The Award Winning PASSOVER IS » MARCH 30-APRIL 7
BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | WWW.BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG APRIL 2018 | NISSAN-IYAR 5778
ISRAEL@70
April 15-22
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 1 WHAT’S INSIDE...
The Award Winning PASSOVER IS MARCH 30-APRIL 7 Published by April 2018 » Buffalo Jewish Federation 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-2241 Editor’s Note BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THEOn JEWISH WORLD | TheWWW.BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG CoverAPRIL 2018 | NISSAN-IYAR 5778 www.buffalojewishfederation.org
ISRAEL@70
CEO/Executive Director ...... Rob Goldberg President ...... Steven J. Weiss Editor, Public Relations Director ...... Ellen S. Goldstein Advisory Board Susan Adelman Elizabeth Kahn Eric Reich Jonathan Epstein Alyssa Rabach Kenneth Rogers Richard Hirsch Peter Simon
April 15-22
The Buffalo Jewish Federation Is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Ellen Goldstein, Editor American Jewish Press Association Revelers wave Israeli ags in cele ration of Israel s 0th Produced by
Chag Pesach Sameach! Happy Passover This month’s irthday. Israel 0 logo designed y local artist Amir Cohen
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2640 North Forest Road Forest North 2640 HASHOAH CONFERENCE PARTY Presorted STD. Presorted how much is happening in Jewish Buffalo. And is there Cover art y Kim MiersFederation Jewish fromBuffalo Buffalo(4) Spree Pu lications.(6) (11 ) Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer ...... Barbara E. Macks a lot going on! First, the Yom Hashoah commemoration, [email protected] slated for the morning of April 15th, will honor talented Senior Vice President/Creative Director ...... Chastity O'Shei members of The Buffalo News for their exceptional [email protected] Vice President/Production ...... Jennifer Tudor coverage of Survivors in the News last spring, and also [email protected] feature BPO cellist Robert Hausmann performing a piece 3 On The Cover: Celebrating Israel@70! Lead Designer ...... Kimberly Miers which he played last month in Auschwitz (see page 4). [email protected] 4 Yom Hashoah 2018 In honor of Israel’s 70th birthday, our community Senior Graphic Designers ...... Josh Flanigan, Andrea Rowley, 5 Leslie Kramer is Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Jean-Pierre Thimot, Nicholas Vitello is celebrating in many different ways (see pages 3, Award Winner Traffic Coordinator...... Adam Van Schoonhoven 8,11,15,16, and 17.) There will be journalist Gil Hoffman Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager ...... Marianne Potratz Engagement Conference April 29 & 30 on April 15th, a showing of “Exodus” on the 16th, a 6 [email protected] Kadimah party, a solidarity rally and a knock-your-socks- Campaign for Jewish Buffalo: Sales Director ...... Cynthia Oppenheimer, Where Your $ Goes [email protected] off party at Acqua on the 19th, a special PJ Library Tot Senior Account Executives ...... Robin Kurss, [email protected] Shabbat on the 20th, a fun family parade and BBQ on the 8 Rabbi’s Column: Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein Bruce Halpern, [email protected] 22nd, other special events at shuls and agencies during 9 Passover Sabra Cake by Robin Kurss Betty Tata, [email protected] Proofreaders ...... Sharon C. Levite, Amy Goldstein the month, and an Israeli artist-in-residence at the JCC 10 Join Us for Buffalo Israel Experience throughout the month. by Leslie S. Kramer Members of Make sure you check out the Engagement Conference 12 Istvan: Heroes Stop Nazis, Not Join Them information on page 6 to see if you should attend this by John Donsky Submissions: first-time-ever event. And if that’s not enough, places 13 Purim with Nickel City Jews Submit editorial stories, photos, and calendar items by the 1st of the are filling up fast for the Buffalo- Israel Experience in 14 Foundation & Federation in Florida preceding month of issue to [email protected]. Israel October 24-November 2. Close to 80 community 15 Israel@70 by Dr. Stuart Fischman To Advertise: members have already signed up. The only one missing… To advertise, call Cynthia Oppenheimer at 716-783-9119 x2240. 16 70 Reasons to be Optimistic about Israel: Ad space & materials are due by the 10th of each month prior to is YOU! April 15 Finally, even as we build community, create publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please 1 Israeli Artist-in-Residence Asaf Elkalai meaningful experience and share friendships in 716, email Cynthia Oppenheimer [email protected] or Barbara Macks [email protected]. the larger world lumbers on, sometimes spinning out of 18 5 Things You Can Do to Repair the World in April To Subscribe: control. High school junior Madeleine Weinman shared here in ewish B o To subscribe, visit www.buffalojewishfederation.org and click on her response to the recent Parkland, Florida gun tragedy “JJWNY subscription.” Free for Western New York area residents and with us in “Not the Last Word” (page 48). She is speaking 19 Special Advertising Supplement: donors to the Campaign. Non-resident subscription is $36 for 12 to all of us—as Jews, as Americans, as Buffalonians, as Dining Guide issues, payable to The Jewish Journal.
humans when she says 20-21 Special Advertising Supplement: The Jewish Journal of WNY (JJWNY) reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at Jewish Authors any time. The Buffalo Jewish Federation and Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. are not “enough is enough.” liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of Don’t miss it. Happy 22-23 Organizations & Synagogue Listings the space occupied. The JJWNY does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. Editorials, columns, advertisements, spring! After Pesach, I’ll 24-25 Synagogue Happenings agency reports and other outside articles do not necessarily represent the views of the newspaper or the Buffalo Jewish Federation, but rather express the view of Ellen Goldstein - Editor be busy planting those 26 April Calendar the writer. early vegetable crops! 2 -33 Special Advertising Supplement: Passover 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, 34-43 Agency Events sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept 44-4 Jews in the News any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal 48 Not The Last Word: Madeleine Weinmann opportunity basis.
2 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 ISRAEL@70 EVENTS APRIL 16 Screening of E odus :00 PM APRIL 15 North Par Theatre Jerusalem Post 1428 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo journalist $10.50/person Gil Hoffman APRIL 15 :30 PM An Evening of Temple Beth Tzede Israeli Dance 21 Getzville Road, Amherst “70 Reasons to be Optimistic 5:30 - :45 PM Dancing about Israel’s Future.” :45 - 8:30 PM Potluc Dinner FREE nitarian niversalist Church APRIL 19 5 Elmwood Ave. ( SEE PAGE 16 ) Kadimah Cele rates $5 donation. Call 816-5049 for info. om Ha atzmaut 10:00 AM Kadimah Academy 1085 Eggert Rd., Buffalo ISRAEL@ 0 4 Stations- wax museum, Kotel, Beach, and a timeline memory game. Shuk will have falafel & schnitzel and drinks, Starting followed by songs and dances. $6 for lunch. RSVP to:(716)836-6903 APRIL 10 Food under supervision of BVK. We are happy to welcome Asaf El alai, Israeli Artist- in-Residence to Buffalo throughout April. APRIL 19 ( SEE PAGE 17 ) Community Israel Rally in Niagara S uare 4:00 PM FREE April 15-22 APRIL 22 Family Israel Parade with Israeli dancing Israeli BB APRIL 19 Israel 0 Cele ration All at Clear eld Par , Hop ins at Klein, Williamsville Party at Ac ua 10:00 AM- Hatikvah and parade around APRIL 20 learfield ark Tot Sha at :00 PM Featuring Israeli food, wine, beer and LIVE Israeli band 11:00 AM- Community-wide Israeli dancing to Celebrate Israel 21 2 Niagara Street, Buffalo 11:30-12:15- Nickel City Reptile and 5:45 PM $70/person Exotics Show featuring exotic desert animals Temple Beth ion Broder Building Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/israel-70-celebration- 12:15-1:30- Family Barbecue and Fun Fair 00 Sweet Home Road, Amherst tickets-43451762391?aff=es2 or contact (bounce houses, games, and more) Shabbat services, Israel celebration and [email protected] complimentary dinner with PALS-Kadimah Food under supervision of BVK.
Contact Keren Green at 204-2250 or Facebook.com/PJLibraryBuffalo ( SEE PAGE 11 ) keren@buffalojewishfederation with any questions. $5 all you can eat. Children under 5 years - FREE Food under supervision of BVK.
( SEE PAGE 11 )
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 3 COMMUNITY om HaShoah Memories of Courage Community Seders The Holocaust Resource photographer; Mark Sommer, reporter; and Chabad Center of Buffalo’s Yom HaShoah Gene Warner, reporter. Friday, March 30 8:00 pm Commemoration will pay tribute to Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Cellist Saturday, March 31 8:00 pm the Liberators and Righteous among Robert Hausmann will be preforming two 2450 North Forest Road the Nations who stood up to save pieces as part of the commemoration. One For reservations, call 688-1642 the Jews during the Holocaust. The will be “Kaddish” by Composer Maurice Ravel. commemoration will be held Sunday Mr. Hausmann performed this on a recent Jewish Discovery Center April 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Beth BPO trip to Poland at Auschwitz-Birkenau in Friday, March 30 8:00 pm Tzedek, 621 Getzville Road in Amherst. memory of his great-grandmother who was Saturday, March 31 8:00 pm Six individuals will be lighting one killed there. 757 Hopkins Road candle each in memory of the Six Million “The perpetrators of the Shoah systemically For reservations, www.JewishBuffalo.com Jews killed in the Shoah (Holocaust). murdered 6 million Jews including 1.5 million The six individuals being honored children. This day is dedicated to remembering Temple Beth ion Friday, March 30 :00 pm included Stephan Lewy (Survivor and their legacy, the resilience of the survivors Brookfield Country Club Liberator), Kurt Klein (Liberator), and gratitude to Liberators and the Righteous 5120 Shimerville Road, Clarence Tibor Baranski (Righteous among the among the Nations.” said Rachel Kranitz For reservations by 3/12/18, call 836-6565 Nations), Raoul Wallenberg (Righteous McPhee, Esq., Executive Vice President of the among the Nations), Oskar Schindler Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo. Congregation Beth A raham (Righteous among the Nations) and The Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo Saturday, March 31 :00 pm Aleksandra Drzewecka (Righteous among (HRC) is dedicated to Teach the Lessons of 1073 Elmwood Ave $30/person the Nations). Honorable Penny M. Ro ert Hausmann the Holocaust, Remember the Survivors and [email protected] Wolfgang and Drew Kahn will narrate the Victims, and to Promote Social Justice, Civic biographies of the honorees. and will give a brief presentation on Responsibility, and Human Rights. The HRC Congregation Shir Shalom Following on the theme of memory, how the project was created and its is grateful for the sponsoring support of the Saturday, March 31 :00 pm The Buffalo News staff that created the impact. The Buffalo News honorees Buffalo Jewish Federation and Congregation Buffalo Mariott Niagara 2017 special newspaper insert, Survivors include Cathaleen Curtiss, director Shir Shalom. 1340 Millersport Highway of the Holocaust, will also be honored of photography; Mark Mulville, For reservations, call 633-8877
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Leslie Shuman Kramer is national April 1 : B Dept. of Jewish Kipnis-Wilson Friedland Award Winner Thought BJE The Buffalo Jewish Federation will Georgia, and Israel on several national Lecture series honor Leslie Shuman Kramer as a 2018 missions including JFNA Campaign Chair Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Winner and Directors Missions and NWP’s Machar “POWER AND of National Women’s Philanthropy Mission. She is currently co-chairing the of the Jewish Federations of North Buffalo Israel Experience which will bring POWERLESSNESS IN America. This distinction, named for a group of nearly 80 people to Israel in JEWISH THOUGHT Lion of Judah founders Norma Kipnis- October. Wilson and Toby Friedland z”l, honors Leslie has co-chaired Federation’s AND LIFE” the most inspiring women in our Leadership Development program and the “Jews Won’t Replace North American communities and will Leadership Power program for Women and Us: Charlottesville as be awarded at the International Lion has served on the Community Relations of Judah Conference in Miami next Committee. a Challenge to Jewish January. An attorney, Mrs. Kramer practiced Thought” “I am honored to be receiving this law in Chicago and Buffalo. While in beautiful award,” said Mrs. Kramer. “I Chicago she was a member of the Chicago Speaker: Noam Pines, know I share it with many other deserving Federation Young Leadership Board. in conversation with women, for whom I have so much respect. Mrs. Kramer graduated from Cornell Sergey Dolgopolski I feel blessed to be able to spend much of University, spending her Junior year at 7:30-9:00pm my time involved in the Jewish world, for Leslie Shuman Kramer Tel Aviv University, and the University of Jewish Community Center 2640 North Forest Road, Getzville which I have always had a passion.” Buffalo Law School. She was the 2000 Ruth Leslie Shuman Kramer is currently Vice Mission to Israel and has co-chaired and Milton Kahn Young Leadership Award Contact Susan Schwartz, Director President of the Buffalo Jewish Federation the NWP Heart to Heart Mission. She winner. Mrs. Kramer and her husband Jim of Adult Learning, at (716) 204- and is a member of Jewish Federation participated in Buffalo’s 2008 Menorah have three children and lives in Amherst. 5380 or [email protected] for of North America’s National Women’s Mission, and has visited Poland, Tbilisi more information. Philanthropy Board, where she holds the portfolio of Vice Chair of Community Engagement. She chaired the 2016 and 2015 Campaigns for Jewish Buffalo, the 2010 and 2009 UJF Women’s Philanthropy Campaign, and has been a longtime Bonnie is Buffalo! member of Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Campaign Cabinet, where she co-chaired a number of divisions, including Lion of Judah. At the Buffalo Jewish Federation, in 32 Bradenham • Buffalo Elegant, Troidl built, all brick, English Tudor, in Amherst’s exclusive addition to serving as Vice President, Pomeroy Park!!!! This magnificent 5 bedroom, beautifully renovated she has been a member of the Board residence is over 4300 sq. ft. with quality plus construction & amenities. of Governors since 2006, and sits on Some of the special features include; huge grand foyer, dynamic, 25x14 the Federation’s Executive Committee, expanded, remodeled, gourmet kitchen, with granite island & counter-tops, chaired the Federation’s recent Education 2 fireplaces, hardwood floors, private yard with lovely gardens & gazebo, Task Force and was a member of the generator, replacement windows and updated roof. 1st floor laundry & Federation Community Strategic Planning library. Wonderful schools and easy access to city. $679,900 Task Force. Over the years, her interest in Education was expressed by serving as President of 118 Harbridge Manor • Buffalo Exclusive Gated, “Greythorne” patio home community! This magnificent the Buffalo Bureau of Jewish Education, a 3800 sq. ft. stone, 1st floor master suite home is situated on the most volunteer for the Buffalo Jewish Coalition fabulous, deep, private wooded lots, overlooking the Country Club of for Literacy, a volunteer at Buffalo’s Vive Buffalo!!! Elegantly designed with upscale architectural details, Brazilian La Casa, and a member of the Amherst hardwoods, surround sound, first floor library with built-ins, fabulous Central School District Board of Education gourmet Cherry kitchen, with large granite bar area, 2 story foyer, stone from 2010-2013. She also previously patios with chef’s kitchen, 2nd floor has 2 additional bedrooms, full bath, served as a board member of Temple Beth 20x19 exercise bonus room & more. $899,900 Tzedek as Education Co-chair. Having visited and lived in Israel as a youth and young adult, Leslie has Cell: 716.553.8384 continued to visit Israel frequently. Along BONNIE CLEMENT [email protected] with her husband Jim, Shira and Rob Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker BonnieClement.com Goldberg and Ellen and Steven Weiss, she HUNT ERA Williamsville Village Branch: 5570 Main Street, 1st Floor, Williamsville, NY 14221 co-chaired Buffalo’s 2012 New Leadership April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 5 6 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 COMMUNITY The Campaign for
How your investment strengthens How your investment Jewish Buffalo supports Jews Worldwide
One Shabbat Dinner A five-month Hebrew for Nickel City Jews ...... 150 language class for a new immigrant ...... 150 Passover meals for one student at Chabad One month of pre-school for an for the entire holiday ...... 180 at-risk Ethiopian Israeli child ...... 400 One Tot Shabbat Program A seven-day Jewish camp experience through PJ Library ...... 300 for a teenager in the FSU ...... 450 Student Leadership A hearing aid for an elderly Jew Training Retreat at Hillel ...... 800 in the FSU ...... 00 Training for one WNY One year college scholarship high school educator for an Ethiopian Israeli ...... 3000 to teach the lessons One year of home care for a of the Holocaust ...... 1000 bedridden person in Romania ... 4000 Four weeks at 85 winter-relief packages—blankets, Camp Centerland fuel, clothing—in the FSU ...... 5000 for one child ...... $1339 A year’s rent & basic expenses for one A trip to Israel new immigrant family ...... 500 for one teenager ...... 2500 One year’s tuition A huge Than ou to our investors who support for a student to attend the Campaign for Jewish Buffalo Kadimah Academy ...... 800 Did You Know?
More than 80 of your The Buffalo Jewish Federation has recently earned a coveted 4-star rating from Charity donated dollars to the Navigator, America s premier independent charity evaluator. Campaign for Jewish Buffalo Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that stays right here in Western Buffalo Jewish Federation adheres to good governance New or , supporting local and other best practices that minimi e the chance of organizations and agencies unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in and benefiting Buffalonians. a fiscally responsible way.
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org COMM NIT Ra i Ale Lazarus-Klein Thursday is one of my favorite days of the week, because every Thursday morning, I get to spend time with a group of women from Weinberg Campus, where we gather in the game room to study Torah and talk about life. One of the members of this illustrious group is Ruth Merlin, who regales us with stories of her life in Israel, pre-1948. She was born in Tel Aviv, just a decade or so after the city was founded. It was at a time when Meir Dizengoff still rode on his horse down the newly-formed streets of the city and where a State of Israel was still just a pipe dream. In those days, Dizengoff’s house was at the center of town on Rothschild Boulevard. When Ra i Ale Lazarus-Klein his wife died in 1930, Dizengoff transformed their house into an art museum where play “Hatikvah” in the upstairs paintings by Chagall and other Jewish artists balcony. Pandemonium erupted, lined the walls. But, it was not until 1948 that with everyone singing in unison the his house took on a new level of importance. words of the new national anthem: On Friday, May 14 of that year, just before “As long as the Jewish spirit is sundown, a group of Zionist leaders filled yearning deep in the heart, with the small building. The event was supposed eyes turned toward the East, looking to be a secret, but word quickly got out that toward Zion, then our hope - the something important was about to happen. two-thousand-year-old hope - will The next day, British troops would be leaving not be lost: to be a free people Palestine, and all the Jews living there at the in our land, the land of Zion and time would suddenly be vulnerable to attack. Jerusalem.” Instead of living in fear, David Ben Gurion This past December I had a chance and the others gathered that day to announce to visit Independence Hall during to the world their intentions. Ben Gurion’s the Interfaith Clergy trip sponsored voice boomed into the microphone as he by our Buffalo Jewish Federation read the Declaration of Independence in just to hear Ben Gurion’s words in the seventeen minutes time: exact space he gave his address. The “ERETZ-ISRAEL (the Land of Israel) was building itself is now lost among the the birthplace of the Jewish people,” Ben immense buildings of modern Tel Gurion began, in a transmission that went Aviv. What was barely a sand dune out to the world via the radio. Continuing when Ruth Merlin was a child is now a few minutes later, “accordingly we, the one of the top tourist destinations People’s Council, representatives of the Jewish in the world. Community of Eretz-Israel… hereby declare On Thursday, April 19th the establishment of a Jewish State in Eretz- we will celebrate the 70th Israel, to be known as the State of Israel.” anniversary of the Hebrew date Unbeknownst to those in attendance, of that important gathering. Ben Gurion had arranged an orchestra to Seventy in the Talmud is the age of “gray hairs,” so I guess that means we have finally arrived. ISRAEL@ 0 The Jewish community will be having a number of important events that day starting with a 4 PM gathering at Niagara Square to publicly declare our love of the State of Israel and then it’s time to party at Acqua later that evening. We will also be showing the movie Exodus that Monday at the North Park Theater at 7 PM. Hope to see you at any or all of April 15-22 the events. B’Shalom, Rabbi Alex 8 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 COMM NIT Chocolate Sa ra Ca e Perfect for Pesach By Robin Kurss
April is a busy month with both Passover and Yom Ha’atzmaut....Here’s a birthday cake that fits the bill to celebrate Passover as well as Israel’s 70th birthday.
Chocolate Sabra Cake
1 2c almond meal 1 2 c matzo ca e meal 2 l s. semi sweet chocolate chips 12 T sp. utter or margarine 3 eggs 1 c sugar 1 4 c Sa ra li ueur (Sabra liqueur is an orange chocolate liqueur made in Israel, and can be found in local liquor stores.) 2 Tbsp. grated orange peel
Preheat oven to 350º. Grease (2) 9" cake pans. Combine butter or margarine and chocolate chips in microwave safe bowl and heat until chocolate is melted. Cool. Beat eggs for 1 minute. Add sugar and Sabra. Beat until thick and yellow—5 minutes. Gently fold in chocolate mixture and orange peel and then stir in almond meal and cake meal, being careful to not deflate the eggs too much. Place in cake pans and bake about 45 minutes. Cool 5 minutes and remove to cooling rack.
Ganache Frosting: Whipped Cream: 1 2 c heavy cream or Rich s Whip 1 c whipping cream 1 2 l . semisweet chocolate chips or Rich s Whip 1 T sp. Sa ra li ueur 3 T sp. Confectioners sugar Small Law Firm 1 T sp. Sa ra 1904 Liberty Building Heat cream and chips in microwave until chocolate melts, Whip until stiff peaks form. Buffalo, NY 14202 stir till smooth. Add Sabra. Cool until slightly thickened.
Assembly: Place one cake layer on plate. Spread 1/2 ganache over top, ok if it spills over sides a bit. Layer 1/2 whipped cream over top. Repeat with 2nd layer.
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 9 COMM NIT Why we want to e plore Israel with you in Octo er By Leslie Shuman Kramer strengthening existing friendships and creating new ones as we share One early morning last an experience of a lifetime. month, while staying in Tel I am thrilled to be part of an Aviv, I went for a run along the energetic team planning this trip, Mediterranean on the tayelet— where we hope to return home with the path that runs from northern a deeper understanding of Israel, a Tel Aviv all the way past Jaffa stronger tie to our own community, to Bat Yam. The sun was just and all this while having an exciting, rising as I shared the path with unique and fun experience. runners, bikers and people I am particularly excited about heading to work. Running this trip because we are offering through Jaffa, I marveled at the many options so participants can Arab fishermen already out on plan some of their own activities. I the sea, the workers building am looking forward to hiking and the latest luxury hotel, beautiful biking some of the days—something apartments old and renovated, that Jim and I love to do (and I know the old shuk, new trendy many of you do too). There will restaurants and thriving upscale Leslie Kramer and Buffalo women in Israel at be winery tours, the option to visit stores. But it was when I headed last year s Heart2Heart mission. Masada, and much more. I love the back to my hotel on the path food in Israel and look forward to that I teared up. For I saw a Israel, with people who seek her out, the fresh guava, persimmons, kiwi miracle: there were those like who want to discover her magic. I took in and olives that will be in season. me grabbing an early workout on the incredible view: surfers, runners, the Not to mention the cheeses, breads, the path, there were surfers and beach, and the headlights shining from tomatoes–all those delicious Stand Up Paddlers already in the those incredible airplanes…..and I felt so vegetables–and the desserts! And of water. And in the midst of all this grateful to witness this miracle. course, there’s nothing like spending activity, as the sun rose, I saw And I can’t wait for more. Shabbat in Jerusalem, gathering planes—that’s MANY planes— Right now, nearly 80 people have together joyfully at the Western Wall approaching Israel from above already registered to participate in the as the sun begins its descent in the the sea with their lights leading Buffalo Israel Experience, from October sky, welcoming a day of rest and through the dawn, approaching 24-November 2, 2018. Whether you’ve peace from the energy of the work the land, heading for Ben Gurion never been to Israel or you’ve been week. Airport. And I thought, These there many times, Israel is constantly The Buffalo Jewish Federation is are the flights coming from growing and changing, so each visit committed to building communities. North America, Europe, Asia- brings something new and surprising. I know from my own experience that from everywhere. And then it The size of New Jersey, Israel has deserts, spending time together as a group in struck me. There were so many mountains, seashore and more. It is Israel creates a special community, planes, and they come every day, the home of ancient history, religiously and that is what our Buffalo Israel and they are bringing visitors critical to Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Experience (BIE) team plans this from all over the world who are more. It is a world leader in technology, trip’s outcome to be. More than CHOOSING to experience Israel, cuisine, tourism and social equality. It is visiting, biking and eating in Israel, work with Israel, and love Israel. beautiful, dynamic, creative, outspoken, I know it is the community building, EVERY DAY. politically messy, artistic and emotionally the relationships, the friendships, A short 70 years ago, Israel invigorating. And it is much more. and experiencing it as a group that was declared a state and began We would love to experience Israel will make this trip so special. her fight for survival. And now, with you. We will explore the land with I’m excited to travel with all of in the blink of an eye, Israel is its people, culture, history, geography you–I can’t wait to share adventures, not only a homeland for Jews and industry. We will stay in Jerusalem, funny moments, and, yes, tears–with but a place where so many Tel Aviv and Haifa, and from there we friends old and new in October. people from all walks of life will travel North and South. We will See the ad on this page to can’t wait to come! Israel is not visit Buffalo’s partnership region in register today! only a religious experience for the spectacular Western Galilee where Diaspora Jews—she is a vacation we will meet our Israeli counterparts— destination, a business center, a community members just like us—who fascinating place to discover— want to connect, share and learn from the for people of all religions from greater Jewish world. all around the world. These We Buffalonians will break bread, flights arrive EVERY DAY in travel, tour and explore together, 10 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 COMM NIT Join our new VIP mobile club! HAPPY PASSOVER Text BAGELVIP Israel 0 Party to 51660 Buffalo’s Best April 19 mouth-watering N.Y. bagels since 1976 homemade shmears “LET’S REJOICE AND BE HAPPY” deli sandwiches • soups • salads fi nest dark roasted coffees • fresh-baked bagels Bob Dylan sang the song. Chubby signature tuna fi sh • and more! Checker also sang it. So did the Smothers Brothers. Harry Belafonte MARSHALL’S PLAZA 2130 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 716.874.1800 considered it one of the two “stand Let us do the work! 4498 MAIN ST. Snyder, NY 14226 716.839.2222 SHIVAH PLATTERS out” songs he would sing. The song DASH’S PLAZA 100 A Plaza Dr, Williamsville 716.639.1000 KIDDUSH PLATTERS calls for us to “rejoice!” It tells us N.Y. WEDDING BRUNCHES Pickup & Dropoff to “sing and be happy.” It calls for service available WWW.BAGELJAYS.COM us to “awake with a happy heart.” We will celebrate Israel’s milestone 70th Independence Day, as one big community, following those instructions from that song: “Hava Faster. Better. Smarter. Nagila.” The party at Acqua on April 19 at Celebrating over 31 years as a top producing real estate professional! 6:00 PM will be a joyous party you will not want to miss. Live nostalgic and contemporary Israeli music performed Bernice Stern live on stage, for us to translate to our Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker feet on the dance floor at Acqua. Cell: 716.861.4479 Office: 716.634.4200 The 10 person food and tasting [email protected] committee designed a custom Israeli howardhanna.com menu with the chef at Acqua. You will have an excellent taste of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem right here in Buffalo. It will 6000 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221 not disappoint. Come hungry. Schmaltz Brewery will sponsor the beer. Come thirsty. Israeli wines will be served. Come ready for some Israeli “fruit of the vine.” Dancing to a LIVE Israeli band “Let’s rejoice and be happy” as Hava Nagila teaches us to celebrate this wonderful milestone in our history. Tickets are $70 per person and available at EventBrite: https://goo. gl/uYLPmD. For further information, contact Joan Kwiatkowski at the Federation: 204-2242. Parade Party for Israel 0
A family parade and party for Israel @70 takes place Sunday, April 22 at Happy Passover Clearfield Park (corner of Hopkins and Klein in Williamsville) starting at 10:00 am. The parade around Clearfield Park from begins at 10:00 am with Hatikvah, followed by Israeli dancing at 11:00am. Then, you can enjoy a fun show with Nickel City Reptiles and exotic desert animals at 11:30, followed by a BVK supervised Kosher Israeli BBQ with games and fun runs from 12:15-1:30. New Patients Welcome! Contact KerenGreen at 204-2250 or [email protected] for 5462 SHERIDAN DRIVE WILLIAMSVILLE 716.831.8018 WWW.ALTMANDENTAL.COM information. | | | April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 11 COMMUNITY Istvan: Heroes Stop Nazis, Not Join Them
by John Donsky
Today Neo-Nazis are stepping out of the anonymity of the internet and out into the streets. Let’s take a look back 70 years at the archetype to see how men of reason and courage put their lives on the line to stop these mass-murderers, not join them. Here is one example with which I am very familiar. Born in Hungary in 1895, Istvan Vasdenyei, known as Stephen Vasdenyey, was the Commandant of an internment camp near Budapest, Hungary during World War II. He was also my grandfather, married to my widowed grandmother, and lived with her in Kenmore until he died in 1984. My grandmother-Mary “Mimi” Donszky- and Istvan were friendly in Hungary before the War. She owned the cigarette and lottery franchise, and Istvan used to walk her home over one of the bridges to Budafolk. For his actions in saving Jews during World War II, he was awarded the title of “Righteous among the Nations” by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, and a tree bearing his name grows the Avenue of the Righteous at that hallowed site.
Hungary: 1920- 1940 adults as children—men in short pants and women 11 11 . Istvan Vasdenyei white hair standing right ne t to the ag During 1920 in Hungary, Admiral Horthy became with cropped hair to gain them passage. Vasdenyei at the ceremony in New or where he received the Righteous among the Nations Award from ad Vashem for saving Jews in Hungary during WWII. the Regent, and Hungarians passed laws restricting was captured by the Russians at the end of the War, the right of Jews with quotas to schools, occupations sent first to Georgia and then Siberia, spending 14 and even restrictions on marriages to Christians. years in Soviet Prisons and detention camps. When grandfather had no way of knowing that his great grandson, Istvan Vasdenyei was a chief superintendent of he was old enough to collect a pension, officials let named after him, would be considered Jewish by the Third Reich, police before the War. After November, 1940, the him leave Hungary. as I am married to Tammy, a Jewish woman. Hungarians joined the Axis, and he was moved to I now have the medal my grandfather was awarded in 1969, Kistarsca, the internment camp on a railroad line The United States and I am so proud that his heroic deeds while a commandant 15 or so kilometers outside Budapest. Before the Grandpa came to Buffalo in 1964, lived on in the Kistarcsa Hungarian Command were recognized by Yad War the camp held mostly political rabble rousers Kenmore Ave across from the Colvin Theater, then Vashem before his death in 1984. I did not know about his against the Horthy regime. During the War, it housed around the corner on Colvin Ave. and is buried in heroism before the Yad Vashem award. In the mid 70’s I asked Jews, Gypsies, newspapermen, politicians, priests Orchard Park. He kept the books for Custom Made him to tell me some stories about the War. He looked at me and nuns. But mostly Jews. Draperies, a fixture on Kenmore Ave. for decades. On sadly as he shook his head and spoke in Hungarian, “the Gestapo November 11, 1969, he was honored by Yad Vashem wasn’t playing games, Johnny. They weren’t playing games.” I 1944 at a ceremony in New York City. In attendance were had promised my Grandfather for a very long time that his story Vasdenyei continued to work in Kistarsca, and my parents, my grandmother Mary Vasdenyey, Albert would not be forgotten. found the state actions against Jews unconscionable. Meyer-architect and city planner, and his wife Dr. John Donsky lives in Rochester. He attended Canisius High School He repeatedly outwitted the Nazis during the War to Marion Preminger-author, lecturer, humanitarian with my husband, Mitch Flynn, and found out about The Jewish save Jewish lives. In 1944, when Jews were rounded and disciple of the late Albert Schweitzer. There was Journal through high school friends and Buffalo connections. John’s up and loaded into cattle cars in Hungary, Vasdenyei a reception at the Albert Meyer mansion. story about Istvan is much more complex than this short precis, let them escape out a back door, some to receive In 1994, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle wrote and comes from the transcripts of the Adolf Eichmann trial, Yad passports out of Hungary from Raoul Wallenberg. a story on Oskar Schindler’s List with a picture Vashem, a translation of a Voice of America broadcast, and Raoul When “hostages” under 12 years of age were allowed of my then-five-year-old son Stevie holding his Wallenberg: Hero and Victim; His Life and Feats by Jill Blonsky. to leave a Kistarsca “safe house,” he disguised young great grandfather’s Righteous Gentile medal. My He continues to research his grandfather’s life. Ellen Goldstein Brian Higgins at Auschwitz
Rep. Brian Higgins, a Western New a meeting with Hungary Minister of York Congressman, and five other Defense Istvan Simicsko, a tour of the Members of Congress recently made NATO Counterintelligence Center, a trip to Hungary and Poland to and a visit to the Jewish Community strengthen diplomatic and legislative Centre of Krakow. Members were also ties with that nation. The Members briefed on cybersecurity programs, of Congress toured the Auschwitz regional security cooperation, trade Concentration Camp and participated and current United States European in a solemn memorial program outside Command (EUCOM) and United States the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination Special Operations Command (SOCOM) camp. Highlights of the trip included operations in Eastern Europe.
Cloc wise from top left: 1. Congressman Higgins at Auschwitz 2. Piles of shoes left y murdered victims at Auschwitz 3. Following the ceremony at Auschwitz, with candles lit for the Si Million 4. Rep. Higgins and other Mem ers of Congress signing the remem rance oo
12 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 COMMUNITY Purim with Nic el City Jews
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 13 COMM NIT Jewish Buffalo Visits Florida
The Buffalo Jewish Federation and Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies organized several gatherings in Florida last month for those from our community who winter in the South. At each event, Peter Fleischmann, Director and CEO of Philanthropies, addressed our community’s “Assets and Liabilities” and Rob Goldberg, CEO of Federation, spoke about the milestone of Israel’s 70 anniversary as an inspiration for the work of community building in Buffalo. These photo memories are from a brunch that was held at the Chabad Boca Central on Sunday, March 4.
14 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 COMMUNITY
West Bank, with land swaps Israel at 0 As I See It for the remainder; Jerusalem is divided along its ethnic By Stuart L. Fischman, DMD lines, with a special regime for the Old City and holy Israel will be 70 this year and I’ll be 83 in November. I’m “bar sites; Palestinian refugees mitzvah age” older than my country—a perfect time to reflect on are allowed to return to Israel, as I see it. the Palestinian state, but not Israel; the Palestinians The first visit Jane and I took to Israel was in 1977. Colleagues in Tel Aviv and recognize Israel as the Jewish Jerusalem agreed to complement the usual tourist sights on tour itinerary. I was state. Let’s see what Kushner astonished at Tel Aviv, having recalled the photograph of the halutzim planting a flag has in mind! on the sand dunes of the first “Jewish” city in Israel! By the time we got to Jerusalem, Here in Israel, we look I was enamored of the country and began planning for my 1981 sabbatical. The “rest forward to the joyous is history.” We bought our apartment in Mevaseret in 2006, then made aliyah in 2008. celebrations on our 70 years For sure, Israel has changed since 1981! Our country is now economically sound, as a sovereign nation. Our our friends are more prosperous and perhaps more materialistic. The country has gone prayers are of thanksgiving from “pre World War I” to “high tech.” Telephones, which seldom worked, useful only and for peace—may it come as table decorations, are now replaced by ubiquitous smartphones. One thing has not speedily and in our time! changed: many of Israel’s neighbors still aim to destroy this country. The descendants CHAG SAMEACH!! of the Biblical Amalekites abound in the twenty-first century. Dr. Stuart Fischmann, a Dr. Stuart Fischmann native Buffalonian and a A few examples of Israel at 70, from dentist and former Professor my perspective: Iraq and Syria to Hezbollah- dominated Lebanon on at the UB School of Dental Israel is now energy self-sufficient the Mediterranean coast. Medicine, currently lives and soon to become an exporter of As for Judea and Samaria–what is the future? As outside of Jerusalem with his energy. Discovery and development of I see it, a two-state solution is the best alternative. wife, Dr. Jane Fischmann. They the huge natural gas fields under the The contours of such a solution have been clear made Aliyah in 2008. Mediterranean Sea have transformed the for years: Israel withdraws from over 90% of the country, once dependent on coal from South Africa and oil from unreliable “local” sources, to a sought after supplier of natural gas. Agreements are said to be Unlike Buffalo, we live in a subtropical in process for exporting liquefied natural zone with abundant sunlight. It is to be gas to Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. expected that solar energy should be put Traditionally, access to water was a to use. Solar panels and storage tanks source of contention and conflict in the are ubiquitous on the roofs of private Middle East. In the early days of our homes and the source of much of our country, drip irrigation technology was domestic hot water. The Negev Energy developed and enabled crops and plants Project consists of gigantic thermo-solar to thrive with minimal amounts of water. plants in the Negev desert. In addition However, that was not sufficient for to plants generating electricity from the this arid region. I remember installing sun’s heat, the plants will also produce a flow-limiting devices in our faucets and total of 70 megawatts of electricity from showers. Water from air conditioners sunlight using photovoltaic panels. This was to be saved for use in the garden and combination of technologies in one spot house plants. At one point, importing is unprecedented in the world. water from Turkey via tanker was under These are only a few examples of the consideration. Now we are self-sufficient “high tech start up nation.” One of our in water and exporting to Jordan. most important exports is intellectual How did this happen? At present property—not sensitive to tariffs! 90% of our waste water is recycled for No survey of Israel at 70 would be agriculture and industrial use (although adequate without addressing security. it is safe for consumption). When you We feel safe here, although we are travel around the countryside, you’ll surrounded by the most hardened see the blue pipes and valves indicating terrorists in the world: Hezbollah on SERVICE that recycled water is being transported. the Lebanese border, ISIS and Al-Qaeda SERVICE BUILT ON INDEPENDENCE & TRUST Desalination plants have been built on the border with Egypt, Hamas in Securities and advisory services O ered rough FSC Securities CorporationBUILT A Registered ON Broker/Dealer in earnest. Using reverse osmosis Gaza and the West Bank. We also share Member FINRA/SPIC and a registered investment advisor. Additional advisory services o ered through technology, 2/3 of our drinking water is a border with Syria and the Iranian Mollot & Hardy, Inc. A registered investment advisor not a liatedINDEPENDENCE with FSC Securities Corporation. via desalination. Foreign governments Revolutionary Guards. Having fought have sent delegations to Israel to study to keep Assad in power, Iran is now 646 N. French Road Suite #9, Amherst,& TRUST NY 14228-2125 our procedures. Technology is a notable extending a corridor of Iranian-Shia 716.691.7121 • www.mollot.com export! dominance from its own borders through April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 15 COMM NIT Jerusalem Post reporter Spea s in Buffalo 4 15
Celebrating Israel@70 will be highlighted as Jerusalem Post journalist Gil Hoffman comes to Buffalo to talk about 70 reasons to be optimistic about Israel’s future. The event takes place Sunday night, April 15 at 7:30 PM at Temple Beth Tzedek, 621 Getzville Road. The program is free but reservations are requested by contacting [email protected]. Gil Hoffman is the chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post. Well-connected to Israeli and Palestinian leaders, he has interviewed every major figure across the Israeli political spectrum, has been interviewed by top media on six continents and is a regular analyst on CNN, Al-Jazeera and other news outlets. Called “The most Gil Hoffman optimistic man in Israel” by Israel Television, Hoffman provides a behind the scenes look at the IDF Spokesman’s Unit, he has the intrigue and humor in the Israeli political lectured in every major English- arena. He was raised in Chicago, graduated speaking country in the world, more Magna Cum Laude from Northwestern than half the Canadian provinces, and University’s School of Journalism, and wrote recently made history in Hawaii when for the Miami Herald and Arizona Republic he became the first speaker to lecture before moving to Israel. A reserve soldier in about Israel in all 50 US states.
16 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 COMM NIT Israeli Artist-in-Residence in Buffalo this month The Jewish Community Center and Buffalo Jewish Federation are collaborating to host Asaf Elkalai, an Israeli artist, for a three-week artist in residency program this month. Asaf Elkalai was born in Kerem Ben Zimra, and is currently based in Tel Aviv. He holds a BA in Photography from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design Jerusalem, MFA at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and Art Education at The Hebrew University. Currently, he teaches at Ashdod Museum and works as a Social Projects Coordinator at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design. He will be in Buffalo for three weeks (starting April 10) to lead interactive art workshops, participate in community events surrounding Yom Ha’Atzmaut and present lectures and slide shows about his work which includes a current exhibit at the Tel Aviv Museum called “Current Affairs and Contemporary Israeli art.” Here are a few of his programs:
April 12, 2018 10:30- 11:30 am Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre at the JCC Benderson Family Building Limud –Asaf will give a lecture presentation of his work. Free and open to the Community April 24, 2018 12 – 1:30 pm Board Room in the JCC Benderson Family Building Lunch and Learn –Asaf will be visiting for a special Lunch and Learn, sponsored by the BJE. There is no cost to attend, but RSVP’s are required, no later than Friday, April 20. Please RSVP to Susan Schwartz, BJE Director of Adult Learning at susan@ bjebuffalo.org or 204-5380. April 2 , 2018 7:00-9:00 pm Congregation Shir Shalom Workshop . For details about the program or to RSVP please contact 633-8877. Space is limited to 15 participants. Asaf will also be teaching workshops to students at Kadimah Academy of Buffalo, students in the afterschool program at the JCC and CEPA Gallery, and members of the Adult Art class at the JCC. For more information about Asaf Elkalai visit: https://www.asafelkalai.com/. For Community Events Asaf will be participating in, please contact Katie Wzontek at 204-2084.
“Special things happen when children and horses are brought together” Buffalo Equestrian Center Sign up now for 2018 Summer Camp 5 year olds July 24-27 July 31-August 3 6-12 year olds July 10-13 July 17-20
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 1 COMM NIT TIKK N OLAM KENNY CARPETS AND FLOORS Lindy Asks: Did you know that harassment based upon a person’s sexual orientation is illegal?
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Witness Memories of Courage the 2018 om Hashoah Community 1» Commemoration Sunday, April 15 at 10:30 am at Congregation Shir Shalom, and continue to remember those who perished in the Holocaust and those who survived and continue to tell the story.
FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE Hear Jerusalem Post ournalist Gil Hoffman talk about 70 reasons PAY NO INTEREST UNTIL 2019* 2» he is optimistic about Israel@70, Sunday night, April 15 at 7:30 pm. Temple Beth Tzedek. Free, but reservations requested through joan@ buffalojewishfederation.org TOP 5 REASONS YOU MUST COME TO KENNY CARPETS: En oy a Taste of Ghana Wednesday, April 18 at St. John Ukranian Catholic 3» Church, 3275 Elmwood Ave in Kenmore, and help build a computer lab at a 1. WNYs largest volume ooring chain, our selection is overwhelming, school in Ghana. Tickets $25- pre-sale / $30 at the door. Call 913-9835 or visit our volume saves you lots of money. www.hosikids.org for more information. 2. Serving WNY since 1960, no one has our experience in installing carpet and oors. Cele rate Israel April 1 th Begin with a rally in Niagara Square at 3. Our sta averages 19 years of experience - no one will serve you better. 4» 4 pm. Then, move on to Acqua Restaurant at 6 pm for the Israel Party Community Celebration featuring live music and food at Acqua — 4. We stock more carpet, wood, laminate, and vinyl than any store. Buy $70/person. For tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/israel-70- today, Install Tomorrow. celebration-tickets-43451762391. 5. Our prices are signi cantly lower than any Outlet, Home Center or Store. Ask about our low price guarantee!! Cele rate Israel as a family Sunday, April 22 at the Clearfield Park Rec Center. The family friendly event includes a parade, Israeli dancing and an *to quali ed buyers 5» Israeli-style BBQ. Contact Keren Green at [email protected]. WHERE IN JBFLO ?
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18 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 Dining Guide
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 19 JEWISH A THORS Independent and 951 Elmwood 884.9524 Idiosyncratic since 1971 www.tleavesbooks.com
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DR. SANDRA A. BLOCK SUSAN NUSSBAUM Zoe Goldman is the psychiatrist in this Good Kings Bad Kings takes place in a Chicago Buffalo-based psychological thriller se- neighborhood called Back of the Yards, known ries. In Little Black Lies, an International for its proximity to the infamous stockyards Thriller award fi nalist, oe discovers the that once ourished there, in a nursing home truth about her birth mother. She helps for disabled teenagers. The situation is grim, a girl with amnesia in The Girl Without yet the kids housed inside are vibrant, funny a Name. In The Secret Room, someone and more streetwise than sheltered. All of is killing her patients in prison.....is she them struggle with demons, inside and out. next? Lisa Scotto- Nussbaum, also disabled line is a forever-fan and the recipient of the of Zoe Goldman” 2012 PEN/Bellwether Prize and the NYT Book for Socially Engaged Fic- eview says oe s tion, lets the characters tell Sandraablock.com susannussbaum.com “quick wit…..shines their own stories without in unexpectedly being fi ltered through a wicked ways.” non-disabled perspective.
GUNILLA THEANDER KESTER CHANA REVELL KOTZIN, PHD GARY EARL ROSS This rich pictorial history, Jewish Communi- On February 12, 2009, Flight 3407 crashed ty of Greater Buffalo, begins with Buffalo’s near Buffalo, NY. Fifty people and one fi rst synagogue and traces an increasingly complex and diverse Jewish community unborn baby lost their lives. Published a over 150 years. The collection was com- year later, The Empty Chair: Love and Loss piled and researched by Dr. Chana Revell in the Wake of Flight 3407, contains the Kotzin, director, archivist and historian. stories of those left behind. Written by Many of the photographs were obtained family members, friends, and community from the Jewish Buffalo Archives Project, a Jewish communi- members, the book ty-university part- includes memories, nership with Uni- poems, prayers, and versity Archives at photos. A second SUNY Buffalo under volume, The Still Empty the auspices of the Foundation for Jewish Bureau of Jewish Lulu.com Chair, was published a Education and the [email protected] year later, also edited Philanthropies Foundation for Jew- by Gunilla Kester and jewishphilanthropies.org ish Philanthropies. Gary Earl Ross.
20 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 JEWISH A THORS Independent and 951 Elmwood 884.9524 Idiosyncratic since 1971 www.tleavesbooks.com
HOWARD WOLF MURRAY LEVINE Howard Wolf’s Home at the End of New Beginnings is a midlife romance the Day explores, in serious and comic story. Julia, a headstrong rising executive, terms, the complex history of a Jewish was betrayed in a previous love affair. American family in the 20th century. She meets fellow parishioner, Henry, a Three related one-acts reenact the recent widower and staid retired accoun- search for reconciliation against a tant who seeks to resume a career as an background of separation. The family artist. Just as their romance develops jar has cracks but isn’t broken. The three emotionally and sexually, she receives acts are: “Reunion of an offer for professional
ome at the End of the Day
“A sENsiTivE AND mOviNg pOrTrAiT OF lOvE AND lOss, HOME advancement. Can they a Summer Evening”, Hconsists of three related one- OF THE rElATiONsHips THAT ENricH Our DAYs AND lAsT act plays that portray the complex bEYOND Our TimE ON EArTH.” history of an American family in the second half of the 20th century. e
“Howard Wolf has created a beautiful trio of one-act plays in Home at the three plays reenact the family’s con icted AT THE END OF DAY End of the Day. Wolf offers a sensitive and moving portrait of love and history from the 1940s through the 1990s loss, of the relationships that enrich our days and last beyond our time and give voice in both serious and comic maintain their rela- “Blue Nightson earth. Each play in Home at thein End of the Day informs the others in ways to the search for reconciliation and HOWARD R. WOLF is Emeritus Professor surprising and satisfying ways as the characters reappear and share their unity against a background of loss and and Senior Fellow in e Department of life (and death) experiences with the audience and with each other. Wolf dissonance. e family jar has cracks, but English ( e State University of New York has taken the warp and weft of a well-lived life and fashioned them into an it isn’t broken. e mother-gure, Miriam, at Bu alo). A graduate of Horace Mann artfully woven fabric that expresses the whole of our lived experience.” wittily encourages her younger son, Robert, School, Amherst College (BA), Columbia in a near end-of-life conversation in Act 1, tionship and overcome SouthUniversity (MA),Florida”, and e University – mArY Ak Ers, AwArD-wiNNiNgand AuTHOr OF THE sHOrT sTOrY “Reunion of a Summer Evening,” to nd of Michigan (Ph.D.), where he won cOllEcTiONs Women Up on Blocks AND Bones of An InlAnd seA, ways to make peace with an older brother Hopwood Award for Fiction, he has held two AND cO-AuTHOr OF THE NON-FicTiON TiTlE one lIfe To GIve. and father, both of whom have been Fulbright Fellowships (Turkey and South AN AMERICAN FAMILY DRAMA IN THREE ACTS distant shadows in their lives. Acts Two and ree – “Blue Nights in South Florida” Africa) and given over one hundred lectures “The very well traveled Howard Wolf writes with great humor and emotion and “Twilight Unveiling at the Hotel De on American Literature and Culture in twenty from the depths of his own experience in a way that can be appreciated by obstacles? Can they de- Dream” – fuse realism and fantasy in quest “Twilightcountries, including India. He is Life MemberUnveiling readers around the world. He transcends cultural boundaries for the sake of this peace. e three acts recapitulate of Wolfson College (Cambridge University). of universal communication. He makes America and the American family HOW in dramatic form an emotional and A novelist, short story writer, playwright, comprehensible to the global audience.” psychological cycle: life, death, and rebirth.
ARD R ARD [email protected] literary critic, and essayist (memoir, travel, Prestige Books – HElENA kANE FiNN, FOrmEr u.s. DiplOmAT Improbable reunions and resolutions education, humor), he is the author of Far- become possible in a blend of comedy,
and the forthcoming collection . Away Places documentary realism, and fantasy. Readers
WOLF velop a deep feeling for at theof stories, Exiles by Starlight, as wellHotel as de and audiences in other cultures will be able hundreds of articles and newspaper columns. to take the measure of their own family e Robert Frost Library of Amherst histories by contrasting them with the College houses an archive of his life’s work interactions of this play. America invented International - Available at and literary a liations. ISBN 978-93-82186-97-7 PRESTIGE BOOKS INTERNATIONAL the 20th century and with it the challenges Delhi London Sydney of modernity. Home at the End of the Day each other by solving Rs. 300 Dream.”“ ere aren’t enough may help deal with some of its problems. words to praise his work” Author Photo by Nancy J. Parisi 9 789382 186977 Howard R. Wolf $11.99 through Amazon – Jorge Guitart (scholar-poet) Cover Design by Lance Eddinger ISBN: 978-93-82186-97-7 Rs. 300 life’s problems together?
MICHAEL FRANKLIN ELLIS DICK HIRSCH A devoted husband and family man, Buffalo journalist and author, Dick Michael Franklin Ellis was a poet, Hirsch, is well-known for his weekly comedian, business man and community columns as well as his books. His latest, leader. His humorous outlook led him A New Bathtub for the White House, is a to see the lighter side of life, which is collection of some of his favorites. The captured in his poetry. He always had time title has nothing to do with plumbing, to raise the spirits of his fellow man. This but refers to one of over 100 stories compilation of versifi cations, selected in the hard-covered book. They cover a and compiled by Joan variety of topics, many Ellis Shatkin and Darcy of them off-beat and . allen, exemplifi es the all of them readable. fascinating Torah-like Priced at $26.95, it is parallels of Chassidic available at Talking 917-584-0440 716-884-9524 philosophy that view Leaves Books. [email protected] life’s circumstances from tleavesbooks.com Toratherapeutics.com a positive angle.
MARK GOLDMAN GUNILLA THEANDER KESTER Of the fi ve books that I have written If I Were More Like Myself; Poems about Buffalo, my favorite by far is Max from America, Sweden, and Ghana is Meets the Mayor, conceived with my a collection of poems exploring the grandson, Max. This book, about our poetic in ordinary relationships. A wife actual visit with Mayor Byron Brown, and mother responds to her husband conveys my love, not only for my grand- and children, a daughter and sister to child, but for the city that we both call her family, a friend to her dead and home. I am fortunate that he, and my living friends, a teacher to her students, two other grand- some as far away children live here as West Africa. Love with me and that grows and changes I have the oppor- as it changes us! tunity to share my The book includes 716-912-8980 Lulu.com enthusiasm for our beautiful photos by city with them on a [email protected] Shiri Kester. daily basis.
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 21 S NAGOG ES ORGANI ATIONS Jewish Community Agencies 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 Bureau of Jewish Education 2640 North Forest Road Holland Family Building Getzville, NY 14068 787 Delaware Avenue TEL 716-204-5380 Buffalo, NY 14209 www.bjebuffalo.org TEL 716-886-3145 Jill Komm - Executive Director www.jccbuffalo.org Michael Berger - President Jewish Discovery Center Chabad House of Buffalo 757 Hopkins Road 2450 North Forest Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Getzville, NY 14068 212 Exeter Rd. 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 And www.chainursery.com 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 Email: jewish- Blaine Schwartz - Chair [email protected] Rent assisted apartments for seniors & mobility-impaired adults http://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 Jewish 2640 North Forest Road www.jewishfederationapartments.org Getzville, NY 14068 Kathleen Haggerty - Property Manager TEL 716-204-1133 Shawn Frier - President Federation www.jewishphilanthropies.org Peter Fleischmann- Director & CEO Ray Fink- President Jewish Federation Cemetery Apartments Corporation, Inc. Hadassah 2640 North Forest Road 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-204-2246 Watch your favorite shows with your TEL 716-688-5260 www.jfedbflo.com new friends on our big screen TV! [email protected] Deborah Pivarsi - Director Elaine Kellick, Annette Magid, Mickey Charlotte Gendler - President Savit, and Rhonda Wise- Co-Presidents Kadimah Academy 1085 Eggert Road Great room • Media room • Wifi • Fitness center Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association 2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Amherst, NY 14226 Data center • Beauty salon • Laundry facilities Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-836-6903 Full time social worker • Activities • Transportation TEL 716-204-0542 www.kadimah.org 24 hour emergency maintenance • Two elevators • Library Sam Golden- Loan Officer Einav Symons - Head of School Alan Rosenhoch - President Computer room • Pool table • Emergency medical call Judith Katzenelson Brownstein- President system • Chapel • Card room • Large screen tv Hillel of Buffalo Kosher Meals on Wheels 520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons 757 Hopkins Road Open to all religious denominations Suite # 210 Williamsville, NY 14221 W. Amherst, NY 14228 Tel 716 639-7600 Jewish Federation Apartments TEL 716-645-8787 www.koshermow.com Rabbi Sara Rich - Director Rabbi Laizer Labkovski - Director 275 Essjay Road www.hillelofbuffalo.org Jeffery Pasler – President Williamsville, NY 14221 Holocaust Resource Center Ohr Temimim School 336 Harris Hill Road, Suite 302 411 John James Audubon Parkway For application information please call 716-631-8471 Williamsville, NY 14221 W. Amherst, NY 14228 www.JewishFederationApartments.org TEL: 716-634-9535 TEL 716-568-0226 www.hrcbuffalo.org www.ohrtemimimschool.com *Jewish Federation Apartments does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the Mara Koven-Gelman- Executive Director Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz - Principal admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted program and activities. Pieter Weinrieb- President Jonathan Gellman - President
22 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 ORGANI ATIONS S NAGOG ES
One Stop Jewish Buffalo Knesset Center (Orthodox) Change the Way You See A free website updated weekly about all 500 Starin Avenue that’s happening in Jewish Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14214 Nathan Sull - Publisher TEL 716-832-5063 Aaron Sull - Editor Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow www.OneStopJewishBuffalo.com www.chabad.org
Weinberg Campus Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) 2700 North Forest Road President - Shmuel Rashkin 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 Kenneth Rogers- Chairman of the Board TEL 716 876 1284 of Directors www.SaranacSynagogue.org
Yad B’Yad Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative) A program of the Bureau of Jewish 621 Getzville Road Education Amherst, NY 14226 TEL 716-204-5380 Cantor Mark Spindler www.yadbyad.org Lisa Wallenfels - President Cindi Mikulik - Director TEL 716- 838-3232 Laurie Criden - Chair www.btzbuffalo.org Western New York Temple Beth Zion (Reform) Sanctuary: 805 Delaware Avenue Synagogues and Temples Buffalo, NY 14209 Religious School and Offices: Chabad House of Buffalo 700 Sweet Home Road (unaffiliated) Amherst, NY 14226 2450 North. Forest Rd, Rabbi Jonathan Freirich Getzville, NY 14068 Cantor Penny Myers TEL 716-688-1642 Amy Schaefer - Temple Administrator www.chabadbuffalo.com miriam treger honig - President TEL 716-836-6565 Congregation Beth Abraham www.tbz.org Your Complete (Conservative) 1073 Elmwood Avenue Temple Beth El (Reform) Buffalo, NY 14222 720 Ashland Avenue Family Eye Care Center www.congregationbethabraham.net Niagara Falls, NY 14301 Rabbi Ellen Franke Congregation Shir Shalom Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose (Reform/ Reconstructionist) William Bell - President • New Patients Always Welcome 4660 Sheridan Drive TEL 716-282-2717 Williamsville, NY 14221 www.niagarafallstemple.com TEL 716-633-8877 • Routine Eye Exams for All Ages Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein Temple Emanu-El (Reform) Cantor Arlene Frank 124 Bank Street • Laser Vision Correction Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director Batavia, NY 14020 Todd Sugarman - President TEL 585-343-7027 www.shirshalombuffalo.org Stan Schumann - President • Cataract & Glaucoma Evaluations Congregation Havurah The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) 6320 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 757 Hopkins Road • Large Selection of Designer Bernard Schenkler, President Williamsville, NY 14221 Annette Pinder, Membership Chair Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Frames & Sunglasses TEL 716-689-2256 Rabbi Laizer Labkovski www.congregationhavurah.org 716-639-7600 [email protected] • Contact Lens Exams & Fittings Sara Sirkin, Young Israel of Greater Buffalo M.D. Kehillat Ohr Tzion (Orthodox) • We Accept Most Major Credit Cards (Modern Orthodox) 105 Maple Road 879 Hopkins Rd Williamsville, NY 14221 Williamsville, NY 14221 Rabbi Eliezar Marcus Rabbi Ori Bergman Richard G. Berger- President Jeff Schapiro - President TEL 716-634-0212 http://ohrtzion.org/kot 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. Sara Sirkin, M.D. If you plan to be away from your permanent address and will have your first class mail forwarded to your temporary address and 2441 Sheridan Drive would like to continue to receive the Jewish Journal over the winter (716) 836-8700 or the summer, please call Joan Kwiatkowski at 716-204-2242 to give us your “temporary” address. Thank you! www.atwaleye.com
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 23 SYNAGOGUES Kehillat Ohr Tzion The Music of Mar Criden at TB Achim April 8 When Kehillat Ohr Tzion cele rated The Brotherhood of Temple Beth ion s April Purim, the name of Hamen was lotted the Middle East Achim program will feature Mar A. Criden, who out with the sha ing of pasta o es. After Ethan Fo uartet will tal a out the history and comple ities of the reading the Megillah the pasta was wine. It will e held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, collected and was donated the following Saturday, April , at p.m. April 8 at the Meadows Lounge, located on the wee to Hearts for the Homeless. In 805 Delaware Avenue second floor at the Wein erg Campus, 2 50 addition, uice o es have een collected North Forest Road. all month and were also donated to HH. Come for the concert debut of the Criden is well known as the recently retired Jewish World Music Series. This will be Executive Director of Temple Beth Zion and a celebration of Jewish music of the previously was a tax attorney, a writer and Middle East, focusing on classical, folk and business professional. He also has become a fusion musics of various countries such maven on wine, serving as the Chair of the as Israel, Syria and Egypt. We will explore International Wine and Food Society in the unique rythmic and melodic aspects of 1990s and was the wine columnist for Buffalo this music. We will also discuss many Spree Magazine until 2012. There will be historical aspects to this music. an opportunity for questions and discussion. Following the Megillah reading, members Ethan Fox Quartet includes Ethan on Achim is a monthly program for the benefit of and guests of KOT had a light supper percussion, Anna Bush on clarinet, Zack the residents, and their guests, at the Weinberg and then enjoyed a Purim spiel, which Steinberg playing bass and Mark Tobin Campus and is open to the public at no cost. consisted of a parody of songs from Fiddler on violin. For further information, please contact Ken on the Roof. The lyrics were written by Ted RSVP by calling (716) 836-6565. A $10 Graber at 681-9885. Steinberg and the singers were Zahava donation at the door is appreciated. ried, annah reundel and Brian oseph. Bags of mishloach manot were also collected and delivered to residents at TB Volunteer Opportunity the Weinberg facility the next day by Temple Beth Zion will coordinate volunteers to serve at Friends of Night People on Jeff Schapiro. The annual collection is the second Tuesday of each month. No need for volunteers to cook the meal, only serve coordinated by Marian Arbesman. it. Ten volunteers are needed from 4 to 7:15 p.m. (Minimum age is 14 - minors must be For more information about all the accompanied by parents.) activities and learning opportunities at KOT Due to limited availability of parking, carpooling is necessary. Call Leslie at 839-0079 or contact Rabbi Bergman at origbergman@ email Ann Marie at [email protected] for more details and/or to put your name on the list of gmail.com. volunteers. You can volunteer once or on multiple Tuesdays.
Save the Date Joint Li eral Passover Service Anne Bernstein Memorial Shabbat Speaker Series to e held at Shir Shalom April The Joint Liberal Passover Service will take place Friday, April 6 at 10:30am at Human Se uality and Relationships Congregation Shir Shalom. The service will be led by the clergy from Congregation Shir At Congregation Shir Shalom Shalom, Temple Beth Zion, Congregation Havurah and Temple Beth El of Niagara Falls. A Presented by Andre Toth complimentary luncheon will follow. Please RSVP to the Temple Office at 633-8877. Everyone is welcome. Saturday, May 2 th 12:00pm Luncheon 1:00pm Speaker
24 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 S NAGOG ES Kulanu TB The Annual Kulanu Winter Service was held at Temple Beth Zion February 9. Daniel Dobies, a life-long TBZ member spoke eloquently on the theme “Kulanu Echad - All of Us are One.” The service, crafted by Mat’an Schwartz, incorporated elements of a spirituality service into the Kulanu liturgy. The mission of Kulanu is to create a “sukkat shalom” - a shelter of peace and community.
Sha at Evening Rabbi Service and Lazarus-Klein to Chametz Fest lead new class at at TB Canter ury Woods at Gates Circle Join Rabbi Alex from Congregation Shir Shalom for a new class, “The True Story of the Exodus from Egypt” based on the book by Richard Elliot Friedman, The Exodus. The class will delve into the current archeology and critical biblical study to discover what we know today about the Israelite journey from slavery to freedom thousands of years ago. And, most importantly why it matters. Friday, April at p.m. The class will Service meet on 4/4, Broder Center, 00 Sweet Home Road 4/11, 4/18 and 4/25 at 2:00pm in Pizza dinner to follow Canterbury Woods Tired of matzoh? Then come join your at Gates Circle. friends at TBZ for dinner as we end Call 633-8877 Passover together. Pizza, soft drinks and for more info. beer (for those over 21) will be served. Please RSVP by Thursday April 5, at 836-6565. Cost: $5 per person.
Join the Shir Shalom outh Group in cele rating Passover with a Chocolate Seder
Sunday, April 1st 5:00pm at Congregation Shir Shalom
All 7th-12thgraders are welcome to attend! There will be tons of delicious chocolate treats as we journey together through the story of Passover. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by March 27th to our Youth Group Advisor, Shiri Kester, at [email protected] .
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 25 Temple Beth Zion is proud to host CALENDAR
April 16 Jews Won t Replace s: Charlottesville as a Challenge to Jewish Thought “POWER AND POWERLESSNESS IN JEWISH THOUGHT AND LIFE” LECTURE SERIES UB Institute of Jewish Thought and BJE Speaker: Noam Pines, in conversation with Sergey Dolgopolski 7:30-9:00 pm, Jewish Community Center 2640 North Forest Road, Getzville Contact Susan Schwartz, Director of Adult March30 Learning, at (716) 204-5380 or Passover Begins - First Seder [email protected] for more information.
COMM NIT SEDERS ta ing place at: April 19 Temple Beth ion 6:00 pm, Transit Valley, 836-6565 Community Rally for Israel 0 Jewish Discovery Center in Niagara Square, 4:00 pm, Free Featuring the BEST of The Beatles & ’60s music 8:00 pm, 757 Hopkins Road, www.jewishbuffalo.com Community Cele ration of Israel 0 SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Cha ad of Buffalo 6:00 pm, Acqua Restaurant Doors open at 6:45pm Music begins at 7:30pm 8:00 pm, 2450 North Forest Road, $70/person, https://www.eventbrite. 688-1642 com/e/israel-70-celebration-tickets- 805 Delaware Avenue 43451762391?aff=eac2 Rabbi Fink Auditorium March31 All ages will enjoy Ticket Prices: an unforgettable night! Start counting the Omer tonight Jewish Repertory Theatre $30 advance sale Opening Night-Sight Unseen COMM NIT SEDERS ta ing place at: Beer, wine and food concessions 7:30 pm, Seller Theatre, will be available. $35 at the door Congregation Shir Shalom JCC/Benderson Family Building 6:00 pm, Buffalo Marriott, Go to www.tbz.org or call (716) 836-6565 to purchase tickets. Call 652-7626 for Tickets 1340 Millersport Highway, 633-8877 Congregation Beth A raham 6:00 pm, 1073 Elmwood Ave, 633-8877 April 20 Jewish Discovery Center PJ Li rary Cele rates Israel 0 8:00 pm, 757 Hopkins Road, Temple Beth Zion - Broder Center www.jewishbuffalo.com 5:45 pm Cha ad of Buffalo TBZ with PALS/Kadimah. Guests welcome 8:00 pm, 2450 North Forest Road, 688-1642 April 22 Through April Family Program for Israel 0 Passover is cele rated Israel Parade, Israeli dancing, Israeli BBQ 10:00 am-1:30 pm Through April 30 ll at learfield ark, Hopkins and Klein Rds. Israel Artist-in-Residence Asaf El alai Contact Keren Green at in Buffalo [email protected] Call the JCC at 204-2084 for information. April 13 April 26 Tot Sha at Jewish Women s Connection 6:00 pm, Congregation Shir Shalom “Facing Life’s BIG and small Challenges with Strength” An evening of inspiration with Brocha Leah Greenberg April 15 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, Private Home, om Hashoah Commemoration $10/person 10:30 am, Temple Beth Tzedek Email [email protected] to reserve your space Jerusalem Post Journalist Gil Hoffman Speaking at Temple Beth Tzedek at 7:30 pm April 2 -30 “70 Reasons to be optimistic about Israel’s Federation s Engagement 101 future.” Sunday April 29 - 1:30 pm-8:30 pm Gicewicz Club @ UB Stadium April 16 Monday, April 30 8:00 am-12:00 pm Screening of E odus JCC Lippman Lounge At the North park Theatre Contact Miriam@buffalojewishfederation. 7:00 pm, $10.50/person org for more information 26 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 PASSOVER Happy Passover
Charles R. Niles, MD Louis J. Antonucci, MD Joseph R. Berardi, MD Barry M. Epstein, MD Thomas J. Guttuso, MD Deepan Selvadurai, MD
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28 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 PASSOVER
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 33 AGENCIES Exhibit of Donated Art Work at Bunis JEWISH REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS Family Art Gallery, JCC of Greater SIGHT UNSEEN, BY DONALD MARGULIES, APRIL 19 – MAY 13, 2018 Buffalo, Through April 30 The Jewish Repertory Theatre completes its Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Community Center are collaborating to present 2017/2018 season with SIGHT UNSEEN, the an art exhibit of donated art from those within our community. “This is a very special third production in a season called A Sentimental exhibit in that it comes from members of the community. Proceeds from sales will be Journey. “This season we are bringing back a donated back to two agencies that serve the community and any art not sold will be couple of “old” friends – VISITING MR. GREEN donated to new members of the community,” said Richard Zakalik, Executive Director and ROSE - who helped us start our JRT journey of the JCC, home to the Bunis Family Art Gallery, where the exhibit will take place, as well as SIGHT UNSEEN, which will be the March 1 – April 30, 2018. third Donald Margulies play we have produced,” said Saul Elkin, JRT Founding Artistic Director. “These are productions that we first presented in other Buffalo theatres before we had a home of our own. Revisiting these wonderful stories and characters in our own theatre space is an exciting venture which we are pleased to offer our audiences.” The play is directed by JRT Artistic SIGHT UNSEEN, JRT’s third play of the Director Saul Elkin and stars Constance season, is Donald Margulies’ play about Caldwell, Josie DiVincenzo, David Lundy Jonathan Waxman, a superstar artist, so and Peter Palmisano. Brian Cavanagh popular that collectors will buy his work is Lighting Designer, Kari Drozd is “sight unseen.” In London for a major Costume Designer, Tom Makar is Sound retrospective, Jonathan decides to call his Designer, David Dwyer is Set Designer, former girlfriend, Patricia, whose influence Amelia Scinta and Christina Serio are became a turning point in his early career. Stage Managers, Mike Benoit is Property Patricia is now married to Nick; they live in Master and Jessica Lake Mason is House Some of the art that is for sale. the English countryside, where they excavate Manager. ancient Roman ruins. When Patricia invites The Jewish Repertory Theatre of Art in the exhibit includes work by who need support during times of Jonathan to spend the night, tensions arise Western New York is a program of the Israeli artist A. Elgi, Buffalo artists Irving challenge and personal change. among the threesome.The scenes in the JCC of Greater Buffalo. This season’s Mink and Walter Prochownik, American This program will serve to connect countryside are intermingled with scenes of original artwork is created by artist abstract artist Clinton Hill, German artist new residents in WNY to families an interview with a German journalist, Grete, Eta Rottenberg. For more information Herbert Schneider, and more including with long histories here. It’s an who questions Jonathan’s motivations for on JRT productions, dates and tickets, original paintings, prints, needlework, opportunity to forge connections his art and his self-promotion. Throughout visit www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com. drawings and photographs. and extend warm welcomes through SIGHT UNSEEN, questions about art, money, Tickets are available at 716-650-7626, “The JCC often get calls from people sharing of art. Without being formal love and inspiration, their co-dependency through Showclix at 1-888-718-4253 who are looking for places to donate about it, we’ll be giving people a and the ways in which they are inextricably (Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm EST) or at artwork, typically because a family chance to share their history, adopt entangled, are brought to the surface. either JCC reception desk. member is downsizing and while the some history and hopefully share family doesn’t want to keep the art, and promote Buffalo’s city of good they don’t want to throw it away and neighbors.” are looking for a place where the art Gallery admission is free and the STAGE RIGHT THEATRE PROGRAM can be enjoyed and appreciated,” said gallery is open during JCC business BEGINS APRIL 4 AT THE JCC Jordana Halpern, who curates the gallery hours, 7 days a week. as Cultural Arts director at the JCC. “We For more information, visit Calling all thespians! Join others with an exploration into the wonderful world of acting. Enjoy wanted to create an exhibit that would jccbuffalo.org or contact Jordana a variety of theatrical forms including theatre games, mime, reader’s theatre, live radio drama, benefit the community, including new Halpern at 716-204-2255 or story theatre, and performance art. No experience necessary! members of the community who have [email protected]. relocated with the help of Jewish Family April 4 – June 6, (10 weeks) Service, which has been helping families Wednesday mornings, 10:30 – 12 pm and individuals make the challenging $136/general, $110/JCC members transition from Sudan, Iraq, Nepal, All classes take place at the Jewish Community Center, Benderson Family Somalia, Burma, Bhutan and other Building, 2640 North Forest Road, Getzville, NY strife-torn areas of the world.” “We’re excited to be working with Instructor Gail Golden has a BFA in Theatre from Ithaca College and an MA in Theatre the JCC on this program,” said Marlene and English from SUNY at Buffalo. Gail has performed at Walt Disney World, Sea World, Schillinger, President and CEO of and Universal Studios and in more than 1,000 TV and radio commercials and since 2006 has Jewish Family Service. “Our agency played the role of Mrs. Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. provides a broad range of services To register, contact Karla Wiseman Adult Services Supervisor, at 716-688-4114, ext. including resettlement, health services, 366 or [email protected]. Registration also available at either JCC Membership counselling and advocacy for people Services Desk or at www.jccbuffalo.org 34 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 AGENCIES Hadassah By Phyllis Steinberg
This year Buffalo Hadassah formed a new leadership format with four co-presidents, each of whom will preside over three meetings a year. Annette Magid led the March meeting where upcoming programs were discussed as well as ideas for fundraising. Twenty members attended an informal luncheon get together in February where the attendees got a chance to get to know some new members, several of whom have been welcomed into the Buffalo chapter this year as reported by Membership chairperson Nancy Greenberg. The Mitzvah Committee, chaired by Jan Liebowitz, is still collecting juice boxes for Hearts for the Homeless and household items to donate to Jewish Family Services.
Plans were also made for writing and Hadassah members and friends distributing the next bulletin where registration forms will be included for following her presentation. For more shopping at these stores. Following the the next two Hadassah programs. On information about the program email brunch at 2:00 pm the Jewish Repertory April 18, Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County [email protected]. Theatre will be presenting the last Commissioner of Health, will speak at The registration and details about performance of Sight Unseen by Donald a luncheon at the Lenox Grill on North the May 13 ‘Glorious Days of Buffalo Margulies in the Robert and Maxine Street. She will address a variety of Shopping’ program will also be included Seller Theatre. health concerns based on her expertise in the bulletin. David Bunis, former The Buffalo Hadassah Chapter is and extensive experience, not only Vice-Chairman of the Sample Stores and proud to contribute thousands of dollars as Health Commissioner but also as Marvin Frankel, from L. L. Berger will be every year to the Hadassah Medical a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the guest speakers at the kosher brunch Organization in Jerusalem, where over UB Jacobs School of Medicine and a event, which will be held in the Lippman one million patients a year are treated Research Professor at the UB School of Co-president Annette Magid hands over key Lounge at the JCC. Rich Kellman will without regard for race, religion or Public Health. There will be a Q and A and gavel to Elaine Kellick, the incoming co- present a video of memorabilia from nationality. president
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 35 36 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 AGENCIES Stepping Away to Step Forward: Hillel’s Leadership Retreat
By Daryl Rosh Marie also found the Soul Story activity to be valuable. She remarked, “The Soul 26 hours. 8 student leaders. One team. Story was my favorite activity. Going into Hillel of Buffalo is constantly growing and the retreat with little expectations, I was improving through passion, teamwork and able to learn and understand how every perseverance. Rabbi Sara Rich, Executive story is different, which is a big part of Director, and Logan King, Coordinator Judaism, is that we are all different.” of Jewish Student Life and Ezra Fellow, Marie continued to discuss how holding recently added eight new student leaders. this position became helpful academically The student leadership team consists of as a freshman studying political science four Engagement Interns: Gabi Silverstein, at the University at Buffalo. As an Marie Meltzer, Sasha Shapiro, and Jen Engagement Intern, it is crucial to be Seidman, Social Interns Daniel Levy and good at talking to people, and trying Elizabeth Roth, and Israel Interns Shaya to understand their stories. These same Kalmanofsky and Blake Lobel. tools allow students to grasp different In order to form cohesion as a group, views and analyze stories of all sorts of Rabbi Sara and Logan organized a people, and the retreat helped teach the Leadership Retreat for the team at the students to do this in an open-minded start of the spring semester. The goal was and confident way. for the interns to start to set expectations Another powerful team bonding of how they want to work as a group and activity during the retreat is called create a vision of how they want Hillel Boundary Breaking. The students and programming to be portrayed. “I’ve never staff sat in a circle, and the staff took experienced such a productive form of turns asking a question that everyone in enjoyment,” remarked Gabi Silverstein. the circle had to answer, like “Who is your The program began with an activity biggest role model?” and “What would in which each person delivered an you like to smash?” Before they knew it, it eight minute speech about their “Soul was 1:15AM and a new family was formed. Story.” The Soul Story is a reflection on Team work and cohesion are qualities that everyone’s own personal histories with are very often overlooked in many work Judaism. Sharing these stories encouraged or organizational settings. Rabbi Sara each individual to find their comfort zone and Logan knew that focusing on group within the team by sharing happy, funny, dynamics would make a huge impact on surprising or even sad reflections. “That how the interns will work as a team and activity was the beginning of our group’s help contribute to the Hillel of Buffalo. current deep connection,” Gabi said. “It We are very excited to see how the team was a chance to dive deeper into questions of interns will continue to succeed. such as: ‘What is a key experience that Daryl Rosh serves as a Marketing and has impacted your Jewish identity?’ and Public Relations Intern at the Hillel of ‘Has anything surprised you in college, Buffalo and is a Business Administration relating to how you felt about Judaism Major at UB. before you came?’”
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 37 38 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 AGENCIES
Why we chose Kadimah for our children “Passover is one of my favorite holidays because of all By Fran Paskowitz the traditions, and the really awesome Seder that we have at My background, as a public school teacher school, so you will know what and administrator, has given me a deep to do when you have a Seder of respect for public school education. Yet, for your own. These are just some my children and now my grandchildren, I examples of the many things strongly support and believe in the value that Kadimah helps you with.” of a Jewish Day School. Research has shown Ozzy Enis, 5th grade that a Jewish Day School education is most closely aligned to Jewish children remaining Jewish, seeing themselves and for each other. I see older students as knowledgeable and committed Jews, assisting younger ones daily, at lunch, serving as leaders in their community, during recess, with computer tablets, and engaging with a synagogue, volunteering, even when visiting our PALS-Kadimah and donating to Jewish causes-- all very early childhood program to perform or important facets of our religion. study with the 2, 3 and 4 year olds. My husband Michael and I are proud Here, at Kadimah, I see Tikun Olam to see our own children’s commitment to (acts of caring and kindness to repair Judaism, their Jewish pride, which began the world) daily when the children in our home and was nurtured by their give tzedakah (charity), respect, and excellent Kadimah Hebrew and Judaic sometimes help our developmentally teachers. Knowing that their stellar PASSOVER SEDER AT KADIMAH: L-R front row: Rozie Herman, Mrs. Naomi Cowen, Ava Green. 2nd disabled neighbors at the school we Kadimah secular education provided a row: Talula Enis, Gabriel Epstein, Nessa Grol-Norris share, or in their compassionate care strong foundation for their academic of our school pet hamster, Oreo. I see success, in high school, college, graduate Fast forward to Kadimah Academy reflecting upon educational practices love and pride in our Judaism and school, and in their current career of 2018, where I find myself, post- with the Head of School, meeting with knowledgeable Jewish children who paths makes us even more indebted to retirement, assisting teachers with parents, visiting enriching classes, are the future keepers of our faith, Kadimah Academy. curriculum, observing teachers in action, coordinating staff meetings, etc. I am our traditions, and the ethical, moral filled with fond memories of Kadimah compass of our lives. imbued in my now adult children, and Please join me, or our Head of School “This year, I will have been at Kadimah for five years, and I have loved the exciting promise it holds for our Einav Symons, for a visit. Call us at every one of them. When I first came to Kadimah, I was very nervous but current students. school: (716)836-6903 or Mrs. Symons that soon melted away as I was welcomed into the Kadimah family with I see lots of individualized and directly at (716)574-6016 to arrange a open arms. Here, I have gone into great depths of Jewish knowledge about differentiated instruction by highly meeting and hear more about our jewel, holidays, customs, laws, etc. One of my favorite holidays is Passover…The dedicated teachers in our small class Kadimah Academy! Passover story was one of the first stories that I learned more thoroughly sizes. I see bi-lingual instruction at For more information, visit: www. about. I loved hearing and writing about the tales of bravery and kindness; early ages, primed for the stimulation kadimah.org. To make a contribution by I loved learning the customs and participating in my own Seder. The story this supplies to the brain. I hear the phone, please contact Marci Wiseman, really helped me connect with my new friends, and left me eager to learn beautiful, proud voices of all students, Director of Community Engagement and more about my religion. I love Kadimah, and I love being a Kadimah kid.” K-8 joining in pledging allegiance to our Relations at 716-836-6903 or marci. Jane Ablove, 8th grade flags and singing the national anthems [email protected]. of our countries (America and Israel). I Fran Paskowitz is Director of spend time praying with our children as Educational Services, Kadimah Academy, they join together in song for Ashrei, for Former Principal of Hoover and Hamilton Hallel, for Aleinu, or in silent, respectful Elementary Schools, Professor of Educational reciting of the Shemonah Esrei. I see Leadership, Buffalo State College students reading many varied books, discussing their reading, and writing in-depth research projects. We learn about our history as Americans as well as our history as Jews and are proudly Kadimah Academy Zionistic! We are highly computer literate and are learning advanced math wishes you and your and science. Our 8th graders graduate family a warm and with three Regents’ credits (Hebrew, Algebra, and Earth Science). Best of all, wonderful Passover in addition to the outstanding, rigorous, individualized academic program, I see holiday, l’chaim! a love of school, an interest in learning, few discipline issues, respect for adults PASSOVER FIT FOR A KING: L-R Nadav Netter, Aaron Herman April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 39 AGENCIES
“The purpose of learning...is growth, and our minds, unlike LEARNING TOGETHER ENGAGES A COMMUNITY! our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.” (Mortimer Adler, philosopher and educator) By Susan Goldberg Schwartz, Director of Adult Learning, Bureau of Jewish Education The Bureau of Jewish Education’s Adult Learning Department is also pleased to offer classes and other learning opportunities, in collaboration with Jewish agencies and local organizations throughout the year! Most programs We are so fortunate that Jewish Buffalo is part of the and classes will be held at the Jewish Community Center, 2640 North Forest Road, unless otherwise noted: Partnership2Gether, a program through Federation which connects Jews in the diaspora (we are part of a Mid-West consortium) with **NEW** Course for Spring 2018!! Jewish Life through the Movie Lens, in collaboration with the those living in the Western Galilee region of Israel. While attending the Probing the Prophets Annual Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival (www.bijff.com) Annual Summit of the Partnership last June, I was introduced to a new Instructor: Dr. Ted Steinberg, Retired Instructor: Eileen M. Angelini, Ph.D. adult learning program, Learn2GETHER, which was in the early stages “Distinguished Teaching Professor” Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30 pm of development. Buffalo and Indianapolis have been asked to pilot this in the English Department at SUNY Fee: $48/per 4 week session exciting program which will connect our two American communities Fredonia Session 4: April 11, 18, 25 and May 2 with members of the Western Galilee. Thursdays, 1:30–3:00 pm The Holocaust & the 70th Anniversary of Israel’s Independence A select group of adult learners that we hoped would be April 11, 18, 25 May 2, 9, 16 Films to be discussed: La France Divisée, Sarah’s Key, La Rafle, Fever intrigued by this learning opportunity were invited to meet $72/6 week session at Dawn, Barriers, Cohen on the Bridge: The Entebbe Rescue, Hannah with Avital Ben Dror, a professional from the Jewish Agency for The Prophets, the Nevi’im, the Arendt Israel Partnership2Gether program who visited Buffalo in January. “n” in Tanach, comprise the second Avital shared additional information about Learn2GETHER as well section of the Hebrew Bible. The Part 2, Power and Powerlessness in Jewish Life and Thought, as provided a taste of the Limmud (learning) that participants will literary prophets–Isaiah, Jeremiah, conversations with faculty from the UB Department of Jewish Thought engage in throughout the program. and Ezekiel, as well as the twelve Monday, April 16, 7:00pm The Learn2GETHER Program is a unique opportunity, allowing so-called “minor” prophets–spoke JCC Benderson, Lipman Lounge adult learners from our community to connect, study and get out about the conditions in their With great power comes great responsibility. What does it mean to know their peers from Indianapolis and the Western Galilee, society. to have power? Is power different from physical force? What are the while exploring the beauty of the Jewish calendar through What they said between two Ethical connotations? How does power relate to innovation? Jewish-Israeli literature, rich cultural texts and traditions. The thousand and three thousand years Join Professor Noam Pines, in conversation with Professor Sergey program consists of 10 sessions, including video-conference group ago is as relevant now as it was Dolgopolsky on the topic of: “Jews Won’t Replace Us”: Charlottesville and chevruta (partner) learning, meeting from March – October then. However, the teachings of as a Challenge to Jewish Thought. 2018 and includes an optional seminar in Jerusalem in June. Some the Prophets are often overlooked The conversation will deal with the question of how Jewish Thought of the Buffalo participants are planning on travelling to Israel on in our time, perhaps because they in its intellectual, ethical, and political dimensions prepares us to the Buffalo Israel experience in October, and plans are being made make us uncomfortable. This class think about and respond to the challenge of the recent Charlottesville for them to meet with their study partners. will give us a chance to look at events. Drawing on literary examples that involve Jewish thinking As this pilot program continues over the next few months, we these essential Jewish texts and about, or involvement in, historical catastrophe, we will focus on the will hear from our local participants, and hopefully, this will be the decide what role they should play appeal of Nazism as a revolutionary consummation of history (too first of many Learn2GETHER cohorts! in our lives. often dismissed as “mythical” in contemporary culture), and suggest possible modes of resistance provided by the victims themselves. Moderated by Prof. Sergey Dolgopolski, this discussion with Professor Noam Pines will address these questions and more in light of Prof. Pines’ most recent research.
What if Everyone Read the Same Book? Monday, May 7, 7:00 pm JCC Benderson Building This session will conclude our ongoing conversations on the book, My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew, by Abigail Pogrebin. Our last meeting will focus our discussion on the holiday of Shavuot and the Mussar trait of Emet/ Truth. Space is limited!
For more information about Adult Learning programs, please contact Susan Schwartz, Director of Adult Learning, [email protected] or 716-204- 5830. Please look for more details and registration information on our website www.bjebuffalo.org/adultlearning.
40 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 AGENCIES
YAD B’YAD’S 6TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW AND GOLD SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY Yad B’Yad is hosting its 6th Annual Fashion Show – a fashion event showcasing our participants! This event is Yad B’Yad’s premier fundraiser of the year and will be held on May 6, 2018 at 4949 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville. All proceeds from this event will be used to provide programs and services to people with disabilities in Western New York.
Models from the 5th annual Fashion Show in 2017
Fashion Show models range in age and ability and will feature some of Yad B’Yad’s participants and Hebrew High Students. Guests will enjoy a beautiful buffet brunch, basket raffle and gift wall. We are excited to work with upscale local retailers that will provide our models with beautiful, custom clothing. Tickets are $36.00 per person until April 27. After April 27, tickets are $40.00 per person. A table of ten can be purchased for $360.00 until April 27 ($400 after April 27). Seating for this event is limited, so please reserve early to make sure you have a seat! This year, Yad B’Yad is making a limited number of GOLD SPONSORSHIPS available. For $18.00 a family or an individual can sponsor one of the Yad B’Yad models. This will enhance and expand programs for Yad B’Yad participants. For more information, or to purchase tickets or a sponsorship, contact Cindi Mikulik at (716) 204-5380 or [email protected].
Yad B’Yad is a program of the Bureau of Jewish Education that provides outreach, advocacy and program support to assist people with disabilities in achieving full participation in Jewish life in Western New York. For more information about the upcoming Fashion Show, to join us in our programming, or to volunteer, please visit our website at www.yadbyad.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yadbyadbuffalo, or contact Cindi Mikulik at (716)204-5380 or [email protected]. We look forward to having you! ITZHAK Opens April 20th at the Eastern Hills Mall Cinema Please join us for the Daily at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 72ND GRADUATION CEREMONY OF HEBREW HIGH Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | 7:00 PM Weinberg Campus - Meadows Entrance
Recognizing five incredible seniors: Seth Blum, Drew Boehnlein, Jordan Grubea, Charlotte Long & Elliot Snitzer
Highlighting the 2017-2018 Better Together program - A partnership of Hebrew High, Congregation Shir Shalom and Weinberg Campus.
Dessert reception to follow.
April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 41 AGENCIES JFS: Social Isolation, Loneliness Can Be A Serious Health Risk For Seniors
People are statistically living longer, thanks in great measure to spectacular advances to feelings of loneliness, loneliness in science and health care. But with longer life spans come challenges that, for some, can should not be mistaken for tarnish the glow of Golden Years and actually shorten life itself. Among these, loneliness depression in older adults, who may and social isolation are now considered a life-threatening epidemic among the elder experience loss of a spouse, siblings population. or close friends. “Research shows that elderly “At JFS, we address the whole person, states,” JFS President and CEO Marlene depression is a common, widespread especially in the support we provide Schillinger says. problem. Symptoms of depression to elders in our community. Providing It is generally acknowledged that the can understandably be confused quality care requires talking and rapidly growing elderly population faces with the normal aging process, listening compassionately to clients to physical, psychological and social role but depression is not a normal learn about their individual concerns, changes that may challenge their sense Julianna Teibel and her grandmother part of getting old. For example, and to hear what is not necessarily of self and personal happiness. The my grandmother experienced verbalized but that may be connected increased risk of loneliness and social mobility resulting from illness, disability and deep sadness after the loss of to issues of loneliness and isolation. isolation can reasonably be attributed sensory impairment (such as hearing loss my grandfather, but she was Then we work with each person to to universal aging processes. These can and vision changes); economic instability; or not clinically depressed,” JFS develop an individual plan that will help include loss of a spouse or significant separation from children and grandchildren Development Director Juliana Teibel to mitigate or minimize circumstances other; shrinking social networks due who have moved away. says. that may contribute to these damaging to the death of close friends, reduced While loneliness and social isolation are Depression is a serious clinical often used interchangeably when addressing illness, for which JFS provides diag- aging in particular, they are not necessarily nosis, comprehensive counseling, the same. Social isolation is objective, and treatment and support for fami- generally occurs when people do not have lies and individuals of all ages. The enough people with which to interact. agency also provides comprehen- Loneliness is the subjective experience sive support for elders through its of distress over not having enough social health home and care coordination relationships or enough contact with people. services, family counseling for both Both pose serious mortality risks to the elders and caregivers, and mental elderly. health assessment. The American Association of Retired “A founding part of the JFS Professionals (AARP) recently commissioned mission is to enable older adults a national survey of the 45+ population to to live with dignity and purpose in examine relationships between loneliness their homes and our community, and health, health behaviors, involvement and JFS helped my grandmother in a social network and use of technology for cope during a time of immense life social communications and networking. Key change. She was grieving the loss of findings include, among others, that lonely my grandfather, her partner and best respondents were less likely to be involved friend of 60 years, while also dealing in activities that build social networks such with her move to Weinberg Campus,” as attending religious services, volunteering, Teibel explained. “We work hard at participating in a community organization Jewish Family Service to educate or spending time on a hobby; and that our community to the nuances of loneliness was a significant predictor of poor mental illness, and to extend a health. compassionate lifeline for aging well A separate AARP source equates the health and aging in place. This support risks of prolonged isolation with smoking 15 includes connection and referral cigarettes daily, and reports that, according not only to our comprehensive to U.S. Census data, more than 25 percent JFS programs, but to any outside of U.S. households now consist of only one services that will reduce the risk and person, which suggests that Americans in repercussion posed by loneliness general are becoming less socially connected and social isolation among our and experiencing more loneliness. precious elder population,” Teibel “Being connected to others socially is adds. widely considered a fundamental human Jewish Family Service of Buffalo need — crucial to both well-being and & Erie County is located at 70 survival. Yet an increasing portion of the Barker Street, Buffalo, NY 14209, U.S. population now experiences isolation above Temple Beth Zion. For more regularly,” Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor information about JFS support for of psychology at Brigham Young University, seniors, families and individuals writes in an AARP website article. call 716-883-1914. Visit us online It is important to note that although at www.jfsbuffalo.org – J. Thorpe challenges associated with aging may lead 42 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 AGENCIES
“Facing Life’s BIG and small The Downsizing Specialist in WNY Challenges with Strength” An evening of inspiration with Brocha Leah Greenberg Thursday, April 26, 2018 7:00-9:00 pm Cost: $10 I Don’t Just List, At the home of Frank and Jessica Altman I Sell in Clarence 5462 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 7:00pm - light and healthy Kosher buffet dinner served Offi ce: 716-932-5338 (supervised under the BVK) [email protected] howardhanna.com
7:30pm- Brocha Leah Greenberg
Reservations required. Please email Keren Green at Joanne B. Shubert [email protected] to reserve your spot. Associate Real Estate Broker, GRI, SRES Cell: 716-866-8505
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The area’s newest luxury apartment complex Audubon Apartments Front Elevation James Fahy Design Associates Bliss Construction will feature26-Unit Apartment one, two, and three-bedroomArchitecture & Engineering P.C. Town of Amherst, New York Rochester, NY units with wonderful amenities such as: • Private Balconies/Patios 491 PARKWAY • Garages Available APARTMENTS • Private Storage Area Available • In-unit Laundry • Granite Countertops • Central Air Conditioning • Emergency Maintenance
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 43 JEWS IN THE NEWS PURIM SPOTLIGHT Congregation Shir Shalom
Jewish Discovery Center Young Israel
44 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 PURIM SPOTLIGHT JEWS IN THE NEWS Temple Beth Zion
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 45 JEWS IN THE NEWS PURIM SPOTLIGHT Community Carnival Temple Beth Tzedek
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46 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | April 2018 PURIM SPOTLIGHT JEWS IN THE NEWS Party at the home of Rabbi Pinny & Sonia Young
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 47 This generation differs drastically ( ) from the last, and the teens and youth NOT THE LAST WORD of the current generation are the only ones who have true experience with the effect gun violence has on students. Gun Violence Prevention: 25 years ago, it never would’ve crossed anyone’s mind to practice lockdown A Teenager’s Point of View drills in schools. Now in 2018, lockdown drills are a monthly routine for students By Madeleine Weinmann of all ages, and recently, many have not been just drills. We need to take action now, because Amidst all the words that were written mean the world. They stand for “North although thoughts and prayers are nice, about the February Parkland, Florida American Federation of Temple Youth,” they aren’t making this issue any better. high school shooting, I came across a and I am a member of this organization Teens speaking up and advocating for beautiful poem written by a girl named through Temple Beth Zion’s youth gun violence prevention is incredible Sam. She went to Marjory Stoneman group, TBaZY. Through NFTY I have and inspiring, but we shouldn’t have to Douglas High School on February had the opportunity to meet Reform be put in danger in order to speak up. 14th, her birthday, expecting nothing Jewish teens from all over the country, Safer schools and a safer public is the out of the ordinary except birthday and have been able to create some of my goal, and until we accomplish this, we wishes from her friends. Instead, what most memorable experiences. My NFTY Madeleine Weinmann won’t quiet down. We need to make our she experienced was a horrific tragedy region may be 1,000 miles away from voices heard. Enough is enough. that will resonate with all of us for a Sam’s, but NFTY is my family, and this is an issue the US needs to tackle, and it long time. After reading Sam’s poem heartbreaking event just hit too close all starts with a voice. Madeleine Weinmann is a junior at City on Twitter, I curiously tapped on her to home. Many NFTYites across the US, Honors. She is president of Temple Beth account. I was glancing at her bio, and Gun violence in the US is growing including myself, have been advocating Zion’ youth group, TBaZY, and is active in I immediately saw something that made rapidly, and needs to be addressed and lobbying for gun violence prevention, her NFTY region, NEL (Northeast Lakes). my stomach turn. Ignoring the name immediately. Kids shouldn’t be scared and it is important to hear the voices of She has lobbied for topics she is passionate of her cheer team, my eyes landed on 4 to attend school and receive their these teens. Our generation is erupting about in both Albany and Washington DC, letters. “NFTY.” education. I shouldn’t have to wonder in with new ideas from young growing and hopes to continue making positive To many people, this may just be fear if I’ll be able to see my friends at the leaders, so the presence of youth in changes. alphabet soup, but to me, those letters next national NFTY event. Gun violence reform is critical.
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April 2018 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 49