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the ewish jourNal j of WNY Buffalo, Israel & the Jewish World March 2015 | Adar-Nisan 5775
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What’s Inside... the ewish jourNal j of WNY Published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo March 2015 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 JCC Early Childhood children celebrate 716-204-2241 This issue of The Jewish Journal Purim at the Benderson Building. Cover design www.jfedbflo.com of WNY marks the 24th month of the by Catherine Sollenberger, photograph by newspaper, and also begins the third year Ellen Goldstein. of the publication. Three years! I am so proud of what we have all accomplished Interim Executive Director...... Lewis Stolzenberg together! Who is “all of us?” Certainly, President...... Howard Rosenhoch Editor, Marketing and Community Relations Director...Ellen S. Goldstein I am not using the “Royal We.” There Advisory Board are quite a few people who make this Susan Adelman Elizabeth Kahn Kenneth Rogers newspaper run! Partners in this venture have Jonathan Epstein Rabbi Gary Pokras Peter Simon included all those folks at the local Jewish Richard Hirsch Eric Reich Michael Weisman agencies, organizations and synagogues I talk
Editor’s Note Editor’s with month after month, the writers and On The Cover photographers who have made meaningful The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo Is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America and important contributions; Federation and the American Jewish Press Association colleagues, my friends, family and all the Produced by new friends I have made through the 3 Message from the JJWNY. From a practical point of view, I President: Howard Rosenhoch could not even come close to getting this 4 Camp Centerland’s New Senior Vice President/Creative Director...... Chastity O'Shei monthly paper out without the tour de force “Gretchen Gross” Building [email protected] of Spree Publications. Many heartfelt thanks Vice President/Production...... Jennifer Tudor The Search Committee: [email protected] to Larry Levite, Barbara Macks, a special kiss What is Happening Now Lead Designer...... Catherine Sollenberger for Cynthia Oppenheimer and a big hug to [email protected] designer Katie Sollenberger – all without 5 The Future of Aging in Senior Graphic Designers...... Josh Flanigan, whom I wouldn’t be writing this and you Jewish Buffalo Andrea Rowley, Jean-Pierre Thimot Traffic Coordinator...... Adam Van Schoonhoven wouldn’t be reading this. By David Dunkelman Associate Publisher/Senior Vice President/Advertising...... Barbara E. Macks As you can tell by the delightful cover 6-7 Super Sunday in Pictures [email protected] photo, it’s Purim in Buffalove and there are Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager...... Marianne Potratz 7 Purim Fun in Buffalo [email protected] so many ways to celebrate. Check out all 8 Young Jews in Nickel City- Senior Account Executive...... Cynthia Oppenheimer, Alyssa Rabach Anthone, the parties and events on page 7 and send us by Mara Koven-Gelman Julie Ann Nagel your photos. During this month of Adar- [email protected], 9 Thank You Super Sunday [email protected] the word Adar comes from the Hebrew [email protected] word for “strength”—let’s try to remember Sponsors Proofreaders ...... Rhonda Wise, Sharon C. Levite the strength of Esther as we continue to 10 Rabbi’s Column: Amy Goldstein see attacks of anti-Semitism in Europe and Rabbi Drorah Setel Members of elsewhere- this time in Denmark. We need 11 5 Things you can do to to be vigilant in our own community as well. repair the world in March Submissions: Submit editorial stories, photos, and calendar items by the 1st of And like Esther and her beloved cousin, 12 Essen ‘n Fressen: Mordechai, we need to keep going, carrying the preceding month of issue to [email protected]. Robin Kurss- Purim Brownies To Advertise: on, and standing up for our community and To advertise, call Cynthia Oppenheimer at 716-783-9119 x2240. our way of life. Am Yisrael chai! 13 Someone You Should Know- Julie Bestry Ad space & materials are due by the 10th of each month prior to publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please by Rhonda Wise email Cynthia Oppenheimer coppenheimer@jewishjournalwny. 14-15 Nickel City Jews com or Barbara Macks [email protected]. 16 Tu B’Shevat in Buffalo To Subscribe: To subscribe, visit www.jfedbflo.com and click on “JJWNY 17 Community Mission to subscription”. Free for Western New York area residents and Israel this Summer! donors to the UJF Campaign. Non-resident subscription is $36 18-19 Agencies & for 12 issues, payable to The Jewish Journal of WNY.
Photo Credit: Linda Gellman Synagogues The Jewish Journal of WNY (JJWNY) reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at any time. The Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo and Buffalo 20-25 Synagogue Happenings Spree Publishing, Inc. are not liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The JJWNY does not 26-27 Health Care Section assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. Signed editorials do not represent the view of the newspaper or the Jewish 28-41 Agency Events Federation of Greater Buffalo, but rather express the view of the writer. 29 March Calendar All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Ellen Goldstein - Editor Act of 1968, which makes it “illegal to advertise “based on race, color, religion, 42-43 Jews in the News sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly 44 Not The Last Word accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available
Departments Miriam Greenberg on an equal opportunity basis. 2 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Dan Metchnik, Federation’s Community Relations Director and JJWNY Managing President’s Column Editor Ellen Goldstein, who is providing staff support to our Buffalo delegation, and AIPAC’s Northeast Regional Director Sarah Walsh, are partnering to make Buffalo’s Howard Rosenhoch presence at Policy Conference a success. The importance of the Policy Conference and its positive impact on our Buffalo At Federation, we remain focused community cannot be over emphasized. We will be in the strongest position ever, on building community through through our attendance at and active participation in the high quality plenary and collaboration. breakout sessions, to immerse ourselves in the critical U.S. – Israel policy issues of the To that end, in February the day. This will prepare us for the all-important culmination of the Conference, lobbying Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies and cementing our personal relationships with our local Congressional representatives. and Temple Beth Zion collaborated on a Through these efforts, the unbreakable U.S. Israel strategic partnership will remain luncheon for Florida-based Buffalonians. strong and vital. Of equal importance, the participation of students from UB at Policy We joined our Florida Snowbirds and Conference will prepare them for the ever important task of countering the increasing transplants at the Boca Raton Resort campus instances of anti-Semitism and attempts to delegitimize Israel by, among and Club on February 13. TBZ Senior others, promoters of the infamous Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement Rabbi Gary Pokras described initiatives against Israel. under way at TBZ, and I discussed Even though we don’t reach Passover until April (I’ll save my official greeting for a developments at Federation. Our Florida- Happy Passover until the next issue of the Jewish Journal), we will nevertheless have based Buffalo contingent remains a vital part of our Buffalo Jewish Community. Many our annual Passover celebration and teach-in for our non-Jewish community partners. thanks to Peter Fleischmann and Rabbi Pokras for making sure the local connection to That’s right! We will once again hold our Community Interfaith Passover Seder on our Florida contingent remains strong, and for inviting me to update on Federation’s Thursday evening, March 19, at Temple Beth Zion’s Rabbi Fink Auditorium in the agenda. Thanks especially to the Floridians with “Buffalo Jewish hearts” for the warm spectacular Delaware Avenue building. Nearly 300 people attend each year, most from welcome upon joining us for the luncheon. And to those of you Buffalo Floridians our sister and brother churches and Mosques. They hunger to re-learn the Passover who were unable to attend and whom I wasn’t able to see in person, don’t hesitate to story of the deliverance, by G-d’s strong hand and outstretched arm, of an oppressed e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts, concerns or suggestions for people from the burden of slavery to freedom of religion, self-rule and community. building our Buffalo Jewish Community. It is a story that resonates across religious differences, and finds commonality in As you read this March issue of the Jewish Journal of Western New York, Buffalo is the underpinnings of our differing faiths. It is community building at its best. Many preparing to send our largest and strongest delegation ever to the American Israel Public thanks to Susan Bring Tobe, chair of this year’s committee, all of the committee Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Israel Advocacy members, and the tireless work of Federation staffers Randi Morkisz, Miriam is one of the cornerstones of Federation’s mission. The AIPAC Policy Conference, Abramovich, Ellen Goldstein and others for continuing this wonderful community traditionally held the beginning of March at the Washington, D.C. Convention tradition. And a special thanks to our Clergy from multiple congregations who, year Center, is the largest gathering of supporters of the U.S. – Israel strategic partnership. in and out, lead the Interfaith Seder so collaboratively and beautifully. Last year’s Policy Conference attendees numbered 14,000, and this year’s expects to be Finally, Purim is upon us. Starting sundown March 3 and continuing on the 4th, larger. In 2014, Buffalo’s contingent numbered an even dozen and was the largest ever. we’ll read Megillat Esther, the story of how Esther and her cousin Mordechai turned This year, we have more than 20 local community registrants. Combine that with a the tables on the plot of the evil Haman, the vizier of King Ahasuerus, to exterminate number of students from the University at Buffalo, funded in part by a grant to Hillel all the Jews of the Persian Empire, and saved the Jewish people from sure annihilation. of Buffalo through Federation’s highly successful Jewish Program Venture Fund, and I will leave you with one piece of advice for your Purim celebration: If you follow the you can see that we have just about doubled our participation at the Policy Conference tradition that a person is obligated to drink on Purim until she/he does not know the over last year. Rabbi Perry Netter and Executive Director Joe Enis of Temple Beth difference between “cursed be Haman” and “blessed be Mordechai,” make sure you Tzedek, Hillel of Buffalo Director Laura Hemlock, our campus based Israeli Shaliach have a designated driver!! Chag Purim Sameach!!
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March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 3 Community JCC Announces Major Gift in Support of Camp Centerland A major gift in the amount of and programs which have enabled camp $250,000 has been received from to grow rapidly and with high quality Gordon Gross, past-president and innovative, new specialty camps. “I of the JCC, in honor of his wife can’t think of a better gift” she remarked Gretchen S. Gross on the occasion when her husband surprised her with the of a special birthday. The gift will news on her recent birthday. enable the JCC to construct a Richard Zakalik, JCC Executive state-of-the-art building at Camp Director joined Camp Centerland Centerland which will be used Director Lauren Klenosky in expressing for omanut or arts and crafts. the appreciation and gratitude of the Mrs. Gross, current president of entire JCC staff and membership for the JCC, was thrilled with the this exceptional gift. It is anticipated gift which will be recognized as that more than five hundred children the Gretchen S. Gross Omanut will benefit from the gift this summer Center. Omanut is Hebrew for alone, with thousands more expected in The new Gretchen Gross arts and crafts building at Camp Centerland will be open this summer Arts and Crafts. future summers. Camp Centerland will at the firm which bears their names. “We fountain and outdoor porch. Mrs. Gross has been a long-time host a variety of new specialty camps this are thrilled and proud that they continue Registration for the 2015 camp season supporter of camp and has given advice, summer, with many of them making to be partners through their generosity is now available at www.CampCenterland. energy and spirit to the camp. She can use of the new building, which will for camp,” Zakalik remarked. org. Additional naming opportunities are regularly be seen during the summer be located on the north peninsula of The building will house pottery wheels also available. For further information welcoming families to camp, supporting the camp site at the left-hand side of and a kiln, areas for jewelry making, please contact Peter Fleischmann, efforts by camp staff with solid advice the circle at the Irving M. Shuman painting, crafts and more. Traditional CEO at the Foundation for Jewish and enthusiasm and continues to be Campgrounds. Mr. Gross and the late bathrooms will also be attached to the Philanthropies or Richard Zakalik, JCC instrumental in the planning of facilities Mr. Shuman were longtime law partners building as will a walk in cooler, drinking Executive Director.
MEMO TO: The Buffalo Jewish Community liaison to connect the groups and maximize the efforts of all. Respect, healing FROM: Margery Nobel & Michael Weisman- Co-Chairs, and communication came up multiple times, from different groups, as did the Executive Search Committee strong desire for integrity. Although many of these are soft skills (personality traits, characteristics, style This is the latest news from the Executive Search Committee. We continue to etc.), we are of course also interviewing for the hard business, development, be in the process of searching for candidates for the Federation’s Executive Director management and other skills detailed in the job description. position. Here is a report from our consultants from Jewish Federations of North Thank you again for having us.” America (JFNA). “We wanted to let you know how our focus group meetings went overall. Sandra Leshaw It was a great two days with a lot of candor and thoughtfulness from the Talent Acquisition Executive participants. We had ten meetings altogether, most of which had four to eight Mandel Center for Leadership Excellence participants. Everyone seemed engaged, happy to participate and pleased to Jewish Federations of North America have been asked to be part of the process. The general thinking was consistent from the participants on both days. What Debbie Smith we heard was: a desire for connection; the community wants someone who will Consulting Partner to the Jewish Federations be a good listener and who will be both sensitive and respectful to everyone Of North America and the Mandel Center for in the community. The staff wants to feel welcome to share their ideas. The Leadership Excellence agencies and rabbis stressed collaboration and someone who can be a great
4 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Community
The Future of Aging in Ironically, the lengthening duration are changing—both our buildings and and more profound depth of many our programs—to fit and accommodate Jewish Buffalo people’s experiences of frail old age the new realities. We are becoming new requires continuity among care again, with altogether new approaches programs—for everyone, affluent or not; and players, and new ways to combine By David Dunkelman, President & because care is not a luxury—but the and overlap services as never before. CEO of Weinberg Campus pressure is for each individual program to become a shorter, more intense, more The articles that follow in this series This is the second in a series specialized intervention. in the coming months will describe the of articles that describe what In the face of these facts, Weinberg changing realities, how we are evolving Weinberg Campus is doing to Campus is developing a new approach to meet those realities and our direction get ready for the future of aging. to aging adapted to the new realities. We forward. The first article addressed Jewish aging in Western New York. This article explains the government response to aging today. The nation is facing a deluge of frail older people. At the same time, we seem to have exhausted our financial and human resources. Aging will simply be the largest socio-economic force in this country for the next 50 years. Eleven thousand baby boomers turn 65 every day—in 10 years all 78 million boomers will be 65+. Only some 20 percent of boomers have sufficient savings to support them in retirement years, particularly in their costly frail retirement years. National health care statistics are just as dramatic. Of the $3 trillion per year that the nation spends on healthcare, 75 percent goes for chronic disease. A Government Accountability David Dunkelman Office 2007 projection estimated that the combined effect of growth in Social • At the same time, government is cutting Barbara L. Oliver Security and Medicare expenditures as funding for community supports such Graduate Gemologist - GIA a share of the federal budget would rise as transportation, adult day care, etc. from 37 percent in 2007, to 48 percent • Government is outsourcing the in 2017, to 68 percent in 2030. This is management of services for old people 5820 Main Street, Suite 311 | Caldwell Building | Williamsville, NY 14221 simply not sustainable. and frail old people to managed- P- 716.204.1297 | F- 716.204.2260 The federal government and its state care organizations. Within the year, [email protected] government partners see this and they all dual-eligibles (recipients of both are radically transforming social service Medicaid and Medicare) in Western “A Trusted Jeweler is Worth Her Weight in Gold.” and health care delivery systems. While New York will be enrolled in managed- it is not possible to suddenly lop off care organizations. programs, governments are using control of the administration of these programs to squeeze their range and scope.
• Government is cutting off funding for low-income housing. Government has no more money for bricks and mortar. The HUD 202 project Weinberg is currently building is the last such project on our region’s drawing boards. • Government is cutting back reimbursements for hospitals and nursing homes, supporting only the most frail and for shorter periods of time, pushing less frail old people back into the community. March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 5 2015 Super Sunday Community UJF Super Sunday 2015
6 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Community UJF Campaign
CONGREGATION Purim in China SHIR SHALOM Jewish Discovery Center, Kadimah CELEBRATES PURIM! School, Family Shul, Kehillat Ohr CSS--Saturday, February 28, 2015 Tzion & Young Israel Thursday, March 5 Frozen At Jewish Discovery Center 6:00pm to 8:30pm 5:30-7:30 Join us on our pathway to Purim! RSVP www.jewishbuffalo.com Come and watch the movie version of or 639-7600 Disney’s Frozen. We will begin with Havdallah. Pizza, beverages, popcorn and a frozen treat will be provided. Temple Beth Zion and This event is complimentary. RSVP is Congregation Beth Abraham required by February 24th. Purim Potluck Dinner and Shabbat Service Friday, March 6 805 Delaware Avenue Temple Beth Tzedek offers Potluck dinner at 6 p.m. Macaroni & Megilla Shabbat Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 Spiel at 8 p.m., followed by Oneg 5:30 pm Pasta Bar To sign up for the potluck 6:30 pm Megillah Reading dinner send e-mail to info@ RSVP 838-3232 congregationbethabraham.net or call 836-6565.
Congregation Shir Shalom Sunday, March 8, 2015 Megillah Reading and Purim Spiel 10:15 am- Purim Party with Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 7:00pm TBT’s Outstretched Arm- This year we will have “A Frozen Purim” At Temple Beth Tzedek Spiel along with the Megillah Reading. Our Oneg will include homemade hamantashen! Sunday, March 8, 2015 Community Purim Carnival Congregation Shir Shalom, Purim Gala Banquet Temple Beth Zion, Temple Beth Tzedek Chabad of Buffalo & Knesset Center This year at Congregation Shir Shalom. Thursday, March 5 Celebrate Purim with your family, 5:30 Megilla Reading friends and community. 6:00 Gala Banquet Everyone is welcome. RSVP at www.chabadofbuffalo.com Come and join us! or call 688-1642 11:00am to 1:00pm
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 7 Community
New, Young Jewish Faces Welcomed to Whether the numbers of younger Jews in Buffalo are increasing, or NCJ is the Nickel City attracting those who are already building a life here and looking to connect, she By Mara Koven-Gelman Jessica Kaplan is an HR professional week before graduation at NYU’s Stern said it is hard to determine yet. from Toronto, also new to Buffalo School of Business. Jordan was moving Amanda Miller-Burg is co-chair with Resurgence, revolution, and and newly married to Aaron Kaplan to Buffalo to work as the Digital Product Michael Komm of the nascent Nickel renovation. These are current a MD/PhD candidate in Physiology at Marketing Manager for M&T. They City Jews. “This is a way for Jews to words being used to describe University at Buffalo. They now live in dated long distance for a year and a half engage and connect to other Jews and the new Buffalo. Whether it is Williamsville, but met on JDate, had a before Amanda joined him. She is now bring more Jewish elements into their Canalside Ice, the Buffalo Niagara long distance relationship and married in the director of business operations at a life. For some, that might be synagogue Medical Campus’ Innovation November 2014. “Aaron and I both feel local restaurant group. and for others it is having other Jews in Center, or the debate about where a stronger sense of Jewish community in They love living in Allentown and their life.” to put a new Bills’ Stadium, a Buffalo than we did in New York and became involved with the grassroots Much of the Buffalo Jewish vibrancy and excitement exists Toronto. People have gone out of their Jewish group “Derek Jewlander.” Being community’s attention has been here post-recession. While much way to welcome us,” says Jessica. involved in the Jewish community has understandably focused on the older credit goes to local boosters and They also have experienced its growth. always been part of Amanda’s life. “It Jewish demographic or families but New York State, some is fueled by “Since coming to Buffalo, it seems like doesn’t matter where I’ve lived-- Portland, recent newcomers to Buffalo. an influx of young couples are moving New York City or Buffalo. It is critical Amanda sees NCJ also addressing those And yes, it is happening in the Jewish here. When we first came to Kehillat for me to be involved - it gives great not tied to traditional definition of community, too. JJWNY caught up with Ohr Tzion (KOT), we were the only meaning to my life. “ “community.” “Participating in Jewish some of those young, bright adults who young couple apart from the Rabbi and While the 2013 Buffalo Jewish community should not only be connected have moved here recently for love and Rebbetzin. In this short period of time, Community Study revealed a shrinking to holiday and life cycle events;” Amanda money (jobs). We found out why they a number of other young couples have and aging population, it also predicted notes, “it depends upon your age and re-located to Buffalo, and heard their joined, as well.” areas for growth in specific parts of Buffalo stage of life. We now have a new ruminations on their Jewish, family and Another couple is Keren and Dr. Alex - Elmwood Village, North Buffalo and structure in Buffalo for young adults in professional lives. Green, who hosted a Sheva Bracha for Williamsville. Anecdotally, groups like their 20, 30 and early 40s. We say, “You “I moved back in May 2011; my the Kaplans (one of the seven celebratory Nickel City Jews (NCJ), a community are welcome to join with no barriers, just fiancée, Nikki (Joseph), moved in meals after a couple’s wedding.) The engagement program for grads, young come and connect to other Jews.” December 2012,” says Jordan Balsom. Greens (also from Toronto) are Jewish professionals and families with young What about the transient nature of We settled here so I could be involved in educators and have a one-year old, Sophie children led by the Jewish Federation of this age group? Will they stay? “The my family’s flooring business, and Nikki, Miriam. Alex is an assistant professor Greater Buffalo, are experiencing this. dynamics of this group dictate they will who is an attorney, found a great family at University at Buffalo’s Institute of The NCJ database is at 247 individuals; age out of NCJ. Younger Jews will come law position. We both like being close Jewish Thought and Heritage. Keren is a Facebook friends number over 250. “We here for post-graduate studies and jobs to our family, but moved downtown Jewish educator with a specialization in are meeting more people each week,” says while others will move away. Ten years to have a different experience than the curriculum development. She works at NCJ Director Miriam Abramovich of the from now it will be a different leadership suburban one we had growing up. Living Kadimah and has private students. inter-agency partnership that includes, group with new ideas and that is a good in the city, we can walk to great events For Jordan Burg and Amanda Miller- the Bureau of Jewish Education, Hillel, thing,” says Amanda. at the Waterfront, Delaware Park, and Burg, Buffalo has also been rewarding Jewish Family Service, PJ Library and Miriam Abramovich, director of NCJ, Elmwood Village.” professionally and Jewishly. They met a many other synagogues and agencies. also finds herself in Buffalo for a career opportunity. Her husband, Dr. Samuel Abramovich is assistant professor at the Graduate School of Education at UB. She echoes Amanda’s statement about belonging without barriers. “When young adults build deep and lasting friendships with their contemporaries, it makes it easier to commit to building a life here.” It also helps that the economy is turning around and clearly there are more commercial, tech and creative opportunities. Keep your eyes open. The New Jews are coming, and when you meet them, say “Shalom, welcome to your new home!” For more information, look for Nickel City Jews on Facebook and Twitter or contact Miriam Abramovich at
Dr. Alex, Keren & Sophie Green, Amanda Miller-Burg & Jordan Burg, Jordan Balsom & Nikki Joseph, Aaron & Jessica Kaplan. Seated: hosts Dr. Irwin Gelman & Mara [email protected] or 716-204- Koven-Gelman 2247. 8 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Community THANK YOU SUPER SUNDAY CORPORATE SPONSORS! Cantors’ We thank the following community businesses who have donated either goods or services to help make Jewish Federation’s Super Sunday 2015 a great success: Concert Alethea’s Chocolates Mr. Snacks Anderson’s Pizza Plant Bagel Jay’s Premier Group It Takes a Village to Raise a Cantor Sunday, March 29 Buffalo Spree Reuben’s Deli Publishing Temple Beth Zion, 7:00 PM Russell’s Steaks, Featuring Cantor Penny Myers David Tiftickjian & Chops & More With Cantor David Goldstein, Cantor Barbara Sons Ostfeld, Cantor Audrey Kaufman, Cantor Mark Serendipity Salon- Delta Sonic Car Wash Horowitz, Hazzan Irwin Gelman, Hazzan Beny Yvonne Brauen Dipson Theatres Maissner and Accompanist Nancy Townsend. Sienna Restaurant Falletta’s Restaurant Tony Walker & Co. G-S Sales Tony Walker Bath & Giancarlo’s Sicilian Beauty BONNIE CLEMENT Steak House & 716.553.8384 Pizzeria Tops Markets [email protected] Jack Astor’s Bar & Wegmans Grill JCC of Greater Buffalo Jonny C’s NY Deli & Broker for HUNT Real Caterers Estate ERA,* which includes 1,100 sales associates and 38 offices nationwide from Buffalo to Albany and the # State of Arizona
HUNT Real Estate ERA congratulates Bonnie on her remarkable,1 BEST YEAR ever for 2014!!! Beth Joseph, Bari Spokane, Bonnie Clement, Sheryl Martin Students writing “Thank You” notes to donors on Super Sunday * All of HUNT Real Estate ERA Gross Closed Commission and #1 total Units Buffalo / Niagara Region 2013. March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 9 Rabbi’s Column Community
Thoughts on the Jefferson He did not check the basement either. their history and significance. It seems I began to get nervous – there may be an educational process with city planners Avenue Synagogue some things I’d be willing to die for but and inspectors is called for as well so that a building isn’t one of them. When I saw they understand the significance of our By Rabbi Drorah Setel have been mitigated for far less than the one of the machines heading toward the remaining historical buildings. Finally, Editor’s Note: this was originally a sermon $82,000 the city paid to tear it down but, window I was facing, David called 911 it seems important to stop the city from given for the joint Sukkot service with as someone put it to me, “demolition as we agreed we would do, and I called continuing with weekend and holiday Temple Beth Zion, Congregation Shir seems to be the only tool in the city’s a friend standing outside to make sure demolitions which allow for no last Shalom, Congregation Havurah and toolbox.” the contractors knew we were in the minute reprieve, especially for a building Temple Beth El/ Niagara Falls at Temple There were many more details about building. already designated as a landmark. Beth Zion last fall. the situation that seemed wrong. The Since that ended alright, it was even To get back to that Sukkot question. shul was designated a city landmark more upsetting to see the manner of the Why all the fuss over a building, a I was quite aware of the which meant that its demolition had to demolition itself. Like others of its time, physical object that will inevitably fall irony. Sukkot is meant to teach be reviewed by the Preservation Board. the building had quite a lot of asbestos to the demands of time? Is it not one of us to accept transience – that I have not yet been able to determine and there are clear regulations about how the wonders of Jewish survival that we no physical object or being whether that actually happened- I’ve it is to be handled. Pouring water on it have done so without lasting physical lasts forever. Buildings and heard different accounts from different from a single hose is not one of them but structures, building instead, to paraphrase possessions are not what protect people. If it did not go before the Board, that’s how they proceeded. Apparently, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, majestic us. But there I was with a bicycle it was illegal. If it did go before the Board, this is common practice in Buffalo. sanctuaries in time? I would answer, chain around my leg, locked to I would like to know their reasoning. So what’s the takeaway? There’s it is because of our experience of a pillar of the Jefferson Avenue The demolition took place on a certainly plenty of blame to go around. destruction that we, as Jews, should be shul in a last minute attempt to weekend which meant that there could I’ll start with myself: I knew about the all the more sensitive to needless damage save it. Why? Many of the people be no last minute legal appeal for a building and the effort to save it but to our material heritage. At the very whom I had asked to help me postponement. To add insult to injury I didn’t make it a priority. I thought I heart of traditional Jewish liturgy is two had told me it was a lost cause. it was during Sukkot and on Shabbat, could wait until after the holidays to thousand year old mourning for the It would take too much money to which meant that even if the Orthodox update myself on the situation. Jerusalem Temple. This is not to teach rehab it; there wasn’t any purpose owner of the building had been willing Then I go to the city. If this had been us to value stones but rather the lives for it anymore; the structure was to halt the demolition, it would have the last neo-Gothic church in Buffalo it and spirits of those who erected them as unsafe. Lots of good reasons to been impossible to contact him for the would not have been torn down. The well as what was made possible by the let it go. So why couldn’t I? days before and during the scheduled failure to recognize the historical and institution they housed. I think many, I thought of the immigrants who destruction. I made direct appeals to cultural value of the shul on the part if not most, of us feel something similar proudly erected a building in 1903 to both the mayor and Council Member of the administration is shameful. In when we think of the terrible destruction rival the beauty and distinction of any Darius Pridgen on this basis, as well talking with some of those involved I of synagogues in Germany, Poland, and local church. The Moorish revival style as a request to allow the removal of heard the mostly implicit but sometimes Russia in the last century. We, who have of the shul was the Jewish answer to architecturally significant items, such as explicit belief that it was solely the Jewish had so little opportunity to preserve our neo-Gothic churches and cathedrals. Its the remaining stained glass windows. community’s responsibility. Mixed in with physical presence historically, surely have distinctive aspects can be seen in the The mayor responded by saying he’d that idea was an assumption that Jews a responsibility to use our contemporary magnificent restorations of the Eldridge look at the inspection report and Rev. had plenty of money the city didn’t and freedoms and resources to care for what Street Synagogue and Central Synagogue Pridgen did not respond at all. resentment that the Jews had abandoned remains. in New York City. This was the only Somehow it seemed even more Buffalo. Nevertheless, I do think we in If anyone is interested in helping example in the City of Buffalo and for egregious that the work itself was done the Jewish community failed as well. If inventory and educate about the remaining that reason alone it felt worth saving. in a shoddy manner. The contractor is nothing else, to alert members of our buildings in Buffalo, please contact Rabbi The Reform liturgy I grew up with required to go through the building to community to the value of the shul and Drorah Setel at [email protected]. speaks of “keeping faith with those make sure that no one is inside. Some its precarious situation. And I have to say, who sleep in the dust.” As I entered of the crew came in to see if there were one of the most discouraging experiences the synagogue that morning I felt the any architectural items they could take I’ve had in a long time was the seven presence of those who had davened there. for themselves. They tried to remove hours I spent last Friday, after learning I started to cry as I thought I would be a stained glass window but it was in that the demolition was scheduled for the last Jew to pray in that space, a space too delicate a condition for the tools the following morning, calling Jewish that felt so full of the joys and sorrows of they had. While I was distressed at the attorneys in the city to see if they would generations before. I recited the Kaddish thought of the window adorning one help with an injunction and being turned and felt ashamed that I had done so little of the worker’s son’s bedroom, which is down. to learn their history or preserve their what he discussed, at least it would have On the positive side, it has left me memory. The shul’s destruction felt like been saved. with an action plan that I hope you will a broken promise. The owner came in later to tell them consider involving yourself with. First, The other reason I was there was to hurry up so the demolition could is to take an inventory of the remaining to demonstrate the thoughtlessness of begin. David Torke, the preservationist Jewish landmarks in Buffalo and their this and other demolitions of the city’s who was with me, and I were in plain condition so that no one will be taken by historical buildings. The building was sight at the front of the building – had surprise again. In conjunction with that structurally sound with the exception he even looked, let alone walked around, would be improving our knowledge – and of brickwork on the façade. This could that area he would have easily seen us. I definitely include myself in this – about 10 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Community Tikkun Olam Sponsored by Law Office of Lindy Korn, PLLC - www.lkorn-law.com
5 Things You Can Do IN MARCH TO REPAIR THE WORLD
Shalach Manot for Purim. Purim begins March 4th, and it is customary to deliver packages of treats to friends and family. And, why not also consider those in need and make an additional gift to the UJF Campaign 1 at www.jfedbflo.com. Or drop off canned goods to Temple Beth Zion for the new Town Square Food Pantry.
Books for Kids. Donate one or more new or gently used children’s books to the Jewish Federation’s Buffalo Jewish Coalition for Literacy program. Amy Heumann , Carin Greenfield and other volunteers are happy 2 to distribute them to Buffalo Public School #80 children. Bring them to the Jewish Federation office or email [email protected]
Variety Club Telethon is March 22. It benefits The Children’s Charity of Buffalo & WNY, which supports the Robert Warner, M.D. Center for Children with Special Needs, and Women & Children’s Hospital. It is on 3 WKBW-TV, live from the Adams Mark Hotel in Buffalo.
Nickel City Jews and Jewish Family Service are looking for volunteers to help welcome and set up apartments for new refugees to Buffalo. It’s an amazing mitzvah that needs more willing hands. For more information, contact Miriam Abramovich at 204-2247 or mabramovich@ 4 jfedbflo.com Help collect & deliver Passover food donations for the Needy March 29. Volunteers are being sought to help with the food packaging and distribution, on Sunday, March 29 from 2-4pm, at the Jewish Discovery Center. If you know of anyone who needs a meal, or would like to donate 5 to this great mitzvah, please call the Jewish Discovery Center at 639-7600 or at www.JewishBuffalo.com
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 11 Essen N' Fressen Community HBLA Robin’s Purim Brownies Assists with By Robin Kurss 1/2 c halavah, chunked Sift in flour and salt. Mix till 1/4 c sesame seeds, black or white combined. Expenses Purim is celebrated this month, and 1/4 c pistachio nuts, chopped Put 1/2 batter into pan, top with 1/3 c with it we will eat hamantashen and halavah and cover with rest of batter. for Summer kreplach. It is also customary to give gift Grease a 9x9 baking pan. Set oven to Bake 35 minutes, cool completely. baskets, called shalach manot, filled with 350. sweets to family and friends. This year, Melt the butter and chips together, stir For glaze, mix confectioners sugar and Youth I’ll be including a new, favorite recipe of to combine, cool. tahini....add milk or cream slowly by the mine... Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla and espresso Tbsp until spreadable. Top brownies Programs powder till smooth. Add chocolate with glaze, halavah and sprinkle with This month, Jews around the world Halavah Brownies mixture and stir till combined. sesame seeds and nuts. will celebrate the joyous holiday of 14 Tbsp butter, unsalted Purim. There are four central mitzvot 1/2 c bittersweet chocolate chips associated with Purim: listening to every 4 eggs word of the Megillah, eating a festive 1 c sugar meal, exchanging gifts of food, and 2 tsp vanilla giving tzedakah to those in need. All of 1 Tbsp espresso powder these mitzvot speak to the unity of the 1/2 c + 1 Tbsp flour Jewish community and the importance Pinch salt of being together and sharing what we 1/3 c halavah , crumbled have with others. Although the snow is still on the Topping and Glaze ground, many families in our community 1c confectioner’s sugar are thinking about how they will cover 3 Tbsp tahini the expense of sending their children enough milk or cream to make to camp or other summer programs. spreadable consistency Whether a week at day camp or a 4-week trip to Israel, young people gain so much from these experiences. However, they can be very costly. The Hebrew Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebrate Israel’s 67th Come join us as we celebrate Israel’s Benevolent Loan Association, Buffalo’s Birthday and transform the JCC Jewish Free Loan Society, is here to help Birthday April 26! into a “Little Bit of Israel”. with interest-free loans of up to $5,000. These loans are available to any eligible Sunday, April 26 Jewish person in Western New York, are • 11:30am-2:30pm strictly confidential, and have flexible Community event Benderson Family Building re-payment plans. • 2:45pm-3:15pm The simple two page application can “Yom Hazikaron” ceremony help you explore this option to plan for Weinberg Campus these worthwhile summer experiences • 3:15pm-4:00pm for your children. For more information JCC Choir please go to www.wnyhbla.org or call Weinberg Campus (716)204-0542.
Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM Friday & Saturday Open 7 Days 11AM-11PM Lunch & Dinner Sunday 6011 Main Street 11AM-9PM Williamsville, NY 14221 716.633.8432 | 716.633.8517
12 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Community Someone You Should Know
(time and task management) or cognitive Someone You Should (planning, project management, etc.) of life and work. I started as a generalist, Know: Julie Bestry so I’ve done everything from organizing kitchens, closets and playrooms to Q & A WITH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER AND streamlining photo collections, email NATIVE BUFFALONIAN JULIE BESTRY and staffing workflows. I’ve taught new college graduates how to fold fitted By Rhonda Wise she couldn’t have friends over if the sheets and trained professionals how to playroom was messy, so when I’d visit, use Evernote. My specialty, however, is Please tell us a little about your before and after we’d play, I’d organize paper management. background: the toys on the shelves by categories I’ve delighted in working with a I was born in Buffalo, and lived in and size! In college, I’d help my friends wide variety of clients: new parents Amherst/Williamsville for my whole life reorganize their resources for term papers and downsizing seniors, start-ups until I headed off to college. One nugget: and declutter their tiny dorm room and established businesses, hardware I went to Sunday School and Hebrew closets. It wasn’t until I was much older specialty suppliers and dentists, teachers professional lives. Everything dovetailed School at Temple Beth El, where the that I realized I was channeling the and surgeons, writers and artists. What when a publisher who was familiar with principal was Mrs. Janet Adler. Not only same pattern recognition and project they all have in common is that they my writing offered me a contract to write had she been the principal when my management skills my mother used want to get past the disorder in their my book as part of a series of titles for sister, Holly, attended eleven years earlier, to run our household and my father’s lives to focus on the projects and people professionals and small business people. but Mrs. Adler was my mother’s Sunday political campaigns. important to them. They just want the School teacher in the 1940s! When I worked in television, much obstacles to go away! Who is your audience for the new I attended Williamsville South of what I did involved organization and As a Certified Professional Organizer, book? High School, and got my B.S. in time management -- scheduling satellite my job is to identify what’s causing The audience for 57 Secrets for Communication at Cornell University, feeds, overseeing contracts, organizing the dysfunction in someone’s space or Organizing Your Small Business is and my M.A. in Television, Radio and film vaults and setting program time and use my expertise to help them anyone who owns and/or runs a business; Film, focusing on broadcast management, schedules. Colleagues who’d moved on make the right decisions for creating and that covers the spectrum from traditional from Syracuse University. My first career to management positions at TV stations maintaining the best systems, whether business owners to anyone self-employed. was as a television program director in other cities started calling on me physical or behavioral. This involves The key commonality is these readers at Fox, UPN and WB stations in to train their employees. During this customizing physical, intellectual and may be having difficulty creating and the Southeast, and although I never side gig consulting on broadcasting motivational strategies. maintaining working systems to help envisioned a career outside of television, productivity, I realized that the heart of As I always tell my clients, professional them keep on top of files and paperwork, I’d always thought of myself as a writer. what I was teaching related to one central organizing isn’t about the stuff; it’s financial matters and technology. My theme: organizing. After 9/11, when about the person who owns the stuff. book walks them through organizing the How did you get interested in your many people in the broadcast industry Professional organizers get to know the tangibles, but also covers a variety of time area of expertise, organization? (and elsewhere) started considering complexities of their clients -- whether management issues, from conquering Though my mother might recall my less stressful, more meaningful careers, they are auditory, visual or kinesthetic procrastination to managing social media teenage years differently, I’d always had I began looking for something more learners, whether they have ADHD, and email overwhelm. a strong sense of order. When I was fulfilling, and soon after started my own range of motion issues or cognitive little, a friend’s mother used to tell her professional organizing consultancy, Best deficits. I need to know things like What has the response been for Results Organizing. whether someone has an internal or your book? That was thirteen years ago. Since external locus of control, if a client is The response has been very gratifying, then, I’ve steadily worked with organizing right or left-handed, has updated wills, both with readers and reviewers. The clients, done speaking engagements, and Powers of Attorney and passports, if their book was profiled on Unclutterer, been interviewed on local TV and radio, homes have fire extinguishers and their http://unclutterer.com/2014/06/02/ and in print, including Kiplinger’s and businesses have “errors and omissions” book-review-57-secrets-for-organizing- Redbook, and online, including this insurance policies. It may all be relevant. your-small-business/, one of the pre- recent Lifehacker article http://lifehacker. eminent web sites on organizing and com/what-professional-organizers-really- Why did you decide to write 57 was included on their holiday list for do-and-how-they-c a-1663496231. I’ve Secrets for Organizing Your Small productivity items: http://unclutterer. been blogging as Paper Doll since 2007, Business? com/2014/11/24/unclutterers-2014- and I sit on the Board of Directors of the My professional clients, whether they holiday-gift-giving-guide-productivity- Board of Certification for Professional ran bakeries or medical offices, had gifts/ Organizers. franchises or freelanced from a table The book is available in paperback at Starbucks, all had the same kinds of as well in ebook format (Kindle, Nook, What type of work do you do in questions. For years, my clients praised iBooks, Kobo) from retailers like your business? how the advice I gave them helped Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes. I work with residential as well as them achieve their goals, and readers Julie Bestry is the daughter of Sheila business clients, helping them to create would comment on my blog posts, all and Judge Sherwood Bestry. She lives in Julie Bestry, CPO, author of 57 Secrets for serenity and order, whether that involves asking why no one had ever explained Chattanooga, TN. You can find her at Organizing Your Small Business the tangible (possessions), temporal to them earlier how to organize their http://juliebestry.com March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 13 Nickel City Jews Community Nickel City Jews events for March
NCJ & JFS Volunteer Opportunity: Transportation Orientation with Newly Arrived Refugees Sunday, March 1st; 10:00am - 1:00pm JCC Holland Building, 787 Delaware Ave, Conference Room Help newly arrived refugee families from Jewish Family Service gain independence and confidence in their new home city of Buffalo. Join with a group of Nickel City Jews volunteers and refugees for coffee, bagels and a brief orientation. Afterward, the group will travel together throughout Buffalo with the goal of supporting refugees in their ability to use public transportation independently. Bus passes and staff support HELPING TO MAKE JEWISH BUFFALO will be provided by JFS. A VIBRANT PLACE TO CALL HOME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR FREE; Please RSVP to let us know if you can help! Contact: Lauren Califano: 716-883-1915 Ext 337 or [email protected]
20s,30s, EARLY 40s Derek Jewlander Purim Party of the Decades Thursday, March 5, 2015; 7:30pm - 11:30pm (and beyond) www.jfedbflo.com/nickel-city-jews Allen Street Hardware, 245 Allen Street, Buffalo Nickel City Jews is a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo Dress in costume from your favorite decade (70s, 80s, 90s or today). Costume For more information contact: contest with prizes, Megillah reading, Hamentaschen and more! Miriam Abramovich at [email protected] or 716-204-2247 COST; Wristband $25 for open bar for the 4 hours stated above (or purchase your own beverages) Contact: Jill Komm, [email protected]
Trivia Night Meet Up Wednesday, March 18th; 7:45pm Coles, 1104 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo Casual trivia night with NCJ friends. Look for Laura Hemlock in a NCJ tee shirt. FREE; no RSVP required. Contact: Laura Hemlock: 645-8787 or [email protected]
Israeli Shabbat @ Lital’s House Friday, March 27th; 6:30 PM Windsong Place Apartments Community Room, 25 Spring Meadow Drive, Williamsville Join Lital & Dan for an Israeli dinner and Shabbat Israeli style. Main course will be provided but the rest of dinner is Pot Luck. Speak with Lital about what you can bring. FREE; RSVP required no later than Wednesday March 25th Contact: Jill Komm, [email protected]
For More Information Miriam Abramovich: Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo [email protected] 716-204-2247
14 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Community Nickel City Jews Nickel City Jews Big Bake
Thank You Nickel City Jews! Where in JBFLO ?
Where is this found in Western New York? The First 5 people to correctly identify the location will win a $10 lunch to the JCC’s Tel Aviv Café’. E-mail your answers to egoldstein@ jfedbflo.com
Last Month’s Photo of a sculpture by artist David Derner depicts Molly Good Deeds: Jewish Family Service the donation drive. Above (l. to r.): Brownstein blowing a shofar at Yom of Buffalo & Erie County extends Rebecca Greenspan, JFS board member Ha’atzmaut and is many thanks to Nickel City Jews for and Nickel City Jews member; JFS inside Congregation its partnership on the Super Sunday board member Julie Weinberg and JFS Beth Abraham on Squeaky Clean donation drive to collect volunteer coordinator Lauren Califano, Elmwood Avenue. toiletries, personal hygiene items and a VISTA volunteer funded through the miriam treger honig, cash donations for “New Americans“ Jewish Program Federation Venture. Patti Bossert and in our Refugee Resettlement Program. For JFS support with a Good Deeds Sharon Nosenchuk sent in the correct Special gratitude to Millie Topper, who Day project, contact Lauren Califano at answer. helped to make the drive a success by [email protected]. having her Bat Mitzvah project support March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 15 Community Tu B’Shevat in WNY
During February, Tu B’Shevat – The from Kadimah School, Temple Beth New Year of Trees—was celebrated in Zion’s PALS school, JDC’s Chai Nursery Buffalo at special Tu B’Shevat Seders school and a seder in the home of Louis and in schools. Here are a few photos and Darcy Wallen
16 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Community Buffalo Community Trip to Israel
Led by Rabbis Perry Netter, Alex Lazarus-Klein and Gary Pokras WE ARE GOING TO ISRAEL June 28-July 9, 2015 For more details about the program and how to register, visit daattravel.com Or call 888-811-2812
Laughter and lament, joy and pain succumb to affi rmations of life well journeyed – to loving testaments etched in stone PLOTS AVAILABLE For more information, call 204-2246.
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 17 Agencies Whether you are thinking about growing, protecting or passing on Jewish Community Center of Greater your wealth, we can help you. In Buffalo, Inc. Jewish Benderson Family Building transition, in divorce or widowed? 2640 North Forest Road We can help take the stress out of Community Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-688-4033 | FAX 716-688-3572 divorce financial matters, money Agencies in Richard Zakalik- Executive Director issues and investing. Gretchen Gross - President Holland Family Building Western New 787 Delaware Avenue Call us today for a free consultation. Buffalo, NY 14209 TEL 716-886-3145 | FAX 716-886-1367 York www.jccbuffalo.org Bureau of Jewish Education 691-8207 Amherst Office · www.davisfinancialservice.com 2640 North Forest Road Jewish Discovery Center Getzville, NY 14068 757 Hopkins Road Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co. Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Davis Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities. TEL 716-204-5380 | FAX 716-688-3572 Williamsville, NY 14221 www.bjebuffalo.org 212 Exeter Rd. Jill Komm - Executive Director Williamsville, NY 14221 (office) Charlotte Gendler- President TEL: 716-639-7600 TEL: 716-632-0467 Chabad House of Buffalo Rabbi Heschel Greenberg 2450 North Forest Road Rabbi Laizer Labkovski Getzville, NY 14068 www.jewishdiscovery.org TEL 716-688-1642 | FAX 716-688-1643 www.chabadbuffalo.com Jewish Family Service Of Buffalo And Erie Rabbi Moshe Gurary- Director County 70 Barker Street Chai Early Childhood Center Buffalo, NY 14209 757 Hopkins Road TEL 716-883-1914 | FAX 716-883-7637 Williamsville, NY 14221 www.jfsbuffalo.org TEL 716 580-4600 Marlene Schillinger- Executive Director www.chainursery.com Laurence K. Rubin - President Chani Labkovski -Director Jewish Federation Apartments Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies 275 Essjay Road 2640 North Forest Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-631-8471 | FAX 716-631-8768 TEL 716-204-1133 | FAX 716-204-1129 www.jewishfederationapartments.org www.jewishphilanthropies.org Karen Greenspan- President Peter Fleischmann- Director & CEO Kathleen Haggerty- Property Manager Ray Fink- President Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo Hadassah 2640 North Forest Road 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-204-2241 | FAX 716-929-0482 TEL 716-688-5260 www.jfedbflo.com [email protected] Lewis Stolzenberg- Interim Marlene Katzel- Co-President Executive Director Maxine Seller- Co-President Howard Rosenhoch- President Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association Jewish Federation Cemetery 2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Corporation, Inc. Getzville, NY 14068 2640 North Forest Road TEL 716-204-0542 Getzville, NY 14068 Sam Golden- Loan Officer TEL 716-204-2246 | FAX 716-929-0482 Barbara Sitrin- President www.jfedbflo.com Deborah Pivarsi- Director Hillel of Buffalo Campus Foundation for Jerome D. Carrel- President Jewish Life 520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons Kadimah School of Buffalo Suite # 210 1085 Eggert Road W. Amherst, NY 14228 Amherst, NY 14226 TEL 716-645-8787 | FAX 716-639-7817 TEL 716-836-6903 | FAX 716-837-7322 www.hillelofbuffalo.org www.kadimah.org Laura Hemlock- Program Director Einav Symons- Head of School Carrie J Rittenhouse - President Marc Brown & Jonathan Epstein- Co-Presidents Institute of Jewish Thought and Heritage 712 Clemens Hall Ohr Temimim School University at Buffalo 411 John James Audubon Parkway Buffalo, NY 14260 W. Amherst, NY 14228 TEL 716-645-3695 FAX 716-645-3473 TEL 716-568-0226 | FAX 716-636-1899 Email: [email protected] www.ohrtemimimschool.com http://www.jewishstudies.buffalo.edu/ Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz- Principal Dr. Richard A. Cohen, Director Jonathon Gellman - President
Holocaust Resource Center Weinberg Campus 1050 Maryvale Drive 2700 North Forest Road Cheektowaga, NY 14225 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716-634-9535 | FAX 716-634-9625 TEL 716-639-3311 | FAX 716-639-3309 www.holocaustcenterbuff.com www.weinbergcampus.org Sandy Saada- Executive Director David Dunkelman- President & CEO Pieter Weinreib- Co-President Jonathan Rodwin- Chairman of the Board Sharon M. Jacobs - Co-President of Directors 18 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015
Synagogues
Yad B’Yad Jewish Federation Apartments Himmel A program of the Bureau of Jewish Education Family Chapel (Unaffiliated) A NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATION TEL 716-204-5380 / FAX 716-688-3572 275 Essjay Road Matthew Schwartz- Director Williamsville, NY 14221 GET YOUR GEAR www.yadbyad.org Pinkhos Blitshteyn- President Cindy Komm- Chair Rabbi Daniel Shuman REPAIRED! LOW COST SERVICES Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) LAPTOP•PC•HARDWARE Western New York Rabbi Nesanel Cadle SOFTWARE•NETWORK President - Shmuel Rashkin 255 GREAT ARROW AVE. ON ALL MAJOR BRANDS Synagogues and Temples Vice President - Reuven Alt SUITE 104 Gabbai David Kunkel WWW.BUFFALOREUSEIT.ORG 716.240.0867 Chabad House of Buffalo (unaffiliated) 85 Saranac Avenue 2450 North. Forest Rd, Buffalo New York 14216 Getzville, NY 14068 TEL 716 876 1284 We are a full service computer and retail shop. Proceeds from sales of TEL 716-688-1642 www. SaranacSynagogue.org donated computer equipment & repairs provide computer technology to www.chabadbuffalo.com people who are financially distressed. Donations welcomed! Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative) Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative) 621 Getzville Road 1073 Elmwood Avenue Amherst, NY 14226 Buffalo, NY 14222 Rabbi Perry Netter www.congregationbethabraham.net Cantor Mark Spindler Cantor Emeritus Gerald DeBruin Congregation B’nai Shalom (Conservative) Leon Komm - President 1641 North Forest Rd. TEL 716- 838-3232 Williamsville, NY 14221 www.btzbuffalo.org Helen Weinstein- President TEL 716-689-8203 Temple Beth Zion (Reform) [email protected] Sanctuary: 805 Delaware Avenue www.bnaishalombuffalo.org Buffalo, NY 14209 Religious School and Offices: Congregation Hesed Abraham 700 Sweet Home Road 215 Hall Ave Amherst, NY 14226 Jamestown, NY 14701 Rabbi Gary Pokras- Sr. Rabbi Rabbi Allen Podet Rabbi Adam Scheldt- Asst. Rabbi TEL 716-484-1800 Cantor Penny Myers Warren Clark - President Congregation Shir Shalom TEL 716-836-6565 (Reform/ Reconstructionist) www.tbz.org 4660 Sheridan Drive Located Minutes from I-290 Williamsville, NY 14221 Temple Beth El (Reform) TEL 716-633-8877 720 Ashland Avenue Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein Niagara Falls, NY 14301 Cantor Sharon Eve Colbert Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose Todd Sugarman - President Robert Duell- President www.shirshalombuffalo.org TEL 716-282-2717 www.niagarafallstemple.com Congregation Havurah 6320 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) Bernard Schenkler, President 757 Hopkins Road Annette Pinder, Membership Chair Williamsville, NY 14221 TEL 716-689-2256 Rabbi Heschel Greenberg www.congregationhavurah.org Rabbi Laizer Labkovski [email protected] 716-639-7600 Kehillat Ohr Tzion (Modern Orthodox) Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) 879 Hopkins Rd 105 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Williamsville, NY 14221 Email: [email protected] Rabbi Moshe Taub Rabbi Joshua Strosberg Richard G. Berger- President Marian Arbesman - President TEL 716-634-0212 http://ohrtzion.org/kot www.yibuffalo.org Knesset Center (Orthodox) 500 Starin Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214 TEL 716-832-5063 Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow www.chabad.org
Attention Snowbirds! Due to postal regulations, the Jewish Journal of Western New York will no longer be forwarded to “temporary change” addresses. If you plan to be away from your permanent address and will have your first class mail forwarded to your temporary address and would like to continue to receive the Jewish Journal over the winter or the summer, please call Nadine Ryback at 716-204-2248 to give us your “temporary” address. Thank you!
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 19 Synagogues SHARE A HAPPY PURIM AT TEMPLE BETH TZEDEK’S OUTSTRETCHED ARM PURIM CELEBRATION
By Sharla Bleichfeld, Co-Chair of Arm Purim celebration, we will that allowed the survival of the seemingly programming. Our students always bring the Inclusion Committee of Temple enable people of all abilities to disadvantaged Jewish people who as ruach and nachas to our celebrations. Beth Tzedek share a rich Purim experience. the Megillah recalls, became victorious. It is through continued participation Outstretched Arm activities are Our goal is for Jewish individuals of in programs such as these that our Purim, one of our most joyful adapted with sensitivity to the all abilities to have access to rich and young people learn that inclusion is holidays, is meant to be shared. particular needs of people living meaningful Jewish experiences. We treat an important part of Jewish life. They We are all commanded to hear with developmental disabilities, each person with respect. Our programs also learn how to be inclusive in their the reading of the Megillah and but also with the intention of are intended to raise consciousness and approach to daily life. the Megillah is read publicly creating a fulfilling experience for create awareness that it is vital for us to Plans are underway for our so we can hear it together. The people of all ages and abilities be a caring and supportive community. Outstretched Arm Purim 2015 feasting, giving to the poor, and who will attend. Hopefully, successful inclusive events Celebration March 8, 2015 at 10:15 Shaloach Manot (exchanging At Temple Beth Tzedek our such as these will further inspire us all to AM at Temple Beth Tzedek to be a gifts of food) are all shareable commitment to inclusion is strong. examine other aspects of our community morning filled with merriment because experiences. By promoting A Purim celebration is an especially life and to discover additional ways to be there are many fun traditions associated inclusion at Temple Beth Tzedek, appropriate time to promote inclusion inclusive. with this holiday. Purim offers a unique through our Kesher Outstretched because we are marking a twist of fate Our Outstretched Arm celebration opportunity to wear a costume, hide is rich with opportunities not only behind a mask, make a lot of noise, visit for engaging individuals but also for with friends, enjoy music, share a meal strengthening our community for the and eat hamentashen. Along with the future. While superficially a party, Megillah reading, there will be music by embedded in the Purim celebration is our TBT musicians to enjoy. Of course, the commitment of a caring community. feasting is an essential part of celebrating, The ongoing support of caring and our Seudah, our Purim feast, will be volunteers is vital to the success of each a luncheon complete with hamentashen. Outstretched Arm event. Participation in We anticipate an enthusiastic gathering our Outstretched Arm encourages each of more than 100 people. Volunteers will participant to feel good while recognizing welcome guests from all over Western that we each make a difference in the New York. lives of others. Furthermore, every Since Purim includes an opportunity reading of the Megillah unites us against for tzedakah, we encourage everyone a common enemy—Haman. By sharing to bring non-perishable foods that these experiences, we also unite against can be contributed to our food barrel the common enemies of exclusion and isolation. Shared experiences connect us for donation. Those who would like as a community. can bring boxes of pasta to shake as The active participation of our Gesher noisemakers during the Megillah reading Hebrew School students as well as many to block out the name of Haman, then of our Hebrew High School student contribute the pasta to the food barrel to volunteers is a mainstay of our inclusion help block out hunger in WNY. Our Outstretched Arm Purim 2015 celebration will be Sunday morning, March 8, 2015 at 10:15 AM at Temple finest mouth-watering n.y. bagels since 1976 • homemade shmears • deli sandwiches • soups • salads Beth Tzedek, 621 Getzville Road in Amherst—Jewish community members Remember how are invited to attend. Participants are bagels used to taste? Hosting Brunch? encouraged to come in costumes and to bring noisemakers. Enjoy the music of That’s what you’ll taste Let Us Do the Work! our TBT musicians. Stay for lunch and today at Bagel Jay’s, visit with friends. For more information, consistently delicious Pickup & contact the TBT offices at 838-3232. Dropoff service available deli favorites In closing, we would like to offer a in every bite. Marshall’s Plaza Dash’s Plaza friendly reminder: Eat hamentashen 2130 Delaware ave, Buffalo 100 a Plaza Dr, Williamsville NOW—there won’t be any at the next 716.874.1800 716.639.1000 www.bageljays.com Outstretched Arm event for Passover. Chag Purim Sameach—Happy Purim finest dark roasted coffees •fresh-baked bagels • signature tuna fish • and more! to All! 20 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Synagogues
Harvey Horowitz Prepares Lazarus-Klein works with students on students continue their Jewish studies and their speeches, Cantor Sharon Colbert involvement by going to Confirmation Generations of Students for Torah teaches the prayers and Horowitz handles class or volunteering as Teacher Aides Torah and Haftorah instruction. in Congregation Shir Shalom’s Religious By Peter Simon studies. Horowitz, a fellow camper Summer camp tutoring was just and an avid student of Torah, the beginning of Jewish teaching for School. eagerly took on the responsibility. Horowitz. While he was earning a degree But too often, he said, teens see their Harvey Horowitz became a Bar Now, 57 years later, he’s still at in electrical engineering at Johns Hopkins B’nei Mitzvot as the end to their formal Mitzvah tutor at age 14 or 15, it, teaching Torah and Haftorah University, he simultaneously took classes Jewish studies and not the beginning. just a year or two after his own portions to B’nei Mitzvah students at the former Baltimore Hebrew College That, he said, is like building a base for ceremony. A family was willing at Congregation Shir Shalom in and Teacher Training School. Horowitz, a religious life, but failing to develop and to send their son to a Baltimore- Williamsville. 72, came to Buffalo in 1964 to work for area Jewish summer camp only if Experience is just one of his assets. the Westinghouse Electric Co. and several enrich it into a spiritual framework to there was someone close to help The precision of an electrical engineer, other firms, and retired two years ago. He help maximize life’s opportunities and the boy continue his Bar Mitzvah the patience and love of a grandfather and his wife, Myra, have been married joys and deal more effectively with its of three and a profound respect for the 48 years and have three children and challenges and losses. Jewish texts are part of the larger picture. three grandchildren. He “dabbles with Horowitz continues to keep his faith After working with several hundred boys the piano,” keeps up on developments in and girls, Horowitz has become a low- electrical engineering and continues to alive and relevant by attending Saturday key but crucial part of Shir Shalom’s get great pleasure from his tutoring. morning Shabbat services regularly, culture. “It’s an honor to be part of landmark and leading the services when Rabbi “Harvey is the master, and everyone events,” Horowitz said, “and to see Lazarus-Klein and Cantor Colbert are knows it,” said Betsy Zappia, whose youngsters mature during their formative not available. And he hopes to work with son Jacob became a Bar Mitzvah last years.” He meets them when they are Bar and Bat Mitzvah students for the April. “It’s his knowledge of Torah. It’s “little kids,” he said, but “they turn into his patience. He never gives up on these adults. It’s amazing.” foreseeable future. “I’d like to continue kids.” B’nei Mitzvah training is a team Horowitz, who receives a stipend doing it as long as they want me and as Harvey Horowitz teaching Torah to Evan Wolfson effort at Shir Shalom, where Rabbi Alex for his tutoring, said he enjoys seeing long as I’m able,” he said.
Events for Passover 2015
Intergenerational Women’s Seder Join Temple Beth Zion Join Congregation Shir Shalom’s on the First Night of Passover! Co-sponsored by Sisterhoods of Chabad house hosting Seders Temple Beth Zion and Congregation SECOND NIGHT SEDER 20th Annual Seder First Seder Friday Night Saturday, April 4, Friday, April 3 Shir Shalom April 3-8:00 pm Sunday, March 22, at 4 p.m. 6:00pm Brookfield Country Club, Second Seder Buffalo Marriott Niagara 5141 Shimerville Road Broder Center for Jewish Education Saturday night Open to all women of the 1340 Millersport Hwy, 5:45 p.m. Service, 6 p.m. Seder April 4-8:30 pm Amherst NY Laurie Criden & Jennifer Patrick, community! Open to the community For more information, Adults-$36, Co-Chairs For reservations Children 10 and under $24 For complete details, go to the go to the Sisterhood and more information page at www.tbz.org RESERVATIONS A MUST! Festivals page at www.tbz.org or Please call 688-1642 Call 633-8877 call 836-6565. or call 836-6565.
For College & Grad Students only! Hillel Seder Friday, April 4 7:30 PM Pistachio’s - UB North Campus Call 645-8787 or [email protected]
Spend Both Seders with Us at Jewish Discovery Center April 3 & 4- 8:00 pm 757 Hopkins Road $25-Adults - $10-Child call 639-7600
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 21 Synagogues Dr. Irwin Gelman Speaking at CBA Activities Include Joint TBT on the Genetics of Breast Program With TBZ Cancer • On March 6, Temple Beth Zion will from February 20 to March be hosting a collaborative service and 27. Accordingly, the CBA service By Rachel Anderson Purimshpiel with Congregation Beth originally scheduled for March 20th Abraham. The Purimshpiel, written is now on for March 27th. As always, Despite the weather, Temple Beth by Dr. Grant Golden, features lively Cantor Gelman will lead services, with Tzedek had a great turn out for the Broadway song parodies and snappy spirited musical accompaniment and second in our series on women’s health. dialogue adapted to the story of Esther. participation Dr. Irwin Gelman gave a fascinating The service and Purimshpiel will take presentation on the Genetics of Breast place at TBZ, 805 Delaware Ave at • CBA has started a new Jewish book club! Cancer and cutting edge developments in 7:00 (preceded by a potluck dinner If you are interested in finding out more the treatments of cancer. The presentation and followed by an oneg). Lots of fun about this and other CBA activites, was followed by a question and answer for the entire community is planned including our very popular Jewish time. The brunch was prepared by Jason – look for details on CBA and TBZ Film group, please visit the website, in our catering department. websites. www.congregationbethabraham.net Dr. Tova Ablove will be our next and leave your contact information. Dr. Gelman spoke to TBT Women presenter on March 22nd. She has • Please note that the joint service recently relocated to Buffalo from the multiple medical comorbidities that between Congregation Beth Abraham Wisconsin with her husband and family. may occur as a result of aging. The and Hillel of Buffalo was rescheduled Her specialty is Urogynecology. program starts with brunch at 10:30 am As a Urogynecologist, her clinical followed by the lecture. We will close practice focuses on the comprehensive with a question and answer session. care of women with pelvic floor Reservations made before March 18th disorders. She also has an interest in will be $10.00. Walk-ins are welcome, geriatric gynecology and menopause and $12.00 at the door.
Jay L. Mesnekoff Director
22 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Synagogues PALS is Fun! In January, Temple Beth Zion PALS students collected coats, boots and warm weather gear for Jewish Family Service’s Refugee Resettlement Program. As part of the Mussar curriculum, the kids learned about courage – in this case, the courage it takes for a person to leave their home and start a new life in a new country.
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 23 Synagogues
Dr. Laz Remembered Mrs. Shaina Charitonow, a native New Sisterhood of Yorker, came to Buffalo at the age of Charitonow 19 as an educator. She was a beloved Temple Beth teacher at the Torah Temimah School and later at the Ohr Temimim Day Zion Trips School for over 30 years. Shaina was also the co-director of the Gan Israel camp, Sylvia Morris Theater Bus Trips which served Jewish children through Presents both summer and winter camping “Sweet Charity” programs. In addition, she served as in Niagara-on-the-Lake a mikvah attendant, instructing and Tuesday, June 16 encouraging Jewish woman about the Open to the community! beauty of this mitzvah. A delicious buffet lunch, followed by a Mrs. Charitonow influenced a matinee at the Festival Theater to see the generation of children with her humor dazzling musical “Sweet Charity”, will and wit, joy of life, and incredible take place on Tuesday, June 16. Songs teaching methods. She remains beloved, like “Big Spender” and “If My Friends and even today, her influence carries on Could See Me Now” paired with a book in the lives of all her former students and by Neil Simon made this a Broadway hit! On Sunday, February 1, an overflow Teacher’s Hall of Fame, spoke on the their families. Shaina was the dedicated crowd of approximately 200 people topic of “Bringing Jewish Warmth into a emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe who The cost, which includes the bus gathered together to honor the memory of Cold World”. He encouraged the crowd devoted herself to Chabad of Buffalo trip, buffet lunch, and the matinee, is Mrs. Shaina Charitonow. The memorial to follow Shaina’s life examples by always tirelessly for 36 years. She was known for $130 per person. The bus leaves the event took place at the Knesset Center smiling and being kind to everyone the open home she kept, the many guests TBZ Broder Center, 700 Sweet Home Synagogue where Mrs. Charitonow we encounter. In addition, he recalled she constantly invited, and the friendship Road, at 10:30 AM. Participants must served as Rebbetzin for many years. Mrs. Charitonow’s great success in the and support she gave to every Jew in the bring either a passport or an enhanced Dr. David Lazerson, a native classroom and how she truly brought Buffalo community. license to cross the border. For more Buffalonian and member of the National Jewish warmth to the WNY area. information, call Marilyn at 832-4757.
24 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Synagogues Family Promise New Season of Mussar Groups What is By Sharon Winer Forming at TBZ Zionism?
The mission of Family Promise of Sessions will begin in mid-March. This course, taught by Daniel P. Western New York is to unite religious Dates and times will be determined by the potential participants Kotzin, will examine the development and other organizations in responding Facilitators: Susan G. Schwartz & Evie Weinstein of the Zionist idea. A particular area to the needs of homeless families in our Life comes with tests – often in the relationships with the people we love the most. of focus will be on the modern Zionist community. Uniting hearts and hands, Those tests try us. They also reveal the places where we have the potential to grow movement, the variety of perspectives the network provides a way for homeless spiritually. The Jewish tradition of Mussar offers wisdom for facing and making the on Zionism within the movement, their families to receive temporary shelter, most of life’s challenges, to help you find peace, love and fulfillment in heart and soul. conflicting visions. The major theme for meals, and assistance while seeking This 13-week program, co-sponsored by Temple Beth Zion and the Bureau of Jewish the course is that the Zionism movement their own independence. It’s more than Education will guide participants in active engagement with Mussar as a spiritual has always been heterogeneous, reflecting providing shelter, meals and support. It’s tradition and a discipline, in order to learn and transform. There is a fee. the tremendous diversity of world Jewry. about keeping entire families together If you are interested in taking this course, please contact Susan Goldberg Schwartz at TBZ will host the course along with while they work toward having a home [email protected] or 836-6565. Congregation Shir Shalom and Temple to call their own. Beth Tzedek. The classes will be held at Temple Beth Zion is coordinating a Broder, 7:00pm on the following dates: group of volunteers to assist at Family A Mussar thought… Promise during the week of March 6 - 13. April 23: Please consider taking this opportunity to on Seder/Order The Foundation of the Zionist Idea and help a family by preparing a basic dinner the Zionist Movement and/or spending part of the evening with Putting things in order helps you find them when you need them and saves you May 7: them. This mission is ideal for families the time you would lose looking for them. Building up the Yishuv as the children enjoy playing games May 14: together and spending time together. “Take time, be exact, unclutter the mind.” Zionism and the Arabs Our mitzvah is to assist the family while (The Alter of Kelm, 1824 - 1898) May 21: they are in their temporary home at The Creation of the State of Israel Crossroads Lutheran Church on Main Street at Burroughs in Amherst. Please get in touch with me if you are interested in finding out more about this incredible opportunity at 741-4200 or swiner4@ gmail.com
New Food Pantry in Need of Donations A new food pantry has opened in Town Square Center and is in need of donations of food and personal goods. The food pantry was created by Temple Beth Zion in partnership with the Town Square Center, The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies and Catholic Charities. The pantry primarily needs food (non- perishables), but also dignity supplies— such as soaps, shampoos, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and paper goods. Donations can be dropped off at both Temple Beth Zion locations as well as at the pantry itself which is located at 2710 North Forest Road (near the Weinberg Campus) on Tuesdays and Fridays between 9:30am and 2:30pm. For more information including a list of foods to donate, visit www.tbz.org/ community/social-action or email [email protected]. March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 25 For many women with dense tissue or family history it’s a better way for detection. 3D, • Private Health & Do you need a breakthrough technology, is the most Wellness Studio for adults advanced screening that shows breast live young 3D Mammography? tissue in thin layers, giving your doctor a • Locally owned/ view never before possible. operated for over 7 years • Group, Private Training, Health Coaching and more... • Month 2 Month, Appointment-based The area’s only outpatient facility 777 Maple @ N. Forest Rd. services offering 3D Mammography Williamsville, NY 14221 • Accept all major www.WindsongRadiology.com 716.204.8451 Health Insurances Anti-aging from the inside out... 716-817-6601 www.made2movefitness.com Amherst • Hamburg • Lancaster • Williamsville www.facebook.com/made2movefitness Nutrition Weight Management ARE YOU A NURSE LOOKING FOR WORK? Skin Rejuvenation
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March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 27 Agencies The Four Mitzvos of Purim
By: Esti Cadle, Shterna Gurary, and Perel Zingorenko (Grade 6, Ohr Temimim)
Have you ever wondered about the origin of the four mitzvos of Purim? Many of us think the most important part of Purim is hammantashen and graggers. But there really is more to Purim than that. Let’s start with mishloach manoes. This means giving food packages. We give these food packages to our friends, family, and neighbors. This Mitzvah comes from all the way back to the times when the Jews were living in ancient Persia, during the fourth century B.C.E. Its source comes from the words in the megilah, “…and sending food packages, each man to his friend.” When the miracle of Purim occurred, the Jews celebrated by giving each other these food gifts. We still continue to The authors at school follow this tradition today. Megillas Esther), afraid that the Jews or shake graggers (noisemakers) when Another Mitzvah of Purim is matanos might eventually forget the miracle of the name Haman is read. Haman was laevyoinim, which means giving money Purim, told Mordechai to write the story the antagonist of the Purim story, and or presents to the poor. Its source is of Purim on a scroll, or megilah. This descended from Amalek, the first nation also from the megilah. Right after the way, it can be read each year on Purim. to attack the Jewish people after leaving words, “…and sending food packages, There are several rules and customs Egypt, so we try to block out his name by each man to his friend,” it says, “and which go along with the reading of the making noise. money presents to the poor.” We think Megilah. One of them is that we may not We hope you get to carry out these about others, especially the poor, at times talk during the reading of the Megilah. mitzvos on Purim and enjoy the special of celebration, because when the Jewish One fun custom is to stamp our feet day, too! people come under attack, there is often no distinction between one type of Jew and another. When we celebrate, we make sure no one is left out. The next one on our list is mishte, which means a festive meal. Mordechai, the leader during the time of Purim, told the Jews to celebrate with a festive meal. We gather together on Purim, in the evening, to eat this meal. Lastly, we do the Mitzvah of megilah, the reading of the scroll which tells us the story of Purim. This is the source of the other three Mitzvos. Esther, the heroine of the Megilah (that is why it is called
Theatre for the Very Young @ The JCC
Teddy Bear Picnic coming to the JCC! Theatre of Youth presents Teddy Bear Picnic, June 13 – June 28 at the Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre in the Benderson JCC. Don’t miss this second in a series of Theatre for the Very Young. Perfect for children 3-7. Tickets at www.theatreofyouth.org 28 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Calendar
March 1-3 AIPAC Policy Conference- Washington, D.C. March 4-5 Purim Celebrated. See page 7 for a listing of Purim community events. March 9 Institute of Jewish Heritage & Thought (IJHT at UB) 7:00 pm UB, Clemens Hall, North Campus. Professor David Novak on “Can Israel be both a Jewish State and a democratic state?” March 18 Nickel City Jews Trivia Night Meet Up. 7:45 pm. Cole’s on Elmwood Ave. March 19 Jewish Federation’s Interfaith Passover Seder. 5:30 pm. Temple Beth Zion. $25 by March 4. $35 after. Call 716-204- 2242. March 29 Volunteers with Jewish Discovery Center to package and distribute $200 OFF Pesach food for the needy. 2-4 pm at JDC, 757 Hopkins Rd. in-office whitening for new Call 639-7600. patients only, with routine care March 29 Call for details; Offer expires Cantors’ Concert at Temple Beth Zion. 7:00 pm. 805 Delaware Avenue. Call 836-6565. New patients receive free exam and x-rays with hygiene visit
April 3-11 5462 SHERIDAN DRIVE | WILLIAMSVILLE Passover celebrated. See page 21 for Passover seders 716.831.8018 | WWW.ALTMANDENTAL.COM and events on the community. March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 29 Agencies
the downside of March Madness. The JFS Buffalo: American Gaming Association estimates Kosher “Meals Embrace Good Deeds, Beware the that approximately $100 million is bet legally on the event each year,” says on Wheels” Madness, Ides of March 2015 Schillinger. Good Deeds Day was initiated in 2007 coming to by businesswoman and philanthropist he Jewish faith provides clear guidelines for doing good and evading bad. From Shari Arison, and is now celebrated all the time we are children, these tenets teach us to show kindness and support for Buffalo over the world. In 2014, 580,000 people neighbors and strangers, and define behaviors that ultimately are damaging to self, T from 50 countries volunteered to put family and community. The Jewish Discovery Center into practice the simple idea that every Humanitarian Department is proud to But in the fast-paced, ambiguous single person can do something good, announce the “Kosher Meals on Wheels” world in which we now live, translating large or small, to improve the lives of of Buffalo. This program will provide life principles to real time can be a real others and bring positive change to the a wide range of delicious, nutritious, challenge. “Good Deeds Day” and the world. kosher meals home-delivered across the start of the NCAA ‘March Madness’ “I believe that if people will think Greater Buffalo area. Men’s Basketball Tournament both good, speak good and do good, the circles If you are unable to shop on a fall on the 15th, so this month offers of goodness will grow in the world. Good permanent or temporary basis, or a great opportunity to put principles Deeds Day has become the leading day prepare meals for yourself because into practice,” JFS president and CEO of giving and this year individuals, school of illness, injury, disability, or other Marlene A. Schillinger says. With its limitations, recuperating at home, or children, students, soldiers and employers “one and done” appeal, wagering on can’t shop because of inclement weather, from many business are joining in for the March Madness tournament brackets and or just need some help to tide you over a annual Good Deeds Day with the aim of in office pools can be tempting for even difficult period, this program might be a non-gamblers. In a work environment, doing a good deed for others,” Arison good choice for you, or for someone you pressure to bet during March Madness says at www.gdd.goodnet.org. love or know. can be devastating for people with a Among many others, Good Deeds Kosher Meals on Wheels will deliver gambling addiction. Day projects include painting senior meal sets that include 2 meals each, “Many people have a gambling citizens’ houses, cleaning parks, providing 2/3 of the daily nutritional addiction which is exacerbated not only renovating community centers and needs of an older adult: Lunch (served by participating in March Madness but starting community gardens. Suggestions hot) and supper (served cold, reheatable) the Super Bowl as well,” Schillinger for smaller, no less important, good with juice, milk, and dessert. says. While the majority of people who deeds include cooking a meal or running The Kosher Meals on Wheels will play games of chance are not problem errands for an elderly family member perform regular needs assessments gamblers, gambling addiction is similar to or neighbor, or finding time and right in your home. We will also provide addiction to alcohol, explains Schillinger. information and link you to get other words to talk with someone who may One drink, one bet, can result in serious benefits available at Buffalo’s Jewish have a gambling problem. “Good Deeds setback for someone in recovery. “The Family Service, and to the Erie County Day provides our Jewish community ramifications of pressure to participate in social services safety net. a workplace pool are compounded if the with a annual vehicle for practicing both Kosher Meals on Wheels deliveries person is receiving treatment and does tikkun olam and tzedekah,” Schillinger will be made every week on Tuesdays, not want to make it known. There is also says. and Fridays between the hours of 11am an economic downside to supporting, “Jewish Family Service offers ways to and 1pm (we hope to expand to 6 days encouraging or taking a blind eye to observe Good Deeds Day by organizing a week in the future). We can supply the office gambling pool. Businesses group donations of items to the New anywhere up to seven days’ worth of lose millions of dollars due to theft and Americans who come through our freshly made meals per week in multiple families lose life savings because the Refugee Resettlement program, or deliveries. gambler needs to pay or cover debts.” referring someone to our Gambling Kosher Meals on Wheels is a service Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Recovery Program. For more information for those in need: No one will be Erie County provides gambling recovery about Jewish Family Service support for turned away for their inability to pay. services to adolescents, adults and seniors problem and addiction gambling, and A suggested donation is $4 per delivery living in Western New York. “JFS is not set (2 meals). There is also an option other JFS mental and behavioral health for or against gambling. We advocate to enhance your meal with one of our outpatient programs, call 716-883-1914 for education, training and treatment upscale choices. resources to assist those in need,” or visit www.jfsbuffalo.org. For JFS help If you would like to become a volunteer, Schillinger says. Good Deeds Day might organizing Good Deeds Day projects know someone who can benefit from this be a good time to talk gently with a and group donation drives for the JFS program, or would like to donate to this family member or close friend who may Refugee Resettlement Program, email great Mitzvah, please call the Jewish have a gambling problem. “You might JFS Lauren Califano at volunteers@ Discovery Center at 639-7600 or www. start with a casual conversation about jfsbuffalo.org JewishBuffalo.com 30 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 31 32 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Agencies
Kadimah School News Specific examples have included a other in ways that are rewarding for both model seder for seniors last April, joint groups,” said Kadimah teacher Hope holiday celebrations, a Torah scroll- Bongiorno, who is coordinating the $60,000 In Grants To Kadimah School writing program with a sofer (Torah initiative for the school. scribe), a community performance of Kadimah’s leadership is actively adimah School of Buffalo is proud Rochester, Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Fiddler on the Roof, and a Veterans’ engaged in philanthropy development to announce that it has received Hillel Academy of Broome County Day program with Jewish War Veterans. and grant-writing, to support the school’s Ktwo competitive grants from leading (Binghamton), Beit Shraga Hebrew Kadimah students also taught seniors superior academics and especially its national philanthropic organizations to Academy of the Capital District (Albany) how to use their personal computers, ability to provide scholarships to families support the school’s multi-age and cross- and Maimonides School (Albany). mobile devices and email. that need financial aid in order for their generational educational programming Teachers from other Jewish schools, “Our students and seniors are enjoying children to attend. initiatives. such as synagogue-based supplementary these opportunities to interact with each The awards from The Covenant programs, are also welcome to attend. Foundation and an anonymous second Participating faculty will learn philanthropy, totaling nearly $60,000 methodology and practical hands-on over two years, represent significant advice and skills to incorporate multi-age KENNY TOP 5 REASONS institutional endorsements of Kadimah’s and multi-level skill development within YOU MUST COME TO innovative new efforts to better serve not the classroom. CARPETS only Jewish students but also the broader The grant is part of $1.6 million KENNY CARPETS: Jewish community in Western New York. awarded by Covenant this month as AND 1. WNYs largest volume “Kadimah School takes its role as part of its mission and commitment to flooring chain, our selection is a community Jewish day school very advance excellence and innovation that FLOORS overwhelming, our volume seriously, and believes in the importance will have a meaningful impact on Jewish Carpet any home! Any size! saves you lots of money. of doing our part to bring our community education. 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Foundation awarded $20,000 to support Tomorrow. Kadimah School’s efforts to provide 5. Our prices are significantly sophisticated training for educators in lower than any Outlet, Home multi-age classroom instruction. Multi- Center or Store. Ask about our age classrooms create opportunities PAY NO low price guarantee!! for more tailored learning based on Kadimah Student on Veterans Day INTEREST UNTIL knowledge, ability and skill level of synagogues across the country. 2016* individual students in mixed grades, A second national charity, which while also offering more social interaction required anonymity as part of its support, in smaller schools. These educational provided a two-year grant to enhance practices are based on the concept of Kadimah’s inter-generational community more personalized learning, at each initiative. child’s pace, and may involve different The goal of the program is for techniques than traditional single-grade Kadimah’s fifth- through eighth-graders classrooms. to enhance their text-based learning, Kadimah applied for a Covenant improve their social interaction skills “ignition grant” under a collaboration and develop the ability to connect with with five other Jewish day schools from people from older generations through EMEMBER ... DO NY! across the state, through the Upstate New monthly engagement with at least 20 R THE KEN York Jewish Day School Consortium. to 30 seniors at the Jewish Federation HOURS: 7600 TRANSIT RD. 631-0028 Opposite Eastern Hills Mall Kadimah staff and volunteer leadership Apartments. The interaction ranges from M-F 10-9 have taken a lead role in bringing discussions and hands-on technology skill SAT 10-5 3240 TRANSIT RD. 656-0426 together professional and lay leaders from development for the seniors, to cultural at Seneca Creek SUN 12-5 schools in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, or social programs, to conversations 2995 SHERIDAN DR. 836-8100 Binghamton and Albany. with seniors about historical events or *For qualified buyers at Niagara falls Blvd. next to Northtown Plaza The multi-age training will include experiences that will provide students teachers and staff from Kadimah, the with new points of view on what they are WWW.KENNYCARPETS.COM Hillel Community Day School in learning in the classroom. March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 33
Agencies
found at www.bijff.com. Sponsorship, The 30th Buffalo International silent auction donor and advertising Art Exhibits at Jewish Film Festival opportunities available! Call 716-204- 2255 or email [email protected] the JCC The 30th Buffalo Jewish cinema and explore for more information. Don’t miss the JCC art exhibits! International Jewish Film new frontiers in telling Thank you to: March/April Festival takes place May stories through film. Stephen Coppola – Holland Building 15 – 21 at the Amherst This year, the Festival Gallery, 787 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo Dipson Theatre at 3500 will screen 18 films from Main Street and May 31 – around the world. Early Childhood Artwork – Bunis June 7 in the Maxine and This year’s Film Festival Family Gallery, Benderson Building, Robert Seller Theatre at the includes: 2640 North Forest Road, Getzville Jewish Community Center, 30th anniversary 2640 North Forest Road in fundraising gala at Getzville, NY. MusicalFare’s Cabaret, The JCC’s Film Festival is Thursday, May 21, 6 p.m. the third oldest Jewish Film featuring live music with Festival in the country and Buffalonian Elizabeth Swados Barbara Levy Daniels, a well-respected showcase of cinematic films, and cocktail party! $100/ticket. arts that compels audiences to celebrate Closing Night Festival Gala: Sunday, June 7, 6:30 PM featuring kosher buffet dinner and closing night film! $36/ticket The film Sosua, which features Buffalo native Elizabeth Swados--director, writer and composer, who is best known for her Broadway and international smash hit Runaways.
From the filmSousa Film trailers and schedules and can be JCC Holland Show
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 35 Agencies our times, with ramifications not only for Jews and Israel. Students are also Professor David Novak to invited to a special follow-up dessert and discussion afterwards. Speak on Monday March 9th Professor David Novak is the author of at UB: sixteen books, the last two being Tradition in the Public Square: A David Novak Reader, ed. Randi Rashkover and Martin “Can Israel be both a Jewish and a Kavka (Eerdmans 2008), and In Defense of Religious Liberty (ISI Books 2009). Democratic State?” His book Covenantal Rights (Princeton University Press) won the American One of the most hotly contested issues democratic. This is the topic of his Academy of Religion Award for “best in Israel today is how to reconcile its new book Zionism and Judaism: A New book in constructive religious thought character as both Jewish and democratic. Theory (Cambridge 2015). The Institute in 2000.” He has also edited four books One of America’s most distinguished of Jewish Thought and Heritage at UB and authored over three hundred articles professors of Jewish Studies, Professor invites community members and UB and reviews in numerous scholarly and David Novak - J. Richard and Dorothy students to come hear Professor Novak intellectual journals. He is one of the Professor David Novak Shiff Chair of Jewish Studies and speak about this topic on Monday, four co-authors of Dabru Emet: A Jewish Professor of Religion and Philosophy March 9th at 7 pm at UB in Clemens Statement on Christians and Christianity, subject of Matthew Levering’s 2010 at the University of Toronto – has 120, North Campus. Please come to the first published in The New York Times book, Jewish-Christian Dialogue and the developed a new model for how Zionism talk and join in the discussion afterwards in September 2000, and now translated Life of Wisdom: Engagements with the can be both equally Jewish and equally – this is one of the important issues of into over eight languages. He is the Theology of David Novak (Continuum).
36 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Agencies
The NGI is a program of the Holocaust Resource Center’s Holocaust Resource Center, developed Conference Teacher’s Conference and directed by Drew Beiter, Springville Middle School Social Studies teacher, on Jewish By HRC Board Member Debra Nazi propaganda and how educators can HRC board member, and 2014 recipient Abrams help their students understand the power of the NYS Louis Yavner Award for Material of media today. The conference featured Holocaust and Human Rights Education. Claims 10 Western New York teachers internationally renowned experts, Other NGI member teachers include: stepped out of their classrooms in including Steven Luckert, Curator of Dr. Timothy Redmond - Williamsville Against 1January and onto the Erie 1 BOCES the Permanent Exhibition at the United East High School, Lori Raybold and Education Campus in West Seneca for States Holocaust Memorial Museum, James Gang - Hamburg High School, Germany, a daylong seminar sponsored by the and Law Eh Soe, whose photographs Stephanie O’Donnell – Newfane Middle Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo’s of the Saffron Rebellion in Burma School, and Michael Baronich – West Inc. (Claims New Generation Initiative (NGI), Erie were used by numerous media outlets, Valley CSD. 1 & Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus including CNN and Time Magazine. Conference) BOCES, and through the generous The day also featured a panel of area support of Richard and Roberta Handel. Holocaust Survivors discussing the 70th CHILD SURVIVOR FUND – UPDATE The seminar entitled, “Never Again – The Anniversary of Liberation through the This is referring to the information Use of Media to Promote and Prevent lens of their specific experiences. International that was circulated in September, 2014 Genocide,” was presented to English Sophia Veffer, a Holocaust survivor regarding a $250 Million fund for child Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, and founding board member of the Holocaust survivors of the Holocaust. Media Studies and Technology faculty Holocaust Resource Center, spoke to NOTE: “Child survivors” are defined to complement their current classroom the teachers saying, “you are my hope Remembrance as Nazi victims born on January 1, 1928 programming by offering new resources that the message will live on to prevent or later. Those who were in concentration and Common Core aligned lesson plans. future genocides.” She said that “today’s Day in Buffalo camps, ghettos or were, for at least six Organized by NGI Teacher Conference students live in a global community and Coordinator Dr. Timothy Redmond, want to make the world a better place, months, in hiding or living under false teachers learned about the history of and teachers are key to this effort.” identity may be eligible to receive a one- time payment of approximately $3,280 for special psychological and medical care. Yad B’Yad Announces Please take a look at this updated Claims Conference web page – http:// Asperger’s MeetUp Group www.claimscon.org/what-we-do/ compensation/child-survivor-fund- Yad B’Yad is excited to announce Participation is free (though participants frequently-asked-questions/ the launch of our programming are responsible for purchasing their own Personalized Child Survivor Fund geared toward adult individuals food/coffee/etc.). applications are currently being mailed with Asperger’s (or Aspies, as the There is no cost to participate or to to potentially eligible applicants based on community calls themselves). When we belong to the group (though individuals have our meetups, they’ll be in the will be responsible for food/event Sandy Saada information previously gathered by the evening (after work), usually at a local costs if we go to a movie, etc.). As Sandy Saada, Holocaust Resource Claims Conference. If you believe you coffee house to hang out, practice social always, Yad B’Yad’s programming is Center Executive Director, greeted are eligible and have not received a form, skills, network, etc. non-denominational, and is open and attendees at Congregation Shir Shalom, general applications will be available on The group will consist of those available to all who want to participate as hosting venue for the screening the Claims Conference website after with Asperger’s, as well as neurotypical part of our spirit of inclusion. of Watchers of the Sky on Tuesday January 15th. www.claimscon.org individuals who would like to join us. evening, January 27th. The Sundance If you need a general application form We’re keeping our future programming award winning documentary, shown mailed to you, call and request one at the options open, and will have other in commemoration of International end of January: 646-536-9100 or Email: programming based upon group Holocaust Remembrance Day, tells the [email protected] interests. story of Raphael Lemkin, the Polish- Who can help me if I need assistance? We’ll be coordinating meetups in Jewish lawyer and linguist who coined the Buffalo: After you have your the future primarily through email, word “genocide.” There were more than application or after February first, call and Facebook. The Facebook group 100 people in attendance to remember the Jewish Family Service. The HRC of can be found and joined by going to never forget, as the fight for human here: http://www.facebook.com/ rights continues, 70 years later. Buffalo will be working with them. groups/BuffaloAspies/ Other co-sponsors included: The Jewish Family Service of The first meetup will take place Bureau of Jewish Education, The Anne Buffalo & Erie County on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from Frank Project, Hillel of Buffalo, Nickel 70 Barker Street, 9pm to 11pm at SPoT Coffee (765 City Jews and the Summer Institute for Buffalo, New York 14209 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222). Human Rights and Genocide Studies. (716) 883-1914 www.jfsbuffalo.org March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 37 Agencies “Purim in the Past.”
By Chana Revell Kotzin, Ph.D. archives found in various collections. Jewish Buffalo Archives Project Do you remember your parents or grandparents telling you about attending s we get ready to dress-up in Purim Penny Dances? These took place in costumes and bake up different the basement of the Jewish Community Aflavors of hamantaschen to celebrate Building over a century ago and we Purim, this is an opportunity to see how have one very fragile photograph taken the community in Buffalo celebrated in by Buffalo photographer Hauser Bob the past with a few images from the capturing this moment in1908. Do you
Dressing up for Purim at Kadimah, 1960s have more of these photographs? Purim memories of Purim in Buffalo do you games in the basement of Temple Beth El have? on Richmond Avenue during the 1940s Please email them to Chana Revell were an annual event complete with a Kotzin, Director, Jewish Buffalo Archives Purim café run by the Beth El Sisterhood Project at [email protected]. where you could buy “Homontash” with If you would like to discuss a particular a red ticket from game winnings! donation of archival photographs or At Kadimah during the 1960s through documents, please call: 716-204-5388. today, as well as at religious schools at our You can also visit the Jewish Buffalo local synagogues, dressing up as Mordecai Archives Project at 2640 North Forest or Queen Esther, or a favorite character Road, Getzville, NY 14068, however Penny Purim Dance at Jewish Community Building, 1908. remains a much anticipated party event. as there are times when I am working And don’t forget the parade down school offsite, it is always best to make an hallways with groggers twirling, making appointment to avoid disappointment. as much noise as possible! What special
So what can we do as the inclusive and accepting community that we are? Yad B’Yad Rather than offering an individual a wheelchair it is far better to let everyone March Tidbits know (through advertising, word of mouth, buttons on greeters shirts, and/ By Matthew L. Schwartz, Director or signage) that wheelchairs are available upon request, and to wait for someone Why do some individuals get upset or who needs assistance to approach you offended if you offer them a wheelchair – just as they would ask for help at an that they haven’t asked for? airport or an amusement park. This helps Some people don’t want a wheelchair to avoid potential hurt, and it respects because: the autonomy and self-determination of - They’re afraid it will make them our friends, and community members. look/appear old. - They’re afraid it will make it look like Yad B’Yad is a program of the Bureau they can’t function on their own. of Jewish Education that provides - They find it embarrassing. outreach, advocacy and program support to assist people with disabilities in Some other things to consider: achieving full participation in Jewish - An individual might have saved up life in Western New York. To join us in their energy all day so they can walk at our programming, to volunteer, or to synagogue. receive monthly tidbits please visit our - An individual might not be immobile website at www.yadbyad.org, find us on or totally immobile. Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ - An individual may appear to have yadbyadbuffalo, or contact Matt at (716) a mobility issue, but doesn’t, or is 204-5380 or [email protected]. We comfortable with their natural gait. look forward to having you! 38 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Agencies Final Fall BJE’s Introduction to Judaism Class Held abbi Alex Lazarus-Klein led the every item pertaining to the scroll and final session of the Buffalo Board its covering, and the students were Rof Rabbis and the Bureau of Jewish fascinated. Education’s Introduction to Judaism The spring session of Introduction course on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. to Judaism is currently taking place, His topic was: “The American Jewish as are Beginning and Intermediate Community Today - One People, Many Hebrew Prayerbook Reading classes. In Views.” Using some of the material addition, Rabbi Drorah Setel is teaching gathered by the Pew Study, Rabbi Lazarus- a Thursday afternoon class: “Judaism’s Klein pointed out where he thought the Daughter Religions: Christianity future of Judaism was headed. Ever the & Islam - Origins, Connections and optimist, he related the true story of the Divergences.” Dalai Lama who came to the leaders of the For more information and to register Jewish community asking: “How is it that for a BJE Adult Education course, the Jewish people have survived so many contact Ethel Melzer, Director of Adult centuries in the Diaspora?” The Rabbis Education at the Bureau of Jewish responded with one word: “Shabbat!” Education: [email protected] or Following the class “break”, Rabbi 204-5380, or by going online at www. Lazarus-Klein brought the Torah into bjebuffalo.org to the Adult Education the classroom. He explained each and page.
Here are some of the students who were able to attend the final class. Left to right: Dulce Barrios, Christine and Michael Derby-Cuadrado, Channell Daniels, Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein, Nathan Strauss, Kait Kishbaugh, Nicole Tenzer and Rivke Parra.
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 39 Agencies Passover food for the needy Kadimah PTO Honored
In a modern-day version of an and eat, “We can give these words real Anna Post ancient charitable act, the Jewish meaning because people will know that Kadimah School of Buffalo’s Parent as master of ceremonies, reading a Discovery Center humanitarian services their contributions will feed the hungry,” Teacher Organization was pleased to proclamation from the Town of Amherst will be delivering Passover meals that Labkovski said. “We’re celebrating our honor beloved longtime teacher Mrs. which honored Mrs. Post. include a Seder plate, matzah, wine, fish, liberation, so let’s talk about funds to Anna Post in January with a beautiful David Post, on behalf of his mother, meat and other Passover food to needy liberate other people from hunger.” luncheon program, attended by close to expressed sincere appreciation for the families in the Buffalo area. Passover, Volunteers are being sought to help 100 friends, family, Kadimah alumni and efforts of the PTO committee, led by which begins at sundown Saturday night, with the food packaging and distribution, guests at Weinberg Campus. Kadimah alumna and current parent April 4th, celebrates our liberation from on Sunday, March 29 from 2-4pm, at the Joining together to celebrate with Robyn Marcus-Weed and Kadimah slavery in Egypt as recorded in the Book Jewish Discovery Center, come take part Mrs. Post, the PTO celebration featured teacher and parent Michal Shmuel- of Exodus. in the Mitzvah. If you know of anyone tributes to her written by Kadimah Lewis. The event was catered by Tel Charity is also an integral part of who would need a meal, or would like to alumni and read by current Kadimah Aviv Café at the JCC. Kadimah’s PTO the holiday, according to the Code of donate to this great Mitzvah, please call students, with music by Kadimah hopes to repeat this luncheon annually Jewish law, the first rule in preparing the Jewish Discovery Center at 639-7600 teacher Moshe Shulman and even some to honor other educators from Kadimah’s for the holiday is to gather alms so or at www.JewishBuffalo.com spontaneous Israeli dancing. Amherst past, present and future. Photos of this that even the poorest will be able to Town Councilmember Steven Sanders, event appear in JEWS IN THE NEWS take part in a seder. “Many Jewish also a former Kadimah student, acted ON PAGE on page 43. families throughout Buffalo are in dire need of Passover products,” Rabbi Laizer Labkovski of the Jewish Discovery Center said. “We convey the impression that there are no poor Jews, but unfortunately there are.” The Haggada includes an invitation for “all who are hungry” to come in
40 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Agencies Do You Want to be Kadimah Dinner 2015 set for treated like royalty? June 14 ave the date! The Kadimah School is uniquely student centered since its of Buffalo will soon Celebrate Israel intimate environment ensures that all Sat this year’s Annual Dinner on June students feel safe, involved, and most 14th at Temple Beth Tzedek at 5pm. This importantly, prioritized. year’s celebration will highlight Kadimah’s Not only is The Kadimah School own connection to Israel through various growing, so is the enthusiasm for its place medium including song, video, and art. in its vibrant Greater Buffalo Jewish New this year, the Kadimah School is community. Last year’s sold out dinner especially excited to feature Israeli cuisine invited and honored Buffalo’s own supervised by the BVK and prepared community dignitaries. It is the make-up by Chef Oded Rauvenpoor, specifically of individuals like those honored last year designed and crafted for this year’s multi who help Kadimah thrive and continue course dinner. to produce competitive, university With its bilingual curriculum beginning bound Kadimah alumni who advocate in nursery, The Kadimah School is for Judaism, Israel, and who look forward proud to provide a dual Hebrew-Judaic/ to making their own lasting mark within Car Transportation Service English-General Studies curriculum that the Buffalo Jewish community. supports Hebrew immersion in all aspects Once again this year, Kadimah looks Wheel Chair Van Service of Judaic studies. Upon walking the halls forward to sharing these qualities with of Kadimah, it becomes immediately dinner guests. Kadimah thanks Shira Get Your Life Back apparent that not only are teachers vastly Brown and Judith Epstein for co-chairing Tim Stevenson qualified with a wide range of knowledge this year’s dinner. Individual tickets and 716-948-7829 from technology to Torah, they infuse table sponsorships as well as adbook their love of learning in the families and purchases can be purchased by contacting HelpForSeniorsWNY.com students of whom they teach. Kadimah Principal Einav Symons at 836-6903.
March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 41 Jews In The News Sponsored by Dave’s Christmas Wonderland chanukkahcentral.com Kadimah Honors Anna Post
Standing: Rachel and Leah Blum, daughters of Fred Blum from Rochester, Young Kadimah students honored former Kadimah teacher Mrs. Anna Post Muriel Narotsky and Anna Post Claire Post. Seated: Louis Post and his mother, Anna Post Kadimah Honors Anna Post
Former students- Standing: Mary Bengart, Michael Pressman, Talia Berkowitz, Jonathan Robyn Marcus-Weed, Sheryl Schecter and Kadimah students from all grades honored Mrs. Post Schecter, Marla Sherman, Laurie Sadler, Steven Sanders, Fred Blum, Jason Sherman, Melinda Judith Gendler Epstein Saran, Dr. Gale Burstein. Seated (L to R) Robyn Marcus-Weed, Anna Post, Shelly Hirsch Kadimah Honors Anna Post Network for Religious Communities Annual Meeting JRT’s Diva By Diva
NRC Annual Meeting speaker, Rabbi Ronald B.B. Symons, brother of Dr. Andy Kadimah teacher Michal Shmuel Lewis and Anna Post Symons, with his parents Diane and Bernie Schenkler and Dr. Surgit Singh having dinner Carol Lederman (right) and friends Jerry Symons together at the event JRT’S Diva by Diva in Memory of Liz Schulmon
Margery Nobel (center) and friends Natalie Abramson, Marcie Frankel, Linda Zemel The beautiful Divas who sang at this special event in memory of Liz Schulman. and Marilyn Wagner Director Mary Kate O’Connell is on the far right. 42 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 for more than just Christmas. Sponsored by Jews In The News
Juvenile Diabetes Gala Dr. Laz in Buffalo @ Knesset Center
Corinne Myers and Danielle Shatkin Dr. Bennett Myers, Cantor Penny Myers and Howard Schwartz, Ruth Schwartz, Joanne Shatkin, Danielle Knessett Center had a full house for Dr. David Lazerson’s talk in their daughter, Corinne Shatkin, Dr. Sam Shatkin memory of Rebbitzen Charitonow National Federation for Just Communities
Honorees Joanne Kahn and Joan Bozer Nancy Schiller and honoree MaryAnn Saccomando Marnie Benatovich Cerrato and Carolyn Hoyt Stevens Honoree James Biltekoff, Joanne Biltekoff Freedman and Steven Biltekoff National Federation for Just Communities
Temple Beth Zion’s Rabbi Gary Pokras offered the invocation Audre Bunis and NFJC President Lana Benatovich Diane Gardner, Cynthia Gardner and honoree Jonathan Gardner National Federation for Just Communities
Steven Biltekoff, Fern Levin, Susan Adelman, Joanne Biltekoff, Larry Levite, Linda Kahn and Sharon Levite Nancy Brock, Vice President-The M&T Charitable Foundation; Debbie Gold; Richard Gold Vice Chairman, M&T Bank; honoree Jane Gold; Shelley Drake, President- The M&T Charitable Foundation March 2015 | www.jfedbflo.com 43 Not TheLastWord The Power of Miriam By Miriam Greenberg
oday, the 5th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, is my actual Hebrew birthday-- the day that I turn 12! I believe that nothing happens by chance. My Bat Mitzvah Ttakes place in a week during which Jews all over the world recount the Torah’s powerful story of that great woman and influential leader, the prophetess Miriam! I now have what it takes to overcome the danger, whether physical, emotional or obstacles in my way – on my own. spiritual. But there are those who ignore I now have the spiritual maturity to fulfil the hazards and engage the world. What all the Mitzvot… to be the best person I kind of a person would willingly take can be, the best Jew that I can be. risks, jeopardizing the status quo? That’s what I celebrate today. Yes, that is none other than Miriam. Both Miriams! But if you think about it for a moment, Tonight, I say to you, my parents, my it seems quite odd! You would think that family and all of you, my community: I it would make more sense to throw a will try to live up to my responsibilities, party when you graduate and finish with to myself and to others. your responsibilities; but to celebrate the Like Miriam, I will stand up for what’s start of new responsibilities?! right. Yes. Today I am no longer training Like Miriam, I will work to make this Miriam Greenberg delivers her speech standing with her mother, Rivky Greenberg as a junior in a company; today I’m world a better place. Miriam was the elder sister of Moses for celebration. Yes, I’m 12, but I still excited to be promoted to become a full- And like Miriam of old, who led and Aaron. But Miriam was so much cannot drive like adults, I still don’t move fledged and equal partner in an awesome the women in song and dance, with more than just a big sister. Miriam out of my house, I still have a bed time. company. G-d’s company! A partner in tambourines in hand and with complete was responsible for the survival of the So what makes me different today from making the world a better place. faith in the redemption of our people, I entire Jewish nation. When Pharaoh all days? Albert Einstein said: Only a life of too will try to truly be a “MIRIAM”… decreed that all newborn baby boys I found it fascinating to learn the real giving is worth living. Well, growing up preparing this world for the ultimate be thrown into the Nile, Amram, story… Today I get a new soul, a Divine and seeing the fine example set by my song of redemption, with the coming of Miriam’s father, declared that it was Soul! And let me tell you, it actually feels parents and grandparents, I am so excited Moshiach. useless to continue bearing children, so divine! You see, when I was born, the of my privilege to start my own journey And I am confident that my mother will he divorced his wife Yocheved. Being Divine soul began its entry into my body, of making a difference. Today, I say to be there-- with her box of instruments-- that he was the Jewish leader, all the but it made a very modest appearance. G-d: I am ready to embark on my new to help me a little with the music! other couples followed his example – no At the same time, however, my ordinary mission as a Jewish woman, and I cannot Miriam Greenberg celebrated her Bat more marriages, no more children. Little soul, the so-called Animal Soul, made think of ANY better role models than Mitzvah at a community event in January. Miriam, only five years old, courageously a grand entry. It was all about me, me Miriam. Miriam, my great grandmother This was part of her speech. She is voiced her conviction: and myself. All I wanted was to be held, who I’m named after, and Miriam the the daughter of Rabbi Levi and Rivky “Father, your decree is worse than cuddled, changed and pampered. If I prophetess and the powerful lessons they Greenberg, and the granddaughter of Rabbi Pharaoh’s! For Pharaoh only decreed didn’t get what I wanted, boy did I throw both taught me. Heschel and Lea Greenberg. She is a 6th against the boys; but you decree against a tantrum! Yes, life is risky. No matter what we grader at Ohr Temimim School. boys AND girls!” That’s ok for a little baby, but if this do there’s always a certain amount of Miriam’s poignant words penetrated natural system would remain this way his heart. She was right! Only five years when we get older, we would all be in of age, yet Miriam stood up for what’s BIG trouble! Nothing would stand in right! She reversed the trend in the entire the way of getting what we want even community, and no sooner, her own at the expense of the needs and rights brother Moses was born, the famous of others. We would turn into monsters! leader who led our people to freedom, all So, to balance things, by the time our Bat thanks to my namesake, Miriam. or Bar Mitzvah rolls around, our Divine I am so lucky to have great role models Soul makes its full entry into our system. in both my mother AND my father, who inspire me to follow in Miriam’s It’s G-d’s special gift to me on my Bat footsteps, to know wrong from right and Mitzvah. to stand up for what’s right. I always I now feel empowered to resist my selfish wondered why is a Bat Mitzvah a reason interests - on my own. Guests enjoyed Miriams’ Bat Mitzvah 44 www.jfedbflo.com | March 2015 Say Happy Pesach and honor your friends in the Jewish Community. Say Happy Passover in the April issue of
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