Creating opportunities for meaningful, purposeful and relevant Jewish exploration.
Adult Engagement + Learning
WEAVING THREADS OF JEWISH CONNECTION:
Buffalo Jewish Federation proudly creates welcoming opportunities for Jews and their loved ones to celebrate, learn, explore, and connect with Jewish life, Jewish people, Jewish ideas, Israel and Jewish community in meaningful ways.
The Buffalo Jewish Federation offers a variety of semester-long and year-long engagement and learning experiences for adults. Details about each class, cohort or learning experience can be found below.
Professional Leadership:
Robin Kurss
Jewish Engagement and Learning Opportunities
iEngage Liberal Zionism: Between Crisis and Aspiration
- Thursdays: 6:30-8:30 pm
- 8 weeks: October 8 – December 3
- Cost: $236
- Instructor: Rabbi Brent Gutmann
The past two years have raised urgent, complex, and painful questions about Zionism. Using the Shalom Hartman Institute’s newest iEngage curriculum, this eight-session course will explore the core tensions and values of liberal Zionism, respond to major critiques of Israel and Zionism after October 7, and offer frameworks for holding moral complexity, for teaching about Israel in a time of war, and for engaging our communities with courage, compassion, and clarity.
Intro to Judaism
- Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm
- 16 weeks: December 2, 2026 – April 14, 2027
- Location: JCC Benderson Building
- Cost: $280
- Instructors: Local Clergy and Educators
This course is a welcoming exploration of Jewish beliefs, traditions, values, and culture. Designed for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Judaism, including those who are exploring conversion, members of interfaith couples, and those who are curious to learn more. Through discussions on Shabbat, holidays, spirituality, ethics, Israel, Jewish history, and contemporary Jewish life, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live Jewishly today. Experiential opportunities, including a Shabbat dinner and a Hebrew session, will complement classroom learning. No prior Jewish knowledge is required.
Gate to the Heart - Introduction to Kabbalah and Jewish Meditation
- Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm
- 8 weeks: October 14 – December 16
- Cost: $180 (plus cost of book)
- Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Schachter
In this class, you’ll combine text study, introspective conversation, and simple meditation to introduce the basic concepts of Kabbalah and to experience the reality those ideas describe. Work from the book “Gate to the Heart” by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and explore ‘four worlds’, Sefirot, levels of the soul, and different modes of encounter with The Divine. No experience with either Kabbalah or meditation is required, only openness and curiosity.
Adult Beginner Hebrew and Trope
- Thursdays 6:30–7:30 pm
- 8 weeks: October 8 – December 3
- Cost: $180
- Instructor: Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman
No experience necessary. This course is for beginners interested in learning the Hebrew alphabet, grammar, vocabulary and trope with a focus on reading prayers for Shabbat, synagogue services, and traditional blessings.
Intermediate and Advanced Hebrew Group Tutoring
- By appointment
- Cost: To be determined based on number of sessions. $25/session/person
- Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Schachter
Take your Hebrew skills to the next level in a small-group learning environment tailored to your experience and goals. Whether you are building confidence with Hebrew vocabulary and prayer language or ready to strengthen your conversational fluency, these group tutoring sessions provide personalized instruction, practice, and support.
Jewish Engagement Cohorts
Jewish Women Unscripted
30ish to 55ish
Jewish Women Unscripted brings women together for deep Jewish conversations, authentic connection, and shared exploration of life’s joys and challenges. Through engaging discussion inspired by Jewish wisdom and values, we’ll explore topics that matter most while building community and connection along the way.
Four gatherings throughout the year beginning this Fall. Dates to be announced.
Jewish Women Rooted
55ish and up
Jewish Women Rooted is a monthly gathering that brings women together for meaningful conversation, social connection, and personal growth. Inspired by the themes and energies of the Jewish calendar, each gathering offers a unique opportunity to explore Jewish wisdom, build community, and connect in joyful and authentic ways.
Thursdays throughout the year beginning this Fall. Dates available at registration.
Jewish Men Unscripted
30ish to 55ish
Jewish Men Unscripted, facilitated by local clergy and educators, is an opportunity for men to gather over food and drink for casual conversation about issues and events that matter such as fatherhood, politics, Jewish culture, and
antisemitism.
Four gatherings throughout the year beginning this Fall. Dates to be announced.
Jewish Men Rooted
55ish and up
Jewish Men Rooted, facilitated by local clergy and educators, is an opportunity for men to gather over food and drink for casual conversation about issues and events that matter; politics, Jewish culture, antisemitism, and celebrating our collective experiences through a Jewish lens.
Four gatherings throughout the year beginning this Fall. Dates to be announced.
The Jewish Table
Join Robin Kurss for an exploration of Jewish life through food. Each gathering features hands-on cooking, conversation, and recipes connected to Jewish holidays, traditions, and cultures from around the world. Whether you’re an experienced cook or simply curious, you’ll leave with new skills, meaningful connections, and something delicious to share.
Four opportunities throughout the year beginning this Fall. Dates to be announced.
Midlife Shabbat Experiences
Midlife Shabbat Gatherings bring people together through shared meals, meaningful conversation, and the rhythms of Shabbat. Gatherings may include home-based potluck dinners, restaurant outings, Friday evening celebrations, and Saturday Havdalah experiences. Connect with friends old and new while building community through joyful Jewish experiences.
Upcoming Events
