Jewish Journal April 2023

Editor’s Note

Published by Buffalo Jewish Federation 338 Harris Hill Rd., Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 716-463-5050

www.buffalojewishfederation.org

CEO/Executive Director Rob Goldberg

President Margie Bryen

Editor Ellen S. Goldstein

Chief Creative Officer Jill Komm

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

The spring we have been waiting for since 2020 is upon us! Finally, after 3 years of COVID isolation and distancing, this joyous month of April is filled with in-person celebrations, commemorations, holidays and community gatherings.

First up is Passover, beginning Wednesday evening, April 5. I hope that you are as excited as I am to attend a seder, hear the Four Questions, and appreciate everything else that is experienced through the holiday (see page 14 and pages 28 and 29). Next, Yom HaShoah, our Community Holocaust Commemoration will take place on Sunday, April 16 at Temple Beth Zion and we’ll remember and carry on the message of our beloved Survivors (page 8)

The State of Israel is 75 this month and Jewish Buffalo will be celebrating multiple events that include two at the JCC: Yom Hazikaron that commemorates the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for the State on Monday, April 24, and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day on Sunday, April 30 (page 7). There is also a Yom Ha’Atzmaut program at TBT April 26 at 5:30 p.m.

Earth Day is Monday, April 22 and will be celebrated from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Zion’s Delaware Building (page 4), and the Shtetl of Sokolivka is reborn this month online on the Jewish Buffalo History Center’s website. Thanks to community historian, Chana Kotzin, you will see some of the history of the Shtetl, once located in Ukraine near Kiev, and be able to see photos of some if its inhabitants and descendants who were/are Buffalonians. Go to jewishbuffalohistory.org/sokolivka-once-home to check it out!

There are also two remarkable pieces about recent immersive experiences in this issue. The first (pages 10-11) tells the story of the JCRC Civic Leaders Trip to Israel, and the second (page 12) features photos of the Buffalo journey to the UAE including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And finally, be sure to read the first of Alan Sisselman’s two-part essay this month about his visit to Ukraine several years ago. It’s a very touching article and particularly meaningful due to this year’s tragic war in the region.

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Federation will be bringing this important multi-year, multi-pronged approach to addressing antisemitism locally beginning May 7. Read about it on page 6. Graphic by Jill Komm. 3

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Ellen Goldstein - Editor

Wishing a joyous holiday season to you and your family from me and mine.

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Honoring the Legacy of Leslie S. Kramer z”l

BY MIRIAM ABRAMOVICH

Last month, our community marked the first yahrzeit of the passing of past Federation president, Leslie Shuman Kramer z”l. For those of us fortunate enough to have known Leslie, loved her, or called her a friend, this has been an incredibly difficult year of firsts. To honor the legacy of her impact throughout Jewish Buffalo, Federation leadership has joined with the Kramer and Shuman families to establish The Leslie Shuman Kramer KOLOT Fund that carries forward Leslie’s dedication to amplifying women’s voices.

Leslie was a transformational leader for our community and especially the Buffalo Jewish Federation. A former attorney and a committed advocate and fundraiser for many causes, it was through the Federation movement that Leslie made her indelible mark as a leader, locally serving in many roles including as the chair of Women’s Philanthropy, nationally serving on the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) National Women’s Philanthropy board, and ultimately serving as president of the Buffalo Jewish Federation from 2018 to 2020.

While serving as Federation President, Leslie was a strategic and wise force, advocating for the most pressing issues of the day such as helping maintain calm during the pandemic, investing in security and community relations infrastructure, reimagining immersive travel experiences, and designing pipelines and pathways to Jewish engagement and leadership. Of note, was her work to support, convene, nurture and lift up other female leaders. In the last year of her presidency, Leslie designed and led a retreat for female members of the Federation’s Board of Governors called KOLOT: Bringing our authentic voices (kolot) to leadership.

In Leslie’s own words: “I reflected upon my own access to outstanding and inspiring national gatherings and trips of women only. I reflected upon the power of those experiences—where being among strong, smart, like-minded women recharged my batteries and introduced me to women I could see as mentors in my role as a community leader. I wanted to bring that opportunity to the incredible women of this Buffalo Jewish community”

(The Jewish Journal of WNY, President’s Column, October 2020).

In a nod to Leslie’s last major undertaking while President, the Leslie Shuman Kramer KOLOT Fund will support projects that focus on elevating women’s voices and growing future female Federation leaders. Projects to be funded by the Leslie Shuman Kramer KOLOT Fund will touch on at least one of Leslie’s three primary passions: family & legacy, immersive experiences, and deep Jewish learning.

FAMILY & LEGACY (am yisrael) IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES (lech lecha) DEEP JEWISH LEARNING (torah lishma)

Leslie had a deep and unwavering passion for her family: those related by blood, those chosen as family, and those part of the extended Jewish peoplehood. Friends in Buffalo, friends from National Women’s Philanthropy, Jews in Israel and around the world — Leslie saw them all as part of her extended mishpacha (family). The Leslie Shuman Kramer KOLOT Fund will support the growth and strengthening of family connections by funding efforts that help emerging female leaders understand and experience the power of the global Jewish peoplehood, or research and connect to their own familial roots.

Leslie was instrumental in bringing immersive travel and conference experiences back as an essential engagement tool of the Buffalo Jewish Federation. From her participation in leadership missions, her dedication to attending (and encouraging others

to attend) the annual JFNA General Assembly, her architecture of the original Buffalo Israel Experience, and her advocacy to secure funding to send the first Buffalo delegation on a Momentum journey, Leslie led a renaissance in designing immersive experiences for Jewish Buffalo. The Leslie Shuman Kramer KOLOT Fund will support projects that bring together groups of women to dive deeply into shared time, during a shared Jewish experience, in a shared space.

Regular readers of the Jewish Journal will likely know that Leslie was a masterful writer and a passionate learner. She had a deep and lived commitment to torah lishma, the idea from Pirkei Avot that learning is valuable for its own sake. She spoke eloquently and often about the importance of learning and regularly translated what she found most compelling into written stories or

D’vrei Torah to share with others. The Leslie Shuman Kramer KOLOT Fund will support deep Jewish learning experiences for women that inform and inspire Jewish leadership – or, celebrate learning for its own sake.

In Leslie’s decades of living and leading across Jewish Buffalo, the impact she made on individuals, our community’s culture, and its institutions was profound. Personally, I am so grateful to have had Leslie in my life. She showered me with wisdom and friendship, which transformed me as a woman, as a parent, and prepared me to lead with a voice that is both authentic and bold. Leslie is always in my heart and in my ear, guiding me as I go forward.

To learn more, about Leslie and her family, please visit the Buffalo Jewish History Center’s website: jewishbuffalohistory.org/sokolivkaonce-home. To make a contribution to The Leslie Shuman Kramer KOLOT Fund, please contact Miriam Abramovich, Chief Operating Officer at the Buffalo Jewish Federation, miriam@ buffalojewishfederation.org.

Leslie Shuman Kramer z”l, Federation COO Miriam Abramovich, and Federation President Marjorie Bryen enjoying an evening in Tel Aviv on the 2018 Buffalo Israel Experience.

2023 Earth Day Celebration

BY SARA SCHULTZ

Whether you remember celebrating the first Earth Day in 1970 or you’re a tree hugging newbie, we hope you will join in a community celebration this year on Saturday, April 22 at Temple Beth Zion from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Earth Day came about to increase environmental awareness. This year, although the need to take action is ever more pressing, the mission of Earth Day remains steady. Many faith communities in WNY are joining together to recognize the Climate Covenant and the moral obligation we have to protect future generations. Our celebration is called: “Healing, Resilience and Renewal.”

There will be plenty of family friendly things to do with fun activities for experiential learning. We will have a series of presentations ranging from how to take advantage of the new Inflation Reduction Act with home energy upgrades to WNY Bird Watching. Come and check out some of the latest electric

cars or just visit the interesting displays and vendors in the Fink Auditorium. We will gather in the historic Temple Beth Zion sanctuary at the conclusion of our event to celebrate the day in prayer and song. Our spirits will be soaring by the end of the afternoon! Hopefully you will stay for an Oneg and some schmoozing to make the day complete.

Many thanks to Rabbi Brent Gutmann, Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein, the TBZ staff and the amazing committee that put this all together!! Hope to see you there.

Sara Schultz is the Co-Chair of the Sierra Club Niagara Group. A proud member of the Buffalo Jewish community, Sara also is the liaison to the Interfaith Climate Justice Community of WNY, Amherst Energy Conservation Citizens Advisory Committee, and Amherst Clean Energy Community Committee.

Community Celebration of Yiddish Music, May 12-13

Congregations Beth Abraham and Shir Shalom, Temples Beth Tzedek and Beth Zion, and Havurah have joined together to present a Yiddish Shabbaton from Friday, May 12 through Saturday evening, May 13. The congregations are delighted to welcome Yiddish singer and scholar Yosl Kurland (and friends) for a weekend of song and prayer with a distinctively Eastern European flavor.

Friday night services on May 12, featuring Yosl and Cantor Irwin Gelman, begin at 6:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Abraham (1073 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo). Following services, a festive Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Havurah. Note that this service will feature musical accompaniment.

On Saturday morning May 13, services will be held at Temple Beth Tzedek (1641 North Forest Road in Williamsville) and will be led jointly by Yosl and Cantor Mark Spindler with participation from members of Beth Tzedek and other congregations. Note that there will be no instrumental accompaniment.

Following services, a luncheon and Zmirot sponsored by Buffalo Jewish Federation will be held in Beth Tzedek’s newly renovated social hall.

On Saturday evening beginning at 8:30 p.m., the community is invited to a program hosted by Temple Beth Zion and Congregation Shir Shalom at Temple Beth Zion (805 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo). At aproximately 9:15 p.m. following Havdallah, Yosl will join Rabbi Brent Gutmann in a special concert in the congregation’s meeting hall. For more information, contact info@congregationbethabraham.net.

Correction:

Our apologies! In the March issue, we inadvertently omitted or listed incorrectly the following names in the 2022 Honor Roll. We are grateful for all who support the Campaign for Jewish Buffalo!

$25,000-99,999

Dr. Grant Golden and Ms. Deborah Goldman

$5,000- 9,999

Deborah Pivarsi

$1,000-1,799

Mr. Lorne H. Steinhart

Are

If you would like to meet other third generation descendants (3g’s) please contact Lauren to join a new 3GBuffalo group at lauren@ buffalojewishfederation.org.

Yosl Kurland

you a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor?

Let’s Talk About antisemitism

Over the past six months, the Federation has been working cross departmentally to roll out a multi-year and multi-pronged approach to addressing antisemitism locally. Spurred by the passion of several volunteer leaders and funded by a grant from the Shine A Light Foundation, the Federation hosted a PJ Library event this past December that welcomed 450 Jewish and non-

Jewish young children, and the adults who love them, to celebrate the festival of lights. This was the first in a series of programmatic efforts aimed at addressing antisemitism through raising visibility of the Jewish community, education, and celebrations of joyful Judaism.

This collaborative effort of the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Holocaust Resource Center and LiNK Jewish Buffalo has already led to concrete outcomes including a comprehensive website with information about addressing antisemitism which can be found at buffalojewishfederation.org/ addressing-antisemitism.

The hallmark of this year’s effort is a full day experience entitled, “Let’s Talk About antisemitism” on Sunday, May 7. This educational event is being planned with a wide range of audiences in mind and will focus on how to address and speak about antisemitism. One segment of the day is designed for parents on how to best deal with antisemitic incidents

and experiences with their children; another will be for educators on how to teach their students to recognize and

confront hateful ideology; one for teens on what tools they can use when they experience antisemitism within their schools; and lastly, a segment will focus on others who may be experiencing antisemitism in their workplace.

Rabbi Julia Appel will facilitate the day. She is an internationally known expert on antisemitism, and Senior Director of Innovation at The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. She has developed and led trainings to address antisemitism for a variety of settings, from universities to private educational organizations. Rabbi Appel's writing has been featured in the Forward, The Globe and Mail, The Canadian Jewish News, and The Wisdom Daily. She holds

a B.A. from Harvard University, and an M.A. in Jewish Studies and Rabbinic Ordination from Hebrew College. Rabbi Appel has been a congregational rabbi in Montreal, and from 2016-2020 was the Senior Jewish Educator and Campus Rabbi for Hillel at the University of Toronto.

The community is invited to attend from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. There will be a session for community educators from 1:15-3:00 p.m., and a teen program from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. This event is made possible through the generosity of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. There is no cost, but registration is required at bit.ly/LETSTALKABOUTANTISEMITISM.

Rabbi Julia Appel

Celebrate Israel at the JCC this Month!

BY GON EREZ

Each year since Israel was established in 1948, two significant days of recognition stand out - Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) And Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day). Both days are observed back to back to remind us of the sacrifices we have made to gain our independence.

Last year we celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut at the JCC for the first time in many years. Hundreds of people from across the community came together - Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and secular - to

celebrate the existence of a sovereign Jewish country after 2,000 years in exile. This year, we will honor Yom HaZikaron on Monday, April 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the JCC Benderson Family Building in a ceremony that will include prayers, blessings, musical pieces from our BPO cellist Robbie Housman, and a story from an IDF Veteran, Michael Aaronson.

The Yom HaAtzmaut celebration begins at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 30th on the Irving M. Shuman Campgrounds. We will start with a community prayer and service, followed by a musical performance from TLV Band, a cover band from NYC that will play Hebrew and local music. Also, expect a party full of games, bounce houses, traditional (Kosher) Israeli food, and fun.

For more information, visit jccbuffalo.org.

Gon Erez is the Chief Program Officer at the JCC.

Yom HaShoah, 4/16 at TBZ

On Sunday April 16 at Noon at Temple Beth Zion, the Holocaust Resource Center will hold its annual Yom HaShoah remembrance of the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The theme of this year’s program is Passing the Torch to the Next Generation, and will highlight the personal intergenerational connection between local Holocaust survivors, their children and grandchildren.

The program will honor Ada Kerimzada and her family, the Kester family, Sol Messinger and his extended family, Viola Sterman and her family, Andre Toth and his family, and Sophia Veffer and her family. As each family is called up to light its candle, the children and grandchildren will share the story of their family member and the importance of future generations knowing their family history.

In Buffalo, we are fortunate to have an active and engaged Descendants Group. Each month, second and third generation Holocaust survivor descendants (2G/3G) meet to share family stories and discuss Holocaust themed articles, books and films.

Within the Descendants group, HRC is now forming a new 3G group. 3G’s are the bridge generation between the grandparents who helped raise and teach them; the importance of the 3G’s is to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust and its stories of heroism and humanity will be passed down to future generations through their voices and their family histories. During this year’s Yom HaShoah ceremony, we will introduce the community to some of our 3G’s, as they are the future of Holocaust education and will ensure that we never forget.

Local 2G/3G descendants gather to remember family members by sharing special pictures and artifacts.

VOLUNTEERS & STAFF

Miriam Abramovich

Ozzie Abramovich

Sari Arrow

Linda Barat

Rachel Beerman

Neil Block

Stacey Block

Aaron Blum

Jeff Blum

Marc Brown

Eve Budek

Terri Budek

Lawrence Cohen

Adam Field

Janet Frankel

Irwin Gelman

Rob Goldberg

Shira Goldberg

Deborah Goldman

Ellen Goldstein

Janet Gunner

Rabbi Moshe Gurary

Sarah Harmon

Kennedy Henry

Kirstie Henry

Jeff Katz

Susie Katz

Chana Kotzin

Mara Koven-Gelman

Robin Kurss

Super Sunday THANK YOU THANK YOU

On February 26, Buffalo Jewish Federation’s annual Super Sunday raised over $77,000 from hundreds of donors to support Jews in need and agencies in Western New York, in Israel and around the world. We couldn’t have been as successful without all our volunteers! On behalf of a grateful Federation team, THANK YOU from all the people your work touches.

If you worked on Super Sunday and were inadvertently left out of this list, please let us know. Email stacey@ buffalojewishfederation.org.

VOLUNTEERS! VOLUNTEERS!

Rabbi Laizer Labkovski

Honey Lawson

Angelica Levy

Donna Levy

Irv Levy

Karen Levy

Annette Magid

Hillel Magid

Randi Morkisz

Lori Morrison

Shir Paz

Ken Polk

Michele Pozarny

David Reisman

Ezra Rich

Rabbi Adam Rosenbaum

Howard Rosenhoch

Laurie Sadler

Harvey Sanders

Marcy Sikorski

Clareanne Silver

Mitch Steinhorn

Mike Steklof

Lisa Wallenfels

Ken Weinstein

Ariella Yonaty

Lila Yonaty

Stephen Yonaty

Sonia Young

BUFFALO CELEBRITIES

Hon. Jacqui Berger - Amherst Town Board Deputy Supervisor

Hon. Brenda Freedman - Erie County Family Court Judge

Andrew McLaren - Erie County Director of Community Affairs

Hon. Karen McMahon - New York State Assembly

Hon. Mark Poloncarz - Erie County Executive

Adam Shapiro - WGRZ Asst. News Director

AGENCY SHOWCASE REPRESENTATIVES

Danielle Bernas- JFS of WNY

Meghan Stith- JFS of WNY

Logan Woodard- Hillel of Buffalo

Rabbi Sara Rich- Hillel of Buffalo

Liza Friedland- Hillel of Buffalo

Renee Lehner- Kadimah at Park

Jonathan Epstein- Kadimah at Park

Sharon Kostiner- JCC of Greater Buffalo THANK

2023 JCRC Trip Participants

Dr. Darren J.Brown-Hall

Superintendent, Williamsville Central School District

Sister Margaret Carney, OFS

Former President of St. Bonaventure University

Dr. Molly S. Carr

CEO, Jewish Family Services of WNY

Dr. Matthew Frahm

Superintendent, Clarence Central School District

Leah Halton-Pope

Senior Advisor to

Hon. Crystal People -Stokes

Jillian Hanesworth

Buffalo Poet Laureate

Hon. Craig D. Hannah

NYS Supreme Court

Thomas Kim

President and CEO of Community Action Organization of WNY

Rev. Dr. Todd Leach

Senior Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church

Eunice Lewin

SUNY Trustee

Hon. Karen McMahon

NYS Assemblymember

Renee Petties -Jones

President, National Federation of Just Communities of WNY

Rabbi Adam Scheldt

Director of Spiritual Care, Hospice Buffalo

Timothy J. Sember

Chief Mission and Strategic Integration Officer, Trocaire College

The JCRC team:

Deborah Goldman

JCRC Co-Chair

Mara Koven-Gelman

JCRC Senior Director

Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein

JCRC rabbinic consultant and rabbi of Congregation Shir Shalom

Cantor Irwin Gelman

President of the Buffalo JCC and cantor at Congregation Beth Abraham

Rob Goldberg

CEO Buffalo Jewish Federation

In Their Own Voice: JCRC Civic Leader Trip to Israel

The recent Buffalo Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Civic Leader Trip to Israel was a dream that began in 2020. Delayed, by COVID, it became a reality when JCRC extended invitations to Buffalo civic leaders from diverse backgrounds including education, faith, non-profit, judicial, legislative, and the arts.

“A strategic objective of the JCRC is to engage and build relationships with key leaders and opinion makers in the broader community, with the goal of establishing a more caring civil society,” noted Deborah Goldman, co-chair of JCRC and a trip organizer. “This trip was an opportunity to deepen partnerships and collaborations with community leaders who share a passion to create a caring and vibrant community.”

“The overarching purpose was to invest in these leaders,” continued Mara Koven-Gelman, Senior Director of JCRC and the staff leader. “We wanted to enable them to experience the beauty, faiths,

history, and complexities of Israel and to build strong bonds with each other. And, our hope was for participants to return home and continue the relationships they formed during the experience.”

Here, in their own voices and photos, we are pleased to share initial reflections from some of the participants. As you will read, it was an intense, beautiful, spiritual, challenging, and inspiring journey. One unifying comment is the gratitude that all felt for Buffalo Jewish Federation organizing the trip and to the Nobel Family Foundation that helped to underwrite the experience.

Deborah Goldman

JCRC Co-Chair, Civic Leader Trip to Israel Planning Committee

While virtually no one on the trip knew every participant, the group immediately pulled together to watch out for one another, listened and heard each other’s narratives, supported each other’s spiritual experiences, and together experienced Israelis (Jews, Arabs, Christians), Palestinians and other residents engaging in civil discourse across what seemed to us as irreconcilable differences.

This was all while learning about one of the most historic and unique places in the world. We kept hearing that “it’s complicated.” Yes, while we live in complicated times, I came home with real hope for Buffalo’s future. Thanks to all who made the magic happen and who participated in this trip. And what could be more magical than coffee with friends at the Mahane Yehuda market?

(Seen here with friends Molly Carr and Leah Halton-Pope.)

Rev. Dr. Todd Leach Senior Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church

For me, the Holy Land becomes more complex with each visit I make, yet this trip introduced me to bright glimmers of hope within the people we met. One of the many highlights was meeting with Rabbi Roberto Arbib, whose commitment to interfaith collaboration led to writing a prayer book with Muslim and Christian coauthors. Rabbi Arbib has the audacity to believe that interfaith prayer can lead toward peace – he was one of the many bright lights illuminating our journey. In addition, inspired by the Buffalonians with whom I had the privilege to travel, I have returned with a deeper hope in our potential to truly become the City of Good Neighbors for all our neighbors.

Rabbi Adam Scheldt Director of Spiritual Care, Hospice Buffalo

Getting to meet Adi Nes (one of my favorite contemporary artists) really encapsulated this experience for me. Adi Nes is accomplished, intelligent, creative, and has been transformative in the space in which he works. For this trip, however, Adi was really just the tip of the iceberg. Our tour bus was full of Adi Neses. Getting to connect to so many accomplished, intelligent, driven, creative people who have all been transformative in their communities was (and continues to be) a gift. The opportunity to share the beauty and shortcomings of Israel, learning with and from, and forging new connections with such wonderful Buffalo community leaders was an experience that will last a lifetime. And the fact that we did this all through laughter, food, and sharing of ourselves was a truly transformative experience.

Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall Superintendent, Williamsville Central School District

This picture is of me, Chris Brown-Hall, and Sister Margaret Carney in the home of our host family Amir and Moran Yarchi, when we joined them for dinner at Kibbutz Kabri, in the Jewish community’s partnership region in the Western Galilee. This was a great homemade dinner where we heard Moran tell of her recent trip to Jerusalem (several hours south) that morning to protest. The comparisons of what she was protesting in relation to what we have seen made it real to us while eating and discussing. But understanding what they are fighting for and making Israel better for their twin (16-year-old) sons, as a parent puts it all into perspective.

Dr. Matthew Frahm Superintendent, Clarence Central School District

By weaving together speakers, visitations, and conversations, the trip created a rich tapestry that helped my wife, Jackie, and I, and our group, better understand the beauty as well as the complexity that have come to define life in Israel. There is a well-known saying that “we do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.” If that is the case, I can think of no better way to encourage the values of mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity than this journey. And, while the sites alone would have made the trip worthwhile, being in Israel with individuals from K-12 schools, higher education, the private sector, non-profit organizations, and the faith community added another layer of fullness to our time together. In addition to coming back with a whole new group of friends, I was also able to return home having seen Israel through their eyes as well as my own.

Sister Margaret Carney, OFS Former President of St. Bonaventure University

As I reflect on our mission to Israel, the word that comes first to mind each time is “intense.” We were present during an intense time for the people—that tension is escalating even as I write this. We had the powerful experiences of standing in places of great spiritual significance for Jews and Christians. We moved each day through a pattern of historic places to present day people working hard to reduce conflict and to strive for a future “shared society.” Their frustration and fear were evident. We could bring only one thing: our encouragement and understanding. I am not sure I have even been immersed in a travel experience that kept me moving daily through a pattern that evoked centuries-old beliefs and 21st century challenges to those beliefs. Our leader from Makor, Ezra Korman, was a gift, a true blessing.

Eunice Lewin SUNY Trustee

Here I am kneeling with my daughter Eva in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Touching the 14-point silver star that marks the site of Jesus birth was an experience of a lifetime. I was flooded with emotions and am so grateful for the opportunity to visit the Holy Land. Thank you to the Buffalo Jewish Federation for the amazing journey to Israel.

Hon. Karen McMahon NYS Assemblyperson

This photo was taken at the Yemin Orde Youth Village, a program that helps at-risk young people, often immigrants, transition to a successful life in Israel. My husband, Jeff, and I were struck both by the beauty of the place and the success of the program. We were also impressed by the commitment of the people we met, Israelis and Arabs, to create a society that is just and equitable, in the face of so many political challenges. We are grateful to the Buffalo Jewish Federation for facilitating an informative and balanced view of a very complex and beautiful country.

Dr. Molly S. Carr CEO, Jewish Family Services of WNY

“It’s Complicated.” This is a theme we encountered repeatedly during our time visiting Israel. Politics, religion, historical sites, culture, all explained to us with the statement, “it’s complicated.” The more we learned during the visit, the more I realized how flat my knowledge was, and the more we learned the more I saw similarities with the discourse and challenges happening here in the US and our home of Buffalo.

I chose this photo because it was the first group selfie we took. We, a group of strangers, from all aspects of life in Buffalo, coming together to learn and experience this rich and complicated place. A group coming together to build bonds to bring back to Buffalo as we work together to make our community stronger. This photo is a reminder to me that no matter how challenging and complicated things can be, we can only begin to effect change when we come together.

Timothy J. Sember Chief Mission and Strategic Integration Officer, Trocaire College

I was blessed and humbled to go to Israel as part of the JCRC Civic Leader Trip. My wife, Valerie, was also able to join me for this life-changing experience. For me as a Catholic, to visit the actual sites of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection literally brought Scripture alive. To see the countryside, the hills and mountains, the valleys, the walls and gates of the city of Jerusalem, and so much more was a gift that brought new insight and understanding to the life of Jesus. Added to this was the cultural, political, historical, and relational aspects of Israel and Palestine. We often heard the phrase “it is complicated” to describe the situation and the lives of those who seek a peaceful resolution to the region. The tension is juxtaposed amidst the sacredness that is so very much present. And at the heart of it all it is about families who seek nothing more than living life to its fullest in love and grace. Perhaps this was the greatest gift I left with - a commitment to seek out and support communities in which gifts and talents are shared - in which serving the needs of those less fortunate is foremost and in which justice and peace for all is sought with respect and dignity. Hakarat

HaTov.

the life you’ve earned.

An Experience of a Lifetime: Buffalonians in the UAE

Twenty-three Jewish Buffalonians participated in a unique travel experience this past February in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Organized by Federation professionals Rob Goldberg and Randi Morkisz, and led by a local Emirate guide, the group visited holy sites, ascended to the top of one of the tallest buildings in the world, enjoyed fine kosher dining and engaged with members of the Jewish community in one of the four Arab countries that are part of the recent Abraham Accords. Check out a few of these lasting memories from what many felt was an experience of a lifetime!

Attention Readers!

Due to postal regulations, The Jewish Journal of Western New York will no longer be forwarded to “temporary change” addresses.

If you plan to be away from your permanent address this winter and will have your first class mail forwarded to your temporary address, to continue to receive The Jewish Journal, please call Joan Kwiatkowski at 716-463-5050 to give us your “temporary” address. Thank you!

and We Live in Public.

Following the screening, TBZ’s Senior Rabbi, Brent Gutmann, will lead a panel conversation about the film’s themes and messages. Panelists (at the time of printing)

include Corinne Carey, Jill Gutmann and Ethan Milich. Corinne Carey is the Senior State Director for New York & New Jersey Compassion & Choices, the nation’s oldest, largest and most active nonprofit organization committed to improving care and expanding choice at the end of life. Jill Gutmann, who holds a Masters of Public Health from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a Masters of Arts in Jewish law and ethics from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, has focused much of her professional career in the area of biomedical ethics. Ethan Milich is a MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) advocate, following in the footsteps of his mother who served in a similar role until she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2019. Registration information and further details about the program are available at tbz.org/events. Should you have any questions, please contact: Beth Steinberg, Director of Member Experience, beth@tbz.org.

Buffalo’s

by

Thursday April

27

Jill Gutmann

Arbah, mi yodeah? Who Knows 4?

BY SUSAN SCHWARTZ

Numbers have always had great significance in Judaism: 1 God, 3 Forefathers, 7 Days of the Week, 10 Commandments, etc. Alden Solovy wrote of the upcoming Passover season as “the season of counting: of counting days and nights, of counting the space between slavery of the body and freedom of the soul.” There are 15 parts of the Seder, 10 plagues, 3 matzot, and lots of 4’s: 4 names, 4 questions, 4 children, 4 cups of wine. Each of these quartets helps explain the story of moving from slavery to freedom.

Jews put a lot of consideration and thought into names. In fact, Passover is known by 4 names. Each name represents one of the 4 dimensions of this holiday. Chag HaCherut is the Festival of Freedom. Chag HaPesach, the Festival of making sacrifices. Chag HaMatzot, the Festival of the Unleavened Bread. Chag HaAviv, the Festival of Spring. I would call Passover Chag HaMishpachah, the Festival of Family. What name best describes Passover to you?

It is often said that to be Jewish is to ask questions. During the Passover Seder we ask 4 Questions, beginning with Ma Nishtanah, ‘Why is tonight

different from all other nights?’ These questions are traditionally asked in song by the youngest child attending the Passover Seder. Asking questions about the annual reading of the Exodus story connects each of us to our shared history in deeper ways, from generation to generation. What new question will you add this year?

Four times the Torah says that we should tell our children about Passover. The rabbis assumed that this must mean there are 4 different types of children, one wise, one wicked, one simple, and one who does not know how to ask, each needing different answers. The Book

of Proverbs says that one should teach a child according to their way (22:6), and the Mishnah says that according to the abilities of the child do you teach them about the Exodus (Pesachim 10:4). Each unique soul creates a stronger community. Which child were you? A Passover Seder wouldn’t be complete without the 4 cups of wine that we are instructed to drink. With each cup we recall the 4 promises made

to the Jewish people in Egypt, found in Torah. Y’hotzeiti – I will take you out of Egypt. V’hotzalti – I will rescue you from slavery. V’ga’alti – I will make you free. V’lakachti – I will bring you to the promised land. With each cup of wine during the Seder, we experience these elements of redemption in a spiritual sense, as we see ourselves leaving our own Egypt, moving towards freedom. What 4 promises will you make this year?

So, what’s with all the 4’s at our Passover Seder? As we retell the Exodus story and continue to ask questions, 4 elements teach us important aspects of Judaism. We gather together for the Passover Seder with our family, Chag HaMishpachah. By asking questions, we share our traditions with our children and encourage their questions. We need each unique soul to create a community Our stories, both past and future, are found in Torah when we open our hearts and minds.

Susan Schwartz is a Jewish Educator at LiNK Jewish Buffalo and can be reached at susan@buffalojewishfederation.org

Recharge Your Soul with Buffalo Moms Israel Trip this October

Buffalo Jewish Federation is excited to again be a part of the Momentum Year-Long Journey that includes an 8-day experience in Israel from October 23-30, 2023. Momentum empowers women to connect to Jewish values, engage with Israel, take action, and foster unity without uniformity.

Rabbi Klein Scholar-in-Residence Weekend May 5-7

Temple Beth Tzedek welcomes Rabbi Jeni Friedman as its Scholarin-Residence for this year’s Rabbi Isaac Klein weekend. CEO of the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture and director of the International Nahum Goldman Fellowship, Rabbi Friedman is a published poet and speaks often on global Jewish peoplehood. Her focus is to create a passionate and purposeful life for Jews living in the Diaspora and in Israel. Please join us as we all learn from Rabbi Friedman on how we can enrich our lives Jewishly here in Buffalo. For more information, contact office@btzbuffalo.org.

If you are a mother raising Jewish children under the age of 18, you are invited to join women from all over the world for unforgettable experiences in Israel where you will explore the Jewish homeland, take in inspiring Jewish wisdom, and join a global Jewish sisterhood. Back home, you’ll have the opportunity to channel your energy and passion personally, professionally, and communally, as you continue your journey through educational and leadership programs. Take the first step by applying today at MomentumUnlimited.org/journey. Space is limited and some restrictions apply. For more information, please contact Miriam Abramovich at 716-463-5060 | miriam@buffalojewishfederation.org, or Stacey Block at 716-463-5053 | Stacey@buffalojewishfederation.org

Rabbi Jeni Friedman

An Elaborate Curtain Call

BY ZAHAVA FRIED

As an Opera and Broadway aficionado, a part of me can’t help but view the Passover Seder as a glorious musical with fourteen intricate and moving acts. Through the lens of an all-night hang-out starring some of the greatest Rabbinic voices of all time, we are privy to a tale of betrayal, indecision, plagues, and, of course, miracles. Let’s not forget the delectable intermission concession of matzoh!

The Final Act of the Seder is called Nirtzah, which is translated as “acceptance.” It begins with a paragraph stating that we have now completed the Seder according to the law. We then ask the Divine to accept our offering, and then we sing “L’Shana Ha’Ba’ah B’Yerushalayim!” (Next Year in Jerusalem) not once, or twice, but three times! To continue my metaphor comparing the Seder to a musical, Nirtzah is akin to a curtain call. We reflect on what we have accomplished, and now we are all done. What a perfect way to end a long show, right?

Well, not quite. There’s an encore. If you’ve gone to a musical recently, you may have noticed that the curtain calls have become a bit more elaborate.

Curtain calls used to consist of the performers bowing, the audience

applauding, and the curtain closing. Well, those are the curtain calls of the past. Now there are song remixes, exuberant dance numbers, and sometimes even confetti cannons. In her article, The Show Must Go On, and On, and On, Alexis Soloski calls these elaborate encores “megamixes.” She writes that, “these post-curtain numbers serve three purposes- to brighten the mood, to offer intimacy, [and] to send the audience into the night with a parting gift.”

Dare I say that the remainder of Nirtzah accomplishes these three purposes, too? Regarding “brightening the mood,” Rabbi Micha’el Rosenberg from Hadar comments that, “The Seder is primarily a joyous night, less focused on remembering our sufferings than on celebrating our redemptions [...] Still, the Seder alludes to the historic suffering of the Jewish people: ‘In every generation, they stood against us to destroy us.’” The beginning of Nirtzah also contains the words “Next Year in Jerusalem.” Although the melody is arguably upbeat, the words do remind us that the Temple has not been restored and thus an air of sadness permeates the air.

I believe the songs following aim to dissipate those painful reminders of slavery and that we still do not have the next Temple. Truly, how can one not smile when our loved ones attempt to wrap their mouths around the Yiddish of “Chad Gadya,” or young children proclaiming “Who Knows One?” at the top of their lungs! These moments not only brighten the mood, but also add an element of intimacy as we create treasured holiday memories which we, in Soloski’s words “send us into the night with a parting gift.”

So, when it comes time for Nirtzah, I encourage you to get up out of your seat! Sing, bust a move, and celebrate! I have a feeling by the end of the night no one will even need to ask why this night is different from other nights.

Zahava Fried is the Cantorial Intern at Temple Beth Tzedek and a Cantorial Student at The Academy for Jewish Religion. She is often found bursting out into spontaneous song as she drinks copious amounts of coffee. She resides in Williamsville with her husband, two daughters, and small zoo of animals.

Zahava Fried

Nine New Student to Student® Presenters

Modeled after a national program that started in St. Louis nearly 20 years ago, Student to Student® uses peer-topeer dialogue among teens that strives to foster understanding, empathy and connection by educating others about what it’s like being Jewish. The program puts a human face to Judaism by training Jewish teens to talk about their lives as Jews, and ultimately works to dismantle antisemitism.

During the past year, LiNK Jewish Buffalo has worked with twelve teens to make 25 presentations throughout WNY. This fall, 9 new Student to Student® presenters participated in a rigorous 4-month training program where they met weekly with educators including Drew Kahn, Rabbi Sara Rich, Rabbi Josh Herman, Rachel Beerman, Rabbi Adam Scheldt and Jennifer Patrick.

Student to Student® participants made their first presentation with students who participate in the distant learning program of Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES with many more presentations to come.

Ava R, a senior at Williamsville East High School reflects on her experience: “As a Student to Student® presenter, I’ve been able to break down harmful stereotypes and increase awareness about the importance of respecting and celebrating diversity. “

If you are interested in scheduling a Student to Student® presentation for your classroom or community group, contact Mike Steklof, Senior Director of LiNK Jewish Buffalo at mike@buffalojewishfederation.org.

Student to Student® Presenters: Sam R, Kennedy H, Zelda A, Jenna R with Drew Kahn and facilitators from the Anne Frank Project at Buffalo State

Over 200 Participated in Buffalo Day of Jewish Learning

BY PROF. ALEX GREEN

Over 200 participants from all across the Buffalo Jewish community participated in the second annual Buffalo Day of Jewish Learning on Sunday, March 12 at the Benderson Jewish Community Center. Some of the highlights included a conversation with Ronnie Marmo, who was the star of the JRT show “I’m Not a Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce”; a Lifetime Achievement Award for Prof. Gerhard Falk; and The Inaugural Rabbi Heschel Greenberg Lecture. Prof. Falk is a former professor at Buffalo State University, who taught criminology, sociology of religion, juvenile delinquency, and the treatment of offenders until his retirement in late 2016. Rabbi Heschel Greenberg is the Director of the Jewish Discovery Center and Senior

Lecturer at the Institute of Jewish Studies. He is celebrating fifty years as a rabbi in Buffalo.

Attendees also had the opportunity to peruse the exhibit “An East Side Story: Harold Arlen’s Buffalo Roots” curated by Dr. Chana Revell Kotzin and view the artwork created by students at the Community Religious School, Kadimah Scholars at Park School and Ohr Temimim in the JCC Bunis Gallery. Many thanks to the Amherst Memorial Chapel, Buffalo

Jewish Federation, Hillel of Buffalo, the UB College of Arts and Sciences for sponsoring this event, and to the Community Religious School, Kadimah Scholars at Park School and Rabbi Daniel and Chaya Shuman for sponsoring sessions.

Prof. Alex Green is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Jewish Thought at SUNY, University at Buffalo, where he serves as the Buffalo Community Jewish Educator.

Glimpses of a very successful Day of Jewish Learning held March 12 at the JCC.

Kol Ha Kavod: Well Done!

Kudos and Mazel Tov to the following individuals who are making a difference both inside and outside of Western New York!

Leon and Michael Komm

In December, Leon Komm & Son Monument Company was a winner of the Buffalo Business First Family Business Awards. Leon Komm & Son Monument Co. is one of several multigenerational and family businesses honored this year

Richard Fink

On September 18, 2022, Amherst native Richard Fink was inducted into his fourth baseball hall of fame. As a member of the Amherst town team, Fink won 8 championships between

Corey Auerbach

A member of Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Executive Committee and Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Committee Racial Justice Task Force, Corey Auerbach recently was made managing director of Barclay Damon’s Buffalo and Toronto offices and is a member of the law firm’s Management Committee. Auerbach, who chairs the land use and zoning practice of the firm, was the pro bono partner and hiring partner and made partner with the firm in 2017. Auerbach is from the Catskills region and graduated from Albany Law School in 2007. He moved to Buffalo to take a role at Damon Morey in 2010, and after five years, the firm merged with Hiscock & Barclay to form Barclay Damon.

for overall excellence, innovation, ethics, philanthropy, and contribution to the strength of Western New York. During the Depression in 1930, Leon Komm & Son Monument Co. started with a single monument display and a oneroom studio in Buffalo. Today that studio is the office inside a state-ofthe-art memorial facility. Through four generations of leadership and nearly a century, the company has continued to help families and communities memorialize their loved ones. The founder’s grandson, Leon

Komm, and his great-grandson, Michael Komm, now co-own the company, which regularly gives back to the community, whether that means repairing damaged monuments or assisting the families of victims of the May 14 Tops attack. And

Cindy Komm, Leon’s wife, is the office manager. Most of the company’s work can be found in local cemeteries, but they also have completed dozens of public art projects at cultural sites such as the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and the Buffalo Zoo, the Western New York Veterans’ Cemetery, municipal parks and schools.

Holly Baum

Holly Baum was recently honored by the WNY Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) upon her receipt of the M. Delores Denman Lady Justice Award. In her introduction of Holly at the Award ceremony, Shari Jo Reich said: “Holly and I have known each other for over 25 years...Holly has a very wry and dry sense of humor, which, coupled with her ever-

present downstate New York accent, makes for great conversation. Holly’s infectious laugh puts you at ease from the moment you hear it.”

She generously shares her knowledge and experience through lecturing for the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York; New York State and Erie County Bar Associations; NBI programs on QDRO/divorce and retirement benefits; and serving as adjunct faculty at the UB Law School teaching a bridge course on retirement benefits and divorce. Holly graduated from UB Law School in 1988 and became a member of the Western New York Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York.

1987 and 1996. In 2007, Fink was inducted individually into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame, being one of the first 200 players to be included. Growing up in North Buffalo, Fink first played at Hertel North Park (HNP) and was inducted into the HNP Hall of Fame in 1977. He then went on to play high school baseball at Bennett High and was All High in 1972 and 1973. Fink was inducted into Bennett’s Hall of Fame in 2010. “I had many great teammates who were very instrumental in my success over a 30-year period,” said Fink. “Staying healthy and working hard were also extremely important. However, my love for the game was always a priority!”

Stories and Reflections

BY TODD GEISE

Each month in the Journal we seek to highlight what JFS offers for the larger Western New York Community. As the agency continues to grow, the library of unique personal stories of those we help also continues to grow. There are similarities, of course, such as those impacted by the war in Ukraine and the displacement of so many; or, those experiencing depression and receiving care from our professional mental health clinic staff. But once we get beyond the common denominator, we are helping individual human beings. Each has a complex and oftentimes difficult story to tell.

JFS’ Health Home - a statewide program that JFS participates as an affiliate - is one program that currently supports more than 300 adults and children. The common element is that they are all Medicaid participants and have qualifying conditions that enable them to enroll in the program. Yes, this sounds a bit bureaucratic, and it is. But delving deeper into each of the 300 adults and children, we find 300 complex stories.

One of the most recent stories involves a young woman from a Frenchspeaking country in Africa. She originally intended to live in the New York City area but found herself in Buffalo with

other family members. She gave birth prematurely to twins but struggled to understand the importance of post-natal visits with their pediatrician. She had setbacks, receiving little support from her family, virtually no transportation options, and in a new English-speaking country, could not easily communicate.

The children were successfully enrolled in Medicaid and they became JFS clients. One day, the care coordinator responsible approached me in complete frustration due to the language barrier. As I speak French, I was able to get on the phone more than once to work with the coordinator and ensure that transportation was arranged, doctor’s

appointments met, and that the children were receiving the total care they needed.

A year later and after our services started to be less and less required as a result of getting them on the right path, I wonder about the twins. I will probably wonder about them for years to come in all honesty.

The Health Home program is really a lifeline for so many. From newborns to older adults, including our parents. Our desire to help them as much as we can is often just that, a desire. But there is help to alleviate some of the challenges older adults face.

In fact, about ten months ago I had the pleasure of meeting a group of

older adults at an independent living complex. Some knew that it was time to look for support despite their current ability to maintain independence. Things we sometimes take for granted such as arranging multiple medical appointments, ever-changing technology to get an answer to a simple question, and transportation, are all examples of common reasons why people turn to JFS and its Health Home program.

For more than 160 years, JFS has worked with individuals of all ages and through a number of program offerings that have evolved and grown over the years. As we reflect on the common denominators that bring about a focus on certain circumstances, we are reminded of each of the thousands that have been helped and the thousands of unique stories that inform our work and values.

If you would like more information about the Health Home program at JFS, contact Jaime Williams, Health Home Manager at 716-883-1914 or jwilliams@jfswny.org.

Todd Geise is the Director of Marketing at Jewish Family Services of Western New York.

Foundation’s Academic Scholarship Application Period Starts April 1

Applications for the 2023 academic scholarship program will be available at the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies’ website starting April 1, announced Lenore J. Levy, Chair of the Foundation’s Academic Scholarship and Loan Committee. Academic scholarships are awarded in the form of grants or interestfree loans to Jewish students who have attended high school in Erie or Niagara counties and are determined based on applicants documented financial need. The scholarships enable applicants to pursue their studies in accredited colleges, universities, or institutions. Students may choose any concentration that their inspiration, talents and abilities may justify.

Beginning April 1 through June 1, prospective scholarship beneficiaries may submit applications and supporting documentation to be considered for the upcoming academic year beginning in August or September 2023. After the June 1 submission

deadline, all applications will be delivered to Jewish Family Services of WNY’s Career Services Department for consideration.

JFS’s Career Services’ professional staff will review all

applications and interview each qualifying applicant. By late July, JFS counselors’ opinions will be presented to the Academic Scholarship and Loan Committee anonymously to ensure unbiased reviews and determinations are made. In early August, the Committee will convene to consider and award the scholarships, grants, and interest free loans. Ultimately, the Foundation will inform each student candidate by late August.

The Foundation’s academic scholarship and financial assistance program was created more than a century ago with endowments by generous donors who preserved their legacy by financially supporting students’ education for future generations. Since 2000, the Committee has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants and $475,000 in interest-free loans

to hundreds of Jewish students who meet eligibility criteria. “The Committee is comprised of inspired volunteers from the Buffalo Jewish community who take their responsibilities seriously.” Levy explained. “They dedicate a lot of time and effort to the application review and award process.” For information on the Foundation’s academic scholarship and financial assistance programs, eligibility and criteria, and donors, and to access an application, visit jewishphilanthropies. org/academic-scholarships.

For information about creating an endowment for academic scholarships, contact Irv Levy, Executive Director or Lorne Steinhart, Senior Manager of Client Relations at 716-204-1133 or email info@jewishphilanthropies.org

Leonore Levy

What’s Happening at CRS

BY EINAV SYMONS

CRS had wonderful sessions in March. Our students in 5th and 7th grades participated in the Buffalo Day of Jewish Learning along with seniors from Amberleigh as part of our Better Together program, which connects teens and senior citizens in a meaningful way. Our 6th grade students and their families participated in a Family Education program, focused on Passover, where families had an opportunity to learn about various types of charoset prepared by Ashkenazic, Yemenite, Italian and Turkish cultures. For the whole school, the Purim carnival in March was a huge success!

While April is going to be a short month at CRS, it is still packed with activities and celebrations. The students in grades K-5 will be having their special art session with Cathy Miller, incorporating Judaic content with high caliber art projects. 6th

and 7th graders will be delving into their Holocaust studies with Dr. Nurit Fisher, a second generation Holocaust Survivor. We will also commemorate the Holocaust with an assembly during our T’fillah time.

On April 30th, the whole CRS community will be celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut at the JCC with the greater Jewish community. These community-wide programs provide opportunities for our students and their families to meet and connect with other Jewish families in Buffalo, also allowing other families in the community to learn about CRS. It was wonderful to receive registrations for next year from new students after last month’s Purim carnival!

In our Hebrew one-on-one sessions, many of the tutors

have been practicing reading and chanting the Four Questions with their students in preparation for the upcoming seders. Many thanks to the recent donors that are supporting the Hebrew tutoring initiative. If you would like to support and donate, please contact me at (716)574-6016.

The Community Religious School serves the students of Temple Beth Tzedek, Temple Beth Zion, Congregation Shir Shalom and unaffiliated families. We at the Community Religious School (CRS) wish you all a Chag Kasher V’samech! May you have freedom in your life and strive to bring it to those near and far. For more information, please visit crsbuffalo.com.

Einav Symons is Director of the Community Religious School (CRS).

Asa Ransom House

Purim at KOT

Cool costumes and great food accompanied Kehillat Ohr Tzion’s (KOT) Purim celebrations last month.

Members broke the fast together with plenty of appetizers, drinks, and dessert. KOT is proud of their tradition of using pasta boxes for groggers, which ended up filling the donated food barrel for FeedMore WNY.

CSS Beach Boys Purim!

On March 6, members of Congregation Shir Shalom performed The Beach Boys Megillah for their annual Purim Spiel.

Making Masks for Purim at a CRS family education program

Hillel LIFE & LEGACY® at Buffalo Event

Friends of Hillel of Buffalo recently gathered to learn how a legacy gift will ensure that Hillel will always be present to support Jewish Students in Buffalo. “I am inspired to make a legacy gift to Hillel of Buffalo, because to strengthen even one student is to ensure our Jewish future.” says Iris Danziger, Hillel of Buffalo Board Member.

Total Legacy Commitments Received: 268

Total dollar amount: $9,582,923

Total Number of Donors: 132 Through 3/6/23

LIFE & LEGACY® is a partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that promotes after-lifetime giving to benefit Jewish synagogues and organizations. Legacy giving ensures that you will be remembered by those who directly benefit from your generosity as well as those who will be inspired by your example for future generations.

In 2021, the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Buffalo Jewish Federation, was selected to join more than 70 other communities across North America in this Jewish legacy giving initiative. To-date, the initiative has secured more than 30,000 permanently endowed commitments amounting to more than $1 Billion. The four-year LIFE & LEGACY® program provides coaching, training, and resources to ensure that a culture of philanthropy and legacy giving becomes an integral part of the Buffalo Jewish community. Together, the Foundation and Federation are committed to helping secure the future of Jewish Buffalo. Each month, please visit this LIFE & LEGACY® @ Buffalo section to learn about the local agencies and synagogues partnering in this effort.

For more information, please contact Linda Barat, LIFE & LEGACY® Coordinator for the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies at linda@jewishphilanthropies.org or 716-204-2259.

Often, when students engage in Jewish life on campus, they learn that they not only belong in the Jewish community, but that they can be leaders. Through Hillel of Buffalo, students are empowered to lead Passover seders, Shabbat services, and social justice initiatives.

Hillel of Buffalo also helps students make a difference in our local community, as they are connected with local internships and volunteer opportunities that strengthen Jewish Buffalo.

For more information on how you can invest in Hillel, contact Rabbi Sara Rich at rabbisara@ hillelofbuffalo.org.

“As my forefathers planted these carob trees for me so I too plant these for my children.”

— Talmud (Ta’anis 23b)

UB Student Jacob Landerer and Charlotte Gendler

David Oestreicher, Rob Goldberg, Shira Goldberg and Lori Morrison

Dr. Iris Danziger, UB Student Karen Meyers and Rabbi Sara Rich

Lorne Steinhart, Rabbi Sara Rich, Linda Pollack and Irv Sellers

Celebrations at Kadimah at Park CSS & TBZ Joint 2nd Night Seder

The community is invited to join families of Congregation Shir Shalom and Temple Beth Zion in a joint 2nd Night of Passover Seder Thursday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Transit Valley Country Club. The seder will be led by Rabbi Brent Gutmann, Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein, Cantor Arlene Frank, and Clergy Associate Judy Henn. Complete seder includes wine/grape juice, matzoh, gefilte fish, chicken soup with matzoh balls, brisket, chicken or vegetarian, potato kugel, dessert and coffee/tea.

Seder meals are subsidized by each Rabbi's Discretionary Fund. The cost is $60 for each adult and $25 for children under 12. Reservations are due March 30 and no walk-ins will be accommodated. Please contact Temple Beth Zion at 716-836-6565 or Shir Shalom at 716-633-8877 for more information or to make reservations.

Last month, students gathered to celebrate Purim with a Megillah reading and a festive feast that was shared with parents and the broader Park community. Rabbi Ori Bergman of Kehillat Ohr Tzion – who is also a parent of two Kadimah Scholars – chanted from the Book of Esther, reciting the miraculous story of Purim to families gathered at the Park School theater, before the group adjourned to the Judaics classroom to eat a joyous meal. Lower School students took an active role in helping Rabbi Bergman by holding the open Scroll of Esther in a chain while he was chanting. Students also learned about the holiday and traditions during their classes.

With the onset of spring this month, the community is looking forward to enjoying Passover together as well, with the first public model seder at Park since Covid disrupted the inaugural year at Park just before Pesach in 2020.

Later this month, students will

commemorate Yom HaShoah, just a few days before the community celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut, for Israel’s 75th anniversary since the founding of the modern State of Israel in 1948.

The community is invited to join in the annual Kadimah Dinner in June that will

once again be held at The Buffalo Zoo. Keep an eye out for more information on tickets, event sponsorships and advertisements for our calendar book, which this year will be available in both printed and virtual form, as a permanent online keepsake.

Enrolling and preparing for next year is in the works, with a host of new families and students eager to join the growing Kadimah at Park family. Limited spaces may still be available, but they’re going fast. Next year’s plans and ambitions with an enhanced curriculum, more programming, and other activities, as Kadimah Scholars continues its unique collaboration with Park and the Buffalo Jewish Federation. Forward!

For more information, visit kadimah. org or theparkschool.org

Wishing you a Happy Passover, Chag

To contact us, please visit YIbuffalo.org or daven with us at 105 Maple Road

Kasher V’Sameach!

5 THiNGS YOU CAN DO

in April to Repair the World

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Zachor! Remember! The Community Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance) Commemoration takes place Sunday, April 16, at 12:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave. This year highlights passing the torch to the next generation. For information, contact Lauren Bloomberg at Lauren@buffalojewishfederation.org

Let All Who are Hungry, Come and Eat! Many families in WNY are hungry and there are still food scarcities during this time. You can help by donating to Feedmore WNY, which now encompasses Meals on Wheels and the Food Bank. Go to feedmorewny.org to donate online, volunteer or learn more.

3

Collaborative Earth Day Celebration Saturday April 22 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Join the Community Earth Day Event of Healing, Resilience and Repair @ Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave. Activities Include speakers, electric vehicles, informational tabling and vendors, food, children’s activities, and gardening. The event concludes with an inspirational ceremony, and all are welcome.

Israel at 75! One of the exciting Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) events is celebrated in Buffalo Sunday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m.2:00 p.m. at the JCC. Enjoy traditional Israeli food, bounce houses, fun activities, and an upbeat performance of classic and modern Israeli music from TLV band. Irving M. Shuman Campgrounds, 2640 N Forest Road, Getzville. Contact Gon Erez for more information: Gerez@ jccbuffalo.org, (716) 204-2259.

Email your answers to ellen@buffalojewishfederation.org.

For the March issue, Cheryl Tobias identified the photo, which is a brick menorah design on the wall of the Chabad Knesset Center on Starin Avenue in Buffalo.

COMMUNITY

Jewish Buffalo Meet Jewish Uganda

BY JONATHAN D. EPSTEIN

More than 100 years ago, a new Jewish community emerged in the foothills of what is now eastern Uganda. After a tribal military leader who had previously converted to Christianity concluded that his beliefs meant he was really Jewish, he circumcised himself and his sons, declared his followers to be Jewish, and cut ties with the British colonial authorities. A year later, a man named Yosef arrived in the community, taught its members about the Jewish calendar, kashrut and other traditions, and set them upon a new path.

Despite struggling and waning over the ensuing decades – including during the Idi Amin dictatorship – today, the Abayudaya community in Uganda numbers between 2,000 and 3,000, residing in a group of villages, mostly outside the city of Mbale. Largely agricultural in nature and mostly impoverished, it nevertheless includes synagogues, schools and medical facilities.

The community has not yet been fully welcomed by Israel, but it’s been embraced by the U.S. Conservative movement and by the international Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC), which has stepped up to the forefront of fundraising and other efforts to aid, sustain and grow the Abayudaya.

Now Western New York is playing its own part under FJMC, led by the Temple Beth Tzedek Brotherhood and the Buffalo Jewish Federation.

TBT Brotherhood – part of the FJMC’s Tri-State Region – introduced the Buffalo community to the Abayudaya last year with a Shabbat speaker. The club then contributed and raised some extra money to help the Ugandans both in ongoing initiatives and when the community faced unprecedented and devastating flooding.

“Monetary support for the Abayudaya community demonstrates – with action – our solidarity,” said David Schiller, Brotherhood treasurer, who has led the charge for the club. In turn, that also caught the attention of the Buffalo

Federation, which has now become first in the country to dedicate its own community funds to support the Abayudaya.

Federation and TBT Brotherhood are now teaming up, committing $7,500 toward a new effort to create a self-sustaining poultry farm for the Abayudaya. That Western New York support includes $5,000 from Federation and a $2,500 matching pledge from TBT Brotherhood.

“Our rabbis in the Talmud teach us that ‘All of Israel are responsible for one another,’” said Ezra N. Rich, co-chair of Federation’s Israel & Overseas Committee and a TBT Men’s Club member. “Jewish Buffalo’s support for the Abayudaya Jewish community in Uganda is an expression of our bond with global Jewry and our concern for their wellbeing.”

We’re already on the way to those goals. But we need your help to make this a reality, and to demonstrate to the world that Buffalo stands tall and strong, and keeps its word. Any and every gift matters. Please donate today to help our Jewish brethren in Africa, because we all have a responsibility to help each other.

To donate to this effort, please send a check in any amount, payable to TBT Brotherhood, with a note that it’s for the “Abayudaya Poultry Project,” and send it to David Schiller, 65 Segsbury Road, Williamsville, NY 14221. Todah Rabah! For more information about the Abayudaya visit fjmc.org/ abayudaya-support

Student from the Hadassah Primary School in Mbale, Uganda gather. Copyright – Yonit Schiller – 2022.

Jonathan D. Epstein is President of the Temple Beth Tzedek Brotherhood and president of the Tri-State Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.

Lindy Korn, Esq Attorney & Mediator

Passover Treats

This

Matzo Farfel Stuffing

ROBIN BERNHARD KURSS

My Aunt Marsha Bernhard passed away a few years ago. She was an elegant woman who kept a beautiful home. She made many magnificent holidays for our family there. When I was a little girl, she would have me over for special times, just she and I. When I was around 10 years old, before Passover, I had the pleasure of watching her make two of my favorite Passover foods—matzo farfel stuffing and mint meringues with chocolate chips. I can still taste them both....and to this day, the beautiful mint green of those meringues is my favorite color!

Mint Meringues with Chocolate Chips

ROBIN BERNHARD KURSS

2 egg whites, room temperature

¾ c sugar

½ tsp mint extract pinch salt

a couple drops green food coloring

6 oz chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

Preheat oven to 300. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Beat egg whites and salt till stiff. Add sugar, mint extract and beat till peaks form. Gently fold in chocolate. Drop by teaspoon onto cookie sheet and bake 20-25 minutes. The cookies should not brown.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

JIM CORNELL AND DARCI CRAMER

Jim Cornell and Darci Cramer, who married in 2015, knew from the beginning that they wanted to share their love of food, tradition, and entertaining with family and friends. Their restaurant, Eckl’s@Larkin (703 Seneca Street in Buffalo), sprang from that shared idea. Eckl’s@Larkin is a Steakhouse Nouveau that features creative twists on Jewish cuisine around Jewish holidays, beginning at Passover. They are members of Congregation Shir Shalom. Darci is happy to share her favorite Passover dessert.

1 stick sweet butter

7 oz. semi-sweet chocolate

Serves 8

2 onions, diced

1 c mushrooms, sliced

2 ribs celery, sliced

1 green pepper, diced oil or margarine (about 2-3 Tbsp)

1 lb matzo farfel

2 c chicken broth

garlic salt & pepper to taste

Grease a 9" x 13" dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sauté veggies in oil or margarine until soft. In a large bowl, combine sautéed veggies, farfel, broth and spices. Pour into prepared dish, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more till golden brown on top.

7 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp vanilla

1/8 tsp cream of tartar whipping cream

Separate eggs. Melt butter and chocolate and allow to cool. Beat egg whites with 1/8 tsp cream of tartar and ¼ c sugar until stiff. Beat egg yolks and ¾ C sugar until pale and smooth. Fold whites into yolks. Fold cooled chocolate into the egg mixture. Add vanilla. Reserve 2 cups of mousse and chill. Pour batter into ungreased 9" springform pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes. After the cake has cooled, it will collapse. Spread unbaked mousse over top of cake. Freeze. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

year, 5783, Passover begins Wednesday night, April 5. Here are several Pesach recipes you can use for your Seder, or enjoy through April 13! Chag Sameach!

Mandel Bread

LORI MORRISON

Lori Morrison is the owner and chef of Luscious By Lori, a Kosher Vaad supervised caterer. Passover recipes have been passed down to her from her mother-in-law, of blessed memory, Allison Morrison, who was known for, among many other wonderful attributes, her amazing Passover food. Luscious by Lori is closed for Pesach, but Lori can be reached at 716-998-0218.

2 cups sugar

½ lb margarine

6 eggs

2 ¾ c cake meal

¾ cup potato starch

8 oz. chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

Topping:

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp sugar

set oven to 350 degrees

Cream margarine with sugar, add eggs, 1 at a time. Mix in cake meal and potato starch. Add chips and nuts. Spray a large tray with cooking spray. Place mixture on cookie sheet and spread, should be around 1 to 1 ½ inches high. Sprinkle on cinnamon/sugar mixture. Bake around 30 minutes. Edges should be brown, and center should look set. Remove from oven, cool for about 5 minutes then cut into strips, then cut to make strips smaller.

Spinach Kugel

LORI MORRISON

10 oz. pkg spinach (fresh)

2 onions, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

3 carrots, grated

1 cup mushrooms, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

2 eggs + 2 egg whites

¾ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

¼ tsp garlic powder, more is always good!

Dash basil

2-3 tbsp potato starch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil spinach, drain well. Heat oil, sauté all vegetables, add spinach last. Add eggs and spices and potato starch, stir well. Pour into casserole dish and bake uncovered until firm, about 45-50 minutes.

Jewish Community Organizations in Western New York

Buffalo Jewish Federation

338 Harris Hill Rd. - Suite 108B

Williamsville, NY 14221

716-463-5050

buffalojewishfederation.org

Rob Goldberg - CEO & Executive Director

Miriam Abramovich - Chief Operating Officer

Margie Bryen - President

Buffalo Vaad of Kashrus

49 Barberry Lane

Williamsville, NY 14221

716-534-0230

bvkkosher.com

buffalo@yahoo.com, bvkkosher@gmail.com

Michael Paskowitz - President

Center for Jewish Life

Suburbs: 757 Hopkins Road

Williamsville, NY 14221

716-639-7600

jewishbuffalo.com

Rabbi Laizer & Chani Labkovski

Downtown: 1016 Lafayette Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14209

716-545-6806

Rabbi Mendy & Chaya Mushka Labkovski

Chabad House of Buffalo

2450 North Forest Road

Getzville, NY 14068

716-688-1642

chabadbuffalo.com

Rabbi Moshe Gurary

Chai Early Childhood Center

757 Hopkins Road

Williamsville, NY 14221

716-580-4600

chainursery.com

Chani Labkovski - Director

Community Religious School (CRS)

4660 Sheridan Drive

Williamsville, NY 14221

716-574-6016

BuffaloCRS@gmail.com

Einav Symons - Director

Department of Jewish Thought

712 Clemens Hall - University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY 14260

716-645-3695

jewish-studies@buffalo.edu

jewishstudies.buffalo.edu

Dr. Noam Pines - Chair

Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies

2640 North Forest Road

Getzville, NY 14068

716-204-1133

jewishphilanthropies.org

Irv Levy - Executive Director

Daniel Kester - President

Hadassah

2640 North Forest Road

Getzville, NY 14068

716-929-6504

buffalohadassah@gmail.com

Frima Ackerhalt and Phyllis Steinberg - Co-Presidents

Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association

2640 North Forest Road in FJP offices Getzville, NY 14068

716-204-0542 wnyhbla.org

Judith Katzenelson Brownstein - President

Hillel of Buffalo Campus Center of Jewish Life

520 Lee Entrance/UB Commons Suite #101B W. Amherst, NY 14228 716-616-0083 hillelofbuffalo.org

Rabbi Sara Rich - Director

Marc Adler - President

Holocaust Resource Center 338 Harris Hill Rd. – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221 hrcbuffalo.org

Lauren Bloomberg - Director of Engagement

Mandy Weiss - Director of Operations

Wendy Weisbrot - Chair

Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, Inc. Benderson Family Building 2640 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-4033 jccbuffalo.org

Mike Rawl - Executive Director Dr. Irwin Gelman - President Holland Family Building 787 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209 716-886-3145

Jewish Community Relations Council 338 Harris Hill Rd. – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221

buffalojewishfederation.org

Mara Koven-Gelman - Senior Director

Adam Fogel - Co-Chair

Deborah Goldman - Co-Chair

Jewish Discovery Center 831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-0467

jewishdiscovery.org

Rabbi Heschel Greenberg

Jewish Family Services Of Western New York 70 Barker Street Buffalo, NY 14209 716-883-1914 jfswny.org

Molly Short Carr - CEO

Harold Star - Chair

Jewish Federation Apartments 275 Essjay Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-631-8471

jewishfederationapartments.org

Kathleen Haggerty - Property Manager

Jewish Federation Cemetery Corporation, Inc.

338 Harris Hill Rd. – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221

buffalojewishfederation.org

716-463-5050

Deborah Pivarsi - Director

Jonathan Schechter - President

Kadimah kadimah.org

Reneé Lehner - Administrator

Kosher Meals on Wheels

757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-639-7600

koshermow.com

Rabbi Laizer Labkovski - Director

Jeffery Pasler - President

LiNK Jewish Buffalo

338 Harris Hill Rd. – Suite 108B Williamsville, NY 14221

Mike Steklof, Ed.D. - Senior Director

Brenda Feldstein - Chair

Ohr Temimim School

411 John James Audubon Parkway

W. Amherst, NY 14228 716-568-0226 ohrtemimimschool.com

Rabbi Shmuel Shanowitz - Principal

Sonia Gellman Young - President

One Stop Jewish Buffalo

A free website updated weekly about all that’s happening in Jewish Buffalo onestopjewishbuffalo.com

Nathan Sull - Publisher

Aaron Sull - Editor

Weinberg Campus 2700 North Forest Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-639-3311 weinbergcampus.org

Robert Mayer - President & CEO

Kenneth Rogers - Chairman of the Board

Western New York Synagogues and Temples

Chabad House of Buffalo (unaffiliated) 2450 North. Forest Rd, Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-1642 chabadbuffalo.com

Rabbi Moshe Gurary - Director

Congregation Beth Abraham (Conservative) 1073 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222 congregationbethabraham.net

Cantor Irwin Gelman

Marty Kerker - President

Congregation Havurah (Reform) 6320 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-689-8059 congregationhavurah.org info@congregationhavurah.org

Daniel Mink - President

Congregation Shir Shalom (Reform/Reconstructionist) 4660 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 716-633-8877

shirshalombuffalo.org

Rabbi Alexander Lazarus-Klein

Cantor Arlene Frank

Joanne Marquisee - Executive Director

Todd Sugarman - President

JDC Shul (Unafilliated) 831 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-245-9520

jewishdiscovery.org

Rabbi Heschel Greenberg

Rabbi Levi Greenberg

Rabbi Yehoshua Greenberg

Kehillat Ohr Tzion (Modern Orthodox) 879 Hopkins Rd Williamsville, NY 14221 ohrtzion.org/kot

Rabbi Ori Bergman

Cheryl Stein - President

Knesset Center (Orthodox) 500 Starin Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214 716-832-5063

chabadbuffalo.com

Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow

Saranac Synagogue (Orthodox) 85 Saranac Avenue Buffalo New York 14216 716-876-1284

saranacsynagogue.org

President - Shmuel Rashkin

Vice President - Reuven Alt

Gabbai David Kunkel

Temple Beth Tzedek (Conservative) 1641 North Forest Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-838-3232

btzbuffalo.org

Rabbi Adam J. Rosenbaum

Cantor Mark Spindler

Linda Boxer - President

Kim Jones - Administrator

Temple Beth Zion (Reform)

Sanctuary: 805 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209

Offices: 700 Sweet Home Road Amherst, NY 14226 716-836-6565

tbz.org

Rabbi Brent Gutmann

Jeff Clark - Executive Director

Ken Polk - President

Temple Beth El (Reform) 720 Ashland Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14301 716-282-2717

niagarafallstemple.com

Rabbi Ellen Franke

Cantorial Soloist Barry Rose

William Bell - President

Temple Hesed Abraham of Greater Jamestown (Reform)

Meeting biweekly at Jamestown, NY Lutheran Church

Rabbi Allen Podet

Joe Gerstel - President (716-665-2118) valprojdg@netsync.net

The Family Shul (Unaffiliated) 757 Hopkins Road Williamsville, NY 14221

Rabbi Laizer Labkovski

716-639-7600

Young Israel of Greater Buffalo (Orthodox) 105 Maple Road Williamsville, NY 14221 716-634-0212

yibuffalo.org

Richard Berger and Michael PaskowitzCo-Presidents

FIXED ANNUITIES

Remembering Dr. Herman Stone: 1924-2023

Dr. Herman Stone passed away February 9, 2023, and his funeral took place February 12 at Temple Beth Zion. He was the husband of the late Margaret “Peggy” Stone. Devoted father of Elaine Higgins, Barbara (Bob) Reden, Pamela (Mark Dudley) Stone, MD, Robert (Diane Christensen) Stone, Richard (Jutta Helm) Stone, and Susan Stone. Loving grandfather of 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Brother of the late Henry & Joan Stone. The reflections below come from the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo, his son Robert Stone and his grandson Timothy Higgins

Holocaust Resource Center (HRC)

We at the HRC have lost a brilliant man and one of our devoted members of our Speakers Bureau. Herman was an integral part of our Speakers Bureau, speaking to thousands of students and community members throughout Western New York. Last spring, Herman spoke to the Buffalo Community Religious School saying, “Speaking to children is more important than ever and it is up to this generation, just like others before them, to make sure this never happens again.” In his many presentations, Dr. Stone stated, “My work at the HRC has been the most satisfying and inspiring of my whole career!” The HRC is deeply dedicated to honoring Herman’s precious memory by sharing his legacy and continuing his selfless work to help ensure that “never again” becomes a reality. May Dr. Herman Stone’s memory be for a blessing.

Robert Stone

Dad lived a remarkable life. He was born in Munich, Germany in 1924, lived through the rise of Nazis, the horrors of Kristallnacht and the Nuremberg laws which stripped Jews of property, status, and education. My dad as a young boy was somewhat permitted to continue his education only because his father, Bernard, was a veteran of WWI. Even so, he did so without any opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities since those were controlled by the Nazis. His experience in these dark years, as you might expect, was formative in his life and is embedded deep in the roots of our family’s DNA. More-so my dad knew that future generations needed to understand that what happened in Germany can happen again, and he made it a lifelong mission to educate, not only the family, but to share his experience with the community. Through the help of the Holocaust Research Center, dad was a frequent speaker at local schools and community groups.

With much luck, and the generosity of a complete stranger from New York City named Mr. Racoosin who sponsored them, the immediate family escaped Germany in late 1939 and traveled to the United States. I asked dad one time why the family chose to settle in Buffalo. The answer was that they befriended some people on the boat ride from England who were coming to Buffalo, and they thought it would be nice to know some people here.

I started by saying my father lived a remarkable life. He served as President of the Beth Israel congregation in Hazleton, PA. two separate times. In 2006, he was “man of the Year” for outstanding service here at Temple Beth Zion and he was always active in the Temple Brotherhoods as we moved around the country.

He graduated from Bethany College and holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Ohio State University. “The” Ohio State is also where he met the love of his life and our mom, Peggy Sluizer.

He became a citizen of the United States in 1945 while serving in the US Army. He was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was active in the community supporting the Democratic Party, the Police Auxillary, PTA and the Boys and Girls Scouts.

His work career started in the mid-1950s with Allied Chemical company here in Buffalo, and then he worked for Malden Mills and General Foam Corporation, as well as doing consulting work well into his 70s.

He is listed in the Hall of Fame of the Polyurethane Foam Association for his leadership in “almost every aspect” of the flexible polyurethane foam industry, with credit for pioneering much of the industry’s flammability research. He holds 24 patents and is credited as the author of 70 publications/presentations.

Growing up I never really understood how significant my dad’s scientific contributions were but, during a chance encounter on a business trip, I happened to sit next to a stranger on an 8-hour flight where he spoke in awe of my father’s career. Later, in sharing what I had learned with my dad, his response was telling of the humble man he was. He told me he was lucky to grow up in an age of discovery and was quick to share his credit with those he worked with.

Dad was a devoted husband to Peggy (Margaret Sluizer Stone) who passed away in 2019 after 69 years of marriage. These two were meant for each other with personalities that both complemented and supplemented each other. They provided a family foundation for me and my 5 siblings that nourished

Dr. Herman Stone

We now live indebted to the memory of Herman Stone and the only way to repay an entire lifetime of service is to finish the task at hand...To repair the world. Tikkun Olam.

This, and so much more, is the legacy of Dr. Herman Stone.

In Remembrance

our creativity, kept us aware of world issues and taught us the value of a tight family union. This partnership of my parents passed the test of time though many trials and sweet memories. As a symbol of my dad’s devotion to Peggy, he requested that the gravestone that will mark their final resting place include the words “together again”.

The definition of family goes well beyond Herman and Peggy’s six children. They doted over their 12 grandchildren, making each feel special in their own way, and the family now celebrates 7 great-grandchildren.

Timothy Higgins

Over the course of almost a century, my grandfather Herman Stone saw more of the world from more angles than most people ever will. He was an outcast, a refugee, a soldier, a scientist, a pillar of the community, and so much more that I don’t even know about or know how to put into words.

I remember that he told us about the Torah portion that he had to read for his bar mitzvah. It was Genesis 12, when G-d said to Abram (who would later be called Abraham), “Go to the land that I will show you and there I shall make of you a great nation.” Around a year after reading that before the congregation, Herman left the lands of his ancestors and came to a land of promise. Here, in America, he would serve as a soldier and as a scientist, making this union at least a little closer to being perfect.

The Lord said to Abram, “I will bless those who bless you,” and I’d say that virtually everyone has benefitted from giving this refugee a chance. Herman helped to advance our knowledge of the material world and manufacture new kinds of goods that we still use today.

Grandpa taught me not just how to read, but how to understand what I read in more than one way. It was like the whole world was a logic puzzle and he could see it from every angle. He taught me how to analyze information and adapt to it in the way that you basically have to teach a child; through jokes, stories, and riddles. Even near the end, he was still at least a bit cleverer than everyone else in the room.

Even after surviving Kristallnacht , the Night of Broken Glass, and barely escaping the Holocaust, Herman never forgot about other people and how they might suffer. Whenever he taught others about what happened to his family, he always emphasized that the Holocaust was unique mostly in terms of scale.

People of every ethnic group have gone through some kind of hardship, and the prejudice and intellectual laziness that allow such things to happen still linger in humanity to this day. Our job is to keep such things from happening in the future. My grandfather knew that what happened to him should never have happened, and the thing he wanted most was to make sure it would never happen to anyone else ever again. Looking over nearly a century of life full of hardships and accomplishments, the story of my grandfather is the story he read for his bar mitzvah. He left the land of his forefathers and came to a land shown to him. Here, he helped to build a great nation. We now live indebted to the memory of Herman Stone and the only way to repay an entire lifetime of service is to finish the task at hand. To provide a world where no one suffers needlessly, and all have a chance to make at least their little corner of the world better than how they found it. To repair the world. Tikkun Olam This, and so much more, is the legacy of Dr. Herman Stone.

The following individuals in our community passed away during the period from Feb 23- March 19, 2023. May their memories forever be a blessing, and may their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion.

*If we inadvertently missed printing the listing of your loved one, please write to ellen@buffalojewishfederation.org and we will include the name next month.

Harvey Axelrod Elaine R. Baren

Seymour L. Baren Claire Z. Goldberg Harold M. Halpern

Abram Meerovich

Richard Melzer

Before the War: Our Ukraine Travels from a Jewish Perspective (Part 1)

BY ALAN SISSELMAN

In 2019, Alan Sisselman wrote an article summarizing a visit to Poland he took with his wife, Roberta Levine. In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and accompanying propaganda denying the existence of Ukrainian culture, we find it more important than ever to relay Alan and Roberta’s experiences in Ukraine. Today we share Part One of a two-part article, the second half which will appear in the May issue of the Jewish Journal.

To deny the existence of Ukrainian culture is to deny the existence of Jewish culture in Ukraine since an estimated 1.3 – 2.5 million Jews lived in Ukraine prior to World War II. The estimates widely fluctuate based on what borders were used to define this huge region. The current Jewish population estimate ranges from 50,000 to 100,000. Historically, a large portion of the Pale of Settlement, the region where Eastern European Jews were allowed to reside, was located within the current borders of Ukraine.

It is important to note that all the cities and sites we were able to visit are in immediate danger of attack from Russian military forces via artillery, tank and air bombardment, and missile strikes. We are aware that Kiev has already experienced extensive damage, Odesa has begun to experience the effects of war and Kherson is on the front lines of fighting. Upon arriving in Ukraine, we checked into our river cruise ship at the Port of Kiev on the Dnipro River, the major river in Ukraine, cutting through the middle of the country from Belarus in the north to the Black Sea in the south. The river makes a wide arc to the southeast before heading southwest to the Black Sea. The Dnipro River has some similarities to the Mississippi River in terms of being a critical highway of commercial transportation made possible through its modern system of multiple river locks.

It is documented that Jews have lived in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, as far back as the 10th century. Kiev’s oldest functioning synagogue, known as the Great Choral Synagogue (also called the Podil or Rozenberg Synagogue), is located adjacent to the port in the historic Podil District. Originally built in 1895, it was

partially destroyed and then rebuilt after World War II. Interestingly, what appeared to be an upscale kosher restaurant was located next door but, unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to dine there. Also located in the neighborhood is the Chernobyl Museum, a fascinating place dedicated to keeping the memory of the Chernobyl disaster alive. The museum consists of three spacious rooms full of photos, gear, and uniforms from the Chernobyl disaster. Anything and everything related to the events surrounding the incident are documented, including the nuclear reactor’s design flaws, the attempted Soviet cover up, and the short and long-term impacts on people and the environment.

Later, we visited Babi Yar, the site of Nazi mass executions during World War II of primarily Jewish women, children, seniors and disabled.

The entire area was once a very large ravine which had since been filled in. At that time of the atrocities, most of Kiev’s men were serving in the Soviet army and were not present when this massacre occurred. During the bus trip to the northwestern sector of Kiev where Babi Yar is located, our guide described the details of the massacre based on the experiences of Dina Pronicheva, a Jewish eyewitness who miraculously survived the ordeal and lived to tell her terrifying story. We stopped at several sites of both Jewish and Soviet memorials. The Jewish displays included sculptures and photo displays describing the events that had occurred. The modest statue of Tatiana Markus, Hero of Ukraine, paled in comparison to her story, a Jewish woman who worked in the resistance and poisoned a number of Nazi officers. Adjacent to Babi Yar site was an enormous television station antenna which was damaged during the recent Russian attack on Kiev.

The next day, we rode the metro train to Tolstoy Plaza in central Kiev. We first visited the Brodsky or Central Synagogue. This synagogue is much larger than the Podil Synagogue and was also constructed before 1900. A few blocks away we spotted a relief of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in front of the tenement she once occupied as a child. Nearby was the small but fascinating Sholem Aleichem Museum. The museum contained many photos and possessions of the famous Yiddish writer. The staff was friendly and spoke mostly Ukrainian and Yiddish. Time did not allow us to visit other notable attractions in or near Kiev including the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, the Caves Monastery (Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra), or Mezhyhirya, the opulent estate north of the city that was financed by corruption and built by a former unpopular president, ousted during the 2014 Maidan Revolution. (Part 2 of this story will appear in next month’s Jewish Journal.)

Alan Sisselman and his wife, Roberta Levine, have resided in the Buffalo area for over 35 years and are members of Temple Beth Tzedek. They have a keen interest in Eastern European Jewish culture and perform klezmer music in their band, West of Odesa.

A relief sculpture of Golda Meir on the building where she lived as a child in Kiev.