Community Calendar

These are dates that Buffalo Community of  Learners: September 14, 28 October 5, 19, 26 November 2, 16, 23 December 7, 14 January 11, 25 February 1, 8 March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 19, 26 May 3, 17 October 5 & March 22 classes will meet at: Temple Beth Tzedek 1641 N. Forest Williamsville, 14221

Registration is now open, CLICK HERE to register for the 2025-2026 school year. New school hours will be from 9:30-12:00 on Sundays, with a 2nd session for students in grades 2-6 at noon on Sundays or after school on Thursdays. Hebrew will be the primary focus of this additional session. Hebrew instruction will also take place on Sunday mornings in classrooms. We will continue with Aleph Champ for our beginning Hebrew students. Once they complete the Aleph Champ program, they will be moved into the Hineni Hebrew curriculum. Beginning in October, students in grades 4-7 will participate in Chuggim (electives). Students in 7th grade will be exposed to Torah trope (chanting) as part of their curriculum. Their Hebrew studies will be coordinated with their B-Mitzvah preparation. We will have a new Purim Schpiel just for kids, try-outs and rehearsals will begin after the High Holidays. Feel free to contact Susan Goldberg at [email protected] or 716-836-6565 ext. 130.

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!

An exploration of the movements that shaped Jewish spiritual life. Across history, the Jewish people endured upheaval, yet Judaism kept renewing itself. At crucial moments, powerful spiritual movements emerged, reshaping Jewish identity and inner life. Revolutions of the Soul is a 6-week journey through those transformative eras, the ideas and teachers that formed Judaism’s inner story. For anyone interested in Jewish history, thought, or resilience, this course offers a compelling exploration. Delicious brunch served.

PJ & Me (Ages 0-2) is a joyful, gentle playtime designed for babies, toddlers, and the adults who love them. This cozy, connection centered program offers a chance to bond with your little one, meet other families and create sweet first Jewish memories. We'll enjoy simple stories, songs, movement and sensory exploration inspired by PJ library books. Click here to register!

Everyone is welcome.

TIme: 6:30-7:00 pm Wine and Cheese; 7:00-8:00 pm Fireside Chat The location of this event will be e-mailed to you within 48 hours of the event. Thank you for your understanding as we strive to keep Jewish Buffalo safe. Aviva Klompas is the co-founder and CEO of Boundless. She has made a name for herself as an outspoken advocate for the Jewish people and as a leading Israel educator. Before launching Boundless, she served as the Director of Speechwriting for Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City and as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Ontario government supporting efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Canada. Click here to register!

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 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!

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

Enjoy a delicious lunch while listening to an engaging discussion of Jewish ethics from practical as well as spiritual perspectives.

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!

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. Dates: Wednesdays - February 4th - May 13th Time: 7:30 - 8:30pm February 4, 11 & 25; March 4, 11, 18 & 25; April 15, 22 & 29; May 6 & 13 Cost: $236 Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Schachter Click here to register!

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

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

We are thrilled to be hosting our third annual gala, an opportunity for the Jewish Family Services community to come together, celebrate, and raise funds for our critical, life-saving programs: the Matzah Ball! This ticketed event will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at The Admiral Room. The night will feature a plated dinner, an awards ceremony, open bar, silent auction highlighting local experiences, dancing, and more. Each year, this event will have a theme, prompting guests to dress up to match it. This year’s theme is… Deep Roots, Green Shoots! Jewish Family Services of WNY has a long-standing tradition of resolutely serving Buffalo and Western New York. Across centuries, we have adapted to the needs of an ever-changing, beautiful community to continue providing vital care. The 2026 Matzah Ball honors our deep roots while celebrating our green shoots, the new programs and faces that have made this past year special! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

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  Dates: Thursdays over Zoom February 5, 12 & 26; March 5, 12, 19 & 26; April 16, 23 & 30; May 7 & 14 Cost: $236 Instructor: Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman Click here to register!

Wise Women Gathering, facilitated by Robin Kurss and friends, is a monthly opportunity for women ages 55+ to gather over food and drink for informal conversation, through a Jewish lens, about issues that matter to us the most such as life transitions, spirituality, relationships, and more.  Click here to register!

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

Join your PJ Library for a family-friendly Shabbat service and dinner featuring your favorite Buffalo synagogues and community partners!  Rabbi Yonina leading. Click here to register!

Join us at The Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre for the opening of the 41st Annual Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival! The festival will kick off with a special Opening Celebration on Saturday, March 14th, at the Benderson Family Building, featuring an Red Carpet Opening Night honoring the Major film awards the following day, so dress your best! This celebratory event sets the tone for a week of outstanding cinema and community connection. 6:00pm - Reception/Photo Opportunity 7:00pm - Movie showing 9:00pm - After the film, there will be a special announcement from JCC Buffalo CEO Patty Simonson About the film:  The Ring Director: Adir Miller Israel 2024, 122 mins, Hebrew and Hungarian with English subtitles Arnon Noble is a religious man with a strong bond to his mother, a Holocaust survivor. He usually drives her to school lectures, where she tells students how she saved her baby boy and herself with the help of a thin gold ring. When the mother's health deteriorates, he travels to her old hometown, Budapest, to search for the mythological ring that saved her life in the past. He turns to his estranged daughter, a TV researcher, for help and offers to go on this journey together. Will the search […]