Week of Events
Sunday, January 18, 2026
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January 18, 2026 -Chai Hebrew School
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January 18, 2026 -What Does Judaism Say About…?
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January 18, 2026 -Beit Midrash at KOT
Chai Hebrew School
Imagine a Hebrew School where kids don’t want to miss a day! They come in with a smile and leave humming the tune to a Hebrew song. Sign up now for a fun, enriching and meaningful learning experience for your child. January 11, 18, 25 February 1, 8 March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 31 June 7 Please click here for more information!
What Does Judaism Say About…?
Ever wonder what Judaism really says about the topics that matter most to you — or the ones you’d never think to ask?In this thought-provoking and often surprising series, we’ll explore what Jewish wisdom has to say about life’s everyday questions and unexpected curiosities. Each class focuses on a different theme — from the practical to the philosophical, the lighthearted to the profound. Delicious brunch served.
Monday, January 19, 2026
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January 19, 2026 -Exodus: The Journey that made us
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January 19, 2026 -Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa
Exodus: The Journey that made us
How history, memory and meaning shaped Jewish values, practices & identity Delicious Soups and Salads Will Be Served CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa
Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa is a fascinating series exploring the questions our ancestors asked sages across the ages. 3 things we’ll learn in the course: 1. How our ancestors lived We’ll explore thirty real-life cases and get vivid windows into the lives of Jewish individuals and communities across history—from Spain in the fourteenth century, to nineteenth-century Russia, and 1950s Brooklyn. What did they worry about? What problems did they face? Join to find out! 2. How Jewish law works It shapes everything from the synagogue service to who wins a dispute—but Jewish law is shrouded in mystery. How does an ancient law apply to new realities? How do the rules get made? We’ll unpack the steps that the sages followed to adjudicate disputes and answer tricky questions. 3. The future of Judaism In our final lesson, we’ll see how Jewish law is already grappling with the questions raised by travel to Mars, artificial intelligence, lab-grown meat, and more. Uncover your history. Understand your heritage. Join us for an enlightening and intriguing course. Instructor: Rabbi Laizer Labkovski Hot dinner served No charge, all are welcome! Click here to register!
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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January 20, 2026 -Jewish Enrichment Kids Club
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January 20, 2026 -BJF Board Meeting
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January 20, 2026 -The Blessing Circle
Jewish Enrichment Kids Club
Where it's fun to be Jewish at Jewish Discovery Center - 831 Maple Rd. Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM For more information call Brocha Leah Greenberg at 716.908.0133
BJF Board Meeting
Board of Governors Meetings will begin at 6:30pm (Locations TBD) January 20 March 25 May 28 July 15 (Social event) September 9 November 19
The Blessing Circle
The Blessings Circle, a new support group through a Jewish lens for families and friends of those with mental health and addiction issues. All are welcome. Monthly. January 20, Feb 17, March 17 See front desk for location Facilitator: Rabbi Yonina of jfswny. Questions/inquiries: [email protected] or (716) 883-1914 x422
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
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January 21, 2026 -Jewish Ethical Wisdom: Ethics of Our Fathers
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January 21, 2026 -Intermediate Hebrew
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January 21, 2026 -Intro to Judaism
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January 21, 2026 -International Holocaust Remembrance Day Program
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January 21, 2026 -TBZ Board Meeting
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January 21, 2026 -Advanced Hebrew
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January 21, 2026 -Center for Jewish Life Torah Studies
Jewish Ethical Wisdom: Ethics of Our Fathers
Enjoy a delicious lunch while listening to an engaging discussion of Jewish ethics from practical as well as spiritual perspectives.
Intermediate Hebrew
This intermediate level Hebrew course is to further develop skills for those who already know the Hebrew alphabet and can read several words and phrases. The focus of this course is on developing basic vocabulary and words commonly used in Scripture and Hebrew prayer. Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Schachter Click here to register!
Intro to Judaism
In partnership with our local Rabbis and Cantors, this exceptional course is designed for: couples of multiple faiths considering marriage, individuals interested in conversion, or individuals (Jewish and non-Jewish) interested in learning more about Jewish religion and history. This course will explore the Jewish calendar and life cycles, worship and beliefs, the Bible, Rabbinic literature, Antisemitism, the Holocaust, Zionism and the State of Israel. Date/Time/Location: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm – JCC Benderson Family Building January 21 - April 29 January 21 & 28; February 4, 11 & 25; March 4, 11, 18 & 25; April 15, 22 & 29 Cost: $180 Click here to register!
Advanced Hebrew
This advanced level Hebrew course is for those who can read and understand simple Biblical and Modern Hebrew phrases. The primary focus of this class is conversational Hebrew. Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Schachter Click here to register!
Center for Jewish Life Torah Studies
Wednesdays 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Happiness is Learned. Your weekly dose of Jewish inspiration. Hot dinner served The Torah Studies class brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of enticing weekly classes. Each class introduces ideas and issues from the current weekly Torah portion and, through discussion and debate, creates a meaningful connection between the timeless wisdom of the Torah and modern-day living. January 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 4, 11, 18, 25 April 15, 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20, 27 June 3, 10, 17, 24 July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 August 5, 12, 19, 26 September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Thursday, January 22, 2026
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January 22, 2026 -Talmud Weekly Study Group
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January 22, 2026 -Beginning Hebrew
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January 22, 2026 -Women Gathering
Talmud Weekly Study Group
Every Thursday morning 9:00 – 10:00am Dive into the vast sea of the Talmud, the compilation of centuries of Halachic discussion between the greatest of sages. With its stimulating and mind-sharpening twists of logic, the Talmud represents the ultimate in Jewish scholarship. Feel free to join the class at the Center for Jewish Life: 757 Hopkins Rd, Williamsville NY 14221 716 639-7600
Beginning Hebrew
This basic introductory Hebrew reading course is for Beginners interested in learning the Hebrew alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary with a focus on reading prayers for Shabbat, Synagogue Services, and traditional blessings. Cost: $236 Instructor: Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman Click here to register!
Women Gathering
Women Gathering, facilitated by Miriam Abramovich and Rabbi Sara Rich, is a monthly opportunity for women ages 30-55 to gather over food and drink for informal conversation, through a Jewish lens, about issues that matter to us the most such as business trends, gender equality, health, antisemitism and more. Click here to register!
Friday, January 23, 2026
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January 23, 2026 -The Spirit of Shabbat
The Spirit of Shabbat
The Spirit of Shabbat (Zoom Only). Give yourself a spiritual Shabbat treat. Join Rabbi Greenberg for penetrating insight along with a delightful story. Zoom connection information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2268494785?pwd=YVFLK0E5TzZGRUk5aUhsVWNzWXZ5Zz09 Meeting ID: 226 849 4785 Password: 613 (if prompted) or Call +1 929 205 6099
Saturday, January 24, 2026
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January 24, 2026 -NEXTGen Havdallah & Kabbalah
NEXTGen Havdallah & Kabbalah
A NEXTGen Jewish philosophy and Kabbalah study with Rabbi Shlomo Schachter of KOT. Limited to 10 registrations. Location given closer to the event. Click here to register!
