Author Margot Tohn with Murray the Sheepadoodle
JCC Benderson Family Building 2640 N Forest Rd., Getzville
Week of Events
Sunday, November 8, 2026
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November 8, 2026 -JCC Board & Staff Retreat
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November 8, 2026 -Author Margot Tohn with Murray the Sheepadoodle
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November 8, 2026 -Chai Hebrew School
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November 8, 2026 -Kristallnacht Community Commemoration
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November 8, 2026 -Beit Midrash at KOT
Author Margot Tohn with Murray the Sheepadoodle
Meet the Author. Meet the Star! Join Margot Tohn and Murray for a heartwarming story, paw-print "autographs," and a chance to help senior dogs in need. Help us support senior dogs in need! Registration for this event is free; however, we ask each family to bring an item to donate to White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary. Murray Goes to the Playground Murray Goes to the Playground invites young readers into the delightful world of Murray, a confident and lovable Sheepadoodle with a heart full of curiosity. In this debut picture book, Murray and his beloved Lady—Margot Tohn—venture into a bustling New York City dog park, where Murray learns about friendship, bravery, and the importance of not giving up. Through playful encounters with pups of all shapes and sizes, Murray learns that while not everyone may want to be your friend, there's always someone who does. With vibrant storytelling and a gentle message of perseverance and kindness, this joyful tale is perfect for children ages 3–10 who are beginning to navigate the world of friendships. The extraordinary illustrations by award-winning illustrator Scot Ritchie are reminiscent of beloved picture-book classics. Margot Tohn & Murray Margot Tohn, known affectionately as "The Lady," has been Murray's human since he was just eight weeks […]
Chai Hebrew School
Chai Hebrew School at the Center for Jewish Life brings Jewish learning to life through exciting, hands-on activities, creative projects, and meaningful experiences. Children explore Hebrew, Jewish traditions, holidays, and values in a warm, welcoming, and fun environment. Our program inspires Jewish pride, builds lasting friendships, and helps children develop a lifelong connection to their heritage. Give your child the gift of Jewish education and a love for Judaism that lasts a lifetime!
Kristallnacht Community Commemoration
Community commemoration honoring the lives impacted by Kristallnacht - the Night of Broken Glass CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Monday, November 9, 2026
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November 9, 2026 -Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You
Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You
Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You Reincarnation, Soulmates, Dreams, Names—What These and Other Mysteries Say about the Design of Your Life A six-week course on concepts from kabbalah and how these concepts come together to answer some of life’s biggest questions. Instructor: Rabbi Laizer Labkovski No charge, all are welcome! Hot dinner served
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
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November 10, 2026 -Lunchtime Torah Express
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November 10, 2026 -Kristallnacht Commemoration Concert
Lunchtime Torah Express
Join this zoom only program with Rabbi Sara Rich. Bring your favorite Torah commentary as we study the weekly parsha together. For more information or to register, email Rabbi Sara Rich at [email protected].
Kristallnacht Commemoration Concert
From Broken Glass to Enduring Light: A Kristallnacht Commemoration Concert Participating Choirs: Kol Zimrah Community Singers, Chicago Holy Blossom Temple Choir, Toronto Temple Beth Zion Choir and Guests, Buffalo Westminister Presbyterian Church Choir, Buffalo Featuring: Cantor Pavel Roytman, Cantor David Rosen, Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman Sponsored by Temple Beth Zion, HERO CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
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November 11, 2026 -Jewish Ethical Wisdom: Ethics of Our Fathers
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November 11, 2026 -Healing Service
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November 11, 2026 -Introduction to Kabbalah and Jewish Meditation
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November 11, 2026 -Center for Jewish Life Torah Studies
Jewish Ethical Wisdom: Ethics of Our Fathers
Enjoy a complimentary, delicious lunch while listening to an engaging discussion of Jewish ethics from practical as well as spiritual perspectives.
Healing Service
Held every Wednesday, a brief yet restorative healing serivce with music, meditational moments, and words of prayer.
Introduction to Kabbalah and Jewish Meditation
Gate to the Heart 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. Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:00 pm 8 weeks: October 14 – December 23 Cost: $180 (plus cost of book) Instructor: Rabbi Shlomo Schachter CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Center for Jewish Life Torah Studies
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.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
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November 12, 2026 -Talmud Weekly Study Group
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November 12, 2026 -Talk by Local Historian Susan Fenster
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November 12, 2026 -Adult Beginner Hebrew and Trope
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November 12, 2026 -Jewish Women Rooted
Talmud Weekly Study Group
Discover the timeless wisdom of the Talmud in a welcoming and engaging weekly study group. Explore fascinating discussions, Jewish law, ethics, and insights into everyday life while gaining a deeper appreciation for the richness of Jewish learning. Whether you're new to Talmud study or have years of experience, you'll enjoy lively discussions, thought-provoking questions, and meaningful lessons in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Talk by Local Historian Susan Fenster
Join the TBT Women's Network for lunch and a talk by local historian and author Susan Fenster. Fenster will be presenting on "Buffalo After Dark the Harry Altman Years". Her book Harry Altman: Buffalo's Master Showman was published in 2025. Cost is $20.00 per person. Reservations are needed by Friday, November 6, 2026. Please RSVP to Carolyn at 716-818-8637. Everyone is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food or hygiene item for our donation barrels.
Adult Beginner Hebrew and Trope
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. • Thursdays 6:30–7:30 pm • 8 weeks: October 15 - December 10 • Cost: $180 • Instructor: Cantor Susan Lewis-Friedman CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Jewish Women Rooted
Jewish Women Rooted: Welcoming the Month of Kislev The Hebrew month of Kislev invites us to turn toward light, hope, and possibility as the days grow shorter and darker. Kislev carries the energy of dreaming, resilience, and trusting in the light that is still emerging. Join us as we learn how to interpret our dreams, find the light we carry, and how we can let ourselves shine. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Friday, November 13, 2026
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November 13, 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, November 14, 2026
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November 14, 2026 -Tot Shabbat
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November 14, 2026 -Midlife Havdalah Gathering
Tot Shabbat
A fun, interactive, age-appropriate program of Shabbat activities for children ages 0 - 5. All children must have a grown-up with them to attend this program.
Midlife Havdalah Gathering
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. Cost: $18 Click here to register!
