outside of our hotel which many of us embraced 20 5 Things You Can Do to Repair To Advertise: and joined. To advertise, call Cynthia Oppenheimer at 716-783-9119 x2240. Please allow me to offer many thanks to our trip chairs Steven the World in December Ad space & materials are due by the 10th of each month prior to Weiss, Leslie Kramer and Sheri Rodman, and to my amazing colleagues Where in Jewish Bflo publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please that put the whole outstanding trip together—Miriam Abramovich, 21 December Calendar email Cynthia Oppenheimer [email protected] Nicole Bard, Rob Goldberg and Randi Morkisz. It was for me, traveling or Barbara Macks [email protected]. to Israel for the first time with my husband, Mitch, indeed a trip of 22 A Hanukkah Treat by Robin Kurss To Subscribe: our lifetimes. 22-23 Special Advertising Supplement: Steven Weiss, also our Federation President for the past two years, Dining Guide To subscribe, visit www.buffalojewishfederation.org and click on has written a farewell essay you can find on page 52. Please read it “JJWNY subscription.” Free for Western New York area residents and and take his message to heart. 24-25 Organizations & Synagogue Listings donors to the Campaign. Non-resident subscription is $36 for 12 This Hanukkah, the lights on my menorah will shine in my kitchen 26-28 Synagogue Happenings issues, payable to The Jewish Journal. and as well as in my heart. I am so grateful to be a part of this Buffalo 29 Hanukkah Parties in Buffalove! The Jewish Journal of WNY (JJWNY) reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at Jewish Community and to any time. The Buffalo Jewish Federation and Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. are not have the opportunity to 30-37 Special Advertising Supplement: liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The JJWNY does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of participate in creating Hanukkah any product or service advertised in this paper. Editorials, columns, advertisements, the world anew every day. agency reports and other outside articles do not necessarily represent the views 38-45 Agency Events of the newspaper or the Buffalo Jewish Federation, but rather express the view of Warm wishes for a happy 46-47 Special Advertising Supplement: Money the writer. Ellen Goldstein - Editor Hanukkah season. Matters 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, 48-49 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 accept 50 In Loving Memory any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal 52 Not The Last Word: Steven J. Weiss opportunity basis.

2 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 COMMUNITY

and for leading with clarity of purpose. Miracles There and Here Leslie Kramer, another of our miracle- makers, will assume Federation’s By Rob Goldberg, presidency in January. Steven and Leslie CEO/Executive Director- Buffalo Jewish Federation are connected through their passion for Jewish living, commitment to making The popular Hanukkah custom of playing dreidel provides a twist to the Jewish Buffalo a more engaged and meaning of the Hebrew letters inscribed on the top’s four faces. The four letters caring community, and through their we are most familiar with are nun, gimel, hei, and shin, an acronym for the shared love of Israel. Leslie’s connection phrase Nes Gadol Haya Shem - “A great miracle happened there.” to Israel is in her DNA, following the lead of her mother Marilyn and father, “There” refers to the land of Israel, Buffalo Israel Experience. Irving, of blessed memory. Leslie’s role where the miracle of the oil occurred The first is Federation’s outgoing in the recent Buffalo Israel experience when the Second Temple in Jerusalem Board President, Steven Weiss, my was extraordinary, working hand-in- was rededicated. But what about dreidels cherished volunteer partner for the past glove with our trip provider, Makor, our in Israel – are the letters the same? two years. Steven exemplifies the best of Buffalo team led by Miriam Abramovich, Three of them are the same, but the final Jewish leadership, leading with humility and countless others. letter is different. Rather than a shin and sensitivity to others. In Judaism, We will be honoring Steven and there is a Pei, creating an acronym for we believe that G-d creates each of us Steve Weiss welcoming Leslie at our 115th annual the phrase Nes Gadol Haya Po - A great with a purpose, to fulfill a unique role meeting on Thursday, November 29th miracle happened here. in the world. In that spirit, it seemed deathbed, surrounded by his disciples. at 7 pm at the Side Line Club of New He was crying and no one could comfort Era Field. Note that for those who him. One student asked “Rebbe, why need a ride to the event, you can email do you cry? You were almost as wise [email protected] and we’ll as Moses and as kind as Abraham.” Reb arrange a lift. Zusha answered, “When I pass from this In Hebrew we call the dreidel sevivon world and appear before the Heavenly which simply means a thing that turns. Tribunal, they won’t ask me, ‘Zusha, why Itamar Ben Yehuda is often credited as weren’t you as wise as Moses or as kind the creator of the word. In his memoir, as Abraham,’ rather, they will ask me, Ben Yehuda wrote that when he was five, ‘Zusha, why weren’t you Zusha?’ Why which would have been 1887, he handed didn’t I fulfill my potential, why didn’t his mother a top and said: “Look, I found I follow the path that could have been a sevivon for Hanukkah.” To which his mine? That is why I am crying.” proud mother replied: “How lovely is the During Steven’s presidency, he never word you created.” was satisfied with the status quo nor To our creators, our miracle-makers, Leslie Kramer did he aspire to be the leader that and our leaders – we hope that the lights others wanted of him. He was always of the Hanukkiah are a beacon for justice Miracles abound both there and that Steven was always destined to lead his authentic self – focused on doing and goodness during this season, and here, and I want to take a moment and Federation, an organization that means what he believed was best for Jewish that together we turn like the sevivon, thank two of our local miracle-makers, so much to him and his family. Buffalo, understanding that this holy creating energy to do this holy work leaders who had the vision and the There is a beautiful Hasidic story work of leading was never about him, but together; to ensure that our community determination to create an opportunity about Reb Zusha of Anipoli that dependent on him being his best self. is stronger, safer, and a light among all for nearly 80 Jewish Buffalonians to underscores the importance of being We are grateful to Steven for leading nations. experience Israel in late October on the true to ones-self. Reb Zusha was on his with resolve; for leading with passion,

Best wishes for a Joyous Festival of Hanukkah From the Board of Governors and the Staff of the Buffalo Jewish Federation

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 3 COMMUNITY Vigil in Memory of those Jews Killed in Pittsburgh: 10/28/18

An interfaith community vigil was held October 28 at Temple Beth Tzedek to honor and remember the 11 Jews who were murdered the previous day during Shabbat morning services at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh. Organized by the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council, chaired by Nina Lukin and Ted Steinberg, individuals from many different faiths, groups and organizations gathered and spoke against the hate that drove this terrible act, vowing to continue to work together to make Buffalo a community where everyone can live together in harmony.

Let There Be Light: 11/03/18

In memory of the 11 Jews murdered in Pittsburgh, Jewish Family Service and the Holocaust Resource Center organized a Havdalah service on November 3 featuring Holocaust Survivor Sophia Veffer. The event was held at The Tabernacle at Sweetness 7 Café on Lafayette and Grant Streets in the city.

4 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 COMMUNITY Building Relations: The New Jewish Community Bonnie Relations Council is Buffalo!

By Theodore Steinberg, Co-Chair 9 Harbridge • $399,900 Spectacular & Exclusive, gated “Marrano” Patio Home Community situated in the heart of Williamsville, New York. This executive style residence features an amazing 1st floor master suite with hardwood floors throughout. Some of the additional features include: exquisite, private manicured grounds, covered porch, patio overlooking pond with thousands of dollars in professional landscaping, gorgeous gourmet kitchen with quartz island & counters, upgraded appliances, full house generator, 2nd floor 16x10 library loft, 2 additional bedrooms and full bath, 75 gallon water heater, purifying water system & California Closets. Several feet were added to the front and back of this home when built.

42 Countryside Lane • $429,900 Elegant, traditional brick home with contemporary flair, situated on the most outstanding street and park-like setting. Rarely does a custom home in this condition ever come on the market. Decorated to perfection by “Karen Fick” w/soaring ceilings, hardwood floors w/ inlaids, crown molding throughout, 2 story curved staircase, 3.5 baths, all white gourmet kitchen, 2 Asko dishwashers, 2 story library, huge 20 ft laundry, generator, roof - 2012, air & furnace 2010, 3.5 car garage, Anderson windows, exquisite professional landscaped wooded lot w/ stone seating areas on 2 level patios. Beyond your expectations. Home One of the newest entities is adjacent to Reinstein Nature Preserve. in Buffalo’s Jewish world is the Buffalo Jewish Community 4861 Ledge Lane • $329,900 Relations Council (JCRC), This magnificent custom built 2835 sq. ft. unique contemporary ranch home was designed with beautifully appointed amenities and flair with whose goal is to sustain a more hardwoods throughout the first floor. The upper balcony overlooks civil and caring community in views to Lewiston and is situated on park-like grounds with fabulous Western New York and around gardens. Enter through the lovely foyer and wonderful “Auburn Watson” white kitchen with granite counters. Also included is an 18x12 morning the world. To that end, the JCRC room with built-ins. Additional features include a great room with is working to build relationships fireplace, full lower level walk-out with media room, full bath, fireplace with other faith, ethnic, and and custom wet bar. Furnace and central air approximately 4 years old. Updated roof. Williamsville Schools & Clarence township. cultural communities, to be visible and vocal in the greater Buffalo community, to be actively involved in key issues impacting BONNIE CLEMENT the Jewish community, and to Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker educate and advocate on such issues, in accord with core Jewish Cell: 716.553.8384 values. The JCRC is part of the [email protected] | BonnieClement.com Buffalo Jewish Federation. Among the most important of HUNT ERA Williamsville Village Branch: those Jewish values is a focus on 5570 Main Street, 1st Floor, Williamsville, NY 14221 social justice, which was the topic under discussion at a meeting held on October 16 at the JCC large number of our more vulnerable citizens, Benderson Building. The meeting, including immigrants, the homeless, the which was led by JCRC co-chairs elderly, and many others. Nina Lukin and myself and staffed Further discussion involved such issues as by Director Mara Koven-Gelman, cooperation among the various organizations Happy Hanukkah was attended by representatives and coordination of activities, filling in gaps from fifteen synagogue and in coverage, and taking other steps to make From Your Friends at community organizations. These Jewish Buffalo as well as the whole Buffalo representatives described their community into a more caring and vibrant organizations’ activities in the area place to live. of social justice affecting those While the Buffalo Jewish community has both within and outside of the always worked for social justice, the JCRC Jewish community. While these hopes to make our collective efforts even INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? presentations lasted only about an more efficient and more visible. Call Cindy Oppenheimer hour, they demonstrated a wide at 716-972-2240 range of activities that benefit a December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 5 COMMUNITY Tree of Life shooting is a wake-up call Remnants of anti-Semitism in America need to be addressed

By Max Kalnitz No longer. population, including journalists and Now I know they are among us, even politicians, expressed outrage and I’ve seen it scrawled across UB’s here on campus. questioned the legality of the march. The bathroom stalls: “F––k the Jews.” That scares me. decision eventually went to the Supreme I’ve heard it casually spoken in campus And now, those small, off-hand Court. The point is, civility and politics of hallways as I walk to class: “Come on bro, comments or stupid bathroom scrawls inclusion were a given in a way I don’t feel don’t Jew me.” no longer seem innocuous or the work of they are today. I saw it in my neighborhood last year marginal, angry outcasts. Sure, there were protests in when an Orchard Park woman found In my lifetime, Jews have lived Charlottesville. But after the rally—in swastikas spray- painted on her van. comfortable lives in the U.S. I never which 32-year-old Heather Heyer died Now I see it on a national level, a considered that hate crime could pertain and 19 others were injured—President massacre of 11 people—with six others to me, an assimilated, not-terribly- Donald Trump did not give a speech wounded—at the Tree of Life Synagogue religious Jew. It was part of the lives of decrying bigotry and insisting on civil in Pittsburgh by a deluded gunman who half-forgotten ancestors I learned about discourse. Max Kalnitz said he wanted “all Jews to die.” in Hebrew School or from literature and Instead, he defended those who Anti-Semitism is—unfortunately— history books. I believed anti-Semitism gathered to protest the removal of a thriving in the United States, Europe in Europe was a part of an ugly Germany Robert E. Lee statue and said “I think and South America. It happens at rallies that once was, not the booming center of there is blame on both sides.” He said and marches, in the form of chants, hate the united Europe that currently is. us.” Marchers openly held banners he’d condemned Neo-Nazis in the past, crimes and graffiti. And yet. emblazoned with swastikas and shouted but argued that not every protestor was a When I was younger, I believed anti- Over the last few years, anti-Semitism slogans like “blood and soil,” a phrase white supremacist or Neo-Nazi. Semitism died with Hitler and the Nazis. has flared and, stunningly, bigots have drawn from Nazi ideology. I’ve read about He didn’t explicitly address the anti- I always knew Neo-Nazis and white started once again flaunting their hate the 1978 Neo-Nazi planned march in Semitic remarks. He tried to justify what supremacists lurked in the dark margins of openly, somehow certain they will be Skokie, Ill.—it eventually happened in happened. society, but I had always considered them welcomed rather than shunned. Chicago. But this was the first time I’d I was stunned. insignificant, a subclass of disgruntled Last year in Charlottesville, Va., several seen anti-Semitism playing out on live TV I also felt for my people and strangely, extremists and unhappy people on the hundred white supremacists carrying in a mass form. I felt a part of my people in a way I hadn’t fringe. torches chanted, “Jews will not replace Also, in 1978, huge swathes of the before. So What Do We Tell Our Children?

By Dr. Amy Beth Taublieb questions. This way, we can more closely is not to teach our children not to be ensure that we are providing our children afraid, but, rather to acknowledge feelings With the recent increase in hate motivated the information they can indeed handle, and, experienced and deal with them adaptively. crimes (especially the heinous shooting in that for which they are actually asking. Excess Finally, never say anything to your Pittsburgh), I have been virtually bombarded information blurs the view and is more apt to children that you will at some point in with phone calls and questions asking how lead to (potentially harmful) misinterpretation. time, have to “unsay.” Worded another way, these events can be explained to our children. Emphasize that what occurred is a very do not lie or otherwise stretch the truth As parents, grandparents, teachers and infrequently occurring event. Although we are in an attempt to be reassuring. While that relatives, we all know how extremely difficult hearing more and more about hate induced may serve as a temporary emotional band it can be to discuss sensitive topics with our violence, it is important to emphasize to our aid, it is likely that the time will come children when we ourselves as adults do children that such events are not common when you will need to somehow withdraw not know many of the answers. As such, I occurrences. Whereas we (unfortunately) or change some of the information you Dr. Amy Beth Taublieb respectfully propose the following guidelines cannot promise them that this will never provided. The damage that will do to the to help us help those we love through these Answer their questions and happen in their environment, we can certainly trust between you and your child is in no incredibly emotionally trying times. only their questions. In an reassure them that the likelihood is quite slim. way worth the brief period of temporary Talk to the children at their level. You, attempt to be helpful, we often At times, it is also useful to discuss the safety reassurance. probably better than anyone else, are aware talk too much! This is especially measures which are being put in place as a Dr. Amy Beth Taublieb is a Licensed of what your children are able to comprehend. true when we are anxious or result of the previous events. Psychologist and is the author of two books Thus, when you discuss these sensitive issues otherwise unsure how to respond. Do not be reluctant to share your own on childhood and adolescence. with them, ensure they understand what you It is important when we are anxieties and fears. As a role model for our For more information on Dr. Taublieb, refer are saying. It is always a good idea to ask speaking to our children about young people, we want to normalize their to her website www.dramybeth.com, or, give them to repeat back to you what you said in sensitive issues that we listen feelings of anxiety and fear. One of the best her a call at her office (716-834-1505). their own words to test that they accurately closely to the questions posed ways to do that is to openly share that we heard what you were saying. to us, and, answer only those are experiencing similar emotions. Our goal

6 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 COMMUNITY

I was indignant and angry. felt before. I was and still am shocked that Jews, who Monday I did something I probably are among the most assimilated minorities wouldn’t have done before this tragedy in the world, are still the targets of these happened. Hillel held a vigil for the Tree malicious acts, particularly in the U.S. But of Life victims, and even though I had no statistics show that anti-Semitism has been connection to any of them, I went and quietly increasing. mourned. Last year, the Anti-Defamation League I recited texts from the Torah and sang reported a 57 percent increase in anti- in Hebrew for the first time since my Bar Semitic incidents in the U.S. in 2017 Mitzvah. When everyone started singing compared to 2016. There was a 94 percent the Tree of Life prayer, I was mad at myself increase in incidents in K-12 schools and that I had forgotten it and that I let myself an 89 percent increase on college campuses forget the Hebrew prayers I spent so much from 2016. of my young life memorizing. This is appalling. This has been a wake-up call for me. Anti-Semitism showing its face in I used to tell myself “there’s no way I’m Buffalo is evidence of these statistics, and making my kids go to Hebrew school or go that’s not OK. to Temple,” but now I’m thinking otherwise. Growing up, I always thought that Buffalo It’s more important than ever to embrace was a relatively accepting place. There’s a my Jewish religion and heritage and pass large community of Jews and a myriad of these teachings on to the next generation. other ethnicities and religions represented I’m not going to stand in the background SERVICE across the city. Buffalo is supposed to be and watch these hateful acts happen SERVICE BUILT ON INDEPENDENCE & TRUST the city of good neighbors, and hate isn’t anymore. If someone says something Securities and advisory services O ered rough FSC Securities CorporationBUILT A Registered ON Broker/Dealer welcome here. hateful, I’ll speak up. When Hillel hosts Member FINRA/SPIC and a registered investment advisor. Additional advisory services o ered through Some Democrats and members of the Friday night or holiday services, I think I’ll Mollot & Hardy, Inc. A registered investment advisor not aliatedINDEPENDENCE with FSC Securities Corporation. Jewish community argue that President actually go. Trump’s harsh rhetoric and embrace of I feel uneasy that I’ve been neglecting 646 N. French Road Suite #9, Amherst,& TRUST NY 14228-2125 far-right advocates like Breitbart executive my Jewishness for so long. Eleven innocent 716.691.7121 • www.mollot.com chairman Steve Bannon and former Ku Klux Jews died Saturday. I feel it’s my duty to Klan leader David Duke has egged these speak up against anti-Semitism and hatred groups on and empowered them to become toward Jews to make sure tragedies like this more vocal and demonstrative. never happen again. But others will argue that Trump’s close Max Kalnitz is the senior news editor at friendship with Israel and his daughter UB’s The Spectrum newspaper and can be Ivanka’s conversion to Judaism protects reached at [email protected] him from charges of anti-Semitism. or @Max_Kalnitz. This piece is reprinted I don’t know the answer. by permission of the author. I do know that what happened Saturday evidenced the sort of hatred and as a Jew, even though I’ve been distanced from my In Memory of Those religion, I feel guilty that I’m not more Murdered October 27 at Tree involved with my faith and incidents like of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh. this remind me of the struggles my people have endured for centuries. Before I came to college, I was indifferent toward my Jewish identity. I hadn’t really done anything regarding Judaism since my Bar Mitzvah eight years ago. If someone May their memories made a Jew joke, I’d laugh it off and forever be a blessing. just pretend it didn’t happen instead of defending my religion. Joyce Fienberg But over the years I’ve realized that if Dr. Richard Gottfried I don’t stand up in those instances, these Rose Mallinger negative stereotypes and hatred toward Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz Jews will always continue. Through Jewish Cecil Rosenthal speakers and events I’ve attended at Hillel, David Rosenthal I’ve come to terms with my Jewish identity Bernice Simon and have learned to not be such a stranger Sylvan Simon toward my Jewishness. These horrible acts have moved Daniel Stein something deep inside me and caused me Melvin Wax to feel more connected to my people, to my Irving Younger past and to humanity in a way I’ve never December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 7 BUFFALO ISRAEL 2018 BUFFALEXPERIENCEO ISRAEL 2018 EXPERIENCEBUFFALO ISRAEL After nearly two years of planning, the members of the Buffalo Israel Experience (BIE) arrived in BUFFALO Israel on a glorious October morning. Nearly 80 individuals journeyed from the Lebanese border in EXPERIENCE the north to the Dead Sea in the south, and nearly everywhere in between, soaking up experiences, ISRAEL creating relationships, learning about Israel and themselves. What follows are some of the photos and reminiscences by a few of the travelers. You will also be able to read about time spent with our EXPERIENCEOCT 24 - NOV 2, 2018 Partnership2Gether community in the Western Galilee during the journey on page 13. OCT 24 - NOV 2, 2018 BUFFALO BUFFALO ISRAEISRAEL L EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE OCTOCT 24 - NOV 24 - 2, NOV 2018 2, 2018

8 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 BUFFALO ISRAEL EXPERIENCE 2018

Sheldon SOMAN and challenges. Travelling with well into the night. The busy Machane fellow Buffalonians had an added Yehudah market during the hours leading As I write this, my wife, Deb and I benefit. People we knew, and those up to Shabbat was an exciting experience. have returned from our Buffalo Israel we just met became more than just At night, the city took on a life of its own. Experience tour. Our story, however friends. We became a family visiting We saw hundreds of people watching begins in 1990. At this time, we were Israel together. Along the way, we street performers, drinking coffee and booked on another tour. Just before met Israelis who gave us a unique enjoying the city. that trip, Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading view of the country. These included During the trip, we received the sad to Desert Storm. Almost every tour Danny Terza, the designer of the news of the shootings at the Pittsburgh to Israel was cancelled. Despite this security fence as well as others who Synagogue. I felt a warm connection setback, we booked our own flights were dedicated to bringing a peaceful with Israelis as I experienced a candle- and made our way. Our version of solution to Israel’s coexistence with light vigil held in honor of the victims, the tour consisted of several Egged the Palestinians. complete with a large American flag. day trips to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and our plans, and on October 24th, we departed During our visit to Akko, we were Our trip to Israel had another Masada. We left Israel feeling happy from Toronto to Ben Gurion airport. Despite hosted at a dinner by a Druze family purpose. Last December, our daughter, but not quite satisfied that we had over 12 hours of travel, we hit the ground who made us feel at home. Naomi made Aliyah and was living in truly experienced the country or its running the second we claimed our bags. If I had one part that comes the Jerusalem neighborhood of Nachlaot. people. Following a Shehechianu ceremony when we to mind, it was our time spent in Although she was happy living in Israel Fast forward to 2018. Our children entered Jerusalem, we toured the Old City. Jerusalem. The city had changed and video chatted with us weekly, we still had graduated college and were on their What followed was a wonderful 8 days of visits much since our last visit. There missed her. During the trip, we managed own. The Jewish Federation announced to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Lebanon Border, were tunnels surrounding the old to spend time with her on Shabbat and its Buffalo Israel Experience. We decided Akko, Zefat, the Western Galilee and Sderot. city which helped traffic move more afterwards. As we left Israel this time, it was time to try again to experience Along the way we made friends with our smoothly. There was a new light rail we truly felt as if we had experienced the the country. We were one of the first wonderful tour guides Shira, Yosef and Ezra. system which covered much of the country and its people. I left feeling that people to apply for a spot on the tour. Combined, they helped us to really experience city. I was amazed at the vibrance I wanted to return. Hopefully it won’t be Thankfully, this time, nothing interrupted the country with its many accomplishments of the city both during the day and 20 years until we come back.

further bonded with those I already knew Joanne MARQUISEE saw breathtaking sights, had absolutely (perhaps half of my fellow travelers). delicious Israeli food, especially the This trip was a perfect springboard for I have always wanted to visit hotel breakfasts which were a feast, strengthening our Jewish community. Israel. It was the first item on my learned a lot and strengthened new and An exciting aspect of this trip was the bucket list. When the opportunity old friendships. It was fabulous! I am diversity of activities. Robin and I were to travel with Buffalo Jewish very grateful to have traveled to Israel part of a smaller Buffalo community Federation to Israel along with many and back safely. group tour three years ago, so we were friends and colleagues presented There were so many highlights; it is attracted to this trip by the opportunity itself, it seemed like the perfect trip. difficult to pick a favorite. But, I would to have different experiences from our My boyfriend, Robert Altman, and I have to say having an Erev Shabbat last visit. The Buffalo Israel Experience discussed it and decided we wanted Service on the steps at the Western Wall did not disappoint, providing options for to go. led by Cantor Frank, Michael Frank and “first timers” and prior visitors. Susan Schwartz is at the top of my list. Among the activities we enjoyed The view was amazing. The connection were dinner in a family home in our to observing Shabbat in our Holy Land Partnership 2Gether community of Akko will forever be in my mind on future in the Western Galilee to learn about the Shabbats. The musical spirit connected day-to-day life in Israel; a day-long hike us to this very special place. along a section of the Israel National It was so interesting seeing so many Al GELLIN Trail; learning about Israel’s complicated places that I had heard about for years. political climate, including a visit to an The Dead Sea, Masada, Yad Vashem, Traveling with a group of people area near the Gaza Strip border and the Western Galilee, Mahane Yehuda is an experience like no other. There Iron Dome defense system; meeting the Market, Western Wall and so much more. is a unique bonding that takes place founder of one of Israel’s top hi-tech Thought provoking history took place between members of the group as a companies; and finally for some of us, there. And we were there!!! result of a shared sense of adventure. a tour of the ancient ruins of Petra in I definitely missed my children. It is My wife, Robin, and I have traveled Jordan. very far away from home, but so worth extensively as part of group tours, all This is just a sample of amazing the journey. It is a magical place which I of which we’ve enjoyed, but being a experiences we had, providing memories hope to visit again someday. But for now, member of the Buffalo Israel Experience that will last a lifetime. We’re grateful I am thankful to be able to check it off my this past season was truly remarkable. to the Buffalo Jewish Federation for bucket list and continue to look at the For me, first and foremost, I enjoyed sponsoring this trip and look forward From the beginning, the team at pictures I took and remember how very this trip because it gave me an opportunity to future experiences that will help Federation was thoughtful, organized special our Buffalo Israel Experience to bond with others in our Buffalo Jewish build and strengthen our Buffalo Jewish and excited. It continued from Buffalo 2018 truly was. community. I met so many wonderful community. to Israel! And our travel guides were people, which created new friendships, and amazing, kind and knowledgeable. We December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 9 BUFFALO ISRAEL 2018 BUFFALEXPERIENCEO ISRAEL 2018 EXPERIENCEBUFFALO ISRAEL BUFFALO He handed me the card through the Evie WEINSTEIN EXPERIENCE slit and wished me a wonderful visit. ISRAEL I was paralyzed with awe, inspiration, It was really difficult to hear that EXPERIENCEOCT 24 - NOV 2, 2018 connectedness and bewilderment. 18 of us had to leave our group of What did this small act of kindness 77 early at the closing dinner of our OCT 24 - NOV 2, 2018 mean? What were the implications? amazing tour of Israel. But we knew we Why me out of hundreds of other were on our way to another adventure Steve MOSCOV visitors each day? What should I do? while the rest of our group headed back to BUFFALO How was I to respond or act? Seldom in the United States that evening. We were My wifeBUFFAL Betsy and I Ohad the good my life have I been rendered speechless! on our way to Eilat at the very bottom of fortune to participateISRAE in Lthe recent On exiting the site, my wife asked if I Israel and then to Petra, Jordan. Buffalo ISRAEJewish Federation’sL trip to was all right to which I responded, “I We started this voyage at a small Israel. HavingEXPERIENCE never been before, I was don’t know!” I was left with a sense regional airport in Tel Aviv which was a not certainEXPERIENCE what exact expectations to of connectedness to my heritage, stark contrast to the modern Ben Gurion have afterOCT speakingOCT 24 - NOV 24with - 2,NOVmany 2018 others,2, 2018 especially to my maternal grandfather Airport we landed in just 8 days ago. including family members. I did know whom I never knew as he passed away Before we knew it, we had landed in the and realize that the desire to make the before I was born. He was a mohel and beautiful, balmy seaside port of Eilat on trip was very strong. a Talmudic scholar who had emigrated the Red Sea. Filled with people strolling The usual sites were on our agenda. a rabbi/scribe writing a Torah, letter by from Poland to the United States in the the promenade by the ocean, we knew I’ll leave it to others to describe those letter. He was behind a bullet-proof glass late 1800’s. this was another piece of Israel unlike places. However, I would like to relate one wall with a small slit running from floor It is now almost one week since anything else we had seen thus far. incident that absolutely rocked me to the to ceiling. While observing this master our return and I still have no answers. core and literally left me overwhelmed concentrating on his year-long task, he Perhaps that simple gesture remained with emotion. suddenly stopped, put down his quill, for me to live the rest of my life in While at Masada, which I have looked up at me and asked where I was wonderment, a motivating and affectionately labeled the Macchu Picchu from. After responding, he then asked touching act of genuine humanity for of Israel, walking through the ruins of the me for my name and my wife’s name. which I shall be eternally grateful. A ancient fortress with spectacular views (Evidently, he had noticed my wedding nod to the Federation for offering me of the valley and Dead Sea below, we band.) He then, picked up a small blank an extraordinary opportunity! came upon a very small room with space card, wrote my name and my wife’s name Hineni. enough for only three people to observe in Hebrew and added two small hearts.

celebrated my 87th birthday floating shuls dressed in their Shabbat attire. Gerry LEDERMAN in the Dead Sea! I never realized how many different Visiting Israel was a dream that my The more I learned and understood types of ultra-Orthodox sects there husband, Al, and I planned many times, about my Jewish heritage, the more were until seeing them in Israel. It was but his health never cooperated. When I it reinforced my Jewish identity. a very interesting learning experience learned about the Federation trip, I signed To be in a country surrounded by for me. Our days started early, and we The next morning with a new tour up immediately. With the blessings of my daily turmoil, I was amazed to feel witnessed the city and the country guide, we crossed the border into Jordan children and family, I made the trip, which safe. Upon our arrival in Jerusalem, wake up to begin their daily tasks of and met our Jordanian guide, Hussain was a bittersweet experience. And while there, we held a Shehechianu ceremony, traveling by train, car, bus and walking, for a two-hour bus ride to Petra, Jordan. which brought tears to my eyes which was typical of any city in the US. As much as research can allow us to while overlooking the panoramic As we continued on our planned days, be prepared, none of us really could view of Jerusalem. At this point, I it was comforting to see the security imagine the beauty of this ancient ruin. knew I made the correct decision to around us. Narrow passageways, cliffs, and rugged experience my first time in Israel. The entire trip amazed me. Israel terrain were only the beginning. Some The Shabbat service at The Wall is a country with very limited natural of us walked, others were transported was fabulous. Cantor Arlene Frank resources surrounded with daily stress in chariots pulled by horses. We were and her husband, Michael, and that didn’t stop. But I was awed by its met by Bedouins selling trinkets, offered Susan Schwartz led a heartwarming citizens, their determination, ingenuity camel and mule rides, to make the long service, filling me with both sadness and support to develop a small Jewish hike more interesting and exciting. But and happiness. Watching the sunset country into a beautiful, resourceful, most of all, we were entranced by this and the change in the colors of strong nation. To see how the Israelis archeological marvel which is considered the surrounding white Jerusalem turn sand, sun, heat, and mountains one of the 8 wonders of the world. We stone was just beautiful. I have into a strong respectable nation was crossed back to Israel that evening after never before been in a place that amazing! The trip was a work and a we joined together in the bus to chant completely closes on the Sabbath, walk of love, and I must admit I needed prayers and songs to greet Shabbat. and was fortunate to be a part of a few days to recharge my battery, to The next day, we chose our activities. the group that went to the Old City share my experience with family and Some went to an underwater observatory, and Christian Quarter on Saturday friends. I also want to thank everyone others hiked and others spent the day on morning. On the way, it was a quiet for lending a hand throughout the the Red Sea. That night we started our long walk where we witnessed ultra- journey. trip back to Buffalo with memories and Orthodox Jews walking to their friendships that will never be forgotten. 10 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 BUFFALO ISRAEL EXPERIENCE 2018

Mitch FLYNN And then, of course, there Ron SADLER were the walls surrounding the “Walls” were a theme that comes Old City in Jerusalem. Besides Our trip to Israel was filled with to mind when I think about our being functional – slowing down new and educational experiences. If trip to Israel: walls for prayer, walls the approximately 40 armies that I had to choose one highlight of our for protection, and walls for self- conquered the city in the course trip, I would choose the geopolitical expression. Let me explain. of 3,000 years – a who’s-who of tour of Jerusalem. Led by our invaders ranging from Babylonians amazing tour guide Ezra Korman, we to Romans to Crusaders to Turks learned about the Jerusalem borders – they’re also beautiful, with a Ann Marie CAROSELLA before and after the Six-Day War. certain poetry to the names of Colonel Danny Terza, the architect their eight gates: Damascus; With Foder’s Essential Guide to Israel in my of the security fence along the West Dung; Eastern (aka Golden or Gate backpack and my husband Jeff Lackner by my side, Bank, boarded the bus and spent of Mercy); Herod’s; Jaffa; Lion’s; I joined the Buffalo Israel Experience tour for my the morning with us. He explained New; and Zion. We entered and first trip to Israel. Now that I have returned, people some of the complexities involved in exited through several of them continually ask me to describe the best part of planning this barrier. I was surprised on our various walking tours of the trip. This question always leaves me tongue- to learn the painstaking effort and the city. tied because, truly, I can’t identify one singularly details that went into building the The security wall was a presence favorite experience among the many we enjoyed. fence so as not to displace even a The Western Wall first. We visited it at various times during our trip. On If pressed to describe Israel in one word, however, single resident. I was also surprised twice, on our first night in the country, our next-to-last day, a group of us I might use the word “layered.” Archeological to learn that only 5% of the divider is and again on the Sabbath, the following bussed south to the area bordering efforts show us evidence of the literal layering. actually a concrete wall, with the rest day. I wasn’t really prepared for the first Gaza. From beneath the shade of Exploring the excavations in the tunnels under the of the barrier being a wire fence that time. Of course, I had seen pictures of it, an olive tree, our guides noted Western Wall, or descending a few stairs from the detects nearby movement. We had the heard about it from family and friends, and the various barriers separating thoroughfares of 2018 to walk on streets more than opportunity to stand by the concrete knew we would visit it, but all the same, Gaza from Israel: listening 2000 years old are concrete ways to understand the simply walking into the plaza leading up towers, blimps, and an Iron Dome connection between ancient times and the present. to it and suddenly seeing it took me aback. deployment – figurative walls in Even without the need for a shovel or a dig, The sheer size of it, the notes crammed addition to the literal security a quick tour of a Kibbutz shows evidence of an into the joints between limestone blocks, wall. Evidence of breaches was overlay of modern thought and design on the the shtreimels and davening – for me, all around: scorched fields from foundation of these much less ancient institutions. raised Catholic, it was a visit not only to a incendiary balloons and kites and More playful layering of the old and the new are foreign country but also to another world. bomb shelters for protection from seen on the colorful, creative, and often political Returning on the Sabbath, I benefitted the Qassam rockets that had been graffiti that appear on the traditional market stall from Steve Weiss’ knowledge of the space launched into Sderot just the week doors when rolled down after the day’s commerce and of the customs of the Orthodox. He before our visit. has ceased. Each of these examples are recognitions pointed out the subtleties of style that Finally, the spray-painted walls of connection and continuity between an ancient differentiate various sects – headwear, of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were the land, the young 70 year old country of the present, hairstyle, and fabric. He also led several featured players in a pair of graffiti and a people propelling itself into the future. As of us into an interior space off to the tours led by our charismatic individuals, we often either reject our past or get side from the Wall that was electric with Makor guide, Shira, herself a stuck in outdated thoughts or actions that make it portion of the wall as well as see the worship – many Torahs, many groups. graffiti artist. The takeaway? difficult for us to “change with the times” or to plan nearby checkpoint. Afterwards, several of us stood on chairs Creative expression and political for the future. I truly was humbled to observe how Later the same day we entered to peer over the barrier that separated the commentary are alive and well – well Israel can simultaneously honor its history the West Bank and went to a Jewish men’s and women’s sections of the wall. and hiding in plain sight – in the while using this history as strong bedrock upon Settlement south of Jerusalem, Shades of high school in a sacred space. State of Israel. which to continually grow and change. called Gush Etzion. There we met with a 27-year-old Palestinian man and a Jewish settler. Each man The Wall in Jerusalem for Shabbat! I didn’t think shared his personal story. It was Cantor Arlene FRANK that I would be so affected!” Many felt that our interesting to hear the perspective of service there was unforgettable; a highlight in a a Palestinian man who lived through Beautiful breezes, blue skies, views lifetime of spiritual possibilities. the construction of the security fence of Jerusalem and prayers of the Towards the end of the service, when we normally and how this changed his daily life. heart highlighted our Friday evening rise, bow at the knee and then at the waist for the Despite their differing perspectives, worship at the ancient ruins of The prayer called the Aleinu, here in Buffalo or anywhere both men share an interest in Western Wall of Jerusalem, the holiest else in the world for that matter, one would normally working together to try to achieve site in the world for all Jews. Outside, face towards the East, towards Jerusalem. Suddenly peace and are involved in a grass sitting right amidst the ancient ruins, we realized that we were here…in Jerusalem! We no roots movement called Roots-Judour- our Buffalo community worshipped longer needed to face East, we now needed to face Shorashim. I gained an increased together and sang the melodies of the to my ancestors – they were The Wall! Our community together then pivoted appreciation as to the complexities of Shabbat evening service with a rigor there with me at that magical around to face the corner of The Wall that was then the region, and a greater appreciation and connectedness that surprised us service!” Another exclaimed, “I right behind us. As we bowed and chanted, many of the beauty of Israel. It was very all. A fellow Buffalo Israel Experience was surprised at how emotional were moved to soft tears at the awesomeness of the special to share this trip with our participant remarked, “I felt a connection I became; being right there at moment. Buffalo community. December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 11 COMMUNITY A visit to the Western Galilee By Susan Goldberg Schwartz

After 4 days in Jerusalem, the BIE (Buffalo Israel Experience) participants made their way to the city of Akko and the Western Galilee, our Partnership2Gether region. The Jewish Agency’s Partnership2gether Peoplehood Platform (previously known as Partnership 2000) has become the paradigm for successfully partnering global Jewish communities directly with Israeli communities. 20 BIE participants, many proudly wearing Ride for Roswell shirts, bicycled their way from Rosh Hanikra to Nahariya, as the sun set over the Mediterranean, joining the rest of the group in Akko’s Center for Art and Technology (ACAT). We were warmly welcomed by Andrea Arbel, Director of the JAFI (Jewish Agency for Israel) Partnership2Gether Department, Western Galilee Partnership co-chair Efrat Srebro and the wonderful Partnership staff. We sang and danced sharing food (oh so much with Yisrael Dayan, enjoyed delicious delicious food!) as we dinners through home hospitality and talked and laughed and the next morning had very impactful learned that, although we visits at the Ghetto Fighters House. live on opposite sides of We then had opportunities to become the world, we are so very familiar with a number of different similar.” You can read her programs focused on multi-cultural story on the next page. dialogues in the region and experience Through these intimate the beauty and history of Rosh Hanikra. dinners, we created We all felt our time in the Western The highlight of the visit for everyone genuine friendships, Galilee was much too short and look was the chance to experience home creating a living bridge forward to a time when we can return. hospitality. Jody Goldstein said it best. between the Western Until that time, we will continue to “For two hours we were transformed Galilee and Western New deepen the relationships with our into being a part of their families.... York. Israeli friends.

COOLanu (all of us)– a new take on School Twinning!

The Buffalo Jewish community has alike. Students have the chance to meet technology, with a focus on music, visual work together to build and develop been chosen to partner in a School each other for dynamic conversations arts, sports and literature. Instead of the their curriculum. The students will Twinning program with the G’vanim around issues such as Jewish Identity typical school twinning model, where communicate via email, written mail, school, a community elementary and Social Responsibility focusing on one class from each community is paired a shared social media platform (to be school for 6 kibbutzim in the Matte Jewish values, Jewish identity, culture together, the Buffalo program will use determined), video conferencing and Asher region, including Kibbutz Ein and heritage. Twinning programs, an engagement model, where students joint projects. Hamifratz, where Director of Adult likewise, link educators for professional from throughout our Jewish community Rob and Naomi met with potential 5th Engagement Susan Schwartz lived and personal enrichment. are invited to participate. Rob Taylor and & 6th grade participants at a COOLanu for 8 years. Thanks to the dedicated During the Partnership Summit in the Naomi Wiseman, both middle school Open House in November. The group efforts of hundreds of educators, Western Galilee this past June, Susan met teachers in the City of Buffalo, will plan will continue to meet monthly through Global School Twinning has evolved with the head of the G’vanim school, Iris and facilitate the monthly gatherings June 2019, for both social and learning as one of Partnership2Gether’s Atlit, along with Carmit Gilad, Education in Buffalo. In addition, Naomi will be activities, as well as participate in flagship programs. Coordinator for Partnership2Gether. traveling to Israel this December as part mitzvah opportunities throughout the Twinning programs promote the Together they discussed the beginning of a Teacher Delegation, where she will year. For more information, please sense of Jewish Peoplehood and shared of a new twinning program which would meet with other teachers in the Western contact Susan Schwartz, susan@ responsibility – for students in schools bring 5th & 6th graders from Israel Galilee. buffalojewishfederation.org. around the world and Israel schools and Buffalo together using today’s Teachers from Israel and Buffalo will 12 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 COMMUNITY Home Hospitality in Akko By Jody Goldstein

Traveling is wonderful.... exploring new destinations..... seeing new sites..... eating new foods.... and (occasionally) meeting new people. But, for the most part, traveling means being a tourist. The traveler is an outsider looking in. Last night, however, our travels took on a completely different dimension. Last night we broke into small groups and enjoyed dinner in the homes of residents in our partnership region of the Western Galilee. For two hours we were transformed into being a part of their families.... sharing food (oh so

Dinner in Akko at the home of Toni Ziv Happy Chanukah! much delicious food!) as we talked and laughed and learned that, although we live on opposite sides of the world, we Make that smile are so very similar. The home I visited was owned by Toni and her husband. burn bright and visit She works for the Israeli Department of Education providing teacher training. Their son, a soldier in the Israeli Army joined us, as well as the principal of a school serving students in grades 1-6 living on a Kibbutz, and a young woman from California who joined the Israeli Army, made Aliyah, and now works in a preschool. The six in our Buffalo group were mostly educators, so we Schedule an adult new patient Exam, Cleaning and X-ray. had much to talk about.... starting with Receive a complimentary Exam, Cleaning educational policy, and then covering and X-ray for your child. human rights, gun control, and politics. The time flew by, and when it was time to leave our hearts were as full as our bellies. It was such a wonderful UNINSURED NEW PATIENTS ONLY experience, being at home while traveling in another country. 5462 SHERIDAN DRIVE | WILLIAMSVILLE | 716.831.8018 | WWW.ALTMANDENTAL.COM

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 13 COMMUNITY THE RABBI’S COLUMN

screens so that we could remember it all Israel – it’s all about the people later on. His presentation helped prepare us for a morning when we got to visit an by Rabbi Jonathan Freirich historic hill top on the border of Gaza and see the security situation with our own eyes. October in Israel with nearly 80 of our Later on the same day we visited Yad closest friends from Western New York – Vashem, a few of us got to learn about the what an amazing adventure! Urban Kibbutz in Akko, which is a network With more than 40 first-time travelers of apartments shared by a group of women to Israel on our trip the participants in the who are linked by their early experiences in Buffalo Israel Experience were enthusiastic one of the Israeli Youth Movements. Seeing and excited, nearly tireless and always a need for urban investment in this small thrilled. Most of all this group created a and diverse city north of Haifa these women sense of family and connection – among in their 20’s and 30’s chose to devote their each other and with the fantastic Israelis energy to a communal home in a place that we met. few of them knew well, and all of them Here are some of the shining moments knew needed help. They run a non-profit that wove us together with each other and music club that started with a few people Israelis. hanging out and jamming together as a Rachel Korazim introduced us to the way of fostering a music and arts culture evolving Israeli understanding of the in a town that didn’t have one beforehand. Holocaust before we began our exploration A small group of us shared dinner with a of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial number of these new “kibbutzniks” who Meeting with leaders of the Urban Kibbutz and Museum in Jerusalem. Rachel’s seek to use the ideas of communal life as intriguing and dynamic interactive communal remembering of the Holocaust. Colonel (Reserves) Grisha Yakubovich a catalyst to transform Israeli society that, presentation brought all of us into the Her wise insights and sharp wit deepened drew us into the labyrinthine complexity like ours, now leaves the majority of the multi-generational conversation about our journey through one of the most of Israeli-Gazan-West Bank-Egyptian country’s population out of the runaway responsibility and blamevictimhood and meaningful and difficult encounters in relationships and quickly illustrated why economic success that makes headlines. triumph, that underscores the Israeli Israel. securing peace among all of these parties In all of these encounters, and many more, constitutes a challenge that makes the the Buffalo Israel Experience reminded us Gordian knot look like a toddler’s game. that the most important encounter in Israel Grisha, which is what he told us to call is with the people of Israel, our people. him, oversaw all the Israeli government’s Exploring how we cope with our past at Yad HAPPY HANUKKAH activities in the territories of the Gaza Strip Vashem, grappling with the daily issues on and the West Bank for years, and before the border with Gaza, imagining a more that had direct oversight of operations equitable future by updating the kibbutz in the Gaza Strip. His connections with ideals that helped the first generations Palestinians on the ground in Gaza earned of Israelis rebuild our homeland – these him their respect – a Palestinian family even endeavors and many more helped us all named one of their sons after him! Grisha better get to know our family in Israel and managed to squeeze so much data and how they come together to guarantee a historical notes about the last 15 years of meaningful and diverse Jewish homeland the Israeli-Palestinian situation that many for us today, and for the generations that of us were taking photos of his projected will follow us tomorrow.

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What Makes Hebrew a Holy Language at TBZ’s Broder Building Tuesday, December 11 at 7 pm

Amiel BaKehila, an exciting initiative under the auspices of Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, returns to Buffalo December 11-13 featuring David Friedman, Artist and Jewish Spiritualist from Zefat in the Galilee.

A planning team led by Barb Chazen married, moved to Zefat. In Zefat, and Lori Morrison, has organized David immersed himself in the study a variety of opportunities for Jewish of the Talmud and other classic texts Buffalonians to meet and engage with of Judaism, including Kabbalah, and David. A community-wide event will continued his art at night. In the 1980’s, be held Tuesday evening, December 11 he began to produce artwork that was beginning at 7 pm at Temple Beth Zion’s based on Torah concepts in an attempt Broder Building. David will present a talk to integrate Torah and art. The first piece entitled, “What Makes Hebrew a Holy produced (The Orchard of the Torah) Language,” followed by an interactive is based on the design of a Tibetan workshop where participants will be able mandala, and continues to be a top- to create their own works of art. Space selling print. is limited. Cost is $10 per person for After a bout with cancer in 1987 supplies. To reserve your spot, RSVP to David started practicing meditation, and Becky at 836-6565 or [email protected]. discovered that there was such a thing as Born in Denver, Colorado and raised Jewish Meditation. Wishing You Many Miracles! in a Modern Orthodox family, David David developed his own original FROM Friedman developed a talent for art at an system of translating kabbalistic early age. As a teenager he was inspired concepts into graphic shapes and colors Dr. Amy Beth by the artwork of album covers of the based mostly on Sefer Yetzirah (The • Evening & Weekend Appointments 60’s and the early 70’s music, and by Book of Creation), but also inspired from • Therapy, Workshops, DWI Evaluations the mystical art of Eastern mandalas. other texts. He has exhibited his work Court-Ordered Assessments David attended the Rhode Island School in North America and Israel, and his Experience - Professionalism - Sensitivity of Design for one year and then left to artworks can be found in many homes study Torah and Jewish mysticism, with and art collections around the world. Dr. Amy Beth Taublieb the late Rabbi B. C. S. Twerski. We look forward to welcoming David, New York State Licensed Psychologist David immigrated to Israel in 1977 along with Amiel BaKehila coordinator, 1006 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Tonawanda at the age of 20, and spent two years Rabbi Reuvan Spolter to Buffalo this 716-834-1505 studying Torah in Jerusalem, where he month. www.dramybeth.com met his wife, Miriam and after they December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 15 COMMUNITY

many philanthropic gifts, the Buffalo Lions of Judah… Jewish community comes first, because even though we support many things, we have to focus the Story Continues on Jewish community planning for the future,” she said. Gretchen is extremely proud We are once again excited to profile Buffalo women who make a Lion of Judah to give her LOJ gift in her own (LOJ) level gift ($5,000) annually to the Campaign for Jewish Buffalo. Since the name. “It feels good to give spring, we have featured 21 Lions of Judah, sharing their passions and energy in charitably, and I am so glad I making our community a warm, engaging and welcoming home for so many. This can do it. It also gives me my month, meet Lana Benatovich and Gretchen Gross who are both—in their own way- own voice, makes a statement -amazing, spirited, accomplished and always looking to take on the next project. that women’s voices are very One characteristic that unites Gretchen and Lana is their enormous energy and important, and is a way to enthusiasm for every project they undertake, no matter where or what it is. These encourage others to give,” she two exceptional women have given so much to make our Buffalo Community—not said. “But the most important just the Jewish community—a place where neighbors can learn to get along with thing for me is that our charitable Lana Benatovich each other, respect differences, and create cohesive communities. donations set an example for our Lana Benatovich is a doer! And as she grandchildren, and enables us might say about others, she not only “talks Benderson Community Leadership award to share our philosophy on life. the talk, she walks the walk.” She believes winner in 2016. Currently, she is vice And I love to think about my deep down in her heart that people of different president of the Foundation for Jewish own role models–primarily Ruth backgrounds, religions, nationalities, and races Philanthropies and sits on its executive Kahn Stovroff–who invited me should be able to get along with each other for director search committee. Gretchen and into her home and talked about the common good. So she makes it happen in her husband, Gordon, received the NFJC what mattered to her, and Ann her role as president of the National Federation Community Leader award, established a Holland Cohn ‘s selfless giving for Just Communities of WNY (NFJC-formerly chair at the Dept. of Jewish Thought at to the Jewish community Center, National Conference of Christians and Jews- UB, and donated a new building for arts among other places.” NCCJ) and has been doing that for the past 26 and crafts at the new Camp Centerland Gretchen commented that years. campus on the JCC site, a gift from Gordy being a Lion of Judah is like Before, she went to NFJC, she worked for the in honor of her 70th birthday. belonging to a large sisterhood. Federation as Community Relations Council “I give to Federation because it’s “It doesn’t matter where you director for 8 years, and prior to that in Buffalo awesome and community minded. It’s are in the world, if you spot City Hall as an administrator for Division for important to sponsor Jewish programs, another Lion anywhere, there Youth. because there are so few of us. Also, the is a connection. I try to wear A graduate of Tufts University and Columbia community has been really good to us my pin to all Jewish events, but University’s Teachers College, Lana taught Gretchen Gross and it is important to give back.” I like to wear it to community school for 5 years in New York, then moved As Maria Scrivani wrote about Gretchen Gretchen grew up at a time when Jews events, too, and have people ask to Buffalo from Manhattan following the for the Jewish Journal this past July, were not treated well. When she married me about it. Bottom line though, graduation of her husband, former Federation “the retired founder of a well-regarded Gordon, she began to get involved in is that we give here because it is president Howard Benatovich, from post- early childhood program and volunteer the Jewish community—particularly the our community. This is where graduate dental school at Columbia University. extraordinaire remembers wanting to Jewish Center. “For the first time in my we earned our livings and where Lana and Howard went on Leadership Mission ‘save the world’—a vow taken when she life, I felt comfortable being a Jew. I we want to give back! And to Israel with the Buffalo Jewish Federation was five years old. I clearly remember having was born in 1945, and my parents were that is why Gordy and I have in 1980. On another Israel Mission, Lana was that thought,” says the Buffalo native, who not engaged in the Jewish community. established endowments in the captivated: “There we, we saw the Ethiopians parlayed good fortune and industriousness I went to Sunday school and dancing Buffalo Jewish community to Jews get off the plane and kiss the ground and into a series of global adventures in her 20s school (she is a 5th generation Temple continue our legacy when we watch them begin their lives in the land of that led to a successful business career back Beth Zion member) but I wasn’t really are no longer here,” she added. love and opportunity. I came back from Israel in her hometown.” Gretchen was owner and comfortable in my own skin. With all the Ultimately, Gretchen Gross realizing that professionally and personally, president of Audubon at College Park, a pre- anti-Semitism going on then, I didn’t looks to the future with I wanted to work within and for the Jewish school and camp program from 1974-2012. want people to know I was Jewish. Then optimism. “I hope that our Community. I went to Morris Rombro – the At the same time, she was very involved with when I met Gordy,” she explained, “his community continues to grow executive director at the time – and said I want United Way’s early childhood project “Success family was really Jewishly involved. I stronger, and we can help by to be a community relations leader.” by Six.” started volunteering for Super Sunday in setting an example for future “It was at Federation in the 1980s that Harold Gretchen served as President of the JCC for 1980s and it was really fun. I quickly got leaders philanthropically. After Axelrod–a retired principal—became my chair 3 years through 2016, co-chaired the recent involved with the JCC and Federation, being involved for so many and we began our amazing work together, Federation’s Education Task Force with Leslie and have not stopped volunteering in the years, it’s encouraging to see creating a strong Community Relations Council Kramer, and chaired the Early Childhood at community since then.” so many emerging leaders and (CRC). Because I had the opportunity to work JCC for many years in 1990s. She served Gretchen’s philosophy on giving to to see the community is going within WNY – and the city particularly – I on the Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy the Jewish community is simple: “It is to be left in good hands. I’m already had connections, and we were able Campaign Cabinet as a LOJ co-chair, chaired really important that while we give to a very hands-on person. And to develop a Polish-Jewish dialogue, a Black- Super Sunday and the Campaign Kick-Off the general community, we support the I’m betting that generosity is Jewish dialogue and a Palestinian-Jewish Dinner along with her husband, Gordon. She Jewish community as well. If not, who contagious!” dialogue, as well as lead an interfaith mission was also honored by Federation as a Nathan will? So while Gordy and I have made to Israel In late 1980s.” 16 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 COMMUNITY

“Howard and I had the opportunity to attachment to that her, though I never visit the Soviet Union in 1987. This came knew her.” about through the CRC’s work as Soviet “My father Bernard Dubin, born in 1907 Jewry advocates. We worked very closely came to Brooklyn with his aunt and uncle. with Jack Kemp and his wife, Joanne. He Most of our relatives lived in Brooklyn was our Congressman at the time and and my sister, Marilyn, my parents and I they chaired a committee on Soviet Jewry would celebrate traditions–Shabbat and advocacy. They helped to lead the local Jewish holidays–along with cousins. My group to Washington DC for the National maternal grandparents Morris and Fanny March for Soviet Jewry that year. We had Moskoff lived in Brooklyn as well. Morris more than 100 Buffalonians at the March.” had a candy store and a movie theater. “During the Soviet Jewry movement, Fanny worked alongside him there, and my we took a mission to the Soviet Union. mother Bess grew up there with her brother, This was an extremely important and life Sol. And though we lived in Queens, every changing experience for us. We went with Sunday we would go to Brooklyn where we a few other people, including Jeff and were together as family.” Shelly Hirshberg, Carol Schwartz and Joel “Because of my heritage, my experiences Lippman, to Moscow and Leningrad to within and on behalf of the Jewish visit Soviet Jews who were not able to community, and particularly trying to leave the USSR because they were Jewish. be a role model for my daughters and We brought them clothing, prayer books, grandchildren, I contribute in as many mezuzahs and other religious items. We ways as I can to our Jewish Community. All had tea and cookies in their homes. The these reasons are why I am a Lion of Judah.” most meaningful and emotional visit was She explained that she loves wearing her to Irina Bronstein, who was our daughter LOJ pin out in the general community, and Marnie’s Soviet Jewish “twin” for her bat explaining to people who inquire about mitzvah. We went to Irina’s apartment what the Lion symbolizes. “I explain that it where she was living with her mother. is with pride and fulfillment that I put my While we were there, she went to her Lion pin on for the world to see.” bedroom and brought out the letters she Moving to Buffalo and being part of the received from Marnie. I believe today she is Benatovich family is another reason for around 46 and lives now in Israel.” Lana’s community devotion. Howard’s “During that trip, Howard and I also parents Minnie and Sam Benatovich were visited Natan Sharansky, who was a very so committed to their Jewish heritage well-known refusnik, waiting to leave the and their synagogue—Ahavas Achim (the Soviet Union, and who recently just retired former B’nai Shalom) in Buffalo. Sam was as head of the Jewish Agency for Israel. president of Ahavas Achim for 25 years, The other very big thing was Abe Bayer and Lana wanted to be part of that Buffalo of NJCRAC (the forerunner to the present Jewish community. “I am also very proud Jewish Council for Public Affairs, of which that my husband became president of the Buffalo is a member) came to Buffalo to Federation from 2003-2004, and now our prepare us for the trip to the Soviet Union, daughter Marnie Cerrato, who is in Buffalo, which was a difficult journey, because we is on the board of Holocaust Resource were meeting with Jews in secret.” Center, and our daughter Amy Janay has All of these stories of the NFJC and been active in her temple in New Jersey” CRC are a prelude to the fact that Lana She also has a strong family attachment Benatovich does what she does because to Israel. Several of Lana’s nieces and she is a proud Jew. “My Jewish heritage nephews live in Israel today. Two of her and identity are primary to me. I grew up sister Marilyn Kaplan’s three children in Queens going to services in an Orthodox married Israelis and made aliyah. Lana and synagogue, and because girls were not Howard travel to Israel for simchas, and able to become bat mitzvah there, I never her grandniece and nephew are currently continued my formal education. The irony soldiers in the IDF-the Israel Defense is that I go to synagogue more now through Forces. my work for the community. “ “It is so important for people from our “All four of my grandparents were born diverse WNY community to know that in Russia. I grew up without knowing my as Jews we care very much about our paternal grandparents, and in particular, Jewish community, and also about the connected to the stories about the life of interfaith community in relation to the my paternal grandmother who lived in Jewish community. That’s why, at my age. Woodbury, NJ. During the first part of the I’m still working. When it comes time to 20th century, she would have a diverse retire, I know that my commitment to my group of people over, and sit at her round community through my Federation gift as table and discuss issues. I felt a strong a Lion remains a priority.” December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 17 COMMUNITY

chairs Erie County Medical Center, Corp., UB School of Management Honors The Buffalo Zoological Society and the Buffalo Bisons Charitable Fund, and is the immediate chair of Visit Buffalo Niagara. Two Jewish Buffalonians He is also vice chair of Upstate New York Transplant Services and a board member The University at Buffalo School of Management for the 100 Club Buffalo. He is also the recognized several alumni business leaders for their impact longest serving member of the University on the community, the school and their industry at an at Buffalo Council, appointed by Governor awards reception on Oct. 17. Among them were Jonathan A. Mario Cuomo in 1994. Dandes and Julia Jornsay-Silverberg. Julia Jornsay-Silverberg, BS/MBA ’12, Dandes received the Community Service Achievement Award is the social media director at Telesco for his exceptional level of service and commitment to the Creative Group and founder of Bravery Western New York Community. “After more than three decades of Beats. She was honored as a graduate civic involvement across Western New York, it’s hard to overstate of the Business School in the last decade who has achieved substantial professional growth, early career achievement and exemplified leadership in the workplace. She started her career in digital marketing Julia Jornsay-Silverberg accepts her award at The Buffalo News before moving to the the impact Jonathan Dandes has had on our community. Right Buffalo Niagara Partnership. now, he holds leadership roles in more than 10 organizations— As founder of Bravery Beats, she and that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” Since 2001, he has served coaches entrepreneurs on how to grow as president of Rich Baseball Operations, which includes the their audience and build brand awareness. Buffalo Bisons, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the West And many times during the week, you can Virginia Black Bears, and Palm Beach National Golf and Country see her live on Facebook, Periscope and Club. other channels, teaching fans and friends Dandes also serves as president of Be Our Guest Ltd. and across the globe the importance of being the Canalside and Outer Harbor management groups, and authentic on social media. Jonathan Dandes addresses the crowd

Join the PJ Hanukkah Party! Dec. 9th, 2018

Train as a little Ninja and join the Maccabee Warriors

Location: Hybrid Ninja Academy 2500 Commerce Pkwy 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM For Kids Ages 9 - 11 Lancaster, NY 14086 Cost: $10/child Contact: Nicole Bard [email protected] 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM For Kids up to Age 8 Years

18 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 COMMUNITY BPO/UB plans 2018-19 Kurt Weill Festival The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra masterclasses, and the University at Buffalo College and chamber of Arts and Sciences’ Collaboratory are and orchestral Kurt Weill Festival presenting the Kurt Weill Festival, a concerts, Weill’s major creative partnership and one of musical legacy Thu Jan 17, 7:30 pm, Kleinhans Music Hall the firsts of its kind between the two will come alive Kurt Weill On Broadway institutions through May 2019. in an accessible Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Kurt Weill was one of the most and exciting way. This multi-media program explores Weill’s dramatic saga of immigration – from influential composers of the last century. Events will be held at Kleinhans Music Hilter’s Germany to Broadway. Tickets: $49 reserved; $25 general admission; $10 students Born a Jew in Germany in 1900, he rose to Hall, and on the UB campus and have prominence as a composer of opera. Nazi been created with assistance from the Germany turned Weill into a refugee and Kurt Weill Foundation for Music. Thu Mar 28, 7:30 pm, Baird Recital Hall Degenerate Music: Weill, Eisler and Schoenberg then an immigrant. Before his immigration For the BPO, the program is Weill, Cello Sonata and Seven Pieces from The Threepenny Opera (arr. Frankel); Eisler, to America, he focused largely on art supported by the National Endowment Duo Op. 7 and 14 Ways of Describing Rain, Op.70; and Cabaret songs of Weill and song and German classical traditions; for the Humanities through a grant Schoenberg. once in America, he scrupulously studied for the Music Unwound orchestral Ticket cost: $17-$22; seniors/students: $12-$17 the American popular song, and used his consortium created by the Joseph classical training to create a genre all Horowitz Foundation. The goal its own, eventually becoming a famous of Music Unwound is to find new Thu May 2, through, Sun May 5, Broadway composer and writing one of audiences for classical music through the 20th century’s most popular songs, exploration of its broader context. Drama Theatre, UB Center for the Arts THE THREEPENNY OPERA “Mack The Knife.” Many of the themes For tickets to events, visit Book and Lyrics by Bertolt Brecht, Music by Kurt Weill, of Weill’s work continue to resonate bpo.org or ubcfa.org, or call (716) Adaptation by Simon Stephens today: the immigrant experience, 885-5000 or (716) 645-2787. Updated Produced by the UB Department of Theatre and Dance interracial conflict, greed, corruption, and information will be available at bpo. TICKETS: $20 General Public $10 Student/Senior Admission exploitation of the poor. org/weill Through cabaret performances, art exhibits, talks, humanities symposia,

Other Weill Festival Events Buffalo’s Best wishes you a Wed Jan 16, 7 pm Happy Hanukkah! Artists in Exile-Lecture homemade shmears by Joseph Horowitz deli sandwiches • soups • salads JCC Holland Family Building fi nest dark roasted coffees • fresh-baked bagels signature tuna fi sh • and more! 787 Delaware Ave. MARSHALL’S PLAZA 2130 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 716.874.1800 Guest speaker Joseph Horowitz Let us do the work! 4498 MAIN ST. Snyder, NY 14226 716.839.2222 explores patriotic musical responses SHIVAH PLATTERS DASH’S PLAZA 100 A Plaza Dr, Williamsville 716.639.1000 to WWII—specifically Pearl Harbor KIDDUSH PLATTERS and FDR’s declaration of war—by N.Y. WEDDING BRUNCHES Pickup & Dropoff WWW.BAGELJAYS.COM two Jewish refugee composers: Kurt service available Weill and Arnold Schoenberg. The presentation—with audio/video clips— will be a study in contrasts: Weill became a super-patriot; Schoenberg became ambivalent about America. Mr. Horowitz will be in Buffalo working with the BPO and UB as the creator of the year-long “Kurt Weill Festival.” (bpo.org.) Horowitz is an author, concert producer and teacher. He is one of the most prominent and widely published writers on topics in American music. THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Call 716-2422-7824.

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 19 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

Lindy Says: Did you know that if your employer has a wellness program, it must be voluntary? “In the Family Tradition” Sponsored by Law Office of Lindydy Korn, PLLC - www.lkorn-law.com

The Mesnekoff name is synonymous with caring for our Jewish community for 3 generations. 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO • Condolence meals & Live streaming in December to Repair the World from funeral home now offered The annual Maria Love Charity Ball is December 7th at the Buffalo Niagara 1» Convention Center. This event, whose proceeds help women and children and families in WNY, offers a Middle School dance as well as a High School Call Jay at Dance. Email [email protected] for information.

(716) 639-8890 12 Bars of Charity—a new event in Buffalo—is a friendly competition among 2» 12 Buffalo-area bars to raise funds for 8 local charities, including The Service Beyond Expectation Alzheimers’ Assn., Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Make-A-Wish Foundation and 5 others. It takes place December 15 downtown. Go to Eventbrite.com 8630 Transit Road for more information and to purchase tickets.

East Amherst, NY 14051 Give a year-end gift to the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Campaign for 3» Jewish Buffalo, and get a 2018 tax deduction, and the feeling of being www.mesnekoff.com a mensch and making your Jewish community a better place. Go to www.buffalojewishfederation.org, or call 716-204-2245 before the end of email: December. Celebrate Hanukkah in Buffalo this year. Check out page 29 of this issue of [email protected] 4» the Jewish Journal to see all the Hanukkah events around town.

• Visit us on Facebook Kids need Books! That’s what our Buffalo Jewish Coalition for Literacy 5» (BJCL) volunteers say! And you can give gift cards, books or a cash donation Jay L. Mesnekoff to the group so that children at Buffalo Public School #80 - Highgate Director Heights can continue to become more literate, and have books of their own. Read about it on page 40, then contact Amy Heumann at ALHWrldBk@gmail. com to donate or volunteer. WHERE IN JBFLO ?

Where is this found and what is its significance to WNY? The first 5 people to correctly identify the location and the person will win a $10 lunch to the JCC’s Rogue Cellar at the Myers Family Tel Aviv Café, which is now open.

E-mail your answers to [email protected]

In November, Judd Sunshine, Laurie Werbow Botwin, Alan Brucks, Eva Blum, and Jeffrey Stromberg correctly identified the the gate of the Libowitz Cemetery on Pine Ridge Road.

20 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

December 2018 • Buffalo Security & Consulting Firm • Former Law Enforcement Offi cers • On Site Security for B’nai Mitzvah, weddings etc. • Prevention & Mitigation Strategies December 2-10 Hanukkah is celebrated. • Free Stop-The-Bleed Training Begin by lighting one candle, then add one more each night • Active Shooter Training Go to page 29 for a separate Hanukkah Events listing • Site Assessments December 2 • United Nations Certifi ed Instructors My Grown Up and Me! Storytime begins at 10 am Whole Foods, Amherst Contact us today. To register email [email protected] 855-FORSETI December 3-10 www.forsetiprotection.com Latke Fest at JCC Benderson Family Building [email protected] Monday-Friday 8:30 am- 4 pm. Buy, eat, enjoy latkes all week. 4640 Broadway • Depew December 8 Nickel City Jews Winter Event Buffalo Distillery Co. in Larkin Square 8:30 pm Info: [email protected] December 9 PJ Library/ PJ Our Way Party Hybrid Ninja Academy – 2500 Commerce Pkwy, Lancaster 12:30- 2:30 pm for PJ Our Way LightLight thethe NightNight 3-5 pm for PJ Library TBZ Achim Hanukkah Party 10:00 am Weinberg Campus, Meadows Lounge - 2nd floor Info: Ken Graber at 681-9885 for info December 11-13 Amiel BaKehila visit to Buffalo Info: Rob Goldberg - [email protected] December 11 Amiel BaKehila Program with Kabbalah Artist 7:00 pm TBZ’s Broder Building $10 for art supplies FOOD • DRINKS LIGHT + BRIGHT RSVP to Becky at 836-6565 or [email protected] MUSIC • FRIENDS ATTIRE SUGGESTED December 14 TBZ Kulanu Shabbat Service for LGBTQ Community 7:00 pm TBZ, 805 Delaware Avenue 836-6565 for information SATURDAY, DECEMBER EIGHTH December 24 9PM - 12AM TBZ Gift Wrapping at Barnes & Noble 9 am to 6 pm Niagara Falls Blvd. store PAY YOUR OWN WAY -or- BUY A WRISTBAND AT THE DOOR QUESTIONS: Nicole Bard, [email protected]

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 21 COMMUNITY ESSEN ‘N FRESSEN An Israeli Hanukkah Treat! Dining Guide By Robin Kurss Ellen Goldstein asked that this month’s recipe be something Israeli (in honor of Federation’s latest mission) and perhaps for Hanukkah as well. While researching Israeli food, I came across the fact that “one of the eight foods you must eat while in Israel is Meatballs with Sweet Potatoes,” who knew? If you fry them, instead of bake them, you’ve also done your duty to fry something yummy to eat at Hanukkah time. tuesday-friday 3pm-6pm $5 DRAFTS Turkey and Sweet Potato Meatballs $5 HOUSE WINES serves 6 $1 OFF ALL APPS $5 MARTINIS catering & holiday parties ON AND OFF SITE AND DROP OFF 8230 WEHRLE DR. WILLIAMSVILLE (716) 529.3429 LOCALGRILLE.COM

• Globally Inspired • Moderately Priced 1 lb. ground turkey 2 c mashed sweet potato • Eclectic 1 onion, minced fine In large bowl, mix all ingredients Cuisine 3 cloves garlic, minced fine together 370 VIRGINIA STREET BUFFALO 14201 www.facebook.com/bettysbuffalo ½ c parsley, chopped Shape into 1-2" balls www.bettysbuffalo.com ½ c Panko breadcrumbs Heat oil in sauté pan and fry until 362-0633 • Quirky Digs 2 Tbsp. maple syrup golden brown on all sides 7-10 minutes. : Sat. & Sun. 1 Tbsp. hot sauce Alternately, you can bake on a greased WEEKEND BRUNCH • Funky Staff Salt and pepper to taste sheet pan at 350 till done…about 20 BREAKFAST & LUNCH: Tues.-Fri. Oil if frying minutes. • Local Art DINNER: Tues.-Sat.

22 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 Dining Guide

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Buffalo’s Steakhouse Since 1969 Early Bird Special M-Sat 4:30 - 6 Open for Lunch! $ 00 Serving Monday-Friday 15 Off 11:30am-3pm Buy One Dinner Entrée at Serving our community since 1982 Game Night Specials Regular Price and Get Up to Lunch, dinner & catering 3999 Maple Rd, Amherst Buy One Lunch Entrée, $15 OFF with the Purchase Visit our website check out our daily specials! Corner of Maple & N. Bailey Get a Second Free! of a 2nd Dinner Entrée of (near Blvd. Mall) Equal of Lesser Value www.LebrosRestaurant.com (Up to $10 Value) www.scotchnsirloinrestaurant.net Not valid with other offers or Not valid with other offers or Simply Certifi cates. Valid on Simply Certifi cates. Valid on 716-688-0404 lunch only. Expires 12/31/18 dinner only. Expires 12/31/18 330 Campbell Blvd. Getzville, NY 837-4900

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 23 SYNAGOGUES ORGANIZATIONS Jewish Community Organizations in Western New York

Buffalo Jewish Federation Jewish Community Center of Greater 2640 North Forest Road Buffalo, Inc. Getzville, NY 14068 Benderson Family Building TEL 716-204-2241 2640 North Forest Road www.buffalojewishfederation.org Getzville, NY 14068 Rob Goldberg - CEO & Executive Director TEL 716-688-4033 Steven J. Weiss - President Richard Zakalik - Executive Director Susan Freed-Oestreicher - President Center for Jewish Learning & Engagement Holland Family Building 2640 North Forest Road 787 Delaware Avenue Getzville, NY 14068 Buffalo, NY 14209 www.buffalojewishfederation.org TEL 716-886-3145 Ellen Weiss - President www.jccbuffalo.org Evie Weinstein - Administrator Jewish Discovery Center Chabad House of Buffalo 757 Hopkins Road 2450 North Forest Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Getzville, NY 14068 831 Maple Road TEL 716-688-1642 Williamsville, NY 14221 (office) www.chabadbuffalo.com TEL: 716-639-7600 Rabbi Moshe Gurary - Director TEL: 716-632-0467 Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Chai Early Childhood Center Rabbi Laizer Labkovski 757 Hopkins Road www.jewishdiscovery.org Williamsville, NY 14221 TEL 716 580-4600 Jewish Family Service Of Buffalo www.chainursery.com And Erie County Chani Labkovski - Director 70 Barker Street Buffalo, NY 14209 Department of Jewish Thought TEL 716-883-1914 712 Clemens Hall - University at Buffalo www.jfsbuffalo.org Buffalo, NY 14260 Marlene Schillinger - Executive Director TEL 716-645-3695 Blaine Schwartz - Chair Email: [email protected] www.jewishstudies.buffalo.edu Jewish Federation Apartments Dr. Sergey Dolgopolski, Chair 275 Essjay Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies TEL 716-631-8471 2640 North Forest Road www.jewishfederationapartments.org Getzville, NY 14068 Kathleen Haggerty - Property Manager TEL 716-204-1133 Shawn Frier - President www.jewishphilanthropies.org Lynn Catalano - Managing Director Don Kohnstamm - President Jewish Federation Cemetery Corporation, Inc. Hadassah 2640 North Forest Road 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-204-2246 TEL 716-688-5260 www.jfedbflo.com [email protected] Deborah Pivarsi - Director Elaine Kellick, Annette Magid, Charlotte Gendler, President and Rhonda Wise- Co-Presidents Kadimah Academy Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association 1085 Eggert Road 2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Amherst, NY 14226 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-836-6903 TEL 716-204-0542 www.kadimah.org To advertise in the Judith Katzenelson Brownstein- President Fran Paskowitz - Principal Jonathan Epstein - President Hillel of Buffalo Campus Center of Jewish Life Kosher Meals on Wheels 520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons 757 Hopkins Road Suite #101B Williamsville, NY 14221 W. Amherst, NY 14228 Tel 716 639-7600 TEL 716-616-0083 www.koshermow.com Rabbi Sara Rich - Director Rabbi Laizer Labkovski - Director Dr. Jeffrey Lackner - President Jeffery Pasler – President www.hillelofbuffalo.org Ohr Temimim School Holocaust Resource Center 411 John James Audubon Parkway Call Cynthia at 336 Harris Hill Road, Suite 302 W. Amherst, NY 14228 Williamsville, NY 14221 TEL 716-568-0226 972-2240 TEL: 716-634-9535 www.ohrtemimimschool.com [email protected] www.hrcbuffalo.org Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz - Principal Rachel Kranitz McPhee - President Jonathan Gellman - President

24 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 ORGANIZATIONS SYNAGOGUES Rent assisted apartments for seniors & mobility-impaired adults

One Stop Jewish Buffalo Knesset Center (Orthodox) A free website updated weekly about all 500 Starin Avenue that’s happening in Jewish Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14214 Jewish Nathan Sull - Publisher TEL 716-832-5063 Aaron Sull - Editor Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow www.OneStopJewishBuffalo.com www.chabad.org Federation

Weinberg Campus Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) 2700 North Forest Road President - Shmuel Rashkin Apartments Getzville, NY 14068 Vice President - Reuven Alt TEL 716-639-3311 Gabbai David Kunkel www.weinbergcampus.org 85 Saranac Avenue Robert Mayer- President & CEO Buffalo New York 14216 Watch your favorite shows with your Kenneth Rogers- Chairman of the Board TEL 716 876 1284 new friends on our big screen TV! of Directors www.SaranacSynagogue.org

Yad B’Yad Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative) TEL 716-204-5380 621 Getzville Road www.yadbyad.org Amherst, NY 14226 Great room • Media room • Wifi • Fitness center Cindi Mikulik - Director Rabbi Samuel Barth Data center • Beauty salon • Laundry facilities Robin Raphael - Chair Cantor Mark Spindler Full time social worker • Activities • Transportation Andy Gewurz - President Kim Jones - Administrator 24 hour emergency maintenance • Two elevators • Library Western New York TEL 716- 838-3232 Computer room • Pool table • Emergency medical call Synagogues and Temples www.btzbuffalo.org system • Chapel • Card room • Large screen tv Temple Beth Zion (Reform) Chabad House of Buffalo Sanctuary: 805 Delaware Avenue Open to all religious denominations (unaffiliated) Buffalo, NY 14209 2450 North. Forest Rd, Religious School and Offices: Jewish Federation Apartments Getzville, NY 14068 700 Sweet Home Road 275 Essjay Road TEL 716-688-1642 Amherst, NY 14226 www.chabadbuffalo.com Rabbi Jonathan Freirich Williamsville, NY 14221 Cantor Penny Myers Congregation Beth Abraham Amy Schaefer - Temple Administrator (Conservative) Julie Dressler Weinberg - President For application information please call 716-631-8471 1073 Elmwood Avenue TEL 716-836-6565 www.JewishFederationApartments.org Buffalo, NY 14222 www.tbz.org www.congregationbethabraham.net *Jewish Federation Apartments does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the Temple Beth El (Reform) admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted program and activities. Congregation Shir Shalom 720 Ashland Avenue (Reform/ Reconstructionist) Niagara Falls, NY 14301 4660 Sheridan Drive Rabbi Ellen Franke Williamsville, NY 14221 Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose TEL 716-633-8877 William Bell - President Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein TEL 716-282-2717 Cantor Arlene Frank www.niagarafallstemple.com Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director Bruce Corris - President Temple Emanu-El (Reform) www.shirshalombuffalo.org 124 Bank Street Batavia, NY 14020 Congregation Havurah (Reform) TEL 585-343-7027 6320 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 Stan Schumann - President Bernard Schenkler, President Enid Edelman, Membership Chair The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) TEL 716-689-8059 757 Hopkins Road www.congregationhavurah.org Williamsville, NY 14221 [email protected] Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Rabbi Laizer Labkovski Kehillat Ohr Tzion 716-639-7600 (Modern Orthodox) 879 Hopkins Rd Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) Williamsville, NY 14221 105 Maple Road Rabbi Ori Bergman Williamsville, NY 14221 Jeff Schapiro - President Rabbi Eliezar Marcus http://ohrtzion.org/kot Richard G. Berger- President TEL 716-634-0212 www.yibuffalo.org Attention Snowbirds! Due to postal regulations, the Jewish Journal of Western New York will no longer be forwarded to “temporary change” addresses. If you plan to be away from your permanent address and will have your first class mail forwarded to your temporary address and would like to continue to receive the Jewish Journal over the winter or the summer, please call Joan Kwiatkowski at 716-204-2242 to give us your “temporary” address. Thank you!

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 25 SYNAGOGUES TBZ Sisterhood Participated Friends of Night TBZ Gift in Breast Cancer Walk People Wrapping Volunteers for Friends of Night People are needed for the second Tuesday of the month from 4 to 7:15 pm. In addition, ‘Party’ this month Temple Beth Zion volunteers plan to serve dinner on December 25, so volunteers who celebrate Christmas can be with their families. You are invited to join TBZ volunteers serve a warm Plan to do your last minute shopping meal to those who would otherwise go and have your gifts wrapped by members hungry. Please contact Ann Marie Randall, of the TBZ Sisterhood at Barnes & Noble. (716)836-6565, Ext. 111, or Annmarie@ Come Monday, December 24 to the Barnes & tbz.org, to put your name on the list of Noble on Niagara Falls Boulevard anytime volunteers December 11 or December 25. between 9 am and 6 pm. You can check off Come once or more often. Whatever you those final holiday items and have them can do is greatly appreciated. wrapped while doing a mitzvah!

Achim Celebrates Hanukkah December 9

The Brotherhood of Temple Beth Zion will hold its December Achim program Sunday, The Beth Zion Sisterhood team of walkers raised over $1,000 for breast cancer research December 9 at 10:00 am at the Weinberg Campus’s Meadows Lounge, located on the when they participated in the annual “Making Strides for Breast Cancer” walk at Canalside second floor at 2650 North Forest Road. on October 13. The program will feature the annual Hanukkah program with the Temple Beth Zion Junior Choir, under the direction of Cantor Penny Myers. The choir appears annually and sings many of the traditional and well-known Hanukkah melodies. Achim is a monthly program for the benefit of the residents, and their guests, at the Weinberg Campus and is open to the public at no cost. For further information, please contact Celebrate Hanukkah Ken Graber at 681-9885. at TBZ TBZ Bereavement Friday, December 7 Sunday TOTS! Temple Beth Zion offers a Pre- Support Group 5:45 pm Tot Shabbat Kindergarten class for 3 & 4 year olds with their parents or other adults once per The Temple Beth Zion Bereavement 6 pm Potluck Dinner month on Sundays from 9 - 11:3O am at the Support Group is lay-led by members 7 pm Shabbat Alive Service Broder Center,. Class dates are: December of the group in an informal and warm 2, January 27, March 3 and 24, April 7 and setting. The group offers companionship 805 Delaware Avenue May 5. and understanding from others who Through art projects, music, storytelling have experienced a similar loss and are and food, the program will explore Jewish experiencing the similar challenges of Come to TBZ for a lively evening of Hanukkah symbols, customs and holidays with a living with grief. Meetings usually take celebrations. For families with younger children, different theme each month. place at the Broder Center, 700 Sweet start the evening with Tot Shabbat at 5:45 pm, This is a wonderful way for families Home Road, Amherst. followed by a community dairy potluck dinner to meet other families! For more details, If you have questions or would like to at 6:00 pm. Shabbat Alive begins at 7:00 pm contact Kara Kane at (716)836-6565. get information on the meeting dates and and the TBZ band and choir will participate Temple membership is not required for locations, contact Carol at (716)873-2836. in the service. Please bring your menorah participation in this class. All members of the community are welcome. for a group lighting of the candles.

Come for all or part of the evening. If you plan to come for TBZ Kulanu Service 12/14 dinner, please bring a salad or dairy dish to share with approximately Temple Beth Zion’s annual Kulanu winter service will be held on Friday, December 14, at 10-15 people. RSVP for dinner by 7 pm at Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. All members of the community contacting Kara at [email protected] are invited to join this circle of light and warmth, and to take that light and warmth back or (716) 836-6565. into the winter night with them. Kulanu is a collective of individuals dedicated to making the Buffalo community a just, safe, welcoming and inviting place for Jewish members of the LGBTQ community. 26 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 SYNAGOGUES

BaKehila at KOT Temple Beth Zion Barnes & Nobles by Phyllis Steinberg proudly presents: Bookfair and Buffalo is very fortunate to be among Hanukkah Story the communities to have received a grant Sha- Broadway from Amiel BaKehila, a unique program Time with that sends educational and cultural Shira 5779 delegations from Israel to small and A Musical Shabbat Evening Congregation Shir midsized Jewish communities. KOT has taken the lead for the first two Amiel Featuring the Broadway Music of Shalom and Bakehila visits. The second delegation arrived at KOT on October 18 and met with PJ Library various Jewish organizations in Buffalo Hamilton until October 21, when they left and Lion King Sunday, December 2nd headed for Ottawa. KOT’s first program with the delegates Les Miserables at 1:00 pm was on Friday night when Rabbi Reuven Fiddler on the Roof 1565 Niagara Falls Boulevard Spolter, Director of the Program, led Amherst, NY 14228 davening and after a community Shabbat And MORE!! dinner talked about the realities faced by Israel in trying to reach some of the • Join our clergy & staff for Hanukkah idealistic goals expected of the country. A Friday, January 18th stories! very honest and open discussion followed focused her talk on the Bnei Menashe @ 7 pm • Enjoy singing Hanukkah songs! his presentation. in India. There was so much interest in • Do your holiday shopping! finding out more about such communities • Complimentary gift wrapping from that during Se’uda Shlishi Ms. Ben-David Temple Beth Zion 2:00-6:00 pm. spoke about China’s Kaifeng community 805 Delaware Ave., Buffalo N.Y. Call the Temple Office and their struggles to learn and reconnect for more information. with their Jewish heritage. After Havdalah, several KOT families gathered at the home of Shoshana and Richard Laub for a delightful evening of making pizza and salad under the guidance of the third delegate of the Amiel group, Chef Yahav Kriti who involved many attendees in the food preparations, including KOT President Jeffrey Schapiro. In addition to all the events at KOT, the delegation also met with other Jewish groups in the area including Kadimah, Young Professionals, Discovery Center, and Shir Shalom. Many people were involved in making the weekend so successful. These include Barbara Chazen, Jeff and Mireille Hanukkah Schapiro, Rob Goldberg, Marian and Harvey On Shabbat, KOT members and friends Arbesman, Shoshana and Richard Laub at Shir Shalom!!! sat down to a kiddush luncheon and and Ted and Phyllis Steinberg. Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah Come Light The Menorah With Us! learned about lost and hidden Jews KOT is looking forward to the arrival around the world when Laura Ben-David of the next Amiel BaKehila delegation in gave a fascinating talk about these groups December. For more information contact Friday, December 7, 2018 and her work with Shavei Israel. She [email protected]. 6:00 pm • Complimentary Latke Bar 7:00 pm • Erev Shabbat Family Service Interfaith Holiday Programs 8:00 pm • Festive Oneg Shabbat Open to the community! Congregation Shir Shalom and North Presbyterian Church are joining together to RSVP to the Temple Office.- 633-8877 host two programs about the upcoming December holidays called “Shedding Light on Give back to our community by supporting “The Fifth Night of Hanukkah” Program. Hanukkah and Christmas: a Historical Perspective of the Two Holidays. Shir Shalom, 4660 Please bring in winter items or gift cards to be donated to Jewish Family Service. Sheridan Drive, will host the program on December 6th at 7:00 pm examining Hanukkah. North Presbyterian Church, 300 North Forest Road will host the second program on December 13th at 7:00 pm covering Christmas. All are welcome to attend. Call 633-8877 for reservations or more information about the programs. December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 27 SYNAGOGUES Ribbon Cutting at new Beth Tzedek: 11/4/18 Photos courtesy of Norman Weiss

28 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 2018 Hanukkah Parties KENNY CARPETS AND FLOORS In Buffalove!

December 2 Barnes & Noble Bookfair and Hanukkah Story Time with Congregation Shir Shalom and PJ Library is Sunday, December 2nd at 1:00 pm. 1565 Niagara Falls Boulevard. Hanukkah stories! Hanukkah songs! Do your holiday shopping! Complimentary gift wrapping from 2:00-6:00 pm. Call the Temple Office at 633-8877 for more information.

Disneyland Hanukkah with Jewish Discovery Center. 4-6 pm Family Hanukkah party. 57 Hopkins Road. Dinner with latkes, music and dancing. $36/family. $13/adult. $6/child. Call 639-7600. December 3 The Rogue Cellar at the JCC’s Myers Family Tel Aviv Café will be selling latkes during Hanukkah. Annie Krause will be offering different varieties of latkes during FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE the week and she will be sharing her recipes with members and guests! Please join us for a latke fest beginning December 3rd. The café is open from 8:30 am – PAY NO INTEREST FOR ONE FULL YEAR* 4 pm Monday - Friday. December 6 TOP 5 REASONS YOU MUST Temple Beth El’s- Niagara Falls – Hanukkah Party will be a luncheon Thursday, COME TO KENNY CARPETS: December 6th @ 1 pm at the Temple (720 Ashland Avenue, Niagara Falls). For more information or to reserve a seat, call Darlene @ 297-2574 or Ellen @ 260- 1. WNYs largest volume ooring chain, our selection is overwhelming, 1836. There’s no set charge, but donations are gratefully accepted. our volume saves you lots of money. Kadimah Academy Community Hanukkah Dinner and Celebration at 6 pm, 2. Serving WNY since 1960, no one has our experience in installing following an Open House for prospective kindergarteners at 5:30 pm. Display carpet and oors. of chanukiyot created by each class at Kadimah Academy from recycled materials. Student performance, Hanukkah songs and dances, Art project stations, 3. Our sta averages 19 years of experience - no one will serve you better. and Basket Raffle! The cost for the dinner is $18 per adult, $5 per child. 4. We stock more carpet, wood, laminate, and vinyl than any store. Buy today, Install Tomorrow. December 7 5. Our prices are signi cantly lower than any Outlet, Home Center or Hanukkah at Shir Shalom! 6:00 pm – Complimentary Latke Bar. 7:00 pm – Store. Ask about our low price guarantee!! Erev Shabbat Family Service. 8:00 pm – Festive Oneg Shabbat. Open to the community! RSVP to the Temple Office at 633-8877. *to quali ed buyers Give back to our community by supporting “The Fifth Night of Hanukkah” Program. Please bring in winter items or gift cards to be donated to Jewish Family Service.

Hanukkah at Temple Beth Zion. 5:45 pm Tot Shabbat. 6:00 pm Pot Luck Dinner. 7:00 pm Shabbat Alive Service. RSVP to Kara at 836-6565 if you plan to stay for dinner. Also, plan to bring a salad or dairy dish to share. December 8 Nickel City Jews Hanukkah Party. Buffalo Distilling Company REMEMBER ... in Larkin Square. 8:30 pm. There is a cost. DO THE KENNY! Contact [email protected]. 7600 Transit Rd. December 9 (Opposite Eastern Hills Mall) 631-0028 TBZ Achim Celebrates Hanukkah at Weinberg Campus. 10:00 am. Meadows Lounge, 2nd floor at 2650 North Forest Road. 3240 Transit Rd. Open to the community & free of charge. (at Seneca Creek) Contact Ken Graber at 681-9885 for information. 656-0426 PJ Library/ PJ Our Way 2995 Sheridan Dr. Hybrid Ninja Academy – 2500 Commerce Pkwy, Lancaster (at Niagara Falls Blvd. next to 12:30- 2:30 pm for PJ Our Way Northtown Plaza) 3-5 pm for PJ Library 836-8100 Chabad Hanukkah Party 3 pm Knesset Center, 500 Starin Ave. HOURS: M F 9 8, SAT 10 5, SUN 12 5 $8 per child. Call 688-1642 www.kennycarpets.com

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 29 Hanukkah Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) www.higginsforcongress.com

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Private transportation dedicated to serving seniors offering high level attentive professional care beyond door-to-door KYLE B. STRENG 76 Chapel Woods 207 Village Point Lane Williamsville $349,000 Williamsville $1,900,000 [email protected] Lovely curb appeal & many updates & renovations. Exterior trim painted 2018. Extraordinary setting & superb location sets the tone for this magnificent custom (716) 908-1228 Interior updates include hardwood floors, some new appliances, all mechanics Country French style home. Incomparable architectural detail, mill work, & decor replaced since 2007 including tear off roof. New sliding glass door to deck and throughout. Chef’s dream kitchen with granite counters, top stainless steel new washer & dryer 2018. Great floor plan. All rooms spacious. Second floor appliances, walk-in pantry & finest cabinetry. Family room with fireplace & built-in attic storage is a bonus. Partially finished lower level provides additional space entertainment center. Sunroom overlooks covered patio & private yard. Incredible for entertainment. Owners being transferred, hate to leave this beautiful home!! master suite with large custom fitted walk-in closet & spa bath. Library with Seller is offering a $3500 buyer closing cost incentive with an acceptable offer. custom built-ins. Stunning lower level features media room with plush seating, open relaxation area with fireplace, wet bar, full bath & additional bonus room.

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December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 31 Hanukkah

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32 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 Hanukkah Chag Orim Sameah! May Your Hanukkah Be Bright!

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 33 Hanukkah

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34 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 Hanukkah Wishing Everyone a Happy Hanukkah

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December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 35 Hanukkah

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December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 37 AGENCIES aa fie THANKFUL FOR PALS-KADIMAH DANIEL TOBIAS, CLASS OF 2006 By Sophia Balderman and Laurent Haccoun With Thanksgiving just behind us and By Beth Steinberg Chanukah approaching, we have been contemplating the blessings in our lives. One that Believing that a good education is essential to success in life is a core value of many Jewish really stands out is the Play and Learn School parents. Daniel Tobias’ parents were no exception. They also believed that a good education – Kadimah program (PALS-Kadimah), housed required Jewish learning to develop a strong spiritual identity which would complement a within the Temple Beth Zion building on Sweet growing mind. For them, enrolling Daniel at Kadimah was an investment in him and his future. Home Road. This pre-school is truly a treasure within the Buffalo Jewish Community and we ae f eca e afe a are incredibly grateful to have become part of fe ee a aa a eae the PALS-Kadimah family. We first learned about w f ea c wa PALS-Kadimah because our wonderful niece, a a ca e e w who started there at age three, has consistently a ea ac e a we fce ae f eace e eace been happy and flourishing since being enrolled. e a eae a aa cca aae aeac a Our young daughter, Claire, is currently in the cae aac e cee ee f Shefanim (2-year old class) and we are thrilled Oe wef aec f L ac caa a afe a with how she has been thriving there. aa a ea e f a e ea wc e eace a Laa ae aef a e ea ae ae e Lea e eca a we a eee e eecee e e eew aae ae acce e a eca eff ea eac c a a ce ae ecae ea eac ec w f eae a eae a e e fwa e a e eace w e ea e e eew a c ecae e eace ae ee ea a eec O a ee a e ea a a a a Daniel Tobias a c f f e Oe e eca e a ca ee e ce fe aa w acaec e e wee aa ac a a eac e a a f aa ae ce ca e ae f ae w a Laa wee e ce ea w w eac e e ee a f ea a eceece e ew ae e fcace f a ew a cae a ae e e a Laa e a fe w e aee eew ae fe c eca e w f e caa a e we e fwa e w f ce e fe a e ea f eca c a ea a a aa a ece a ea wa e ca acae a eae e ae ae w w e a ac caa w cea ceee a ae a f e a eaae a a ffa e aeca f ew fe a Laa a a a a we wa aecae a e a aa awe aa a e a e e ee Oaa e a ee ae a e c a aa ew we ee a wa f a a a f e c wc ae a Laa f eac ecaa a fea a e a ea e aae a e fa ee ae e a ae ae ecee cae f a c w a aa ecae ce w e ce wa we e w e a fe a ca ea a f a w wa e e a ccef caee a ae caf ea a a f eaf a ew a cca aceee awa a a ee e e fa f a ew e e e cae we a caa ea a f eaf a ee e ce ea ae e a we a ae e ec f eca e w ac f e w ea e ffe e w ae a aa e e ea a e ew a a eee e ew w e e ee f c ee a ea ae a eace e ae a ae e ea c a f ece f e a e ea e ac La w wef w caf a ee e ec ec e fee e e e e wece e ce a e ae ee e a ae eeece ae w eae e ae aa fe ca a aa we e ce e a a a Sophia Balderman and Laurent ee a wa w ae aeca Beth Steinberg is a teacher at we e a awe e a ae Haccoun are the parents of PALS- f ew fe a ae e ew a Kadimah Academy. a ae eeece e e ae f Kadimah student Claire.

38 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 AGENCIES a a a e By Jordana Halpern

Jewish Buffalo’s most celebrated ceramic artist, educator and philanthropist, Sylvia L. Rosen turns 99 on December 19, 2018. eee wa f e a f ew ae a e aa a wa f e ca f a fea e wa eae e f e cfe ee f L Leac a e ecee e aa ee ece wa f e ffa ew eea e a f a eca ce ee c e ew e a ae a a ee f eae ffa ca a ae f a aae w a ewe f a we a w e eca f O ae e e wee a eae e a ae a afe ae aa e a e a eea e e a awe e ce e a cae aa eea e ae ea wee e e e ffa a c ae e a e e eac eee aef a e f e e ffa ca e acae f e e e ea ae ae af ea ee ew a e fcace f caf fe a a a eaae wa e fe e a a fwa ceea ea w ee e eff e ecee a efcae f e f e w ew af f e a c e ca e a a e eae af ee a e e a ffa a aa e ee ea e e fe e a e we f e e af ea wc ce a a a ceea f e e ea caf a e w a ee ee a e eea e f e ffa afe e ee ae a ew ae c e ew ae a e ffa ae ee ea e ea ew ae af e O ae e ew ec ffa ae cfe ee ee a aee ee e e cec f e a e a O ae e O a e cee eaa e f eac a fe e fe ew e a awa ce e e Leae wa a e a ac Leae wa f e ffa ae ee a e a a ecee e we December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 39 AGENCIES aee c LITERACY COALITION HOW JEWISH SONGWRITERS AND PERFORMERS CONTINUES TO SAVE THE SHAPED POPULAR MUSIC WORLD, ONE BOOK AT A TIME By Amy Heumann, Book Distribution Chair

Oce ffa ew a f Leac e e a f ee fa eawa a ae e c e ee afe f eawa ee e e ae a e ce ee ae e a ee

Experience a journey through Jewish musical history and trivia during TICKETS the multimedia program, FROM $18/GENERAL VAUDEVILLE TO ROCK: HOW JEWISH $10/STUDENT SONGWRITERS AND PERFORMERS SHAPED POPULAR MUSIC. The event, Tickets may be purchased at either generously sponsored by Mesnekoff JCC Member Services Desk or Funeral Home Inc., will be presented on at www.jccbuffalo.org. Sunday, January 6 at 2:00 pm in the Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre, JCC Benderson Family Building. e a e a e fw ee a ccee a ceae ae ee a f ee ae e e ee ca ae a aa ea e ae a ea ca a ee ce a e w a a ae ee eea cee w ca a ce c ew e a e a fea ca ae a ee ew ffa c a f ae cee e a e Lea ee Larry Aronoff e a ae e acaac a Lea e Dawn Halverson w a e a e e Andy Levine a a eace wa e fa eae fw e ee Bonnie Levine ew efee Leae a e a aa ee w e a Eileen Markzon aae O a a e ee f ece e La Le Ellen Palmer e aceec a f e ee a Anna Steinberg e a e wee ew c a aeee w ae e Barbara Weitzner-Lin e ef e ee e e a Sharon Winer e e ee w e awee e e ee e e Sharon Zysman a e c f e c w ffe wa w e ae e eae e aece fe e e ee ee e faa w a wee ee a a f e a eee w Event sponsored by wece e O e ecae a ae ece ec f e ee a e ac ce we ea ffa ew eea eawa w a ae ace e fae c a e a ae e we a ee a e e e w e eawa ee ea a f a a wef wa aa a ee w e fee For more information please visit a ea a ea ae a a c eac a e eee a a a ee www.jccbuffalo.org or contact Katie ea e a e ee w eee Oce e ee cc w Wzontek, Cultural Arts Director at e ece a ce If you are interested in volunteering your time e a Leac f ew e [email protected]. a ea and/ or donating books, contact Amy Heumann we ca Oa f ae w e at [email protected] or Ellen Goldstein at e ae e a w ce [email protected]. 40 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 AGENCIES Change the Way You See aaa ae By Phyllis Steinberg

This year Buffalo Hadassah had some very special guest speakers at their annual Installation Luncheon. Enid Edelman and Evette Slaughter, talented local artists, displayed some of their art and talked about the creative process of painting. The members in attendance thoroughly enjoyed their presentations.

Your Complete ac eee ae aee ca a aae f e eae a ae e ew ffce Family Eye Care Center e a eea ea aaa a eae w a ea f eae w ae eae e a • New Patients Always Welcome ae a a a ee e eae f w • Routine Eye Exams for All Ages e ae ec ee a a a e a a ee • Laser Vision Correction wa ae a ecea a e ea a eae • Cataract & Glaucoma Evaluations ffa aaa caa w eea e ew aa • Large Selection of Designer e a ae c ee Frames & Sunglasses e La Le a e e e a a cae • Contact Lens Exams & Fittings Sara Sirkin, c f e ea ewee ae a eca ew e c wa • We Accept Most Major Credit Cards M.D. eae e ece ec f e ew eea f eae ffa e ae wee a aa cece ec f e a a aa ec ee e a Lee ae Leae e ee wa ce e eea e ea O a ee e ffa aaa ee w e ceea aa ee a e e ecee Lc w Sara Sirkin, M.D. e ee a eac aeee e 2441 Sheridan Drive ae a ea e ee Hadassah has planned many (716) 836-8700 exciting programs for the coming year. For member information contact [email protected] www.atwaleye.com December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 41 There's something about the JCC Happening in December at the

oneEnter of the following to greatwin gifts LatkeDecember Fest 3-10 between December 3-10!

The Rogue Cellar at the Myers Family Tel Join us in our Cycling Studios December 1 & 2 Day 1: 3 1/2 hour personal training sessions Aviv Café in the Benderson Family Building for a new way to celebrate Hanukkah. Day 2: JCC mug & Myers Tel Aviv Café bucks will be selling latkes during Hanukkah. Day 3: One hour massage Different varieties will be offered and Annie JCC Spin Off: Day 4: 3 1/2 hour personal training sessions will be sharing her recipes! Benderson Family Building: Day 5: JCC mug & Myers Tel Aviv Café bucks Saturday, December 1 9:00-10:00am Day 6: 3 month individual membership certificate Please join us Sunday, December 2 9:00-9:45am Day 7: 2 JRT tickets for a 2018/2019 show Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm. Day 8: 3 1/2 hour personal training sessions Holland Family Building: Saturday, December 1 11:15am -12:00pm Sunday, December 2 12:15-1:00pm You can enter once a day at the Member Service Desk. Open to everyone, certain restrictions apply. One entry per day per person. Kosher snacks to follow each class! Winner will be notified by email, phone or letter.

Jewish Community JCC Gift Cards are Perfect Center of for Every Body Greater Buffalo Available in any denomination, they can be used towards membership dues, classes, programs, trips, personal training and more! Easy to buy, easy to give, perfect for any occasion, one size fits all! Gift Cd Benderson Family Building Business Hours Holiday Hours Bb Amherst Sun 8:00am - 6: 00 pm Amherst Tuesday, December 25 Mon-Thurs 5:30am - 9 : 3 0 pm Fitness Open 8:00am-3:00pm Aquatics until 2:30pm Holland Family Building Friday 5:30am - 7: 00 pm Business Offices, Kids Place, Early Childhood closed Sat 8:00am - 6: 00 pm Tuesday, January 1 Hb Buffalo am pm pm Buffalo Fitness Open 8:00 -3:00 Aquatics until 2:30 JCC Buffalo Business Offices, Kids Place, Early Childhood closed AGENCIES

aff w c awe e e to welcoming Michal Dicker, an Israel e a ae feeac a e acce Education Director at Hillel International w w e e ec who is helping us to formulate a campus By Rabbi Sara Rich e wa ee e Israel engagement strategy, as well as a fae a e f a a Adam Pollack, the Director of Hillel We all know that Buffalo is a fun place for tourism, but did you know that it is on the e e f ffa eefe f Grants, and Aviva Snyder, our Hillel must-visit list for our Hillel partners? ea a e e acce e International Campus Support Director. cae a ea a ew wa These visits are significant because they aac w e wa e represent the high level of interest from ae ee f w fae we Hillel International in the work taking fee e a f ew f place here in Buffalo, and it shows their ceae a e w w ae investment in our growth and success. If e a f ec e e f ew you would like to meet any of our guests e during their time in Buffalo, please let Later in the semester, we look forward me know: [email protected].

Oce e f ffa e a e e a ea a e f ae c e eac e w ae ec f e Oaaa e ee eeee c La OL OL a ae ewee e fa a we ce f ae e a e eaa ea w e w e f a e a a a ae a aac ffe ca a eec f e fwa ae w e eac ca e e f ffa e eee f e a f e a c a f eff a we fwa c w e aa ee ee w f ffae e e e cae ee O f w ce e ew fw wee a we wece w ae e w e e aff ffa e a w e aff e w e eaa a a eece a a ca fe a e caee a a cae cceeae wc e f e e f ffa e ce e fea w e e e aff a eece f ae ece ece ec aca e ae wc w eae cac a a f e e w wc e a ae a a f we aac w e e aea e f c a fa a f e ae e ce a eace wec eca f ce a f e a e a e a e ew ea ae a e aw a e ec a e aff a a eece we wee e e ce a a e acae wa e e aa e a a e a a ca aa a w we a ec f e a e ca ee e e ac a f a e ec a ee w e ca ae ec f e f waee e e cee eeece w a ffa ea a e e OL a w ea e f e ec a e a a e a ce f ea ee w e a eae a December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 43 AGENCIES L ca

Eva Blum, formally Eva Wallenfels, has a lightning quick wit and eyes e ffa e wa w a that twinkle mischievously. Born March 1937 in Budapest, Hungary, she a eca e e wa was seven and living with her mother, brother and grandmother in a ae e a e f ew a building with 20 apartments when the Nazis came. ece e e eee ew O ew fae e ee e e a cae e ee a ece a ee a f eee ae e cee ca aea e wee e w w e eee e wa e w a eae a ace eee e a aa wee e e e wa ce cece f e e e e wae c efe e ae awa e a ffa a we a we a we w e aae e e e a ae e e we w e e ac a ce w e ef e ee a e fa e c a e ea e a e e ea e c e wa afe ee a a e e a e e eae ece e a e ee a wa a cae f a a e e a a effe a a a a ae w e Eva Blum a Oe ce w wee ae e ee e wa e ae f ca ae awa e ccea ca ae a ee ef ea e a e a ee we a a a e wa fee e eca e e a e ae w a e cae ac ae c a e w cef wa ee a f e w e ea e aa ee e e e a e f a ecae ae ea e ee ae a ee f e a fe ecae e ae ee e e e aae f e ce eca e

44 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 AGENCIES PROFESSOR TAMAR RUDAVSKY - ON TIME & CREATION @ UB On October 11th, the UB Department of Jewish Thought enjoyed a stimulating lecture e w cee ecae e w e ece w a from visiting professor Dr. Tamar Rudavsky on the nature of time as argued by al-Ghazzali ec eceae a ee e e ca ea a ae ee f (11th century-Muslim), Maimonides (12th century-Jewish), and Edmund Husserl (20th w a ee e e aew ef e ee e fac a e century-German Jewish). Principally, she was intrigued by a resemblence between e ee e we a a ee f w aa al-Ghazzali and Husserl. ee ea a wc e aaa fea e ea ee we e a e fc a ea w a eew f cce f e aa wa ace w a a a e f e a aca ea ae ea f e a a e e f a e wc ca ceae wa we w ca a ace w a a e f e a e aae f e wc ae f ee a a a ee a caae e a ea aaa ea a e ea ce f fece eea a ew wa we w ae e e aa acae fe ee ee cea e a e a e ee wa a f e cc aaa e w a e ee c ee ae eea e a a eae ewee ae ace ae c aa cce f e f e eece f a a a ee a ae ea f ee ece f e f a e e ea w aca a fe acc ae a e a caa a e aaa e e ffee wew e ae eea a e e eac eee afea e e ae f e cea f a e e f e e e a e ceae e ce f e ece cae ewee e ea f a a eec a a ewe w fee eeea a e ee f ce eaew e e ece wa aee e f w wc ca f e a e a acc a e f a eea eaae a aae e e e ceee ee aaa f e e e e fce ae a we a c ee a aaa eec f e e w a ceece e a a e a ae a e a c ea fa f a ac w e ee f ece f e w e ee

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 45 MONEY MATTERS

Stuart Scheff is a Lawley partner and Steven Sanders, CPA is a small ac- manager of the Amherst branch. His re- counting rm, specialiing in the tax sponsibilities include management of and accounting needs of small business- staff, sales team and operations. He has es. His services include, individual and over 30 years within the insurance indus- business tax return preparation, business try. Prior to merging with Lawley, Stuart consultations, payroll preparation, book- was the 3rd generation to operate Scheff keeping, nancial and estate planning, Insurance, his family’s insurance agency. S audit support and nancial state- Stuart is a Board Member of Leadership ment preparation. Steven is a member Buffalo, graduate of University at Buffa- of the NS Society of ertied Public lo’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leader- Accountants, The American nstitute for ship and nance committee member of ertied Public Accoun- the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo. tants, Amherst South otary and Past Pres- 716-636-5818 716-839-0212 ident of Buffalo aad [email protected] [email protected] HaKashruth. go.lawleyinsurance.com/sscheff buffalo-cpa.com

Roger Schapiro, has been part of the Gary May joined Lawley in January local Buffalo insurance industry for over 2009 and has over 40 years of experi- 25 years. His focus is on personal insur- ence in the insurance industry. He en- ance products, tailoring custom policies joys working with area businesses and for each client. He makes it a priority individuals in reviewing their insur- to be available to answer questions and ance needs. Gary is dedicated to pro- to help when the unexpected happens. viding his clients with comprehensive Roger lives in East Amherst with his coverages and superior service. Gary wife and three children. He volunteers graduated from Kenmore West High with Kosher Meals on Wheels and is School in 1967 and SUNY at Fredonia proud to be a part of this organization. in 1971 with a BA degree in economics.

716-458-3300 716-636-5803 [email protected] [email protected] agents.metlife.com/roger-schapiro/ go.lawleyinsurance.com/gmay

Peter Biltekoff, Understanding your Kenneth M. Weinstein, life priorities is an important part of CPA, CFP, MBA with over 20 years of how we work with the clients we serve. experience, offers highly personalized ser- It’s not just about markets and returns, vices to investors, professionals and small its about what matters most to you. to medium-size businesses. Ken helps We welcome the opportunity to show individuals to legally minimize their taxes you how we can work together to create providing them with the deductions to nancial strategies designed around which they are entitled. He assists busi- you, your goals and your aspirations. ness owners with marketing ideas to make Supported by the global resources of their companies more profitable and pro- Merrill Lynch, our experienced team is vides advice on investments, retirement committed to building relationships planning and life insurance needs. View based on trust and personalied service. his website for great financial planning 716-835-4307 716-837-2525 information, tax articles and calculators. [email protected] [email protected] fa.ml.com/desmon-biltekoff-group www.kennethweinstein.com KENNETH WEINSTEIN, CPA Securities offered through HD Vest Investment Services. Irving, Texas.

46 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 MONEY MATTERS

Vincent Smith, is a Buffalo area na- Fred Holender is responsible for all tive and a graduate of Williamsville East administrative and compliance functions High School and St. Bonaventure Uni- at Lawley. He has expertise in insurance versity. Vincent joined L&M in 1999 and coverage, primarily for companies that after completing his graduate studies provide products and services to their in Finance and Accounting, he became customers. His career began in 1974 and a licensed advisor in 2002. Vincent fo- merged with Lawley in 1996. Fred is ac- cuses on long term client relationships tive in insurance-related legislation. He and the construction of comprehensive is Immediate Past President of the Pro- nancial plans based on his clients fessional Insurance Agents Association of long term nancial goals and objec- NY, a trade association representing in- tives. Vincent lives locally with his wife dependent insurance agents and brokers Colleen, and three children, Benjamin, in NYS. Fred is President of the Buffalo Amelia and Niagara Busi- 716-839-1234 716-849-8257 [email protected] Liam. ness Ethics [email protected] lmfs.net SECURITIES Association. go.lawleyinsurance.com/fholender Securities offered through Securities America Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC and advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. L&M Financial Services and the Securities America Companies are not related.

Brian J. Jensen CFP® has had the pleasure of advising business- Steven D. Goodwin founded es and individuals since 1980. He pro- the Goodwin Insurance Agency in vides a full range of services including 1987, which is now celebrating its investment management, insurance, re- 32nd Anniversary. Goodwin Insurance tirement and estate planning. Brian has provides a full menu of Individual and instructed Continuing Professional Edu- roup nsurance Products. The rm cation for the Internal Revenue Service focuses on the design of Executive Life, and the NYS Insurance Department. A Disability Income and Long-Term Care past president of Buffalo’s Society of Fi- insurance plans with an emphasis on the nancial Service Professionals, Brian is a areas of Business Succession and Estate Chartered Life Underwriter, a Chartered Planning. The Goodwin Agency serves Financial Consultant, and an Accredited the needs of a diverse and growing Investment Fiduciary®. roster of individual and corporate clients. 716-362-0170 716-810-0350 [email protected] [email protected] jmlvwealthplanning.com thegoodwinagency.com Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Jensen, Marks, Langer & Vance, LLC and LPL Financial are separate and unrelated companies.

Steve Jacobs joined Lawley in January Matthew Burwick, was born and 1996. Previously, he was the Vice Pres- raised in WNY. After graduating with a ident of Freedman-Harris Agency from BS from SUNY Buffalo and earning his January 1984 to December 1995. Prior to MBA from Canisius College, he began that, Steve was the Vice President of the his career at HSBC before moving to Michael M. Harris Agency Inc. from No- L&M Financial to partner with his fa- vember 1971 to December 1983. Steve ther-in-law. Matthew spends his days works with Buffalo based manufacturers helping his clients, residing nationwide, and wholesalers on understanding their achieve their nancial goals. He also needs and recommending custom insur- works out of ofces in Binghamton and ance solutions for each client. Steve has Rochester, NY. Matthew lives in East been a licensed Property Casualty Bro- Amherst with his wife, two children, and ker and Life, Accident & Health Broker dog, Moose. since Novem- 716-849-8258 716-839-1234 ber 1971. [email protected] [email protected] lmfs.net SECURITIES go.lawleyinsurance.com/sjacobs Securities offered through Securities America Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC and advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. L&M Financial Services and the Securities America Companies are not related.

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 47 JEWS IN THE NEWS FJP Annual Meeting: 11/8/18 Federation Apartments: 10/22/18

JCRC’s Intolerance & Hate: Current Threats and Their Roots: 10/18/18

48 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 JEWS IN THE NEWS Comedy, Cocktails & Canapés for Ohr Temimim: 11/4/18 Photos by Sonia Gellman and Alex Kleyman

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 49 IN LOVING MEMORY

eee cae aa fae cae e a wae e a e e a e a wa e e a O ea L Lfe fe w e ae O e wa e wa ae eee aa July 5, 2018 a ae w e e e e e e a a e a ac we ca My father was born on January 18, 1940. In Judaism the number 18 coincides ee e ae a a e a with the word Chai, meaning life…and boy did my father live it. We often joked ea w we w e that being a Babat was more than a noun… it was a verb. In fact, it is often the only ea a w we e ae plausible excuse for certain behavior. Well, my father was as Babat as they come. ea ee ee w ee aa a fe L a af f w a a w e a a e e a a wa e f a aa w a f ce a w e e wa a w w ae a a eace f aeaw a ace ae e a aacee a a w a f w a we ae a wa e eae e w ae a ecae e wee e aee f e w we wee ae ee a fa ee a a w ac ac wa a f ee aa fae a we e a wa afa f f fea a ae fa ecae a ce e fae wa e ae fac wa e e w ee a aa f w e eae cacee fae ce a e cee ee wee w e e e ee ae awee e fae ce e a afe e awe eae e a w ae ae ae w e fa f awe ecae e w a ea a e e e a e wa e a e w eac e w a e w wa e e a cae eee ee a e f a a e ae w ce a ce a a ac a e ae e a a acce w e eae f e ae e e cae a e e a f w e ea eae wac eae e ecae ew ee w e ae ae e a wa e aa cac f ea ee wac fa wa fae w e w fae efe e e wee e eeae eee e aca ae we a ew w ae a e ee Oe f fae e wa e eee e a ca f wee a e aee fae aw e wa a ae e a f e e f e a a ee e ee e e e awa ae e aee fea ea ae c e w a ee w ae wa e ce a ae a a ewe eeee ea wa e wa e ef c e ae e f e e w ea ae ae e a e ca wa a a wa a eacefea ee e a e w e e we ca a fe f w wa a eae fe fe f e w wa a e e a e e e a a cec e c f a aee a a wc e ew wa e eae e ae a wa Each month we will feature a eulogy of a wae e e e a f e aee a aea a member of our own community who has e e ae w w e a a recently died. Please contact Ellen Goldstein at [email protected] if you a ee ea we e a a ce w would llike to share your words. e w fae a wef w e ae fae c ae ceae a fe e a c ee a a w e a fe e ace ewee a cea e eeace w a eac e ea ace a ae wa e f a e e The following people in our community passed away during the period Mrs. Donna Pearl (Sohinki) Newman, born on January 26, 1944 in Bu alo, e ee a e we f ea a from October 15, 2018- November 14, 2018.* May their memories New York, to the late Rose Sohinki and a awe a e e forever be a blessing, and may their loved ones be comforted among the late Louis Sohinki, passed away at ffce f e efe a the mourners of Zion. age 74 on October 25, 2018 in Chandler, e e a ee w a Arizona. Donna was the loving wife e ea Shirley Bloom of Joel Newman. She was preceded in ee eee we f death by her brother, Gerald Sohinki. ae acc e ffce Donna is survived by her sons, Marc Gerald Chait e a a e wa wa Newman and Neil Newman; daughter, Julie (Newman) Galvan; brother, a eee af a w Elliot Goldman Arnie Sohinki (Jo Dickson Sohinki); wa e a eae a fae wa and grandchildren, Derrick Newman, a ee ce awe e Jerome Goldstein Patrick Newman, Mya Galvan, and a e a ca a ee wa a ae Katelyn Galvan. In lieu of owers, eae ee f a w a ef Judith Goldstein those who wish may donate in Donna’s e e ae wa we a e name to the Rose and Louis Sohinki a ef e affa e e a Donna Sohinki Newman Sta Training Fund at the JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose wa we wa ae Sylvia Strauss Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852 or to fe e e e a we the American Heart Association & ae ee w a ae e American Stroke Association’s Tribute e ee a we we e *If we inadvertently missed printing the listing of your loved one, Program. Friends and family paid their ee f wee aea please write to [email protected]. and we will include respects at the graveside service that awae ceee a ce aa was held on ursday, November 1 in the name next month. a a ee ca e ae Chandler, Arizona. a ce e aa 50 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 THIS CHANUKAH, share your light WITH THE JEWISH COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD.

Sharing is an expression of one of our most profound Jewish values. When you leave a Jewish legacy, you’re ensuring that what you cherish about Jewish life continues to sustain, nurture and delight the generations to come. To learn more about leaving a legacy and to arrange a personal and confidential consultation, contact Lynn Wolfgang Catalano, Co-Director and Director of Development at 716-204-1133 or send an email to [email protected]

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

December 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 51 (NOT) THE LAST WORD Getting in order to Give By Steven J. Weiss

I consider myself so fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the Jewish community as the president of our Buffalo Jewish a a aw ce f a e a a Federation. Now that I am closing in on the end of my term, I have taken the time to reflect on what has been two extraordinary years of c wc e a efece ee w my life. The nearly endless number of meetings, phone calls and emails have yielded a lengthy list of accomplishments, but these aren’t eee f a ea e e my accomplishments; they’re our accomplishments and have resulted from the collective dedication and commitment of the incredible eee e fw f ee f people - staff, professionals, volunteers and donors - with whom I have had the honor to serve. e a f e wc e e e e e e eae acce f f ea e c eee e e e a e w ee wa e ae eaa f a ea ce a f eee e e e e ca f wc e wa eeee ea f ee a fe a ae ee ae e a f ae ee ea fe a e eea wa e ee f e ae O e a e ea e ea e a e e f a e ae a eeaa ea f aee e fa e a a e ae e e ea e eaca f ea e ae fe e a eaee cfeece a e ece a e ea f aee e eeece a a ece e wae f e a wa we a eea f e e ea f aee aa c eeece ae a eee fe e ea ea e a ace e c ecee a a e f e ae w e ae a a f ce e efec f a ea ef caee cae a cce a a a wa f e we wa e f e e a c ae a e ee fa a e a a ae e a eee ee e cce w efec ca e Oe f e ac aaae e e ea ae f ae e wa a e ca ece a e w wa e c f fa aa afe a ece aef a ae ee fa eea ea e fe a ca f e wa ea fwa e a a e e ac fa e e e e e e c e e aee f ae e aeca e ce fa f ae a e e e e e cee e f e f ef a f ce a ea a ae w w eae e a w we ae ea f e e a a eae a e ae ecae w ece a cee f aaa a ew e Oe w aef ca e c e wee ee a ee f e we e a wa ae ef a eee w a At the end of the Buffalo Israel Experience, outgoing Federation President Steve Weiss with BIE guides Yosef cece eeece e efec ce e a e Idan, Shira Boso and Ezra Korman, and incoming Federation President Leslie Shuman Kramer e a ee e a a ew e awa a c ea e a fee eewe e a e f e ea we ea a f e e f a w e a e e f a a a eae a e ee ea ea eae e e e f e ae e e ac ceae f e a ee e e e wee we wee a a ee w eee e w e f aac e e c a cae ee e eae f e f ee f e ea cce wc e w ew a aac e a w a wa a a aef f e a ea f e we faae a wc e e w ewa e affe e e ee e c a a f e e e e e cf we ca e aac we ff f aw e e a e wc a wee we ea a w ewa e ea f ea w e e e cae f wc e e e e ea a e ee e e e f af f e e e a efece e a ae ca e efe e e La w ee a ee e cea f e ec aa aa w e w ce Steven J. Weiss is president of the Buffalo e f f a ea ee wc ea we fe ae ef Jewish Federation. e e e wee e e cacae e e f e f ceee we 52 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | December 2018 Coming in the January Issue of The Jewish Journal

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