The Award Winning » HAPPY THANKSGIVING

BUFFALO, ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD | WWW.BUFFALOJEWISHFEDERATION.ORG NOVEMBER 2020 | HESHVAN- KISLEV 5781

Gathering and Belonging in 2020 (5)

INSIDE: LOOK: DON’T MISS: GET OUT A PERFECT KADIMAH SCHOLARS THE VOTE WEDDING AT PARK (8-9) (10) (14)

WHAT’S INSIDE...

Published by November 2020 Buffalo Jewish Federation 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-2241 Editor’s Note On The Cover www.buffalojewishfederation.org

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

Gathering and Belonging in 2020 The Buffalo Jewish Federation Is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America and the American Jewish Press Association Produced by

Ellen Goldstein, Editor Teens participating in CJEL’s Jewish Teen Initiative came Gathering and belonging in 2020. That’s what the front together in the fall around a cozy fire during a retreat at Camp cover of this month’s issue of The Jewish Journal captures Centerland. Photo by Mike Steklof. through an image of teens coming together for a retreat, and what many of the stories on the inside of the paper convey. It’s November 2020. The COVID-19 crisis has been Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer ...... Barbara E. Macks part of our lives since March. We’ve weathered the fear and 3 Letter from the President [email protected] by Leslie Shuman Kramer chaos, Passover and schools closing in the spring; made the Creative Director ...... J.P. Thimot [email protected] best of our beautiful WNY summer, creatively celebrated 4 Federation Annual Meeting set for December 3 Lead Designer ...... Kimberly Miers and shared the High Holy Days together, and now we look 5 On the Cover: Jewish Teen Initiative [email protected] towards Thanksgiving and the coming winter. And it seems 6 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo Impact Report Senior Graphic Designers ...... Josh Flanigan, Nicholas Vitello, Adam Van Schoonhoven clear that gathering and belonging—to each other, to our 7 Community Religious School to Launch in 2021 Sales Director ...... Cynthia Oppenheimer, community, to the Jewish People, to Buffalo, to our country- [email protected] is what matters most. 8-9 JCRC: Get Out The Vote! & Candidates’ Forum Senior Account Executives ...... Terri Downey, Keren Green, And that is why you will find a piece about the 10 CJEL: Our Perfect Wedding by Angela Goldberg Mary Beth Holly, Robin Lenhard , Rachel Wasserman Proofreaders ...... Sharon C. Levite, Amy Goldstein CJEL’s Jewish Teen Initiative on page 5 so joyous. Jewish 11 CJEL: Jewish Changemakers by Sarah Droza teens getting together to share friendship and their love 12 CJEL: Hanukkah in a Box of Judaism in these days fraught with roadblocks and 13 Thank you Mike Silverman! loneliness. On pages 8 and 9, you’ll find that the JCRC has not let a little thing like a worldwide pandemic slow down 14 The Newest Park Pioneers by Mandy & Everett its focus on a more civil and caring community in WNY Weiss Members of through various Get Out The Vote (GOTV) projects. This 15 Rabbi’s Column by Rabbi Adam Rosenbaum month, you’ll meet Mike Rawl, the new Executive Director 16 5 Things You Can Do to Repair the World in of the JCC who talks about his family, his passions, work and November vision for the Jewish people (page 17). You’re invited to a Where in Jewish Buffalo Submissions: virtual Kristallnacht commemoration through the Holocaust 17 Meet new JCC CEO Mike Rawl Submit editorial stories, photos, and calendar items by the 1st of the Resource Center November 9 (page 20), and you can learn preceding month of issue to [email protected]. 18 FJP at 109 what became of at least one of the Torahs from Europe To Advertise: that was confiscated during the Nazi terror that was the 19 Poetry at the JCC To advertise, call Cynthia Oppenheimer at 716-783-9119 x2240. Holocaust (page 24). 20 Kristallnacht Commemoration is November 9 Ad space & materials are due by the 10th of each month prior to We begin looking forward towards Federation’s Annual publication. For a rate card and any additional information, please 21 Special Advertising Supplement: Dining Guide Meeting and Awards Ceremony December 3 by introducing email Cynthia Oppenheimer [email protected] you this month to Brenda Feldstein and Alon Kupferman, Food by Almaza Restaurant, Robin Kurss or Barbara Macks [email protected]. the event co-chairs and Emerging Leader award winners 23 Special Advertising Supplement: Thanksgiving To Subscribe: on page 4. And we close this issue by saying farewell 24 TBZ’s Holocaust Torah To subscribe to the Jewish Journal, please email info@ buffalojewishfederation.org. Free for Western New York area to a Woman of Valor, a Jewish heroine, Justice Ruth 26-27 Organizations & Synagogue Listings Bader Ginsburg, through pieces by native Buffalonian and residents and donors to the Campaign. 28-29 Special Advertising Supplement: Small Business NYC-based author Nancy Davidoff Kelton, and Genesis The Jewish Journal of WNY (JJWNY) reserves the right to cancel any advertisement at Foundation Chair Stan Polovitz on pages 30-31. 30-31 In Memoriam: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg any time. The Buffalo Jewish Federation and Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. are not liable for the content or errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of Wishing you a 32 Not The Last Word by Vickie Rubin the space occupied. The JJWNY does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. Editorials, columns, advertisements, warm and satisfying agency reports and other outside articles do not necessarily represent the views Thanksgiving holiday. of the newspaper or the Buffalo Jewish Federation, but rather express the view of And don’t forget to the writer. VOTE! 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, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly 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 on an equal opportunity basis.

2 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 LETTER FROM THE FEDERATION PRESIDENT COMMUNITY What’s Jewish Engagement All About?

Five years ago I attended my first or CrossFit, join a community group of runners not at the Hyatt hotel, but was viewed, GA (General Assembly) of the Jewish or cyclists, do yoga at a neighborhood studio, now by over 1000 people, both on the day Federations of North America (JFNA) or buy a Peloton bike to keep in the apartment. of the event and later by watching it on along with a lively group of professionals Our job as Jewish communal leaders, we YouTube. We highlighted both NCJ and and volunteers representing the Buffalo agreed, is to find a way to make the Jewish the Momentum trip, PJLibrary (another Jewish Federation (BJF). At one of the community relevant to their lives. Not to fit engagement opportunity for those with breakout sessions, entitled “Talking About them into the format of life that works for us. young families) and many other programs My Generation,” the featured panel of three And that has been the philosophy put into we offer to the community. There was even 20-something Jewish entrepreneurs talked practice at the Buffalo Jewish Federation for a magician who performed a card trick that about the place Judaism and the Jewish the last five years. Meet community members seems to work every time! community held in their lives. One was where they are, connect to them where they are But the true magic of this campaign year the President of the University of Michigan physically, emotionally, spiritually. We can’t just for me was when I learned that AFTER Hillel, one started a bike club for young invite them to attend and partake in our world, the kickoff event was viewed, a group of Jewish professionals in Boston, and the last lower the cost of admission, and hope they NCJ participants gathered to discuss their was a computer whiz/tech entrepreneur show up. They simply won’t. Research shows philanthropy. On their own, this group in NYC. They talked about how the Jewish Leslie Kramer that they are motivated by passion, interest, decided they wanted to learn about giving community should bend toward their needs and a personal connection to the cause or back with their dollars, not just their time. and desires. They talked about not being experience and they were already organization they are supporting, not by a sense At the end of their meeting, the group raised understood and not being listened to by doing so! But we were still stuck in our of obligation or guilt. nine first time gifts to the campaign. And, the Jewish community establishment. They old ways, with our own perspectives. And moreover, give them ownership. It is a few of those giving had either lost their shared their feelings about connecting to This was my “aha!” moment when I not for us to create for them, but rather for jobs or their salaries had been significantly Jewish life in ways that felt selfish and self- began to understand what community us to support their ability and desire to create reduced. These new gifts were an act of centered to many in the audience. They engagement is all about. for themselves. Some voices from community love and commitment to our community. weren’t interested in attending synagogue A few months later I was in a elders expressed dismay and concern over The Momentum group of moms also services like their parents; they didn’t want meeting with one of our Jewish Buffalo whether these young adults would contribute to made a powerful statement with their to join their local JCCs. professional leaders, and we were the community. money. They pooled together and raised They were creating their own groups talking about how to engage “the with whom to get together, eschewing the younger generation.” We were musing “Young Professional” groups their local over certain programming that one Our job is to find a way to make the Jewish community Federations had established. There was might have thought would appeal to relevant to their lives. Not to fit them into the format a lot of eye-rolling in the audience, and this age group, but the number of people muttered under their breath things participants indicated to the contrary. of life that works for us. like “such a self-centered generation!” and This professional just couldn’t attract “this is really the ME generation, isn’t it?!” these younger community members. Past issues of this newspaper have featured $2,500 to give to organizations in Israel, I was fascinated, watching this scene Sighing, this professional lamented articles about numerous Federation initiatives many of which are in the Western Galilee, unfold, trying for myself to figure out that “the younger kids just don’t care that seek to provide substantive programming our partnership region. Among this group, this group of dynamic and passionate but about Judaism” and being Jewish. to traditionally difficult-to-engage cohorts. most had not contributed to the Campaign largely disconnected young Jews. Sure, “I disagree,” I said in response Among them, we have featured Nickel City Jews for Jewish Buffalo prior to their Momentum there was the kid from Hillel representing “I think these younger people care (NCJ), a platform for engaging with young adults, experience. a more engaged group, but what about the very much. However, some of our helping them to build networks and connect It’s not the amount that matters, others? What would we do about them? community programs that appeal Jewishly with their peers, and to experience it’s the act of giving that moved me so They are our future, we all thought. to older people, no matter how Jewish community in terms that resonate with much. I know that each of these new gifts Then the Q&A started, and someone inexpensive we make them, and no them. We have also featured stories about come directly from the heart, made by asked them why they feel unheard. And the matter how much we advertise, just the Momentum program and trip to Israel last thoughtful people who find connection whiz kid from NYC gave an example. When don’t resonate with them.” We talked December, where 15 mothers of school-aged and community with the BJF. They’ve had the panel of young adults was asked to give about the panoply of activities and children traveled, learned and grew together meaningful experiences, and now they are a name to this very session, they offered obligations young adults have pulling over a year long process of connecting Jewishly committing to taking responsibility for, one they felt appropriately represented the at them, vying for every second of their to each other, to Israel, to our community and and ownership of the very community that discussion. However, when arriving at the time, from work, to family obligations, to themselves. provides them with so much meaning. conference they saw in the program that the to social opportunities. We discussed As with all of these program opportunities, I hope you too have found meaning organizers had changed the name of their the fact that those in this generation the focus is to engage the participants and and a sense of community. If you have session to “Talking About My Generation.” are typically not “joiners” of agencies invest in them so that they can create their own contributed to the 2021 Campaign for To me and the other participants, that and organizations as their older experiences. We know they won’t stick with Jewish Buffalo, I thank you. If you have yet title was immediately recognizable as lyrics counterparts have been. We discussed us out of obligation. We know that in order to to do so, I thank you in advance. Raising in the beloved rock song we all grew up that they generally, as a rule (there engage them, we must make them a part of money is not our goal, but it is how we fund with: My Generation by The Who. “Yeah,” are many exceptions) don’t join gyms the conversation and empower them to create all the powerful experiences we provide said the young man, “that’s your song. as we might have done at their age, experiences that are meaningful to them. Only for you, our community. Please consider We didn’t even know what it was.” And, but rather they pick and choose where then will they feel a part of our community. making your 2021 gift today. For every zing! Suddenly I understood them. We their loyalties and interests lie. For In September, the Buffalo Jewish Federation generation and every passion, we are in it were trying to fit them into OUR mold. instance, rather than join a gym, one kicked off the 2021 Campaign for Jewish Buffalo. together. They needed to create their own Jewish might attend classes at Orange Theory Unlike other years, this campaign kickoff was November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 3 COMMUNITY Federation 117th Annual Meeting Set for December 3 Virtual Gathering to Celebrate Leadership in Jewish Buffalo

The Buffalo Jewish Federation’s 117th Annual Meeting and award celebration will take place virtually Thursday, December 3 from 6-6:30 pm. This year’s unique gathering will be hosted by 2020 Emerging Leadership Awardees Brenda Feldstein and Alon Kupferman. In addition to recognizing Brenda and Alon for their inspired leadership, Federation will install the 2021 Board of Governors and present the Judith & Daniel Kantor Professional Service Award and the Ann Holland Cohn Community Impact Award.

Meeting co-host Alon Kupferman is building is so befitting of this honor.” A the Ann and Meyer Riwchun Leadership Buffalo transplant, Alon earned his MBA in Awardee for 2020. For decades, the Marketing & Strategy from the University Federation has presented annual awards to of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of an emerging male and female community Business. He joined M&T Bank as part leader. “We are very excited to bestow this of their Executive Associate Program in year’s men’s award to Alon,” said Federation 2007 and has held multiple positions at President Leslie Shuman Kramer. “The M&T and is currently the Head of Wealth award provides an opportunity each year for Management Digital at Wilmington Trust, us to recognize and invest in an emerging a subsidiary of M&T. Annual meeting co-chairs Brenda Feldstein and Alon Kupferman leader who demonstrates a commitment Prior to joining the M&T, Alon served to the growth and sustainability of as a Legislative Assistant to the White and Founding Chair of Digital Channels in the national edition of Yahoo News. our vibrant and caring Buffalo Jewish House, Assistant Legislative Director of Committee Consumer Bankers Brenda is actively involved in several community. Alon’s dedication to Jewish AJC, Director of Policy and Communication Associations. Alon is currently President of Jewish communal organizations, and Buffalo and his passion for community for the US House of Representatives the Jewish Community Center, stewarding last December joined 14 other moms in the organization through the COVID-19 the Momentum trip to Israel. “Brenda’s Pandemic and the transition to new CEO positivity, skills and passion for Jewish Mike Rawl. (Read about Mike on page 17.) Buffalo make her an ideal Kahn awardee,” The other meeting co-host, Brenda commented Federation’s CEO Rob Feldstein, is the Ruth and Milton Kahn Goldberg. “One example was her tireless Women’s Leadership Awardee for 2020. work during the pandemic to help our Born in Brazil and the granddaughter Center for Jewish Engagement and of Holocaust survivors, Brenda has an Learning experiment with how best to undergraduate degree in communications engage children and Jewish families.” and an MBA from the University of Buffalo. Details on how you can participate in the She worked for several years as a video Annual Meeting and Award Celebration field reporter, producer, and television host on December 3 will be featured in the for a national television/video production Federation’s weekly e-mail My Jewish company in Brazil before moving to the Buffalo in the coming weeks. If you would United States. Brenda founded and leads like more information, please contact Joan her own video production company called Kwiatkowski at the Federation by emailing “A Special Story” and has been featured her: [email protected].

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4 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 CJEL COMMUNITY The Bonnie Teen Retreat at Camp Centerland Clement Team

BY ADAM BEITER On Saturday September 24th, I had the pleasure of helping to lead a wonderful event put together by the Buffalo Jewish Teen Initiative and the Center for Jewish Engagement and Learning. Along with fellow teen leaders Elliott Borden, Anya Weinrieb, Julia Maxick, and Kennedy Henry, I helped to plan and carry out a Teen Retreat for Jewish teens in grades 8-12 at the Jewish Community Center’s Camp Centerland.

Participants seen here at the retreat included Asher Weinrieb, Max Weinrieb, Sofia Reisman, Jordan Levine, Anya Zions, Syvonne Forgette, Angelica Levy, Karen Levy, Shaina Potash, Stephanie Newberger, Mary Hutton, Bonnie Clement, Lisa Levin, Max Steinberg, Emily Steinberg, Adam Beiter, Julia Maxick, Anya Weinrieb, Shir Paz, Kennedy Henry, Jonas Borden, Aaron Herman, Charlie Herman, Joshua Garson, Zelda Abramovich, and Elliott Borden. Sheryl Martin, Beth Joseph BONNIE CLEMENT Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Cell: 716.553.8384 [email protected] | BonnieClement.com HUNT ERA Williamsville Village Branch: 5570 Main Street, 1st Floor, Williamsville, NY 14221

We began the retreat by checking people also discovered that sometimes leading in using COVID protocols, and from there doesn’t go as planned, but improvising the fun and friendship began! Some of and focusing on fun was the key to the highlights of the day’s activities and success in this case. CREATIVE RESOLUTIONS WHILE PRESERVING RELATIONSHIPS programs included a morning Shabbat The day ended on an extremely gratitude service, Color War field games, positive note, with a Havdalah singalong a mock presentation from our Student to and campfire, and a movie, Black Panther, Paul Pearson has over 40 years’ experience in providing Student group, a Havdalah service, and screened at the nearby Camp Centerland innovative resolution services for a variety of conflicts. discussion programs on the subjects of amphitheater. I will never forget the As an attorney and senior mediator, Paul facilitates “The Jewish Question” and “Challenging amazing and memorable experience that Yourself and Challenging God.” I had at this event. Taking part in Jewish out-of-court settlements, crafting individual solutions I was overjoyed to lead the Color War Buffalo events always makes me feel for each problem- saving you time, money and stress. and Shalosh Seudos, a traditional “third accepted and proud, and this retreat was meal” between lunch and Havdalah in a blast! which participants sing songs and tell Adam is a senior at Hamburg High stories. I learned a lot from leading and School and a participant in the Federation’s meeting new people at the retreat and CJEL Student to Student Program November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 5

COMMUNITY Community Religious School to Launch in 2021

During Yom Kippur services, Bruce Corris, Marcia Goldstein and David Goldberg – the presidents of Congregation Shir Shalom, Temple Beth Tzedek and Temple Beth Zion, respectively – informed each of their communities that together they are taking bold steps toward the creation of a new community religious school beginning in September 2021. “This is a unique moment for us at Shir Shalom and our partners at Temple Beth Tzedek and Temple Beth Zion,” said Corris. “As the pandemic has continued – and the depth of its impact on our lives has become more acutely felt – leaders from all three of our congregations have embraced this unique opportunity to work together to fashion ONE school for families across Jewish Buffalo – a school dedicated to helping children become Jewishly engaged, confident and inquisitive.” “Our Temple Beth Zion voice has been loud and clear,” Dave Goldberg told his congregants. “The task force leading the effort is chaired by our members and respected educators Gretchen Gross and Evie Weinstein, and Cantor Penny Myers and our current school principal Beth Steinberg have also been a part of conversations about what a new school could look like.” Marcia Goldstein from Temple Beth Tzedek noted that “the collaborative spirit of the task force is animating creativity and fueling energy to create a dynamic school that impacts every school-aged child in our three communities.” While the new school is a work in y d progress and the logistics of the new ta te enterprise are yet to be determined, the SStay ec Sign up today to receive text Presidents underscored that in this time nn notifications and reminders. of uncertainty, the three congregations cconnectedo Text “federationconnect” are coming together as one community to build for the future: to mold and n (one word) to 31996 experiment and create a new and i in Normal text messaging rates apply. engaging community school. Watch for h s Text “STOP” to opt out. Text “HELP” more information in the months to come. i o! ew al for help. Receive up to 4 messages JJewishff per month Bu Buffalo! November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 7 COMMUNITY JCRC Get Out The Vote— Get Out The Vote at Hillel of Buffalo

Thank you Jewish Buffalo! Hillel of Buffalo has been engaging students BY MARA KOVEN-GELMAN, JCRC Director using MitzVote, a non-partisan Get-Out-The-Vote campaign that provides students education and Here is a familiar and humorous story told about Jewish immigrants. “My parents took me to polling sites for resources to mobilize and vote. This initiative was every election. They voted for every level of government – even the dog catcher!” This is a common post-war created by Hillel International and led in Buffalo story of Jewish civic pride and engagement for many who came from totalitarian countries. by Hillel’s new Springboard Fellow Macie Clawson. It encourages students to register to vote, ask The process of choosing governing questions, learn more about local and state races, and leadership is part of Jewish teachings. We participate in activities relating to voter registration learn that in the Talmud that, “One may and engagement. Every Tuesday Macie has been only appoint a leader over a community posting a MitzVote video to Hillel’s Instagram page, only if one consults with the community. followed by many students. The people must choose who will rule Students also had a recent virtual DIY campaign over them,” says Rabbi Yitzak. poster party with poster-making materials pre- Thus, we know that civic engagement delivered to students. They spent a night making is also a core American Jewish value and their own campaign posters for their rooms. With practice – religious and civic. Jewish Gen Z and Millennials being the largest bloc of voter turnout rates are generally 60-75 percent, according to demographer Dr. Individuals Steven Windmueller. from several As the 2020 election nears, JCRC Jewish organizations is taking a moment to reflect and working to share gratitude for the Buffalo Jewish Get Out The Vote community’s strong volunteer voter engagement efforts. More than 80 people (of all ages, and branches of Judaism) hand-wrote and sent postcards as part of the national “Reclaim Our Vote” (ROV) initiative. Deborah Cohen, Hillel of Buffalo a Congregation Shir Shalom member working to Get Out spearheaded this initiative with Renee’ The Vote Stith. Active volunteers included Marta Herzburn of Amherst Community Church, Shelly Kerker at Congregation eligible voters in this upcoming election, MitzVote at Beth Abraham and Judith Fales from Hillel of Buffalo is excited to continue programming Temple Beth Zion. or family member’s home or been to the supermarket in seven months, to engage students and demonstrate that they play a Nationwide, ROV organizers reported but today, I was trained and declared an official poll inspector for the Erie vital role in the upcoming election. over 6.3 million postcards were mailed, County Board of Elections. Why? Well, as Edward Everett Hale, an active Volunteer efforts ensure we participate in one of with 25% of people who received them member of the Chautauqua adult-education program, said in the mid-19th the best American values- the ability to have a voice registering to vote. Other Buffalo century: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still and choice in who leads all levels of government – community members participated in I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to town, city, county, state and federal. Kol Hakavod – all phone banking, serving as poll workers do the something that I can do.” the respect – to an effort well done! on voting day, canvassing low voter areas with non-partisan “Get Out The Vote (GOTV) messages and encouraging their out-of-state children and grandparents Reclaim Our Vote Buffalo Initiative to vote safely. The following graph details the groups working together for the Buffalo Jewish Community’s “Reclaim Our Vote” Federation’s JCRC created a “Safe postcard initiative, which was aimed at individuals dropped from voting roles in key states. Voting in Erie County 2020” website and distributed early voting postcards Lead Location Writers # of Postcards with partners and friends including the Renee Stith Various 40 2000/week Chinese Club of WNY, Hispanic Women’s League, League of Women Voters, Deborah Cohen CSS 80 1000/week NAACP, NFJC and NRC, and VOICE Marta Herzburn Amherst Communi- 41 485/week Buffalo. Additionally, JCRC created a candidates’ forum (see opposite page) ty Church for the NYS Assembly District 146 and Shelly Kerker Congregation Beth 22 300/week NYS Senate District 61 races. Nina Lukin, JCRC co-chair said in Abraham early October, “I have not visited a friend Judith Fales TBZ 20 205/week 8 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 COMMUNITY There is Buffalo JCRC Candidates’ Forum still time Inspired by core Jewish values, the Buffalo Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) seeks to sustain a more civil and caring To make your community in Western New York and around the world. The JCRC invited four candidates—Jacqualine Berger and Edward A. Rath III who are running for the New York State Senate District 61 seat, and Karen McMahon and Robin L. Wolfgang, who are running for pledge to the the New York State Assembly District 146 seat—to offer their views on three questions: Based on the JCRC mission, and given your experience and background, how would you address the following as a NYS Legislator? 2020 1) The increase of hate crimes and antisemitism? Campaign 2) What are your top four priorities? 3) What are the steps you will take to help our region’s COVID-19 recovery? for Jewish * For voters who want to learn more, what are your website and social media addresses? Buffalo.

Jacqualine Berger Legislator Edward A. Rath III Karen McMahon Robin L. Wolfgang Candidate for NYS Senate Candidate for NYS Senate Candidate for NYS Assembly Candidate for NYS Assembly District 61 (Democrat) District 61 (Republican, District 146 (Democrat and District 146 (Republican, Conservative Party, Working Family Party) Conservative, Independence Party) 1) We need to acknowledge Independence Party, Serve the prevalence of hate crimes America Movement Party) 1) I’ll continue to fight for 1) As a Jewish woman, I and antisemitism, then engage legislation that addresses have experienced this form of and educate our communities. I 1) The increase in hate crimes antisemitism, like the “Hate hate, and my family has fought will continue to work for racial, is extremely troubling. I believe Crimes Domestic Terrorism antisemitism for generations. One social and economic justice and we not only need to increase Act,” and amendments to bail way to combat hate crimes is to institute programs and support penalties for these heinous acts reform that classify the hate ensure funding exists for schools for all communities. I would but also must do our part to crimes of assault and arson as to be mandated to teach about require the infusion of anti-bias engage in constructive dialog bail eligible. I’ll also continue the Holocaust and serve as an and social justice materials in and create a more accepting to sign statements condemning effective deterrent to future acts During this schools so children are active community. antisemitism and budget of hate. critical time, participants in a diverse society. 2) Working to make NY more requests supporting security 2) My legislative priorities 2) Fully fund and support affordable through regulatory measures in non-public schools. start with fully funding our The Federation is public education reform and lower taxes. 2) Having spent my legal career educational system. We must also here for you, as it Grow the economy for Keeping our community safe administering justice, upholding aid our economic recovery with has been for Jews in everyone including middle- by ensuring our justice system the rule of law, and advocating a solid plan to help workers and class and working families is fair, while holding people who for the under-represented, my small business owners. We need need for more than Preserve the environment for violate the law accountable. priorities include quality public to designate broadband access 100 years. future generations Standing up for our region education, affordable health an essential service. Fourth, we Expand access to health care and ensuring we get our fair care, job growth in Western New must fix reforms to the criminal Your gift will and reduce medical costs share. York, and initiatives to protect justice system to fight crime while continue to support 3) I would work to provide Increasing accountability the environment and combat protecting victims. and sustain vibrant financial assistance to and transparency in State climate change. 3) COVID recovery starts with municipalities enabling them to government. 3) In response to the Albany rectifying past mistakes and caring Jewish provide services. I would work 3) We must make the process pandemic, I’ve assisted that created the worst business Community all over with each community in the of reopening more transparent, hundreds of constituents obtain climate in the nation. Make district to create working groups so residents and businesses unemployment insurance New York more affordable by Western New York, such as economic development, have clear, workable guidelines. benefits and passed legislation reducing property tax burdens Israel and around the faith community, small As a legislator, I am working to support essential workers, and help families reduce energy the world. business, and community life, to develop programs to assist small businesses, renters and costs. Support regional parity for to identify challenges and then small businesses dealing with homeowners. I’ll continue to improving infrastructure. Expand work to address them. COVD-19. If elected as NY State advocate to get people back to broadband access to meet COVID Please go to our website: Senator, I will continue this work and kids back to school era needs of telehealth and Buffalojewishfederation.org/ www.BergerForSenate.com same advocacy and leadership. as safely and responsibly as remote working. donate facebook/ BergerForSenate possible. www.jointhewolfgang.com Or call [email protected] Edrathforsenate.com Facebook @ Assistant Executive Director fb.com/edrathforsenate www.McMahonforassembly.com wolfgangforassembly; Randi Morkisz at Instagram - @EdRath social media: @ Twitter @jointhewolfgang; 716-628-3431 Twitter - @EdRath McMahonforNYS Instagram @jointhewolfgang November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 9 COMMUNITY CJEL

perfectly reflected us as individuals and Our Perfectly “Us” Wedding the traditions we are bringing together in our marriage. BY ANGELA GOLDBERG one another became dangerous, and On August 22, the sun shone through When my now-husband Dana face masks were added to our checklist the leaves and we were married by Susan Billings and I got engaged last June, of things we needed to have whenever in front of our immediate families in the we knew that wedding planning was leaving the house. backyard of my husband’s grandfather. going to be stressful. We knew that After making our decision, I The spot where we were married is we would need to figure out a guest immediately felt a wave of relief. We the exact spot where his parents were list, find a venue, create and stay had done the hard part: We’d made the married, as well as his sister and brother- within a budget, all while creating a decision. However, as August 22 got in-law, so we were the third couple in his meaningful day that reflected who closer, we both felt a sense of loss. After family married there. We were married we were. We were not expecting that a lot of consideration, we emailed our underneath a pink and gold chuppah held a global pandemic would make us officiant, Susan Goldberg Schwartz, up with branches. That chuppah has been rethink all of our planning just a few towards the end of June asking if she in my family for generations, and is the months before the wedding. would be willing to do a small ceremony same one that my great-grandparents and We planned to get married on August for us on our original date in August. my parents used. We wrote our own vows 22 at Becker Farms with all of our friends Susan was an integral part of our ideal and each of our living grandparents spoke and family present to celebrate with us. wedding plans from the very beginning. and offered us their own special blessings. In March, as news of COVID-19 spreading We’d met when we participated in a When initially planning our wedding across the US started to emerge, we held Mussar program for interfaith couples the after we got engaged, we knew that out hope that things would improve. previous year, and the attention and care whatever we did needed to represent However, as time went on, it became Dana Billings and Angela Goldberg she put into that program and all of her the two traditions that we were bringing evident that the wedding we had been under the chuppah planning was not going to be possible. With deposit deadlines and the date to until July 2021. Our top priority was the send out our invitations looming closer, safety and comfort of our guests and there we sat down together and made the seemed to be no way to guarantee that difficult decision to postpone everything as businesses closed, physically greeting

Lawley is proud to be a long-standing supporter of the Jewish Community of Western New York Dana and Angela with wedding officiant Susan Goldberg Schwartz communication with us was something together. It was important for us to that deeply resonated. We were so pleased highlight our families, the communities when Susan not only agreed to our brand- that have raised us, and the unique new plan at the last moment, but was so things that we individually bring to our excited to help us officially get married in relationship. We always wanted our spite of all of the challenges that had been wedding to feel undoubtedly like us. The Fred Holender Stuart Scheff Gary May Steve Jacobs thrown at us. silver lining of needing to postpone and .. .. .. .. Perspective is everything. At first, re-plan our wedding due to COVID-19 postponing our wedding seemed like a was that we got exactly that and more. terrible loss, and a small ceremony felt By stripping down what our original like a placeholder. It seemed like a means “traditional” wedding plans looked like, to an end or something to tide us over we were able to have the most meaningful until we could properly celebrate the way and most perfectly “us” wedding ceremony we had originally wanted to. However, that we will never forget. when all was said and done, the wedding Angela Goldberg is a Buffalo native with we had this summer will always be our a strong passion for local arts and music. “real” wedding, not only because of the She grew up studying the violin, writes paperwork we signed, but because of how poetry and is also an avid photographer. beautifully it represented the relationship Angela is the Managing Director of the that my husband and I have built together Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, where she has over the 8 years of our relationship. It been working since 2015. 10 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 CJEL COMMUNITY Jewish Changemakers Fellowship BY SARAH DROZDA When I received the news I so imperative in order to make progress. had been chosen for the There were two really important lessons This past summer, I had the honor Fellowship, I was automatically I learned that I want to share with of participating in the JFNA (Jewish ready to go – I didn’t want to everyone – the first by Rabbi Shmuly Federations of North America) wait another few weeks to begin. Yanklowitz, who said to find one or two Changemakers Fellowship alongside Each day of the Fellowship would causes that you are passionate about and fellow Buffalonians Seth Blum and start off with a podcast and a put all your energy into those efforts. Changemaker Coach Shiri Kester. daily challenge that Fellows You will make more of a difference were able to do on their own doing that than trying to fix everything. time. Some of the challenges Personally, I could present a huge list focused on personal growth, of causes I care about, but if I tried to while others encouraged direct do them all, my impact might actually action, such as signing up to be less. volunteer for an organization The second was given by Rabbi Sandra that one may have been putting Lawson, and her message was to take off. The Fellowship involved a the time for self-care, especially on required core session followed Shabbat. We cannot put our best into by electives that Fellows could repairing the world if we do not take the Sarah Drozda choose from. Most days I had time to take care of ourselves as well. a hard time choosing because After participating in this Fellowship, personally and globally, and I felt like there was there were so many great ones I now have the confidence to make a I am sure that I am not the only no way for me to keep up! I wanted to help, but to attend! difference, and won’t hesitate to use my person that felt like this, but this past I didn’t know where to start. I had a voice, but I The Fellowship sessions voice and stand up for what’s right. summer and the few months leading up didn’t know how to use it. Even if I knew where to opened the door to engage in Sarah Drozda is a graduate student to it was a really overwhelming time for begin, I lacked the confidence I needed to make difficult discussions that we in Museum Studies at Buffalo State and me. There was so much happening both a difference. may normally stray from but are actively involved with Nickel City Jews.

612 Northland Avenue Buffalo, New York 14211

On view through January 10, 2021

Swoon: Seven Contemplations was made possible through the generosity of Jock and Betsy Mitchell. Community Spirit Programming is made possible by an anonymous donor in honor of those who have been touched by Albright-Knox Northland addiction and in memory of those who have died from the is supported by disease. Additional support provided by Sarah M. Fallon and Dr. John R. Fudyma, C-2 Paint, and Red Disk. The Albright-Knox’s exhibition program is generously supported by The Seymour H. Knox Foundation, Inc. Photograph by Brenda Bieger and Amanda Smith.

November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 11 Register for your ffreere bit.ly/chanukahboxe box at

Illuminating the light we bring to our families, communities, and the broader world inside each box Box of Light is a project of CJEL is something to: A project of the Center for Jewish Engagement and Learning, this FREE box ($30 value) is filled with Jewish content and Light up activities for the holiday of Chanukah, and is designed your home for families with children ages 0 to 12. Please register in advance to reserve your box of gifts and at-home-activities Do It celebrating light in all its forms! Supplies are limited to one Yourself box per family. Pickup will take place at Congregation Shir Shalom and the Temple Beth Zion Broder building on Inspire the designated dates and times. pursuit of Justice Challenge your creativity chanukah events for the whole family 1ST NIGHT 3RD DAY 6TH NIGHT 8TH NIGHT Save energy Thursday 12.10 @ 7 PM Sunday 12.13 @ 11 AM Tuesday 12.15 @ 7 PM Thursday 12.17 @ 7 PM Virtual Candle Lighting Let’s Get Real: Donut Making Workshop Virtual Chanukah Concert with CJEL The December Dilemma with Bloom and Rose with Jewish Buffalo Bake a bit.ly/bufcandlelighting bit.ly/decdilemma bit.ly/donutmaking bit.ly/chanukahconcert sweet treat Help you fry PARTNERS Box of Light is made possible thanks to the generosity of several local donors, and is a project of the Center for Jewish Engagement and Celebrate the Learning in partnership with the Congregation Shir Shalom, Temple Festival of Lights Beth Tzedek, and Temple Beth Zion Religious Schools.

12 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 JCC COMMUNITY Honoring Mike Silverman for How I Learned to Enjoy Life in 1 leading BIJFF since 2004 Different Ways (at age 6 /2)

When Michael Silverman BY SOPHIE MIRIAM HART GREEN pregnant made things even more volunteered to chair the Buffalo frustrating. Luckily, after my International Jewish Film Festival One day in March, my parents told me brother was born, my parents were in 2004, he was excited by the about the Coronavirus and that I wouldn’t able to find a way for most of my opportunity to offer high quality be able to see any of my cousins or aunts grandparents to cross the border foreign films that wouldn’t have and uncles or grandparents anytime soon with a letter from the hospital normally been seen in the area for that lived in lots of places around the asking permission. But when they the enjoyment of film aficionados of world. I didn’t know how long it would be left after a few days, I felt sad all ages and cultures. Chairing such before I would see them again. I was used again and started crying. a committee is a time-consuming to going every few weeks to Toronto to see A couple weeks later, around responsibility that requires hundreds my grandparents. Rosh Hashanah, I realized that I of hours of screening films, managing just needed to enjoy the things in committee responsibilities and life. I called my grandparents and schedules, and even running the told them the same things that I popcorn machine on many occasions. thought in my head. Sixteen years and more than 200 Like, even if you’re having a film screenings later, Silverman is hard time, you just need to look “retiring” from his role with much Retiring BIJFF Chair Mike Silverman at last around and do whatever you can gratitude and appreciation from the year’s Film Festival at the Amherst Dipson do to get your mind off of your Jewish Community Center, of which Theatre sad feelings. I’ve been keeping the Film Festival has been a successful my mind off of my sad feelings community program for 35 years. “Michael Silverman has been by going to school, sending mail The Buffalo International Jewish Film an amazing asset to the Buffalo to my family, drawing pictures of Festival is the 3rd longest running Jewish International Jewish Film Festival,” said them, video chatting and playing Film Festival in the country. Under Katie Wzontek, Cultural Arts Director games with my family over the Silverman’s leadership the Festival at the JCC. “His keen sense of what computer. Playing board games has grown significantly, continuing makes a film great, constant hard work with my parents, and snuggling to present award-winning films that and dedication as a volunteer Chair to with my brothers has helped me fulfill the Festival’s mission: to provide the committee is truly valued. As a not- feel better and also calms me an educational and entertaining cultural for-profit agency, the JCC depends on down. Sometimes we just need experience for communities of Western volunteers to help grow and expand to be a bit patient and change the New York through the power of exceptional many programs. Mike has gone above way we do things, and then those world-class cinema, aspiring to convey and beyond with the time and energy moments of feeling happy will the diversity of Jewish experience, while he has invested as Chair. He leaves us happen. recognizing the commonality of Jewish with a strong legacy and an impressive In the first few months, my grandparents and Sophie Miriam Hart Green is a values. position from which to continue I felt so sad, especially my Bubbie. She wanted 2nd grade student at Ohr Temimim Silverman’s continued passion and bringing our unique film festival to our to see me even more than eating five chocolate School, and a regular correspondent pride for high quality international many communities.” chip cookies (even big giant ones)! Over that for The Jewish Journal. film and his commitment to building same time, my mom was also pregnant with the Festival earned him the prestigious my now baby brother Solomon Isaac. Not being Ralph Kushner Volunteer Service Award able to see each other while my mom was in 2014. The award, established in 1998 and named after the late Ralph Kushner, a longtime community volunteer coordinator, is given annually to a Multiple Winner community member who demonstrates Buffalo’s Best Buffalo Spree’s exemplary volunteer community Best of WNY wishes you all good health leadership and is the JCC’s highest BEST and much gratitude. honor. BAGEL! Additionally, Silverman helped bring homemade shmears deli sandwiches • soups • salads the Festival to the Amherst Dipson fi nest dark roasted coffees • fresh-baked bagels Theatre at 3500 Main Street in Buffalo, signature tuna fi sh • and more! building a new, broader-based audience. When the 35th Festival season was MARSHALL’S PLAZA 2130 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 716.874.1800 postponed due to the pandemic, he SNYDER SQUARE 4498 Main St., Snyder, NY 14226 716.839.2222 716.639.1000 guided the transition to designing a DASH’S PLAZA 100 A Plaza Dr, Williamsville virtual Film Festival, which resulted in Gift Cards available! Let us do the work! audience members joining even from SHIVAH PLATTERS • KIDDUSH PLATTERS WWW.BAGELJAYS.COM Great for holiday giving! N.Y. WEDDING BRUNCHES locales far beyond Buffalo. November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 13 COMMUNITY

to meet our expectations in delivering The Newest Park Pioneers high quality education. Without a doubt, a subjective assessment and a personal BY MANDY AND EVERETT WEISS decision, but a grave realization at best. We Every family has their nighttime first sat down to identify what was most routines. For our 10-year old daughter, important to us: in-person education, Maddie, each day culminates with an demonstrated safe operational protocols introspective recollection of the three and procedures (documented policies and best parts of our day. Without fail, procedures alone would not suffice), a every weeknight since her first day demonstrated high-quality curriculum, of school, she lists “school” as one of and a successfully executed remote her three. It has undoubtedly been learning plan should the school be forced a long haul since the beginning of to close due to high local community viral this pandemic. Last spring, the loss of load. school as we knew it was traumatic for We immediately began to evaluate the everyone in our family. school options available to us. The Park Both Maddie and our 7 year-old son School checked all of our boxes and offered Avery lamented having to sit through even more value with their partnership online video conferencing, even though it with the Kadimah Scholars program. was for only thirty or sixty minutes at a clip Together, our children would benefit a few times a week. Peers talking over one from high-quality, in-person progressive another or distracted by something else education with thoughtful COVID-19 interesting in the home notwithstanding, precautions and a strong supplemental Everett, Maddie, Avery and Mandy Weiss teachers having technical difficulties with Jewish education - offering Judaic studies video, wireless bandwidth, or “why can’t I granted the gift that each of our children’s that cannot be replicated in the home. and Hebrew classes a few times each week. mute all?” All of this contributed to a real schools have given to them. We teach our As summer break - if it can even be And so, today, we are very proud Park disdain to the start of each weekday. children plenty; but attending school is so considered as such - came to a close, it Pioneer and Kadimah Scholars parents. At Yes, we are fortunate. Our kids love much more than merely teaching students. became increasingly clear to us that our 2:15pm every weekday, our children get school. Looking back, we have taken for Attending school is an experience - and one public school district would be unable in the car, remove their masks smiling ear to ear, and talk over one another about what they learned or did that day. They’re and skilled teachers.” exhausted too! Likely the effect of outdoor Park School by the numbers Debbie and Andre Kallus, parents of classrooms, fresh air, and lots of activities. another 5th grader agree: “Now that On Kadimah school days, they come At a recent Zoom meeting with Hebrew and Jewish studies are part of our home singing holiday songs and the parents, Lisa Conrad, Interim Head of daughter’s weekly curriculum, I think this alef-bet, and cannot wait to show us School at Park, announced that the opportunity will expand her connection their Hebrew letters and script or their school has increased student enrollment to our very diverse Jewish history, and we homemade Sukkah. Their enthusiasm is by 58% from 160 students in May 2020 are excited for her to have this experience unbridled, and we are thrilled that they to 253 students, of which 82 are new with the Kadimah program.” Hallie Netiv are as excited to share with us their Judaic to Park School. And while enrollment Keren, Park School parent and President learnings as much as their math, science, interest continues, all but three grades of Kadimah Scholars is also pleased to and arts. We take little offense, and maybe have wait lists. She also shared that welcome so many new families like the exude a little pride, that our children want while proper physical distancing during Kallus, Feldstein and Weiss families: “Our to call their out-of-state grandparents if the COVID-19 pandemic requires mission remains to make quality Jewish only to share what they learned at school reduced class size, Park can grow to Avery with his Sukkah education accessible to all Jewish families each day. accommodate even more students in a in WNY. And we look forward to expanding We feel fortunate to have the Park non-pandemic school year. pleased with the growth in both programs the Kadimah Scholars program at Park in School in our community and are The Kadimah Scholars program at Park and the introduction of an early childhood the future.” grateful to the Park School leadership has also grown dramatically. This fall there component. This is a very exciting time to for their extraordinary efforts during this are a total of 35 Scholars, an increase of 84% be a part of the Park community.” exceedingly difficult time. After a difficult from last year, including a new Kadimah For Brenda Feldstein, a mother of a new summer, the Park School and the Kadimah Scholars Pre-K program. Marnie Cerrato, 5th grader and someone who received a Scholars program have brought joy back to Director of Enrollment Management at Jewish Day School education in Brazil, our children’s childhood. And for that, we Park captured the enthusiasm among said that Park feels like home: “Acres and are most grateful. Park Leadership: “We are excited at the acres of nature, small size classrooms, the Dr. Everett and Mandy Weiss are the success of Kadimah Scholars at Park. The culture of fostering independence, love parents of two school-age children, Avery, combination of Hebrew and Judaic studies for exploring and community awareness, 7, and Madison, 10. Mandy is the Director with Park’s progressive education results Park embraces so many values that are of Planning and Overseas at the Buffalo in an engaging, joyful, and challenging important to our family. We are very Jewish Federation. Everett is the Associate learning environment.” Gretchen Gross, a pleased that Kadimah Scholars is part of Chief Health Informatics Officer at Memorial veteran leader in the Jewish community the curriculum. Hebrew and Judaic Studies Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and serves on who recently joined the Park Board of are beautifully taught by Michal Schmuel- the Board of Directors for Jewish Community Directors, added: “Our Board is very Lewis and Nirit Weiner, two very caring Maddie with her lulav and etrog Center of Greater Buffalo. 14 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 RABBI’S COLUMN COMMUNITY

books is easier than ever, thanks to online The Beginnings of Desire by Aviva Book Learning stores, e-readers, audiobook services, and Gottlieb Zornberg: This is a commentary public libraries that make titles available on the book of Genesis that weaves the BY RABBI ADAM ROSENBAUM both physically and virtually. thoughts of the great medieval Torah In that spirit, I’d like to share some commentators with Zornberg’s careful Groucho Marx once said, “Outside thoughts of a few of the Jewish books that literary and sociological analysis of the of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. have made a great impact on me (in no Torah text. Each page is riveting. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” particular order). When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Books are certainly some of the best Enough by Rabbi Harold Kushner: friends to those of us in the Jewish In our tradition, Arguably the greatest sermon-writer of community. From the centrality of the his generation, Rabbi Kushner’s most Torah to the wealth of wisdom passed on reading books is not impressive skill might be his ability to by the rabbis in the Talmud and Midrash, merely a pastime; address grandiose subjects – life’s “big from the intense detail of Jewish law questions” – in a down-to-earth manner. codes to the rich characters and language it is an activity that Words That Hurt, Words That Heal by found in Jewish literature and poetry, a often asks for intense Rabbi Joseph Telushkin: The Jewish rules thoughtful Jewish life is filled with books. about proper speech is one of the favorite In our tradition, reading books is not concentration, subjects for this best-selling author, and merely a pastime; it is an activity that and often leads he deftly explores how language can often asks for intense concentration, move mountains, in both negative and and often leads to great reward. Even to great reward. positive ways. though Jews were given the moniker “The If any of these books sound interesting People of the Book” as a back-handed ourselves of the eternal value of the The Chosen by Chaim Potok: It to you, or if the above descriptions compliment, we have turned it into a books in our tradition. is a novel about two thoughtful boys, inspires you to pick up a different book point of pride. And remembering that might be more brought together by love of tradition you’ve always wanted to start, I hope that The month of November is designated important than ever this year, as we are and friendship, while simultaneously November can be a month when you can as Jewish Book Month. Whereas all spending more and more time indoors torn apart by politics and familial rivalry. begin. months could easily qualify for this title, due to the continuing pandemic and the Potok’s prose is both powerful and Adam Rosenbaum is rabbi at Temple now is as good a time as ever to remind approach of winter. Thankfully, getting sensitive. Beth Tzedek.

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VOTE! Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. You can vote early, until »Sunday, November 1 in Erie County. Or vote at your regular polling place 1 on Election Day. For more info go to elections.erie.gov.

November 9th marks Kristallnacht, or The Night of Broken Glass, a pogrom which took place in Germany during 1938. The Holocaust » Resource Center will remember this event November 9 at 7:00 p.m. with 2 a virtual event featuring Julie Kohner, CEO of Voices of the Generations. To view this program, RSVP to Elizabeth Schram at Elizabeth@ hrcbuffalo.org.

November 11 is Veteran’s Day. And that day at the Buffalo & Erie »County Botanical Gardens, all Vets and Active Duty Service members can 3 enter for free from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 2655 South Park in South Buffalo. Go to [email protected] or call 716-827-1584.

Help Temple Beth Zion and Congregation Shir Shalom give Thanksgiving meals to needy families. Drop off your financial donations » at either congregation by November 20. For more information, contact 4 Chris Cohan from CSS at 430-6029 or Sharron Frommann from TBZ at 634-3495.

Buffalo’s famous Turkey Trot is Thanksgiving Day, November 26. And this year, it’s mostly virtual. You can still participate, virtually, 5» from November 26-29 in the 125th Annual YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot. $35 fee for virtual walk/run. Go to runsignup.com/race/NY/Buffalo/ YMCATurkeyTrot.

WHERE IN JBFLO ?

Where is this found in Jewish Buffalo? The first 5 people to correctly identify the location will be mentioned in next month’s Jewish Journal because the JCC’s Buffalo Kosher Gourmet at the Myers Family Tel Aviv Café is closed due to COVID-19.

E-mail your answers to [email protected]

Last month Peter Vogt, Joshua Sackman, Cheryl Tobias, Michael Pulka, Andrea Caleca and Ezra Rich correctly identified the outdoor Menorah and Sukkah at Chabad of Buffalo on North Forest Rd.

16 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 COMMUNITY Community Builder and Family Man Getting to know new JCC CEO Mike Rawl

The Jewish Journal staff had an are on pace to end 2020 with the most opportunity to speak with incoming successful financial year in our JCC’s JCC CEO Mike Rawl who begins his history. While many JCCs have been new role later this month. shuttering programs, laying off staff, and taking pay cuts, we have actually grown Mike, first and foremost, Mazal Tov significantly. I’m so proud that we had on your new appointment. If you would, built an infrastructure that was able to please introduce us to your family. respond to the pandemic so efficiently Thank you. I’m excited to join the and actually quite naturally. And that is JCC this month and our family is looking my legacy and what gives me the most forward to relocating in 2021. I’m so pride: that the systems and structure I proud of my family. My wife Adrienne is built will continue to be strong, viable an early childhood educator who works and healthy when I’m no longer at the with special needs children. She grew helm. up the Youngstown, Ohio area and is Thank you so much, Mike. Our last incredibly passionate about her work. question is about the state of the Jewish She’s the hardest working person I know community. Please share with us your and every day is an inspiration for me. perspective and the role that the JCC We are the proud parents of 5 plays in shaping the Jewish community incredible children. Our oldest, Violet, in the future. Right to Left - Adrienne, Bella, Elsa, Mike, Ivy, Lawren, Juniper, Thomas, Violet. who is named for my grandmother, We’re in a golden age of the turns 15 in December. She is currently a aquaponics community in my basement. places becoming more conscious of Jewish people. Think of the miracle freshman in High School and is actively I’m fascinated by how systems work. it in High School when I read Jewish of Israel since 1948 and the miracles involved in BBYO. Our second child is I know that you are a volunteer authors, many of whom like the poet happening in Israel since then in terms 12 year-old Ivy who is preparing to leader in your Temple in Youngstown, Alan Ginsburg, who while disconnected of technology. The global Jewish become a Bat Mitzvah next April. Our tell us a bit about your connections to organizationally to Judaism spoke with a population has grown to a level close third born and first son is Thomas who Judaism. poignant Jewish voice. In college I took to that before the Holocaust and our just turned 11. Thomas is named for my I believe that Judaism is both a a lot of religious studies courses and connections to Jews around the world grandfather’s nephew who was killed birthright but also a choice particularly they helped me to understand my own abounds. In fact, one could argue that in Auschwitz when, ironically, he was in how one integrates Jewish values and unique Jewish experience. Covid has underscored the power and just 10. Growing up, my grandfather practice into daily living. One of my What excites you most about moving ease in which we connect which other could never utter Thomas’ name without fondest early Jewish memories is sitting to Buffalo? Jews. And for the first time, experiential being overwhelmed with emotion. It on the bima with the Rabbi and being able Adrienne and I like to change things programs like overnight camp and Israel was particularly meaningful for us to to ask him questions that probably, in up; we believe that the most effective travel through Birthright is accessible keep the name Thomas alive and to retrospect, would have been considered way to create personal change is to to all who want to engage. At the same honor our family’s legacy. And now, blasphemy in other religions. So early change one’s environment. So while I time, there are real challenges that we to see our Thomas so full of life is on, I knew that Judaism encouraged the love my work at the JCC in Youngstown, must confront, in particular increasing really special. Our fourth child and asking of “big” questions and I really the opportunity to build community polarization in the Jewish community second son is Lawren, named for my connected with that mindset. I also grew and impact people’s lives in a bigger that is reflective of the polarization in grandfather Lawrence, and he turns 5 in up in a house with a Holocaust survivor platform excites and motivates me. I our society. Questions about who is a January. Finally, our youngest is Juniper, and that had a profound influence on have lived all over the Midwest and Jew and support of Israel have created the sweetest little girl, who turns 3 on how I relate to justice in the world. Buffalo is one of the most welcoming fractures in our American Jewish November 1st. We are so incredibly I also learned about the power and communities I’ve experienced. And the communities. The future of the Jewish fortunate to have healthy and happy potential of community from having community’s size, at least for our family, world certainly rests on our ability to children. We also have two hounds, Elsa moved so many times as a kid. In every provides so many more opportunities for appreciate and see ourselves as Klal and Bella, and ten chickens. instance, the Jewish community was the us and our children. Yisrael – one Jewish people. That is part What do you do for fun? constant for me. Because of moving so What are you most proud of in your and parcel of the vision I have of the “Free” time of course with this kind much, there were large stretches in my professional career? JCC; that on one level we are a physical of work is limited but at the same time childhood when I had few friends and During my time at the JCC in place where all Jews are welcome, but I’ve been able to integrate family in my despite my parents making sure I was Youngstown, we established numerous we are also a place that interfaces with work and feel very lucky about that. I involved in sports and other activities, innovative community partnerships the outside world and builds community like reading and playing music, which it was lonely and the Jewish community that helped grow operations by nearly for both. So despite the polarization is to say, I attempt to play the piano! was always there with open arms. As 70%. We completely turned around within Judaism and all around us, the As a family, we spend a lot of time I got older I came to really appreciate the organization from one that was JCC provides a platform where we can in the outdoors, and enjoy swimming, the depth of Judaism when it comes to struggling both financially and in terms dialogue, celebrate together, and become hiking and backpacking. I also love the ability for an individual to find their of identity to one that is vibrant and more unified. to build things. At home, I’ve created own personal connections. I found my fiscally sound. And this year – as we and manage a garden and built an spiritual path in Judaism in unexpected know among the most challenging – we November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 17 COMMUNITY Reclaim your Independence with The Foundation celebrating at 109: Dr. George Kornfeld, OD Giving. Growing. Together.

BY IRV LEVY

The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies has survived two World Wars, several smaller wars, the Great Depression, numerous recessions, the Spanish Flu, and several smaller pandemics. COVID-19 has taken a lot of things away from us, BUT it has also given us many new things. Some of us are enjoying a slower paced life, more time with The Only International family, a way to honor our religious Retiring Board Member The Weiss/Awner Family Cantor Penny Myers Academy of Low Vision commitments without benefit of Specialist in Western traditional synagogue gatherings, and the opportunity to see people and Upstate New more frequently, albeit virtually. York, Northeastern COVID has given the Foundation Pennsylvania, the opportunity to re-think how we connect with the community and how and Ontario we could so in a virtual format. On October 13th, the Foundation Dr. Kornfeld specializes in: looked back on its past, celebrated some FJP Executive Director Irv Levy, retiring wonderful families, and looked forward • Macular Degeneration CFO Teresa David and Past President to the next 100 years. We did this • Low Vision Donald Kohnstamm virtually, with a record number of our • Regaining the ability to read, community members looking on, and we see your grandchildren, The Katz Family had a wonderful time. We joined in the use the computer and drive community’s largest virtual toast, to the • Improving motor skills next 100 years: “May the Foundation and impeded by poor vision Jewish Buffalo remain strong, L’Chaim.” Legacy Society, will be permanently The Katz and the Weiss/Awner families preserved. We shared the Foundation’s goals 45 YEARS OF HELPING PEOPLE shared beautiful stories of lessons for the future, introducing our new logo which WITH VISION LOSS passed through the generations, the is futuristic in design but draws meaning MEMBER power of philanthropy and commitment from the spiritual Tree of Life. The Chairs of New FJP President Jonathan Schechter to community service. We spoke about our event, Gretchen Gross and Kim Yonaty our new website which will be launched brought together a talented and committed If you missed the event, you early next year where, among other group of volunteers and professionals who can see it here at: https://bit.ly/ enhancements, the stories of the Katz had a great time thinking outside of the watchfjpmeeting. 866-446-2050 and Weiss/ Awner families, along with “box” including delivery of a festive goody Irv Levy is Executive Director of the KornfeldLowVision.com the other members of the Foundation’s “bag” so that we could all celebrate together. Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

18 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 PAID ADVERTISEMENT COMMUNITY Join the JCC November 23 for an Evening of Jewish Poetry

Cultural Arts at the JCC presents an evening of Jewish Poetry, Monday, November 23 at 7 p.m. This free virtual event will be streamed on YouTube live making it easily accessible to anyone with a device and Wi-Fi connection. Participating poets include Yehoshua November – a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, Alicia Ostriker- the current New York State Poet Laureate, Philip Terman- co-founder of the Chautauqua Writers’ Festival, and Eleanor Wilner-recipient of the Frost Medal for distinguished lifetime achievement in poetry. More information can be found on Eleanor Wilner Alicia Ostriker the JCC website, www.jccbuffalo. org, including biographies and event details. Registration is required. Please email [email protected]. The following is an interview by local poet and community member Susan Nusbaum with Philp Terman, one of the poets who also helped to coordinate the event. Susan Nusbaum: You write so lovingly about your connection to your Jewish heritage. What is it about your childhood Yehoshua November Philip Terman and background that instilled this deep sense of appreciation for Jewish liturgy theme woven into your poems, reflecting Philip Terman: My friendship with and culture? on both garden and universe. How has Saleh has been most significant. He lives Philip Terman: I was raised in a your love for Judaism impacted your in Aleppo, was raised in a Moslem home, Conservative Jewish home. We kept kosher, appreciation of the natural world? and he experienced the devastating war. celebrated the lighting of the Shabbat Philip Terman: A key theme in Judaism His son is one of the many young men candles, and went to Hebrew school, JCC is the story of the Garden of Eden, how it who has been missing. He is a writer and clubs, and Jewish camps in the summer. represents a paradise. That means we are translator, and he emailed me because he My immigrant grandmother lived with to honor (and preserve) the natural world wished to translate a poem I wrote into us after my grandfather passed away, and and the sacredness of nature. Many poets, Arabic about Franz Kafka. That began our brought in the Eastern European Yiddish such as Walt Whitman, share that theme. friendship, and a selection of my poems in experience. This Jewish background Articulating that celebration in poetry is Arabic! Our interfaith and international greatly inspired my love for writing—and one form of Tikkun Olam. friendship has been a fruitful friendship gave me a multitude of subjects to write Susan Nusbaum: You have referred to indeed. about. numerous Jewish writers in your poems— Susan Nusbaum: Please tell us about Susan Nusbaum: Through detailed Halevi, Spinoza, Maimonides, Kafka, as the new Buffalo Jewish Poetry Festival stories about real people— family members well as Biblical stories and psalms. How at the JCC you are organizing. Can you Send and neighbors—you are able to explore has reading these “scribes” influenced divulge any plans? the joys and dilemmas experienced by your own writing? Philip Terman: In these challenging Mazel Tov ordinary people. How has Judaism Philip Terman: Much of the inspiration times, it’s important to hear from a wishes influenced the way you tell these stories? for my writing derives from my reading. plethora of voices. Jewish poets have Philip Terman: Jewish culture is filled That includes reading a spectrum of Jewish always played a significant role in our $36 for up to 70 words with stories, starting with the Hebrew writers in that what they write touches the cultural life. The JCC Buffalo Jewish Poetry $54 with added photo Bible. These stories, along with the Biblical deepest chords. They seem to be torches Series tentatively scheduled to begin in injunction to “care for the stranger,” teach that spark my small candle. January 2021 will feature poets of national CONTACT: empathy, are qualities good writing also Susan Nusbaum: You have recently and regional interest that represent Cindy Oppenheimer teaches us. These stories help inspire me developed a friendship with the Syrian poetry’s enormous richness and variety. 716-308-4843 to be attentive to the stories of people I writer, Saleh Razzouk, who has translated We hope to present a monthly reading [email protected] encounter. some of your poems into Arabic. Can you and also include an occasional “open mic” Susan Nusbaum: Nature is also a tell us more about that connection? event. November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 19 COMMUNITY Holocaust Resource Center (HRC) Hosts Kever Avot V’lemahot Ceremony

Before Yom Kippur started on the evening of September 27th, community members gathered at the Holocaust Memorial in Old B’rith Shalom Cemetery to honor the lives of the Six Million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. HRC leaders Wendy Weisbrot, Jeff Blum and Vilona Trachtenberg read names of those who perished and reflected on the lives of those who survived. The ceremony was led by Rabbi Adam Rosenbaum of Temple Beth Tzedek with participation by HRC leaders.

20 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 FOOD COMMUNITY Tabouli Salad Appetizer from Almaza Grill DINING GUIDE Ingredients: 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 cup extra-fine bulgur wheat 2 bunches parsley about 2 cups chopped 1 vine-ripe firm tomatoes 1/2 onion finely chopped and seasoned with allspice seasoning Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Parsley – It’s a parsley salad so this is 15% OFF the star of the recipe. Make sure to wash the parsley with cold water so it doesn’t wilt and dry it thoroughly. total bill w/ Tomatoes – Get some fresh and ripe tomatoes, and if they are too juicy, you minimum $25 can remove their core before dicing. purchase 9370 Transit Rd E.Amherst, NY 14051 Onions – You’ll chop it very small. Add a pinch of allspice seasoning to it and 716-276-8080 WWW.ALMAZAGRILL.COM mix well. This will give it a subtle taste of onions while blending well with the TAKE-OUT AND CATERING AVAILABLE parsley. Bulgur – Use fine bulgur – the smallest you can find! Bulgur is sold in four numbered grind sizes. You want to look for #1 which is the smallest grind. There is no need to cook this bulgur. It simply needs to be soaked in liquid to become tender. Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed,please. Olive Oil – Go for high quality extra virgin olive oil. You’ll notice the taste difference! Tips to make the best Tabouli: Fine Chopping: Show off your chopping skills here by finely chopping all the vegetables. It’s tedious, but the presentation is everything!! Avoid using a food processor, especially for the parsley, which can wilt the parsley and ruin the texture of the salad. How do you serve Tabouli: You can enjoy this on its own with a side of protein as a meal, or eat it as an appetizer with a side of pita. We like to add a large scoop of the salad into a lettuce leaf and eat it with our hands. Private Rooms for 5-30 guests Inside Reservations Curbside 5578 Main St. Williamsville 716.632.7669 Carry Out Pumpkin Timbales www.eaglehouseonline.com BY ROBIN KURSS

These are a delightful side or main served with a salad...a different pumpkin recipe for this time of year! The recipe makes 12 timbales. Our readers are Dining Connoisseurs, always looking for new experiences, and supporting 1 (28 oz) can pumpkin Local Restaurants, Cafes and Markets 2 eggs 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped with Dine-In, Drive-Thru, Curbside Pick-Up & Delivery! 1cup roasted red peppers, chopped 3/4 cup cream cheese, room temp and soft 1/4 cup chives, chopped FEED OUR READERS. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 1/2 cup breadcrumbs The Jewish Journal features a Dining Guide in every issue.

Preheat oven to 375. Spray 2 muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. In a 1/6 page ad (4.75" x 3.125") Full color Space is limited large bowl, beat eggs. Add pumpkin, chives, sun dried tomatoes, red pepper and cream cheese, Parmesan, bread crumbs, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper and mix For information, contact Cindy (716) 308-4843 well, till combined. Pour into muffin tins and bake for 30 minutes or until firm. [email protected] Cool for 5-8 minutes before unmolding. Happy Thanksgiving!

November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 21 COMMUNITY Walking Off Hunger at Congregation Shir Shalom

This year, Walk Off Hunger returned to its roots. The fundraiser for FeedMore WNY couldn’t be held in its usual way due to COVID-19, so the organizers came up with a solution that featured a piece of the past. Instead of one large event, Walk Off Hunger Week was held from October 3-10, featuring meet-up walks at locations throughout Western New York, including Congregation Shir Shalom, where the walk originated in 2008. Walkers gathered there and walked the original route through the neighborhood near the temple. It turned out to be a popular choice, attracting one of the largest gatherings both meet-up days.

School Days at Ohr Temimim Ohr Temimim School is a busy, active center of education, despite the rules and regulations of the pandemic. Most of the pre-school and elementary school’s students attend weekday classes at the Audubon Parkway site, though some students attend virtually from home. On the day these photos were taken, students were in their classes, in the gym, all socially distant and masked, but attending to their studies and the business of learning, just the same.

22 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 THANKSGIVING

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November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 23 COMMUNITY

longer used for their original purposes. TBZ’s Holocaust Memorial Torah The Jewish community of Trebic was one of the oldest in Moravia. An unconfirmed BY RALPH HALPERN country in 1948, Jewish communal life oral tradition claimed that a synagogue was again stifled and most synagogues was built in the town in 938. There are Have you ever wondered why one of were closed. Their possessions went to other, similarly unconfirmed Moravian the Torahs in the Temple Beth Zion Ark the newly re-founded Jewish Museum chronicles that attest to existence of a is unadorned with a plain cover and no of Prague. The scrolls were transferred Jewish community in Trebic during the breast plate or crown even on the High and warehoused in the ruined 11th century. Holidays? Here is the story: synagogue at Michle outside Prague, The first documentary evidence of the That Torah was received by the Temple where they remained until they came community dates to 1410 and concerns at the request of then Rabbi Martin L. to London in 1964 an attack on the Jews and a robbery. Goldberg in 1968. It is on permanent Later, Jewish issues were included in the loan from Memorial Scrolls Trust based London municipal regulations of 1583. In 1604 the in London, England. The Torah is from a In 1963, the Czech Communist majority of the merchants in Trebic were synagogue in the town of Trebic in the government approached an art dealer Jews. The synagogue was built in 1639 and Vysocina Region of the Czech Republic to ask if he was interested in buying renovated in 1757 as well as on a number destroyed by the Nazis. some Torahs and other scrolls. He of other occasions. It was still standing Our Torah is one of 1,564 Czech approached a client, Ralph Yablon, who in 1938. Another synagogue was built in Memorial Torahs which formed part of discussed the situation with Harold 1707 but was sold in the 1920s. Beginning the treasure which were saved by being Reinhart, the Rabbi of the London in 1727, Jews were forced to live separately collected in Prague during the Nazi Westminster Synagogue. It was from their Christian neighbors in a Jewish occupation 1939-1945 from the desolated decided to ask a Professor of Hebrew ghetto. Jewish communities of Bohemia, Moravia The Holocaust Torah is the scroll in the middle of and Jewish Studies at University It was not until 1848 that Jews throughout and Silesia. These Scrolls were acquired the top row, unadorned by a breast plate. College, London to examine the the Austrian Empire, which then included by the London Westminster Synagogue in scrolls in Prague and report on their Czechoslovakia, were emancipated with 1964. These scrolls were then distributed Moravia to send their “historically valuable” authenticity and condition. On receipt residence and economic restrictions to synagogues throughout the world to items to the Jewish Museum in Prague. Some of the report, Ralph Yablon generously removed. Trebic Jews were then permitted be memorials to the Jewish tragedy and members of Prague’s Jewish community agreed to fund the purchase of the to live where they chose. As a result of a reminder to future generations of that persuaded the Nazis to allow them to bring 1,564 scrolls that arrived in London in this new freedom of movement, however, tragedy. other religious treasures from the deserted February 1964. the Jewish population of Trebic began to The conditions of the loan include communities and destroyed synagogues to The Memorial Scrolls Trust, a charity, decline as Jews left for Vienna, Brno, Jihlava leaving the Scroll unadorned. Thus, the the comparative safety of Prague. More than was set up by Westminster Synagogue and other large cities. Whereas in 1799 Scroll has no breast plate, finials or crown. 212,000 artifacts were brought to the Museum. and the scrolls have subsequently there were 1,770 Jews living in the Jewish Its mantle or cover is plain. It must be Among them were about 1,800 Torah scrolls. been loaned to communities and quarter of Trebic, in 1850 the community retained in the Temple Ark and must Each item was meticulously recorded, labelled organizations around the world, numbered 1,605 and by 1890 the Jewish be read at least once each year. TBZ has and entered on a card index by the Museum’s including Buffalo. The scrolls are never population dropped to 987. complied with these conditions over the staff with a description and the place it had sold or donated, but are on permanent Trebic’s Jewish population continued years by leaving the Scroll unadorned and come from. loan. Synagogues that close or merge to drop during the 20th century. In 1900 reading from it on Yom Kippur. The Nazis’ interest in the museum most are obliged to return their scroll to the there were 756 Jews living in the town, The Memorial Scrolls Trust has provided probably developed from a number of practical Trust. in 1921 there were 362 and in 1930 only the following history of our Memorial Torah problems that had to be resolved. The main The full story of how the scrolls 300. Among the notable natives of Trebic which is identified as MST Scroll #1527. The reason is clear - the museum enabled the Nazis came to London can be found in the were Wolfgang Wessely (1801-1870), the history of this Scroll begins in Trebic and to gain in a short period of time in-depth book Out of the Midst of the Fire by first Jewish university professor in Austria; travels through Prague to London and then knowledge about confiscated Jewish objects Philippa Bernard, available at the Adolf Kurrein (1846-1919), one of the first to Buffalo. that were of particular value. It is clear that Memorial Scrolls Trust store in London. Zionist rabbis in Austria; and Sigmund the Nazis had no experts for such specialist Taussig (1840-1910), a pioneer in the field Prague work as the registration and evaluation of Trebic of hydro-engineering. The Jewish Museum in Prague was confiscated Jewish artifacts or their artistic or Trebic is a town in the Vysocina In May 1942, 1,370 Jews from the Jihlava created in 1906. At the time the Nazis historical value. It is possible that the Nazis Region of the Czech Republic located in Province were assembled in Trebic and occupied the Bohemia and Moravia saw the museum as a special department for southwest Moravia, 19 miles southeast deported to the Terezin Ghetto. From portions of Czechoslovakia. In March the collection, documentation, storage and of Jihlava and 34 miles west of Brno. there they were sent to concentration and 1939, the collection contained some 760 evaluation of confiscated Jewish property. What The Jewish Quarter of Trebic still exists death camps. 35 Jews from Trebic survived items. Although the German authorities the Nazis had in mind was a museum to show in its historical layout and was listed in the War. immediately began to enforce racial anti- the artifacts of a people that, according to their 2003 in the UNESCO World Heritage Ten Jews from Trebic who survived the Jewish laws the day the Protectorate was plans, would no longer exist. List along with the Jewish cemetery. War re-established a small synagogue in established, the Jewish Museum in Prague It is one of the best preserved the town in 1945. In 1957 a memorial continued to exist. In September 1941, the After the War European Jewish ghettos and includes tablet for the victims of the Holocaust Nazis banned the holding of Jewish services After World War II, some fifty Jewish 123 houses and two synagogues. was dedicated. Today there are no Jews and in December 1941 the Museum became congregations re-established themselves Because there are no longer any Jews living in Trebic. More information can be a storehouse for items taken from the in what then was Czechoslovakia and were remaining in Trebic, these buildings viewed on the website of the Trust www. empty Prague synagogues. provided with religious artifacts, not necessarily which also includes the Town Hall, memorialscrollstrust.org. Orders from the Nazi regime in 1942 from their own communities. When the the rabbi’s house, the poorhouse, the Attorney Ralph Halpern is a past President required all communities in Bohemia and Communists took over the government of the school and the Jewish hospital, are no of Temple Beth Zion. 24 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 COMMUNITY Temple Beth Tzedek enters 5781 celebrating community and health Sigrid (Ruth Chana) It has been an active few months at TBT as Rabbi Rosenbaum and President Marcia Suiting Up the Men of Buff alo Since 1918 Goldstein have worked with Cantor Spindler, Temple staff and a dedicated cadre of members Pechenik, PsyD to create safe services, learning and programming. Recent highlights included a unique High Licensed Pyschologist Holy Day season, new classes by Rabbi Rosenbaum, Men’s Club events, youth services at Licensed Marriage & Camp Centerland, drive-thru flu shots, and Pizza in the Hut for Sukkot, and more. 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Buffalo Jewish Federation Holocaust Resource Center 2640 North Forest Road 2640 North Forest Road see how Getzville, NY 14068 Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-2241 716-634-9535 www.buffalojewishfederation.org www.hrcbuffalo.org to get Rob Goldberg - CEO & Executive Director Elizabeth Schram - Director the most Leslie Shuman Kramer - President Ann Marie Carosella - President Buffalo Vaad of Kashrus Jewish Community Center 49 Barberry Lane of Greater Buffalo, Inc. out of life. Williamsville, NY 14221 Benderson Family Building 716-534-0230 2640 North Forest Road Rabbi Eliezer Marcus - Rabbinic Administrator Getzville, NY 14068 Michael Paskowitz - President 716-688-4033 www.bvkkosher.com Richard Zakalik - Executive Director [email protected], [email protected] Alon Kupferman - President

Visit HospiceBuffalo.com to Center for Jewish Holland Family Building Engagement & Learning 787 Delaware Avenue hear Berni’s story. 2640 North Forest Road Buffalo, NY 14209 Getzville, NY 14068 716-886-3145 www.buffalojewishfederation.org www.jccbuffalo.org Miriam Abramovich - Director of Engagement Ellen Weiss - Chair Jewish Community Relations Council 2640 North Forest Road Chabad House of Buffalo Getzville, NY 14068 2450 North Forest Road www.buffalojewishfederation.org Getzville, NY 14068 Mara Koven-Gelman - Director 716-688-1642 Nina Lukin - Co-chair Rabbi Moshe Gurary Deborah Goldman - Co-chair www.chabadbuffalo.com 716-686-8000 Jewish Discovery Center Chai Early Childhood Center 757 Hopkins Road 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Williamsville, NY 14221 831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 (office) 716 580-4600 716-639-7600, 716-632-0467 Rent assisted apartments for seniors & mobility-impaired adults www.chainursery.com Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Chani Labkovski - Director Rabbi Laizer Labkovski www.jewishdiscovery.org Department of Jewish Thought Jewish 712 Clemens Hall - University at Buffalo Jewish Family Service Of Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14260 And Erie County 716-645-3695 Federation 70 Barker Street [email protected] Buffalo, NY 14209 www.jewishstudies.buffalo.edu 716-883-1914 Apartments Dr. Sergey Dolgopolski - Chair www.jfsbuffalo.org Molly Short Carr - CEO Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies Blaine Schwartz - Chair 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 Jewish Federation Apartments Watch your favorite shows with your 716-204-1133 275 Essjay Road new friends on our big screen TV! www.jewishphilanthropies.org Williamsville, NY 14221 Irv Levy - Executive Director 716-631-8471 Don Kohnstamm - President www.jewishfederationapartments.org New Kitchen Renovations Kathleen Haggerty - Property Manager Great room • Media room • Wifi • Fitness center Hadassah Shawn Frier - President 2640 North Forest Road Data center • Beauty salon • Laundry facilities Getzville, NY 14068 Jewish Federation Cemetery Full time social worker • Activities • Transportation 716-688-5260 Corporation, Inc. 24 hour emergency maintenance • Two elevators • Library [email protected] 2640 North Forest Road Elaine Kellick and Annette Magid - Computer room • Pool table • Emergency medical call Getzville, NY 14068 Co-Presidents 716-204-2246 system • Chapel • Card room • Large screen tv www.jfedbflo.com Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association Deborah Pivarsi - Director Open to all religious denominations 2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Charlotte Gendler - President Getzville, NY 14068 716-204-0542 Kadimah Jewish Federation Apartments Judith Katzenelson Brownstein - President www.kadimah.org 275 Essjay Road Reneé Lehner - Administrator Hillel of Buffalo Hallie Keren - Board Chair Williamsville, NY 14221 Campus Center of Jewish Life 520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons Kosher Meals on Wheels Suite #101B 757 Hopkins Road For application information please call W. Amherst, NY 14228 Williamsville, NY 14221 716-631-8471 TTY/TDD #711 716-616-0083 716-639-7600 Rabbi Sara Rich - Director www.koshermow.com *Jewish Federation Apartments does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the Dr. Jeffrey Lackner - President Rabbi Laizer Labkovski - Director admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted program and activities. www.hillelofbuffalo.org Jeffery Pasler – President

26 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 Ohr Temimim School Knesset Center (Orthodox) 411 John James Audubon Parkway 500 Starin Avenue W. Amherst, NY 14228 Buffalo, NY 14214 716-568-0226 716-832-5063 Discrimination www.ohrtemimimschool.com Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz - Principal www.chabad.org Jonathan Gellman - President Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) One Stop Jewish Buffalo 85 Saranac Avenue and Retaliation. A free website updated weekly about all that’s Buffalo New York 14216 happening in Jewish Buffalo 716-876-1284 Nathan Sull - Publisher President - Shmuel Rashkin Aaron Sull - Editor Vice President - Reuven Alt www.OneStopJewishBuffalo.com Gabbai David Kunkel Do you think you are a target www.SaranacSynagogue.org Weinberg Campus of religious discrimination? 2700 North Forest Road Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative) Getzville, NY 14068 1641 North Forest Road 716-639-3311 Williamsville, NY 14221 If so, talk to us. www.weinbergcampus.org Rabbi Adam J. Rosenbaum Robert Mayer- President & CEO Cantor Mark Spindler Kenneth Rogers- Chairman of the Board Marcia Goldstein - President of Directors Kim Jones - Administrator 716-838-3232 www.btzbuffalo.org Western New York The Law Offi ce of LINDY KORN Synagogues and Temples Temple Beth Zion (Reform) Sanctuary: 805 Delaware Avenue Chabad House of Buffalo (unaffiliated) Buffalo, NY 14209 2450 North. Forest Rd, Religious School and Offices: Getzville, NY 14068 700 Sweet Home Road 856-KORN 716-688-1642 Amherst, NY 14226 Rabbi Moshe Gurary - Director Rabbi Jonathan Freirich www.chabadbuffalo.com Cantor Penny Myers (856-5676) Jeff Clark - Executive Director Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative) David Goldberg - President ELECTRIC TOWER 1073 Elmwood Avenue 716-836-6565 535 Washington Street, 9th Floor | Buffalo, NY 14203 Buffalo, NY 14222 www.tbz.org Marty Kerker - President Lindy Korn, Esq www.congregationbethabraham.net Temple Beth El (Reform) [email protected]  LKORN-LAW.COM Attorney & Mediator 720 Ashland Avenue Congregation Shir Shalom Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (Reform/Reconstructionist) Rabbi Ellen Franke 4660 Sheridan Drive Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose Williamsville, NY 14221 William Bell - President 716-633-8877 716-282-2717 Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein www.niagarafallstemple.com Cantor Arlene Frank Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) Bruce Corris - President 757 Hopkins Road www.shirshalombuffalo.org Williamsville, NY 14221 Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Congregation Havurah (Reform) Rabbi Laizer Labkovski 6320 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-639-7600 Bernard Schenkler, President Enid Edelman, Membership Chair Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) 716-689-8059 105 Maple Road www.congregationhavurah.org Williamsville, NY 14221 [email protected] Rabbi Eliezar Marcus Richard G. Berger- President Kehillat Ohr Tzion (Modern Orthodox) 716-634-0212 879 Hopkins Rd www.yibuffalo.org Williamsville, NY 14221 Rabbi Ori Bergman Jeff Schapiro - President http://ohrtzion.org/kot Attention Snowbirds! Due to postal regulations, The Jewish Journal of Western New York will no longer be forwarded to “temporary change” addresses.

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November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 27 COMMUNITY

Holiday Reflections from Hillel of Independent Buffalo Students other people, as well as experience and and Idiosyncratic appreciate our differences. No matter since 1971 Each year during the High Holidays, where we grew up or how, we are all students involved with Hillel are asked to people, and are all at college for a similar speak about what being Jewish means to reason, to better ourselves and get ready them. This annual tradition gives these for a career to better our future. students a platform to share stories that 951 Elmwood are unique to their lives, and yet echo 884.9524 the feelings and experiences of so many www.tleavesbooks.com of their peers. Here are some excerpts from this year’s student speakers:

Blake in Israel Affi rmations from Glenn Goldman Blake Lobel May you be happy May you be out going May you be alive Senior, New Jersey May you be humble May you be healthy May you be loved When asked the question “what does it May you be genuine May you be kind May you show loving mean to be Jewish” I have one response: kindness Chloe community. Being Jewish when I was May you be sincere May you be strong Chloe Komorowski young was quite honestly confusing. I was May you be open minded May you be at peace Junior, Rochester one of 3 kids in my grade who practiced Growing up in a town with one of the Judaism and I was always the “go-to” about May you be honest May you be at harmony largest Jewish populations in Rochester, anything Jewish. May you be easy going May you be vibrant I was always surrounded by people who One of my favorite memories as a shared the same values as I did. We even kid was calling my mom after eating a got off for the Jewish holidays. I thought MASSIVE ice cream sundae at a Junior this was pretty normal until coming to youth group sleep over with the Senior college, where I didn’t get the Jewish youth group. The kids running this holidays off and had to miss class. I felt program were all high schoolers and I like an outsider coming to UB at first and wasn’t, so I thought they were sooo old. didn’t want to bring up my religion at all, Fast forward a few years to my freshman not knowing how people would react. I year of high school when I was first able feel as though there is always something to be on the Senior youth group board. circulating the internet bashing the Jewish I started as the freshman rep and I was faith and the people and it can be very finally able to join the community of kids I scary sometimes, but I’ve been told to stay looked up to for so long. When the curtain true to myself. pulled back, I learned that these kids were I did exactly that my freshman year just that – kids. I learned a very valuable when I found Jewish Student Union, lesson: these kids have the ability to be so Chabad, and Hillel of Buffalo at UB. All much more than themselves, because they three of these places really opened my became a community. eyes and I didn’t feel as though I should Hillel has been and will stay my hide that I was Jewish anymore. I really community on campus The staff have been This holiday season opened up about my religion, and this past there for me. Rabbi Sara Rich sat down year even had an internship through Hillel with me when I was going through tough Send of Buffalo. Through the internship, I grew times and offered me words of wisdom. Hanukkah Greetings even more with my Jewish values and was Logan King has been there for me for the and proud to be Jewish at UB. I proudly wear good the bad, and now Macie Clawson Holiday Wishes my Hillel shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpants, and has been a shining face to see recently. even stickers on my laptop. Judaism through my life has been about to your family & friends I think being Jewish has given me the the community. Judaism is not something • in the • chance to be open with people and learn that should be practiced alone. We need about other people’s values/beliefs while a minyan. We need a community to pray they learn about mine. Not everyone knew with, to connect with and honestly, to about my Jewish beliefs or values and I grow and learn with. I am so lucky to speak didn’t know theirs either, no matter what here today in front of you and I hope you Contact Cindy Oppenheimer at 716-308-4843 religion. I think being Jewish on such a find your community here in Buffalo, or [email protected] big college campus has also given me wherever it may be. the opportunity to branch out and meet 28 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 Support SMALL BUSINESSES BRUCE ADER ESTATE SALES & APPRAISALS

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November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 29 IN LOVING MEMORY Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1933-2020

Everything 1. How lucky we are to have had 20. I have watched the movie, On the Basis Ruth Bader Ginsburg this super heroic amazing woman of Sex, many times and am awed by change our worlds. how Ruth Bader Ginsburg spoke, got BY NANCY DAVIDOFF KELTON in the last word, and brilliantly and 2. How terrifying our country has quietly made her points. Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on become. Rosh Hashanah, which was also my 21. Brilliantly, I cannot do. birthday. My husband, Jonathan, and 3. How terrifying to think of our I found out on ‘breaking news’ on future Supreme Court. 22. I am working on quietly. our cellphones minutes after I blew out my candle, made a long wish, 4. I pray we all carry RBG inside us in 23. And staying focused, engaged, kind, and ate my cookie and homemade big and small ways. and available to my family, friends, ice cream at Gramercy Tavern in the students, readers, country, and myself. middle of Manhattan’s 20th Street at 5. I have already listened to Glenn our socially distant table. No, no! We Gould play Bach’s Goldberg 24. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the best, reached for each other’s hands. And Variations twice. My mother took most influential role model we cried. me to a Glenn Gould piano concert have ever had. Our waitress had told us that Hallie in 1955 at which he played it. In Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (z”l) Meyer, owner Danny Meyer’s daughter, a recent NY Times op-ed piece, a 25 I am grateful for all she did, all she made the delicious ice cream and owns a writer wrote how much Ruth and 13. And more than my repeatedly telling was, and all she means to us. May café on Irving Place called Caffé Panna. Marty loved the piece with Gould him I love and appreciate him. her memory be a blessing. Wanting to offer praise and share playing it. kind words, rather than go home to 14. I appreciate my mother, gone now 26. I revere her. watch CNN, we walked to Caffé Panna, 6. Marty. 20 years, more than ever. introduced ourselves, told Hallie we just Nancy Davidoff Kelton, raised in Buffalo ate her delicious ice cream at Gramercy, 7. Her husband, greatest fan, great 15. And not just because she introduced and now living in New York City, is the author and Ruth Bader Ginsburg died. Her love, and true partner, was a mensch me to Glenn Gould. of 7 books, including Writing from Personal mother already called her with the news. among mensches. Experience, and her memoir, Finding Mr. Hallie gave us a pint to take home. Just 16. I regret not showing her more Rightstein, which she adapted into a play like that. I am a longtime fan of Danny 8. I pray more men get in touch with appreciation and love. with the same title. The staged reading at Meyer’s restaurants and kindness. He their inner Martys. the Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western majored in emotional intelligence. 17. In interviews, RBG often spoke of New York of Finding Mr. Rightstein, which Which brings me to Ruth Bader 9. My husband is a Marty. her mother’s influence, early death, had been scheduled for June 8, 2020, was Ginsburg, her emotional intelligence, and how much she missed her. postponed and will be presented by the JRT Her Everything. I have never grieved for 10. My champion. My partner. My love. and the JCC in the future. Nancy’s essays have someone who is not a family member 18. I am missing my family in California been published in The Buffalo News, The as I have been for her. What I am about 11. His cooking and kindness fill our every day and in every way. They New York Times, The Boston Globe, AARP, to say does not compare in depth and home. occupy the core of my heart. Next Avenue, Parents, and elsewhere. breadth to those who have been writing This essay first appeared October 1 in about her, but I want to share some 12. He deserves more than these few 19. I am so grateful for them, our The Forward. It is reprinted by permission thoughts: items on this list. Facetimes, and their love. of the author.

30 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 A remembrance of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg In Remembrance The following individuals in our community passed away during the period BY STAN POLOVETS from September 22-October 20*. May their memories forever be a blessing, and may their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion. As Rosh Hashanah began on Friday evening, September 18, we all learned the sad news of the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. America lost a judicial pioneer; the world, a champion for the rights of women, minorities Raymond L. Fales Neil Goodman and the disadvantaged; the Jewish community, one of its proudest daughters. And our Foundation has lost a dear friend. Myra N. Falk Michele Harnick Merle Sue Kramer William Mahaney III Jay Rosenthal Dr. Eli Ruckenstein David William Schwartz Phyllis Siegel Linda Snitzer Sally Fink Teibel Sanford J. Zeman

If we inadvertently missed printing the listing of your loved one, please write to [email protected]. and we will include the name next month.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and with Genesis Foundation Chair Stan Polovets at the Kotel in 2018.

Two years ago, Justice Ginsburg was There is a Jewish teaching that selected unanimously by all previous Genesis Prize Laureates to be honored those who die just before Rosh with the inaugural Genesis Lifetime Hashanah are the ones God Achievement Award. She enthusiastically has held back until the last traveled to Israel in July 2018 to receive the award from former President of the moment because they were Israeli Supreme Court Aharon Barak in the needed most and were the most presence of every member of the Israeli righteous. May her memory be Supreme Court and other dignitaries. In bestowing the award, President Barak for a blessing. said, “Without a doubt, Justice Ginsburg is one of the great legal minds of our empowerment to resist violence and time; an outstanding Jewish jurist, whose socio-economic opportunity for women. fearless pursuit of human rights, equality Over the Holy Day weekend, even in and justice for all stems from her Jewish the midst of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, values.” Israeli television and press dedicated While in Israel, Justice Ginsburg met significant time and space covering her with leaders of Israeli women’s passing and highlighting her 2018 visit to organizations and hundreds of activists– Israel. On a personal note, it was the honor Jews, Arabs, Christians, Druze, and of a lifetime to have spent significant and Bedouin – to learn more about women’s meaningful time with Justice Ginsburg. empowerment issues in Israel and to While frail, she held my hand in a strong encourage their work to improve the grip as we visited the Western Wall during lives of women and girls. In Justice her first visit to Israel in almost a quarter Ginsburg’s honor, and in partnership of a century. And, as we both knew then, with Israeli philanthropist Morris Kahn probably her last one… and other funders, The Genesis Prize Stan Polovets is Chairman & Co-Founder Foundation granted $3.5 million to fifty of the The Genesis Prize Foundation, which women’s organizations in Israel and the awarded Justice Ginsburg its prestigious United States to support gender equality, Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. November 2020 | www.buffalojewishfederation.org 31 (NOT) THE LAST WORD

Celebrating the Jewish New Year at a Drive-In: Another COVID-19 First BY VICKIE RUBIN

The English year is 2020. The new I was glad to say bye-bye to 5780 (2019- wheelchair (my older daughter Jessica Jewish Year, 5781, started in late 2020) and hello to 5781 (2020-2021). I was always attends Temple with us and due to September. 2020 or 5780 has been weird, excited that we got to celebrate a New Year COVID-19 and her vulnerability, she was horrific, and unforgettable. But, the year earlier than January 1st. unable to join us this year), your hair is now has also achieved some positives. I was hoping for a bright new beginning, a blonde (yes, it was dark brown last year), and I am Jewish, and turned 63 on October change in something, or perhaps a you are wearing a mask!” Ok, so I was not 1st. I like to think upper-middle-age, but miracle cure to end the virus. A girl can recognizable. I know it is in fact lower-old-age. Yet, even dream, right? We looked to the snack bar building, and after all these years, I still needed to look up the definition of the Jewish calendar for this essay. Why is it year 5781? Wikipedia says, in part, the lunisolar calendar is used today predominantly for Jewish religious observances. Vickie Rubin Next, I asked my Rabbi to explain and he replied, “The standard calendar dates to the seven days of Creation, plus forty days of the birth of Jesus. The Jewish one is meant to go Flood, and so on and so forth). And, unlike back all the way to Adam and Eve, using the our normal calendar, the starting point is dates in scripture as reference points (I.e. September.

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Day one of 5781 started great! Our Temple, high on the roof was our beloved Rabbi Alex Congregation Shir Shalom, hosted the Lazarus-Klein and Cantor Arlene Frank. I service at the drive-in theater. My daughter felt like it was the last Beatles on the rooftop Carly and I planned to attend. How do you concert! We all set our radios to station dress for a drive-in holy ceremony? We had 87.9 to hear our clergy, and the beautiful no idea what to expect. Typically, we “dress service began. We participated! We sang! up” for the holidays, but nothing about this We prayed! We celebrated! We blew our car year was customary. We decided to wear horns instead of raising our hands! casual office attire, although neither of us It struck me about the wonder of human works in an office. Nothing too fancy, yet we nature and how we can take all the difficulty were not in sweat pants, which have been of this past year and create a meaningful my traditional COVID-19 outfit. celebration to welcome the New Year! I As soon as we arrived at the drive-in, we was proud of our Temple, our clergy, our were greeted by masked Temple members congregants, and our spirit of hope for the who were directing traffic. Yes, traffic! There future. I wish you a happy, healthy, and were a lot of people attending! As we drove sweet year that includes a cure for COVID- into the lot, we were surprised by all the 19. Amen! cars, and more were coming! Carly and I Vickie Rubin has been married to Mitch were guided to our parking spot by another Rubin for more than 40 years. They have volunteer and quickly took out our lawn three children and three grandchildren. chairs and gazed at the crowd. It was hard She started writing her blog Vickie’s Views to recognize people because of the masks (https://vickierubin.com/) in March 2020, and vastness of the parking lot. We said, about the same time we were all told, “Hi!” to some members and appreciated the “DON’T LEAVE THE HOUSE!” Her book, normalcy of greeting fellow congregants on Raising Jess: A Story of Hope has a Rosh Hashanah, even though we were all planned publication date of early 2021. covered up and at a distance. This story first appeared in The Buffalo To my surprise, nobody recognized me! News as a “My View” column September My daughter summed it up quickly. “Mom, 29, 2020. It is reprinted by permission of people are used to seeing you push Jessica’s the author. 32 www.buffalojewishfederation.org | November 2020 Save 15% on your best defense against pests Just present this coupon to our technician at the time of service. Proudly keeping WNY homes and businesses pest-free for more than 45 years! We protect you from bugs, birds, bats, mosquitoes & ticks Family-owned and operated • Fully licensed and insured Now offering the new HOME SHIELD DEFENSE program

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