Buffalo Jewish Federation

06/23/2026

Why PJ Library for young family events?🐮

We do things like ✨this.✨

Connection.
Nature.
Jewish values.
Shared identity.
Family-friendly.

Our trip to Asha's Farm Sanctuary was magical, and we’re so grateful for the togetherness and special lessons we celebrated and enjoyed. Want to do things like this? PJ Library Buffalo is for families with kids 12 and under. Message Federation to get involved!

06/19/2026

On Juneteenth, Buffalo Jewish Federation acknowledges this important day for many who celebrate in the Black community, and for all Americans who work every day advocating for freedom.

We also express gratitude for the relationships, partnerships, and dialogue that continue to strengthen our communities. At a time when hatred and division affect so many, we remain committed to standing together with our Black friends, partners, and neighbors against racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hate.

However you observe the day, we wish all who celebrate a happy Juneteenth!

06/16/2026

Connection makes our community stronger. Hillel of Buffalo, JCC Buffalo, Jewish Family Services of Western New York, and Buffalo Jewish Federation are excited to announce that we’re teaming up on Give 716 Day!♥️💛💙 Even better, the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies is stepping up with matching funds, multiplying the power of donations.

Affectionately known as "716 Day" in Western New York, July 16 has taken on a charitable component called Give 716. Together, we amplify our ability to support and strengthen Jewish life in Western New York.🤝To learn more about each organization, visit the link below. Save the Date: 7/16. Together, every gift can go further.

🔗 https://give716.org/give/give716/give716/2026-give-716/charities/jewish-federation-of-greater-buffalo-inc

06/15/2026

Cloudy skies with a chance of rain didn’t deter 20 families from enjoying friendly farm animals during PJ Library’s unique Spring "Kiss a Cow" outing. And we can't emphasize this enough...yesterday's rain held off by MINUTES!😅

Hosted at Asha's Farm Sanctuary in Newfane, Jewish families with young children were treated to story time with Federation’s Robin Kurss, a vegan lunch from the Sanctuary, and a tour of the farm with the opportunity to see and pet cows, sheep, and ducks, and yes, kiss a cow!🐮

PJ Library’s visit to Asha’s was the culmination of bridge building between farm owner Tracey Murphy-Cipparone and Robin. Tracey founded the Farm Sanctuary based on her Christian values that support the ethical care for exploited animals. Jewish tradition shares a similar value, za’ar ba’alei chayim (compassion for animals), which asks us to prevent animal suffering and treat all living creatures with care. Together, everyone learned about and celebrated the many ways we can treat animals with kindness!💕

06/12/2026

Shabbat Shalom! Buffalo BBYO -a Jewish teen youth group- had its first event last weekend, a pickleball matchup! What's most unique about BBYO is that the kids take the lead. This group decided what they wanted to do and planned it.👏 Mazel tov to these young leaders. Got a teen looking to make friends with shared identity and do cool things? DM for more info!

06/11/2026

Holocaust survivors gathered for a meaningful afternoon in honor of Holocaust Survivor Day, an annual observance celebrating the lives, resilience, and contributions of living Holocaust survivors whose courage and perseverance continue to inspire us all. Guests enjoyed a special presentation by award-winning author Elisa Boxer, who shared a reading of her acclaimed book, The Tree of Life: How a Holocaust Sapling Inspired the World. The story inspired reflection and conversation, reminding us of the importance of preserving history and sharing stories of hope and resilience.

Each of our treasured survivors received a copy of the book along with a symbolic "tree of life" plant, honoring their enduring strength and legacy they continue to pass on to future generations. This afternoon also included a joyful celebration of the upcoming birthdays of survivors Sol Messinger and Sophia Veffer, giving eveyone the opportunity to honor two remarkable members of our community. 🌳📖🎉

JCC Buffalo Jewish Family Services of Western New York

06/09/2026

Six Federation team members, three of their spouses, and Federation's President enjoyed a night out this past weekend supporting Temple Beth Zion's Fantasy Casino Night! A good time for a good cause, demonstrating the power of strength in community when Jewish Buffalo comes together for a purpose.💪🎲

06/08/2026

Still kvelling about the incredible attention the Holocaust Education Resource Organization of Buffalohas received and the positive feedback Federation has heard from the community since Thursday, when HERO celebrated its 100th Kindness Suitcase gifted to a local school. The following day, The Buffalo News shared its story on the front page section of City & Region. As a digital subscriber to the Buffalo News, we're excited to be able to "gift" this article, which means you can click/tap below without needing your own subscription to be able to read this wonderful feature! Enjoy!

The Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO) of the Jewish Federation of Buffalo celebrated the giving of the 100th Kindness Suitcase to a school in Western New York.

06/05/2026

Last week, 30 women gathered for Federation’s Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon—a morning of gratitude, connection, and reflection. Together, we celebrated the impact these women make across our community through their leadership and philanthropy. At the heart of this effort are 64 Lions of Judah, women who contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually, and 41 Pomegranates, each making a minimum annual gift of $1,800.

The program featured Brooklyn-based artist and jeweler Freida Rothman, who shared her journey of resilience, creativity, and Jewish identity. Her story offered a reminder of the strength found in embracing who we are and supporting one another. We are grateful to these women whose generosity and commitment continue to strengthen Jewish Buffalo.

06/05/2026

Today, surrounded by district leaders from around Western New York, librarians, educators, students, volunteers, and Jewish professionals, the Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO) of the Buffalo Jewish Federation celebrated 100 Kindness Suitcases in WNY schools.

Held at Sheridan Hill Elementary in the Clarence Central School District, this joyous occasion began with a brand-new lesson for fourth graders on how they can amplify voices of kindness and courage. The exercise was followed by heartfelt remarks and a reception. Federation was proud to present HERO Manager Wendy Weisbrot with an achievement award to recognize her work from the inception of an idea, which today is realized in a tangible curriculum that reaches thousands of students. The Kindness Suitcases can be found in 30 School Districts and seven private schools throughout Western New York and neighboring communities.

On June 4, this moment carries even greater significance as we mark Holocaust Survivor Day. HERO and Federation honor the resilience, courage, and enduring contributions of Holocaust survivors—individuals who experienced humanity at its worst, yet chose to dedicate their lives to teaching humanity at its best. Their stories remind us why this work matters. They teach us the consequences of indifference, the importance of standing up for others, and the profound impact that one person can have in shaping a more compassionate world.

And while HERO celebrates 100 Kindness Suitcases, what we really celebrate in partnership with educators is a shared belief that small acts of kindness can create lasting change, one student, one school, and one community at a time.

🔗READ MORE from Clarence Central School District: https://www.clarenceschools.org/p/~board/headlines-amp-features-clarence-central-school-district-5535/post/sheridan-hill-elementary-school-students-help-mark-milestone-kindness-suitcase