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.

Join us for a zoom conversation with: Noor A'wad (Roots Spokesperson and Leadership Team Member) & Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger (Orthodox rabbi and Co-Founder of Roots) Come hear their personal stories of struggle and transformation as well as their vision of mutual national recognition and reconciliation while engaging in a meaningful Q&A session. Sunday March 15th, 2026 11:30am brunch | 12pm conversation starts Congregation Beth Abraham's Social Hall 1073 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222 Advance registration is required. Please contact [email protected] to RSVP. Co-sponsored by Congregation B'nai Israel, St. Catharines, Ontario and Congregation Beth Abraham, Buffalo, New York      

Eleanor the Great Director: Scarlett Johansson USA 2025, 98 mins, English In Eleanor the Great, June Squibb brings to vivid life the witty and proudly troublesome 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who, after a devastating loss, tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own. Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut is a comically poignant exploration of how the stories we hear become the stories we tell. This film is Sponsored by Monica Neuwirt CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue Director: Barry Avrich Canada 2025, 95 mins, English In a harrowing real-life story that echoes Taken, the feature documentary The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue follows retired Israeli general Noam Tibon, who, on October 7, 2023, received a desperate text from his son: terrorists had stormed his home, and he, his wife, and their two young daughters feared for their lives. With no time to spare, Noam and his wife, Gali, embarked on a ten-hour mission across a country under siege to save their family. Relying only on his instincts and military training, Noam navigated ambushes, roadblocks, and a collapsing security system in a relentless race against time. Directed by acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, the film retraces every step of that day, blending intimate firsthand testimony with the raw urgency of a survival thriller. Set against the backdrop of one of Israel’s darkest days, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue is both a gripping cinematic retelling of an extraordinary rescue and an unflinching look at the failures and resilience revealed on October 7. At its core, it is a profoundly human story about courage, family, and the power of love […]

Everyone is welcome.

Once Upon My Mother Director: Ken Scott France/Canada 2025, 102 mins, French with English subtitles In 1963, Esther gave birth to Roland, the youngest of a large family. Roland was born with a clubfoot that prevents him from standing. Against everyone's advice, she promises her son that he will walk like everyone else and will have an extraordinary life. From that moment on, Esther would stop at nothing to keep that promise. Spanning decades of trials and life's miracles, this film tells a true story, funny and moving, about an incredible destiny and the greatest love of all: a mother's love for her child. This film is sponsored by Patricia Simonson 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!

The Stamp Thief Director: Dan Sturman USA 2025, 103 mins, English From an Oscar-, Peabody-, and Emmy-winning team, “The Stamp Thief” is part detective story, part heist film, and part untold history. The documentary investigates a tale dating back to the Holocaust: that a mysterious Nazi stole priceless stamp collections from concentration camp victims and buried the stolen stamps in a small town in Poland. Embarking on a real-life “Argo”-like adventure, one-time “Seinfeld” producer Gary Gilbert sets out to confirm the story and recover the stamps. His tactic: a fake movie shoot. His goal: to return the stamps to their rightful owners, hopefully delivering a small measure of justice more than 70 years after the Holocaust. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

This is a dual film screening featuring two short films: Not My Weekend, followed by In the Middle. After both films are shown, there will be a virtual talkback with students from the Middle Meets program, connected to the film In the Middle. Not My Weekend Director: Rona Segal Israel 2024, 19 mins, Hebrew Sharon is on her way to a forest party to meet a lost lover from 20 years ago. However, her ex-husband left her responsible for their daughter, even though this is not even her weekend. In the Middle Directors: David Ullendorff & Felix Chamberlain USA 2025, 24 mins, English In the Middle is a 24-minute documentary about a group of Israeli and Palestinian college students who, in the wake of the October 7th Hamas massacre, came together to form Middle Meets—a space where Palestinian, Jewish, and international students can speak openly about the roots of the conflict. The film follows a weeklong gathering in Rome, where Israeli, Palestinian, and American students from the University of Notre Dame meet for difficult, often painful dialogue and reflection—an encounter made possible by the late Pope Francis, who also appears in the film. $15 per person 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

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

Film Festival: The Floaters Director: Rachel Israel USA 2025, 101 mins, English The Floaters follows struggling musician Nomi, who accepts a last-resort job from her overachieving best friend Mara: mentoring misfit campers, the "Floaters," at their childhood Jewish summer camp. $15 per ticket CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

Vindicta Director: Dominik Sedlar USA 2025, 120 mins, English In just one moment, 19-year-old Hannah’s world shatters when her parents are murdered in front of her. After fleeing, she seeks refuge with family friends before becoming the embodiment of rage and revenge towards those responsible for destroying her life. An unexpected connection with a handsome young Nazi Officer generates a moment of respite, but she is consumed by vengeance at any cost, no matter what or when. The story is inspired by the true events of women who helped defeat the Nazi army during WWII. $15 per ticket CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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 Hebrew prayer. Dates: Wednesdays - February 4th - May 13th Time: 6:00-7:00pm over Zoom  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!

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!

The First Lady Directors: Udi Nir & Sagi Bornstein Israel/Germany 2025, 82 mins, English Efrat Tilma, a trailblazing transgender woman, was forced to flee Israel as a teenager in the 1960s, after a police officer threatened to kill her if he ever saw her again walking the streets of Tel Aviv in women’s clothing. Today, at 75, she is a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and the first transgender volunteer in the Israeli police force. As the country descends into an unprecedented social and political crisis, Efrat confronts the traumas that shaped her life and once again fights for her place in the world. $15 per ticket 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

Creating Context for Teaching the Holocaust through Literature: All But My Life, Gerda and Kurt Klein Teaching Media Literacy: Through the Holocaust as a Case Study Thursday March 19, 2026 8 am-3 pm Erie 1 BOCES 355 Harlem Rd West Seneca Registration Fee $50 per teacher covers facility and refreshment cost Receive 6 CTLE credits Keynote speaker Todd Hennessy - Echoes and Reflections Facilitator and Educator Click here to register!

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

Tatami Directors: Guy Nattiv & Zar Amir USA/Israel/Iran 2023, 105 mins, English Iranian female judoka Leila and her coach, Maryam, who are traveling to the Judo World Championship, are intent on bringing home Iran's first gold medal. Midway through the competition, they receive an ultimatum from the Islamic Republic ordering Leila to fake an injury and lose. With her own and her family's freedom at stake, Leila is faced with an impossible choice: feign injury and comply with the Iranian regime as Maryam implores her to do, or defy them both and fight on, for the gold. $15 per ticket CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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!

Following the screening of Hora by Avi Weissblei, please join us for a reception with treats, and a dance instructor will lead us in learning the Hora. Hora Director: Avi Weissblei Israel 2025, 60 mins, Hebrew with English subtitles One hundred years after the creation of the local Hora dance, we go back to the great dream that began then and continues to this day. It is a legend that tells the story of the folk dance movement's formation, told through the voices of those who were once stars of this world. They reveal the women who brought with them styles, movements, and a variety of ethnic dances that helped shape the concept of culture—East and West—transforming into a center through the dance circles. But today, in the struggle for reality and the future, will folk dancing remain, or will it become merely a relic of the past? Ticket Cost: $18 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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!

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

Adults 55+ join together for a joyfully Jewish, home-based potluck Shabbat Dinner. Click here to register!

The Center for Jewish Life invites you to experience a Shabbat dinner in an atmosphere of song, story & discussion, complete with Argentinian cuisine. Click here for more information!

Jewish Repertory Theatre Tree of Life Reading With special guest, playwright Victor Wishna JCC Sellers Theatre 2640 N Forest Rd, Getzville, NY 14068 Saturday, March 21 at 7 pm | $35 per ticket CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!

A NEXTGen Jewish philosophy and Kabbalah study with Rabbi Shlomo Schachter of KOT. Limited to 10 participants. Click here to register!