Community Calendar

A delightful walk in the woods with good company. Please RSVP by Sunday, November 8th. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Jewish Soldiers Project is currently receiving many requests for Hanukkah care packages. We need your help, with donations of baked goods/kosher snacks and Chanukah themed items. Home baked items do not need to be Kosher. Monetary donations are also accepted.

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!

Can We Still Be Optimistic About the Future? Judaism says yes. But perhaps not for the reason you think. The headlines give us plenty of reasons to worry. What gives us reason to hope?What if the world isn’t broken… just unfinished? Join us for Can We Still Be Optimistic About the Future? A thought-provoking five-session journey into Moshiach, redemption, and the future Judaism envisions. Explore a bold vision of what’s ahead and discover how it can change the way you see your life today. Find deeper purpose in the ordinary, a fresh perspective on human potential, and reasons for optimism that go beyond wishful thinking. Come with your questions. Bring a friend. Enjoy a lavish brunch and a conversation worth having.  Five Sundays. Five big questions: 1️⃣ What if the world isn't broken… just unfinished? 2️⃣ Are you seeing reality… or just the surface? 3️⃣ Who would you be if you had nothing to prove? 4️⃣ What if your ordinary life is more sacred than you think? 5️⃣ What if the future has already begun? 📅 Sundays, 11 AM – 12 noon, starting November 8 📍 Jewish Discovery Center, 831 Maple Rd., Williamsville 🥐 Lavish brunch served · All welcome · […]

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!

Get ready to sing, dance, spin and celebrate Chanukah with “Music with Rivky”! 🎶🕎 Join us for a fun-filled Mommy & Me music experience as we sing about menorahs, latkes and doughnuts, spin like dreidels, march to our favorite Maccabees song and enjoy doughnuts and yummy holiday treats! A wonderful way to get into the Chanukah spirit, spend special quality time with your little one and connect with other moms and children! 💕 A Project of the Jewish Discovery Center. Sign up at www.musicwithrivky.com

Everyone is welcome.

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

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].

Where it's fun to be Jewish at Jewish Discovery Center - 831 Maple Rd. Dinner served at 5:00 PM For more information call Brocha Leah Greenberg at 716.908.0133 https://jewishdiscovery.org/jem

Errol Craig Sull, well-known baker and long-time JCC member, will be offering baking demonstrations.  This is an event you do not want to miss!  Each event begins with Errol’s Fun Food Facts, then goes into the interesting science behind baking (e.g., just why IS it called double-acting baking powder?), and the piece de resistance:  each person in attendance gets to sample the desserts!  Errol is well-known for his monthly baking demonstrations at Whole Foods, his over-the-top cakes (you’ll never find them in a bakery), and gregarious personality. You must register for this presentation. 

Descendants Meeting November 17th from 7 pm- 8:30 pm at the Benderson Board Room - JCC

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

Quarterly Meeting for Foundation Board

Held every Wednesday, a brief yet restorative healing serivce with music, meditational moments, and words of prayer.

July 15, 2026 August 19, 2026 September 16, 2026 October 21, 2026 November 18, 2026 December 16, 2026 January 20, 2027 February 17, 2027 March 17, 20207 April 14, 2027 May 12, 2027 June 16, 2027 - Annual meeting

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

Board Meetings: Sunday August 9 7:30-9 pm over zoom Wednesday November 18 7:30-9 pm over zoom Wednesday January 13 7:30-9 pm over zoom Sunday March 14 7:30-9 pm over zoom Sunday May 2 7:30-9 pm over zoom Wednesday June 16 7:30-9 pm over zoom

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.

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.

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

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

Join Robin Kurss for an exploration of Jewish life through food. Each gathering features hands-on cooking, conversation, and recipes connected to Jewish holidays, traditions, and cultures from around the world. Whether you're an experienced cook or simply curious, you'll leave with new skills, meaningful connections, and something delicious to share. Cost: $36/person Register By November 12 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

Opening of A Very Jewish Christmas Exhibition: Jewish Contributions to the holiday season.