Week of Events
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Monday, November 30, 2026
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November 30, 2026 -Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You
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November 30, 2026 -Jewish Men Rooted
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
Jewish Men Rooted
Jewish Men Rooted, facilitated by local clergy and educators, is an opportunity for men to gather over food and drink for casual conversation about issues and events that matter; politics, Jewish culture, antisemitism, and celebrating our collective experiences through a Jewish lens. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
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December 1, 2026 -Lunchtime Torah Express
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December 1, 2026 -Sweets and Eats – Baking Demonstrations with Errol Sull (Benderson)
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December 1, 2026 -Jewish Men Unscripted
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].
Sweets and Eats – Baking Demonstrations with Errol Sull (Benderson)
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.
Jewish Men Unscripted
Jewish Men Unscripted, facilitated by local clergy and educators, is an opportunity for men to gather over food and drink for casual conversation about issues and events that matter such as fatherhood, politics, Jewish culture, and antisemitism. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
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December 2, 2026 -Jewish Ethical Wisdom: Ethics of Our Fathers
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December 2, 2026 -Healing Service
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December 2, 2026 -Intro to Judaism
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December 2, 2026 -Annual Meeting
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December 2, 2026 -Introduction to Kabbalah and Jewish Meditation
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.
Intro to Judaism
This course is a welcoming exploration of Jewish beliefs, traditions, values, and culture. Designed for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Judaism, including those who are exploring conversion, members of interfaith couples, and those who are curious to learn more. Through discussions on Shabbat, holidays, spirituality, ethics, Israel, Jewish history, and contemporary Jewish life, participants will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live Jewishly today. Experiential opportunities, including a Shabbat dinner and a Hebrew session, will complement classroom learning. No prior Jewish knowledge is required. 16 sessions plus a 1 week Hebrew 'intersession' CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Annual Meeting
Join us for the annual business meetings and election of officers of the Buffalo Jewish Federation, Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies & Cemetery Corp.
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
Thursday, December 3, 2026
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December 3, 2026 -Lighting the Path
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December 3, 2026 -iEngage Liberal Zionism
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December 3, 2026 -Adult Beginner Hebrew and Trope
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December 3, 2026 -Jewish Women Unscripted
Lighting the Path
Lighting the Path is Jewish Family Services of WNY's annual appreciation event for our donors and supporters. The event will be held from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, December 3, 2026 and will feature a holiday market, food, drinks, program updates, and more! It will be a celebration and show of gratitude for the impact we were able to make together in 2026.
iEngage Liberal Zionism
iEngage Liberal Zionism: Between Crisis and Aspiration Thursdays: 6:30-8:30 pm 8 weeks: October 15 - December 17 October 15, 22, & 29, November 5, 12, & 19, & December 3, & 17 Cost: $236 Instructor: Rabbi Brent Gutmann The past two years have raised urgent, complex, and painful questions about Zionism. Using the Shalom Hartman Institute’s newest iEngage curriculum, this eight-session course will explore the core tensions and values of liberal Zionism, respond to major critiques of Israel and Zionism after October 7, and offer frameworks for holding moral complexity, for teaching about Israel in a time of war, and for engaging our communities with courage, compassion, and clarity.
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 Unscripted
Jewish Women Unscripted brings women 30ish to 55ish together for deep Jewish conversations, authentic connection, and shared exploration of life's joys and challenges. Through engaging discussion inspired by Jewish wisdom and values, we'll explore topics that matter most while building community and connection along the way. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Friday, December 4, 2026
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December 4, 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, December 5, 2026
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December 5, 2026 -A Very Jewish Christmas Concert
A Very Jewish Christmas Concert
Join us for an extraordinary evening of music and history celebrating the vibrant legacy of Jewish composers. This special event highlights two interconnected themes: the joyous, cozy sounds of the winter season and the surprising, foundational contributions of Jewish songwriters to iconic Christmas music and the modern holiday tradition. Concert Highlights The performance takes audiences on a musical journey through the winter season while exploring the rich stories behind timeless holiday classics written by Jewish artists, including beloved hits like "White Christmas," "Silver Bells," and "Let It Snow!" Winter Celebration: Breathtaking arrangements honoring the warmth, reflection, and beauty of the winter months. Cultural Crossroad: A tribute to the Jewish songwriters and arrangers who helped shape the soundscape of American holiday celebrations. Live Performance: A dynamic mix of vocal and instrumental selections designed to inspire, educate, and delight listeners of all ages. Museum Exhibition Accompanying the concert is a museum-wide exhibition. Guests are invited to explore interactive displays, historical artifacts, sheet music, and art detailing how Jewish composers, performers, and creative pioneers helped build the modern holiday season and enrich global culture.
