Today, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Beth Kassirer, the new president of Temple Beth Tzedek. Beth’s life and leadership are a shining example of commitment and service.

Her Jewish journey began early in her life. She attended Hebrew school regularly and was always very involved in the community growing up. Her family history is steeped in tradition, with her parents maintaining a kosher home, celebrating every Jewish holiday, and upholding many Jewish customs. Her father, an immigrant from Hungary, and her mother, a Buffalo native from Russian immigrants, instilled in her a passion for Judaism. In her later life, Beth got very involved in the temple after the passing of her mother as she was going there every day to say Kaddish.  

Beth worked as a kindergarten teacher in Buffalo Public Schools and later worked in the technology department for the District, engaging with teachers and administrators providing them with computers or other materials they needed when the district received grants. 

Over the decades, she took on various roles in the Jewish community primarily through the synagogue. Today, Beth is honored to lead Temple Beth Tzedek and guides her synagogue community with understanding, respect, and kindness. She looks forward to the upcoming High Holiday season, remarking that “One of the highlights of our celebrations will be coming together in our gorgeous sanctuary. There’s something profoundly uplifting about sharing these moments of prayer and reflection in such a beautiful space.” She looks forward to welcoming everyone, from long time members to first time visitors, to celebrate the season with them and to find comfort in their synagogue.

We are grateful to Galina Danilovich, Federation’s Summer Intern, for writing today’s Spotlight.